DME Basics

[tjkraz]

Can someone run me through the basics of using DME? We're flying Spirit from Detroit to MCO. I'm assuming they are not one of the carriers that is actively participating in the baggage handling end of the system.

How do I sign-up?

What do I do with my luggage?

How is the departure handled?

[jaysue]

Just joining the thread

cheers
jaysue

[brandip22]

We flew SW in Sept and they weren't a participating airline, either. Basically, a few weks before you leave, you get these bright yellow tags to attach to your luggage. Oh, and you can call member Services to sign up for it. Anyway, those tags identify you as a DME person. When you get off your plane, you can ask anyone who works at the airport where to go and they'll point you in the right direction. Lots of us were looking together. Once you walk out of your gate and into the "open", you see two Disney CMs waiving these HUGE Mickey hands. You go up to them and they point you on to the right direction again. Then, you get to a place with lines according to your resort. You show your paper that says you are using DME and they will point you in the right direction. For us, our bus was not full (BWV), but once we got on, we were on our way. They played a little movie to get us in the mood! Anyway, we checked in, and went right up to our room. We had ADRs for CM that night and the plance was late, so we brushed hair, used potty and rushed out to our meal. When we got back, our luggage was there- come to think of it, it may have been there when we first got to our room. On the day we were to leave, we had a late flight and jsut left our luggage at the Bell Captain. We took off the yellow tags- so they don't come back to the resort. When our bus came, we just loaded up and went. We did have to check our luggage since SW didn't participate, but it was no big deal. There were people there to help.

[tjkraz]

brandip22:

Thanks for the info!

So, if I'm reading correctly, regardless of the airline Disney WILL claim the luggage at the airport upon arrival, right? It's just at departure that you need to handle your own for non-participating airlines, correct?

How did they handle the departure transportation? Do they give you a time and place to meet your bus in advance? If so, about how long before your flight was that time?

Thanks!
Tim

[Leftcoaster]

brandip22:

Thanks for the info!

So, if I'm reading correctly, regardless of the airline Disney WILL claim the luggage at the airport upon arrival, right? It's just at departure that you need to handle your own for non-participating airlines, correct?

How did they handle the departure transportation? Do they give you a time and place to meet your bus in advance? If so, about how long before your flight was that time?

Thanks!
Tim


That is correct. Disney will handle all the luggage for oyu on the inbound flights. On the outbound, you will have to handle the luggage yourself.
Usually, they'll schedule a pick up around 3 hours (give or take 15 mintues) before you flight leaves. Also, they Suggest you get there another 10 minutes early to check in for the bus, etc.

[Mike]

Is the pickup for your departing flight always 3 hours ahead of time?

[athenna]

[QUOTE=Mike]Is the pickup for your departing flight always 3 hours ahead of time?

QUOTE]

Yup, sure is. They recommend you show up 15 min before the 3 hour pick up just to check in. At 1st I thought that 3 hours was crazy, but when was actually there, it made sense, that MCO can be crazy sometimes, and you don't want to miss your flight if security is a nightmare.

[nono]

Just wanted to contribute that our DME package just came for our upcoming trip (15 days from now). It's in a regular business #10 envelope, and it contains a bunch of tags and other information. It also tells you exactly where to go to check in for the bus, as I believe now DME greeters have to be on the other side of security.

It's definitely a rush to get this packet in the mail!!!:woohoodan Oh, uh, and I guess I should start to pack? Can't figure out what to bring 'cause of the February weather being so variable....

[tjkraz]

I submitted my trip info for DME through the DVC members-only website. I got an immediate confirmation that the info had been received, and 2 days later got a more detailed reply from a MS rep.

Looks like we're all set until those tags arrive! :kickingco

[nono]

Tjkraz,

I was so surprised the rush it gave me to see the darn yellow tags! Hope you get the same feeling! :loveisint

[AmyBeth68]

:help: I'm going to call Disney tomorrow anyway, but I have a DME question.

I signed up via the phone this weekend. I was told we were set and not to worry. We don't need luggage tags b/c we're only doing a short trip and the kids lug their own wheeled carry on bags. Sooo.....I know we won't be getting any documentation in the mail in time for our trip (this Friday)!? I'm kind of worried about this so I guess I better call. I'd hate to be stranded at the airport b/c we don't have the docs LOL!

Anyone else sign up late for DME and have it all work out? Thanks!