Using ME with no flight schedule

[lizzyshakuntala]

We'll be staying in Orlando for 8 days before moving to a Disney resort. We're planning on renting a car for those 8 days and then returning the car back to the airport (MCO).
My question is:

is it possible to board the ME after I return the rental car? I guess it means that we'd be carrying our own luggage onto the bus and taking them off the bus, which we really don't mind doing, as we arrive at our resort...?

We can always take a cab to WDW after returning our rental car, but I thought it would be nice to ride the ME as this will be our first time on it

Thanks in advance

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, you can use DME. Just find a flight that arrives about a half hour after you plan to get the car back and give that as your flight information. No, you really don't have to be flying into Orlando on your check-in day (or at all, really); it's just easier that way.

But instead of hauling all your luggage, why not drive to Walt Disney World first and drop off everyone/everything, then just have the driver return the car and take DME back to the resort? Or see if you can return the car closer to Disney World for the same money?

 

[lizzyshakuntala]

Yes, you can use DME. Just find a flight that arrives about a half hour after you plan to get the car back and give that as your flight information. No, you really don't have to be flying into Orlando on your check-in day (or at all, really); it's just easier that way.

But instead of hauling all your luggage, why not drive to Walt Disney World first and drop off everyone/everything, then just have the driver return the car and take DME back to the resort? Or see if you can return the car closer to Disney World for the same money?

Of course!! Why didn't I think of that?
I know the rental company has 2 offices in the Lake Buena Vista area.
Thanks for shining a light on this issue

 

[Lewisc]

Disney doesn't assign you to a specific time for you trip from MCO to WDW. The time you give them via a hypothetical flight is irrelevant. After you drop of the rental car, assuming you're not able to drop it off at WDW, just walk over to the DME desk. You'll be put on the next bus to your resort regardless of the flight time you provided. You can probably just tell the CM your flight information is pending.

 

[paults]

yes you can pick a flight but you still need to made the ressie with DME. Don't just pick a flight and show up at the DME desk at MCO and give them the flight # they will not allow you on then.

what car rental are you using, if Alamo or Nat you could set up to return the car to the S/D resort after you drop bags at your resort (where are you staying in WDW)

 

[lizzyshakuntala]

Disney doesn't assign you to a specific time for you trip from MCO to WDW. The time you give them via a hypothetical flight is irrelevant. After you drop of the rental car, assuming you're not able to drop it off at WDW, just walk over to the DME desk. You'll be put on the next bus to your resort regardless of the flight time you provided. You can probably just tell the CM your flight information is pending.

If I never provided them with a flight time/info, would they still allow me board the ME?

 

[lizzyshakuntala]

yes you can pick a flight but you still need to made the ressie with DME. Don't just pick a flight and show up at the DME desk at MCO and give them the flight # they will not allow you on then.

what car rental are you using, if Alamo or Nat you could set up to return the car to the S/D resort after you drop bags at your resort (where are you staying in WDW)

We're staying at POFQ and was planning on renting from Dollar/Enterprise (I hope it's not a bad choice). But if Alamo or National allows us to drop the car off at Swan/Dolphin, that sounds like a better deal to us.

Thanks paults

 

[peemagg]

I know that Dollar also has a rental location just around the corner from DTD. It looks to be less than a mile away from DTD and they will give you a shuttle from there to your resort.

 

[lizzyshakuntala]

I know that Dollar also has a rental location just around the corner from DTD. It looks to be less than a mile away from DTD and they will give you a shuttle from there to your resort.

Thanks for the info peemagg! This is even better

 

[goofy4tink]

If I never provided them with a flight time/info, would they still allow me board the ME?

Yes, but you do need to make that reservation.

And if you book with a car rental company that is located in the DTD area, many provide a shuttle to and from your resort. Or, you could just walk across the street to DTD and take the boat back to POFQ. Drop your stuff off at the resort, drive to the car rental place and then boat back.

 

[lizzyshakuntala]

Yes, but you do need to make that reservation.

And if you book with a car rental company that is located in the DTD area, many provide a shuttle to and from your resort. Or, you could just walk across the street to DTD and take the boat back to POFQ. Drop your stuff off at the resort, drive to the car rental place and then boat back.

Thanks goofy4tink Renting from a company with a DTD location sounds like the best option for us