Tip Tuesday: Check (out) please...

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

A few weeks ago, I discussed a few tips for making your check-in process a little smoother.

This week, let's go to the other side of your vacation and discuss some ways to make your check-out process go a little easier.

Like check-in, there is one major factor to consider:  how are you leaving?  Car or bus?

If you're driving (either your car or a rental car to the airport), check-out can be a very simple process.  Simply call for bell services, or bring down your bags, pull up the car, load up and you're on your way.  Really there should not be any major headaches.  This is one of the major benefits of having your own wheels on property - you have complete freedom.

If you are driving, keep in mind that your parking pass is still good on the day of our check-out, meaning you can park at any of the theme parks for free.  So even after you leave your resort, you can still enjoy time in the parks without having to worry about parking fees.

If, however, you're using Disney's Magical Express, you have quite a few more things to keep in mind.  First, you will be given a time slot to meet the Magical Express bus.  This time is about three hours in advance of your flight departure time.  The morning of your departure, take your bags you want to check-in to the Magical Express desk.  Remember that you will need to pay your baggage fees ahead of time.  You will not be able to pay for baggage fees at the resort Magical Express check in desk.

The cast members will take your checked bags and send them to the airport.  Carry-on luggage that you don't want to take into the parks on your departure day can be stored at the front desk until you arrive back at your resort for your assigned Magical Express departure time.  Be sure to allow plenty of time to get from the parks back to your resort so you don't miss your bus.

Hopefully this will help you make that dreaded return to the regular world go a little easier.