Using Magical Express AFTER family is checked in at resort?

[FloridaNative8]

Hello!

I have a unique situation, as I am arriving in Orlando Friday evening (7:30 arrival), and my family is checking in to POP earlier that day (they are driving over, as we are pretty local).

I know that the standard time for your luggage to arrive at your room is 3 hours after check-in, but what if we're already "checked-in"? I am contemplating grabbing my own luggage and taking it with me to ME, as opposed to waiting for it, as I'm running the Enchanted 10K the next morning, and would like to have my luggage before 10:30pm (that 3:00am wake up call will come fast!).

TIA for any advice/experiences you can share!!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

The check in time does not factor in to when your luggage will be delivered. If you want the luggage earlier I would not put the tags on it and just get it myself.

 

[FloridaNative8]

The check in time does not factor in to when your luggage will be delivered. If you want the luggage earlier I would not put the tags on it and just get it myself.

I figured that would be the case... I don't mind grabbing them and tipping the drivers, but it sure would've been nice to not worry about it!

Thanks for responding!

 

[sam_gordon]

Can you put what you need for the race in your carry on and then let DME handle your checked luggage?

 

[FloridaNative8]

Can you put what you need for the race in your carry on and then let DME handle your checked luggage?

My family is actually bringing my race gear with them, so I don't have to bring it with me (on a business trip). I *may* be able to squeeze all of my stuff into a carry-on so I don't have to check anything - definitely something to consider! Only problem - I'm going to a much colder climate, so more bulky clothes to pack!!

Thanks for the suggestion, slimming down my packing list now!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I have a unique situation, as I am arriving in Orlando Friday evening (7:30 arrival), and my family is checking in to POP earlier that day (they are driving over, as we are pretty local).

It's really not that unique. From its launch in 2005, DME was designed with the knowledge that people staying in the same room could arrive on different flights, at different times, and even on different days.

I know that the standard time for your luggage to arrive at your room is 3 hours after check-in, but what if we're already "checked-in"? I am contemplating grabbing my own luggage and taking it with me to ME, as opposed to waiting for it, as I'm running the Enchanted 10K the next morning, and would like to have my luggage before 10:30pm (that 3:00am wake up call will come fast!).

It's not "3 hours after check-in." It's "up to 3 hours after check-in." The passenger can get on the first DME motor coach to his or her resort after arriving, but the bags require sorting, handling, queuing, and scanning at various steps. The passenger could be boarding a motor coach while his or her bags are still being unloaded from the plane. The bell services staff at the resort delivers queued-up bags when they're not busy helping guests.

Yes, you can get your own bags at baggage claim (instead of using the yellow tags), but I wouldn't recommend it. I'd rather be on the first motor coach to my resort than on one 30 or 60 minutes later. Detouring to baggage claim and waiting there for bags will delay your arrival at the DME Welcome Center.

Can you put what you need for the race in your carry on and then let DME handle your checked luggage?

This is an excellent suggestion.

 

[goofy4tink]

Since your race gear will be there already, tag your checked bag, and stop at Luggage Assistance at Pop when you get there. Tell them to hold your bags until the next morning. Then hang out the privacy please hanger on the door when you turn in for the night. Pop is ridiculously slow when it comes to baggage delivery. I have had terribly long wait times there...but it's still one of my favorite resorts.
There should be a message on your phone in the morning, telling you your bags are ready to be delivered. Just call them when you are spreads to have them delivered.

 

[FloridaNative8]

Thanks for the advice everyone!! I really appreciate it!