![]() Disney’s Magical Express (or, DME for short) is one of Disney’s more genius ideas. It is a service available to all guests flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) and staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel (note: the Swan and Dolphin hotels, while on Disney property, are not eligible for this service, nor is Shades of Green). While there are two airports in Orlando, MCO is where most Disney guests frequently travel to and from… you just want to make sure when booking your flights that you have the correct airport. The best part about this service is that it is free! I know, I know… many people say, “It is NOT free… it has to be built into the cost of your trip.” Well, I’ve never seen it itemized on a bill, and you don’t have to pay anything extra for the service or get anything taken off your bill if you choose not to use it, so in my mind = free. Previously you either had to rent a car or take a taxi. Both of these options are fairly pricey. The only downside to using DME is that if you want to go off property you either have to take a taxi or rent a car. However, there are car rental locations on Disney property, so it is still fairly easy (and cheaper!) to rent a car for only part of your stay. The next best part about DME is that if you arrive at the airport between 5:00am and 10:00pm eastern time, they will pick up your checked luggage for you and deliver it directly to your room. A-mazing. Sometime before you leave for your trip you need let Disney know you will be using DME and give them your flight information (you can contact DME directly at (866) 599-0951 or notify your travel agent if you did not give them this information at booking). You will be sent special luggage tags to use on your checked luggage. This is how the airport staff know to separate your luggage from everybody elses when taking it off the plane. Note: It can take up to 3 hours for your luggage to arrive in your room. So, pack valuables, medications and anything else you might need immediately (including your MagicBands!) in your carryon. If you are arriving at the airport after 10:00pm eastern time, you can still use DME, however, you must collect your own luggage from baggage claim and bring it with you to the bus (all international travelers must also collect their own luggage prior to boarding the bus). You can also collect your own luggage during the day as well, if you prefer (just don’t put the DME luggage tag on your bag when you leave home). My own personal tip: if you choose to have Disney deliver your luggage for you, but are arriving within 4 hours of when you think you’ll go to bed, pack your overnight things in your carry on bag. Even though your luggage will most likely be delivered within 3 hours, I’d give a little extra buffer just to be safe, especially if you have very small children. If you plan on going to bed before your luggage has arrived in your room, you will need to contact bell services and ask them to hold your luggage until morning so they do not knock on your door and wake you up. Also, if they deliver SOME of your bags but not all, don’t panic… that happened to us one time. We were told that the luggage sometimes just gets split up as to what cart it gets put on at the resort. Sure enough, our last bag arrived at our room safe and sound a little while later. One last bit about DME…. the last day of your trip (also known as one of the worst days of your life) you are able to check in to your flight and pay your baggage fees AT YOUR HOTEL so that when you arrive at the airport you just drop off your bag(s) and head on over to security. The following airlines offer resort airline check in:
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AuthorBrittany is a Disney fanatic and an agent with Magical Journeys Travel. As a College of Disney Knowledge graduate, she has plenty of expert tips to share. Brittany can help you plan a spectacular Disney vacation and ensure you get the best deal possible... for free! Archives
October 2023
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