Using DME for return without RAC

[Rpsemont]

We currently have a 9:20AM Flight out of MCO. We're flying SWA, so I don't know if RAC is available or not, but that's not important to us.

Is there a procedure to checking in and /or when do you find out what time the DME bus will depart from your resort?

I realize they say to check in at least 3 hours in advance, but if you're not checking luggage, could you make the reservation the day before and just show up for the bus departure time?

We're trying to decide if we should use DME or just do a one way car rental.

 

[skiingfast]

We currently have a 9:20AM Flight out of MCO. We're flying SWA, so I don't know if RAC is available or not, but that's not important to us.

Is there a procedure to checking in and /or when do you find out what time the DME bus will depart from your resort?

I realize they say to check in at least 3 hours in advance, but if you're not checking luggage, could you make the reservation the day before and just show up for the bus departure time?

We're trying to decide if we should use DME or just do a one way car rental.

DME knows how to handle it when you use an airline that doesn't all RAC. The night before you check out you will get a notice on your door with your return bus time. It will shave where to meet the bus. It could have other information but this is all that you need to know.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Is there a procedure to checking in and /or when do you find out what time the DME bus will depart from your resort?

I realize they say to check in at least 3 hours in advance, but if you're not checking luggage, could you make the reservation the day before and just show up for the bus departure time?

Checking luggage homebound is separate from checking "you" homebound. I'm a little confused about what you're asking so if I answer too much, ignore what doesn't apply.

You do need to reserve Magical Express in advance - yes, even just one way for your ride back to the airport. The schedulers need to know there are one or more passengers needing transportation in a certain time range.

Okay, then you'll be notified the day before your departure, what time your assigned bus will be leaving your resort. You'll need to be waiting for that bus with your entire party and all your stuff ten to fifteen minutes prior to that time. Your time will be about three hours before your flight departure, give or take ten minutes. If you miss that bus, there may not be another bus in time for you to make your flight, or the next bus may have all its seats assigned (hence the need for advance scheduling).

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

We currently have a 9:20AM Flight out of MCO. We're flying SWA, so I don't know if RAC is available or not, but that's not important to us.

Is there a procedure to checking in and /or when do you find out what time the DME bus will depart from your resort?

I realize they say to check in at least 3 hours in advance, but if you're not checking luggage, could you make the reservation the day before and just show up for the bus departure time?

We're trying to decide if we should use DME or just do a one way car rental.

What resort are you staying at? In July there were only a couple that did not do RAC with Southwest. They may be participating now.

Either way the ME and RAC are separate. For ME as other have said you need to have signed up for ahead of time. The day before checkout you will get an ME envelope with a letter explaining things and gives you a pick up time and place. AS PP said be there 10-15 minutes prior to that time. IF your flight is at 9:20 AM then the pick up will most likely be around 6-6:30 AM. You will stand with or without your luggage at the pick up point and give the letter to the ME driver when they load.

IF you want to do RAC then you need to have that all down prior to your ME time. You will go to the RAC desk with your luggage and boarding information and they will handle the checking of your baggage and take it from you. Be sure to do your 24 hour ahead check in online yourself. The RAC people will print your boarding passes for you if you weren't able to do it at the 24 hour mark. If you do use RAC then when you go on the ME bus you can go luggage free and go right to your baording gate when you get to the airport. If you can use RAC I would recommend it as it was really easy and nice.

I stayed at Pop in July and flew Southwest and used ME for both arrival and departure as well as RAC for luggage and it was a breeze!

 

[beccasmom]

The RAC desk is open from 5 AM - 1PM daily. You need to be checked in no later than 3 hours before the scheduled flight time. It is a great service because it allows you to go directly to security and then your gate when you arrive @MCO. I highly recommend it. Since your ME pick-up time will be right around 6:15 or so, you could easily use it if you choose to. You'd need to be at the RAC desk a little earlier to get your paperwork (ID's, boarding passes) completed. But it's worth the effort IMHO.

http://allears.net/acc/mexpress.htm

 

[goofy4tink]

We currently have a 9:20AM Flight out of MCO. We're flying SWA, so I don't know if RAC is available or not, but that's not important to us.

Is there a procedure to checking in and /or when do you find out what time the DME bus will depart from your resort?

I realize they say to check in at least 3 hours in advance, but if you're not checking luggage, could you make the reservation the day before and just show up for the bus departure time?

We're trying to decide if we should use DME or just do a one way car rental.

When you reserve your return ride with DME, they will let you know the day before departure, what your pickup time will be. For a 9:30am flight time, you will most likely be given a pickup time of 6:30ish...give or take 15 mins either way. But, again, you have to reserve your ride with DME. You can do that right at your resort front desk. I would try to do it a few days before you are due to leave.
You should be able to use RAC if you wish to...depending on your resort. You would need to get your bags down to the RAC area by 5:45-6am..this will give you time to get your bags checked and then be at the bus stop no less than 15 mins before your pickup time. That pickup time is the time the bus should be leaving the resort, not the time you should arrive at the bus stop.