To Tag or Not To Tag... That's The Question

[Terk-1]

Am doing DME for the first time in almost 2 weeks. Where I'm arriving in the morning the day after Thanksgiving, am wondering if I should tag my bag and let Disney take care of it, but then not have it for up to 3 hours (or more) OR should I not tag it, get it myself, and know it's with me.

Do you tag or not when you use DME? How long have you waited for your bags? Where it's a really busy travel day, should I expect it to be longer than 3 hours? Also, is it up to 3 hours from when you land & check in at the DME counter or is it up to 3 hours from when you check in to your resort, when you arrive at your resort?

I'm packed and ready to go, but.......

 

[sixcats]

If I were you I would tag. We've used ME about five times and have always used our tags without a problem. Your room is probably not going to be ready that early, why deal with the luggage?

We'll be not tagging on our next trip. Our flight will arrive after midnight and I'll want to get to bed without waiting for bags.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

We get in early enough that the rooms might not even be ready so we will always tag.

When we do get right in the room we just drop our Carry-ons and beat feet to the parks.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Tag it.
ALWAYS pack in a carry-on: valuables, medications, travel documents, clothing/toiletries you'll need for the first 24 hours at your destination - airlines do an good job of misdirecting luggage*.

That Friday really isn't as busy a travel day as your question makes it appear you think. Tuesday? Yeah. Wednesday? Definitely. Sunday? Sure. But the day after Thanksgiving? Not so much. Yes, it can take several hours after you land for your luggage to get to your room. You do have to check in at the resort, otherwise how will Bell Services know where to deliver your bags, but you DON'T have to be in the room - you can just go off and start vacationing.

If you don't use the luggage tags, you delay yourself at the airport, aka it's likely that while you're waiting for your bags to come out, others on your flight who used the tags will already be checked in for DME and on the bus, if not on the way to Disney World, by the time you get to the counter. Too, Disney handles tipping for tagged luggage; haul your own and expect to tip the bus driver who stows it under the bus; plus, if your room's not ready and you need to leave it with Bell Services, you're expected to tip them as well.

*Remember, too - if the airline does misdirect your DME-tagged suitcase, Magical Express will take care of tracing and delivering it. You wouldn't have to hang around the airport filling out forms, jockeying for position with others in the same situation.

 

[goofy4tink]

Use the tags. I have usually gotten my bags within a few hours of getting into my room. If I have had to wait more than 3 hrs to get into my room, then my bags have arrived shortly after my room was ready. So, it all depends on when you can get into your room. If you arrive at your resort at 11:00, get checked in by 11:20 and your room is ready, then I would say your bags won't appear, in your room, until around 1ish. But, if you have to wait a few hours to get that room, then the bags will be there when you get into it.
I love not having to go to baggage claim for my bags. So nice to have empty hands for a change. DME has done a splendid job for me in 4 trips with them.

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks everyone for your input. Have decided to tag, but have put a change of clothes (bathing suit, shorts, socks & travel sized toiletries under 3 oz.) in a carry on bag. If the room is ready, then I can unpack my carry-on & backpack. If not, then I'll just check the carry on bag. Thanks again everyone!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks everyone for your input. Have decided to tag, but have put a change of clothes (bathing suit, shorts, socks & travel sized toiletries under 3 oz.) in a carry on bag. If the room is ready, then I can unpack my carry-on & backpack. If not, then I'll just check the carry on bag. Thanks again everyone!!

Now you've got the right idea!!! That's exactly how to do it. Hope your trip is terrific!!!!

 

[Terk-1]

Now you've got the right idea!!! That's exactly how to do it. Hope your trip is terrific!!!!

Thanks. Usually I bring a carry-on sized suitcase, so I rarely check a bag, but this trip am taking a larger suitcase that I have to check.