Do you stay at a Disney resort? Why or Why Not?

[mindflipper]

I'll wave to both of you from the ground as I drive there from home and you're flying overhead to the Orlando airport...

[Mousekedude]

We'll be sure to wave at all the M.E. buses as we exit the airport, just to make sure we don't miss anyone.

[Wizzard419]

Yeah, the one drawback to the express is you're going to wait (most of the wait time for me was waiting to actually get on the bus rather than leaving). The perk with the return is that they will get you back to the airport on-time so you don't need to deal with trying to figure out the best time to get a cab. It makes about the same number of stops as a shuttle but isn't filled to capacity like a shuttle.

[Amy]

I'll wave to both of you from the ground as I drive there from home and you're flying overhead to the Orlando airport...

We'll be sure to look for you in the gridlocked traffic!

We'll be sure to wave at all the M.E. buses as we exit the airport, just to make sure we don't miss anyone.

Thanks M-Dude! With all the subbers flocking to the parks, you might know somebody on several buses you pass by!

[jmenjes]

Yes, I do stay at a Disney resort. Since I don't own a car, staying on property makes it easier for me.

(I get to Orlando by way of Amtrak (I live pretty close to the Hollywood train station), and splurge on a town car service to get from the station in Orlando to WDW.)

[boilerbabe]

We've always used M.E. Amy and we love it! We've never had a problem with our luggage arriving. This past visit with my mom was the longest we've ever waited for our suitcases, it can take up to 3 hours after you arrive and it took 2 1/2. But there have times when we get our luggage in 45 mins. I just depends on the day I guess?! My mom and I loaded right onto the bus too, so we lucked out this time! I think you'll be happy with it, we figure it's already built into what we've paid for, so we use it.

[Amy]

We've always used M.E. Amy and we love it! We've never had a problem with our luggage arriving. This past visit with my mom was the longest we've ever waited for our suitcases, it can take up to 3 hours after you arrive and it took 2 1/2. But there have times when we get our luggage in 45 mins. I just depends on the day I guess?! My mom and I loaded right onto the bus too, so we lucked out this time! I think you'll be happy with it, we figure it's already built into what we've paid for, so we use it.

I think I will try to talk Mom into using the luggage part too. The thought of not having to stand by the baggage carousel is quite appealing. Anything of value would be with us in our carry-on anyhow...

[Wizzard419]

If you are really uncomfortable with checking your luggage and having it be out of your hands (or just want to avoid the wait) you could probably just not utilize the bag part of the service by not placing the tags on your bags take them from the carousel to the check in desk.

[Amy]

If you are really uncomfortable with checking your luggage and having it be out of your hands (or just want to avoid the wait) you could probably just not utilize the bag part of the service by not placing the tags on your bags take them from the carousel to the check in desk.

But if you don't use the bag tag part, then you are stuck waiting at the carousel. That is the part I dread. Actually the waiting isn't the worst part, it is when all the bags are gone and you discover your bag is simply...missing

[Wizzard419]

Wow does that happen to you a lot?

One way to make sure your bag gets to wherever it's supposed to be (I learned this from a coworker) is to check the bag with a toy or starter pistol (or a real one if you have the permits) and bring the appropriate lock with you. When you check in you inform the lady at the desk you have an unloaded gun in your bag (they won't check that it's a toy or not) and the TSA agent comes over, you lock it and get a tag and they keep it in a guarded area and make sure it's on the plane. (there is more to is but that is the short version) It also cuts down on bagage theft since it doesn't go through the normal pathways.

[Amy]

Wow does that happen to you a lot?

One way to make sure your bag gets to wherever it's supposed to be (I learned this from a coworker) is to check the bag with a toy or starter pistol (or a real one if you have the permits) and bring the appropriate lock with you. When you check in you inform the lady at the desk you have an unloaded gun in your bag (they won't check that it's a toy or not) and the TSA agent comes over, you lock it and get a tag and they keep it in a guarded area and make sure it's on the plane. (there is more to is but that is the short version) It also cuts down on bagage theft since it doesn't go through the normal pathways.

Cool! I may have to try that sometime...probably not this trip though...my Mom would think it is no fun sigh...
Only lost my luggage once, but it was gone for over a week...while I was camping in Australia...and the other people just looked at me and felt sorry for the poor little girl with no change of clothes, the looks of pity went on and on and on and on.....I actually had a great time since I could pack up pretty quickly. Camera? check! Ready to go!

[Wizzard419]

Oh, for anyone who wants to try it, verify that you can transport that to your international destination since some countries (most of western europe, Japan, and Canada) usually don't allow it or would confiscate it. Omega had problems with the winter olympics starter pistols, hence why they became light guns. Supposedly they still had the same slowdowns in security even though they were not firearms.

[mkfan1992]

I love staying on property. It may cost more, but I don't like to be taken out of the experience. I enjoy the atmosphere, transportation, and convenience of location.

[northernmousefan2007]

When I go to Disney World I never want to leave the land of purple signs and perfectly manicured medians. Thats enough reason for me to stay on property.

[boilerbabe]

When I go to Disney World I never want to leave the land of purple signs and perfectly manicured medians. Thats enough reason for me to stay on property.

I hate when your WDW vacation is over and you leave the land of purple signs, it hits you in the face that you've returned to reality. Boo!