the value of ME

[3kidz4dis]

We are arriving on Thurs. May 4th and were going to use ME to get to our resort and then rent a car from Sat-Sat. But because it is cheaper to rent airport to airport I can rent a car for the full 10 days and rent from the airport and not use ME for the same price as 7 days and using ME. We have never used ME to know how valuable it is? Does it avoid a lot of hassle with the luggage to justify not having a rental for free for those 3 days?

 

[philaround]

I have used DME twice and will use it for the third time in 3 weeks. Its real value enters when you do not plan on renting a car for your vacation but will rely on Disney transportation. I don't know what will happen if and when Disney starts to charge for DME.

 

[dcgrumpy]

One person can pick up the rental while the rest take ME to the resort. that's what we did in November and we're doing it again next month.

 

[3kidz4dis]

One person can pick up the rental while the rest take ME to the resort. that's what we did in November and we're doing it again next month.

I just told my DH about your post and he thought that was brilliant . Especially since he hates buses and I have the 3 kids on the bus with me! One more question about that. Who do you think will get to BWV first?

 

[dcgrumpy]

When we did it Thanksgiving Day, DH and I both pulled into the CSR parking lot at the same time.

 

[3kidz4dis]

When we did it Thanksgiving Day, DH and I both pulled into the CSR parking lot at the same time.

okay, thanks to you, it's a plan. I guess we should just have a meeting plan. Thanks again!

 

[CleveRocks]

We are arriving on Thurs. May 4th and were going to use ME to get to our resort and then rent a car from Sat-Sat. But because it is cheaper to rent airport to airport I can rent a car for the full 10 days and rent from the airport and not use ME for the same price as 7 days and using ME. We have never used ME to know how valuable it is? Does it avoid a lot of hassle with the luggage to justify not having a rental for free for those 3 days?

I'm a HUGE proponent of DME. That being said, I think if I was in your position I'd just take the rental car for the 10 days and keep it simple.

In my opinion, DME doesn't have a whole lot of value for people who are going to be renting a car for length-of-stay AND will be using the car during their stay. On the other hand, I think DME is an exceptional value and convenience for people who rent a car for their length-of-stay solely as airport transportation and let the car sit unused on the resort parking lot during the vacation. In this latter example, the people can use DME and as a result totally avoid the expense of renting a car that they planned to use ONLY for round-trip airport transfers.

 

[dcgrumpy]

Well for me the value is the luggage service. I have 3 kids 5 and under, a double stroller, 2 carseats, a booster seat plus all of our luggage. Getting from baggage claim to the car rental is a major PITA.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If you have the carseats on the plane with you and the stroller gate-checked, you might as well let your husband take them in the car, or at least take the car seats (I'm assuming the booster seat will be among your checked luggage, since you can't use it on the plane anyway?).
You can't use the carseats or the booster on the DME bus, there are no seat belts. If they weren't checked luggage, YOU will have to contend with them, carrying them to the bus along with the kids, the stroller, etc.

 

[dcgrumpy]

Last time I took the kids and the double stroller and DH took the 2 carseats. It worked out fine.

 

[3kidz4dis]

If you have the carseats on the plane with you and the stroller gate-checked, you might as well let your husband take them in the car, or at least take the car seats (I'm assuming the booster seat will be among your checked luggage, since you can't use it on the plane anyway?).
You can't use the carseats or the booster on the DME bus, there are no seat belts. If they weren't checked luggage, YOU will have to contend with them, carrying them to the bus along with the kids, the stroller, etc.

I guess I was thinking that I would check in the booster and car seats, let ME take them and only have with me the stroller and the kids on the bus, my husband wouldn't have anything. We would let ME take the luggage. That is what I was thinking would be easier is not having to wait for our luggage with a 4, 6 and 8 year old.

 

[clkelley]

I would advise if your husband is getting the rental car, that when you use the yellow tags, use everyone's BUT your husbands. With three kids and yourself, that's 8 pieces of luggage you could check without using DHs tags. (12 on Southwest).

That way there is no chance that his luggage is left at MCO when he doesn't check in for the bus.

 

[3kidz4dis]

I would advise if your husband is getting the rental car, that when you use the yellow tags, use everyone's BUT your husbands. With three kids and yourself, that's 8 pieces of luggage you could check without using DHs tags. (12 on Southwest).

That way there is no chance that his luggage is left at MCO when he doesn't check in for the bus.

So are you saying he should wait for his luggage to come and take it in the rental with him? Then I would be concerned that by the time he waits for his luggage and then gets the rental we will be very far ahead of him and waiting for him a while at the resort. Or do you mean that ME will still take his luggage? Sorry, I haven't received my ME packette yet so I am a little unaware of the details with tags ect.

 

[bstnsprts]

So are you saying he should wait for his luggage to come and take it in the rental with him? Then I would be concerned that by the time he waits for his luggage and then gets the rental we will be very far ahead of him and waiting for him a while at the resort. Or do you mean that ME will still take his luggage? Sorry, I haven't received my ME packette yet so I am a little unaware of the details with tags ect.

If your husband is not going to be on the bus ME will not load any bags with his name on them. Only use the yellow ME tags for you and your kids. Also you might want to consider a carry on with some extra clothes, bathing suits ect... Remember your luggage will arrive two to three hours after you do. We did this in December and arrived at virtually the same time at CSR. Luggage about three hours later.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I guess I was thinking that I would check in the booster and car seats, let ME take them and only have with me the stroller and the kids on the bus, my husband wouldn't have anything. We would let ME take the luggage. That is what I was thinking would be easier is not having to wait for our luggage with a 4, 6 and 8 year old.

and

So are you saying he should wait for his luggage to come and take it in the rental with him?

Re: booster and car seats: Yes, that will work. For some reason, I thought your kids were much younger than they are and you might be using the car seats on the plane. See what happens when I assume...
Now, as for your husband's luggage. If he doesn't check in for the bus, HIS luggage won't be transported. How to get around this? You should be getting two tags for each person. Throw his away, or at least put them aside for now - leaves you eight tags One tag for each car seat and one for the booster seat, you're down to five. Can you pack everything in five or fewer bags? Use only your tags and the kids' tags - Voila!

 

[clkelley]

You will get two Magical Express tags per person. Each of the tags will have the name the reservation is in and the name of the individual traveler.

Since there will be 5 of you, you should get 10 tags. I'm just saying that you shouldn't use the tags with his name on them, so he DOESN'T have to get his luggage.

 

[3kidz4dis]

Okay everyone I think I get it finally!! Actually we have 2 booster seats and a car seat in one big bag. Then my 3 kids have 1 bag each. I will have 1 plus a carryone, my DH will have 1 bag. So if I am thinking right we should be okay without him getting anything because we have a total of 6 bags. Does anyone know if a umbrella stroller is a carryon or do I have to check that? So I think this will work. thanks everyone!

 

[clkelley]

The umbrella stroller will be gate checked. Roll the kids in the stroller to the gate, hand them the stroller as you board. They will give you a special tag for it. When you arrive, the stroller will be given back to you to roll the kids through Orlando airport.