ME and arrival...and departure plans.

Trying to decide what to do on arrival day. If we land at 945 am at MCO (on a Monday in May) what time do you think we would be at the resort (POR)? How long does ME generally take on Mondays? We used it on a weekend and the people we know have all used it on a weekend. Do you think we would make it by all if it is quiet by 11 or closer to 12?

Also we booked chef mickeys bc DD#2 loves Minnie and we woon't be doing a park the last day. We booked it at 845 am. That should be plenty of time for our last morning right? Our return flights is at 255. I assume ME will pick up around 1130-12?

Usually we had a rental car or a much later flight in the past so this is different for us. Also past two trips were at the poly so quick to get around.

Re: ME and arrival...and departure plans.

Monday is also a big arrival day. It also depends on when you're going and what else might be going on that day (marathon, pop warner, etc etc). I always allow a solid 3 hours from my flight time to wherever I have to be. I've arrived on several different days and I can't tell you much rhyme or reason to the wait times, like Tuesday is only a 10 minute wait. Really in all of my MANY Disney trips the only time I ever waited more than 20 minutes was for a Saturday arrival on the first day of Pop Warner. Then I waited for almost an hour.

For a 2:55 flight, DME will pick you up around noon. It's really around their pickup schedule so you won't find out exactly until the night before. I'd aim to be back at the resort by 11 so you have time to get all of your carry ons from bell services (depending on your airline, checked baggage can be checked in the morning at the hotel), use any remaining snack or other credits, and take a bathroom break. I ALWAYS find myself rushing right before DME arrives.

Enjoy your trip!

ETA: I realized I missed a question. I would say chances are slim to none that you'll be at your hotel by 11. You still have to debark the plane, get to the DME area (which can be the other side of the airport from where you are), check in, wait in line, get on a bus, drive 40 minutes, and potentially make several stops before getting to where you want to go. The only way to get there by 11 is if you are in the front of the plane, get off right away, susan powter speed walk to side B, there's no line, your bus comes right away, and you are the first stop on the bus.

I would estimate closer to 12, but don't plan anything that requires you to be at the resort, checked in and with your carry ons checked before 1 or 1:30. If you need to check in before you go somewhere, that can take time too since the bus can be just a few people for POR, or it can dump 20 people who all need to check in at once. Online check in will speed this process though.

Message edited 12/26/2012 10:49:47 AM.