A question for experts on timing ...

[poohteacher]

We have a late flight and will be arriving at MCO close to midnight on a Friday night in July (fingers crossed that there are no flight delays). We've decided to stay at the Hyatt in the airport and head to the Boardwalk Villas as early as possible the next morning by rental car that we will be picking up at Alamo on Saturday morning. Our plan is to drop our bags off at bell services and walk to EPCOT.

I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a Lightening Lane Multi-Pass for that day to offset our not being able to arrive by rope drop and am trying to estimate the earliest time slot that is reasonable for me to pre-book.

If I am able to get the troops out of the hotel room by 7:30 am, when do you think I should book my first return window?
Thanks for any help or advice!

 

[brockash]

I wouldn't book anything before 10am. Honestly the real issue is how long the rental car process will take. We've had times where that's taken FOREVER. If you're not leaving WDW property I'd 100% just uber.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I almost always book Alamo and use the skip the counter feature (this part is important) - walk right out, show them your bar code/reservation from the e-mail, they give you the keys, and off you go - takes a mere seconds. Outside of an occasional backup at the check-out gate, you're usually out and on your way in less than 10 minutes. 30'ish minute drive to BWI, 5-10 minutes to get through security/check your bags/park, 10-15 minute walk to Epcot. Add another 15 minutes just because (someone wants a bathroom, someone wants coffee, whatever) and that's what I'd be ballparking in terms of timing. In my opinion.

 

[poohteacher]

Thanks so much. I will definitely use the skip the counter feature!

 

[ParrotBill]

If you get flagged at security there are reports things are slower with full bag empty going on. Add a 10-20 minute walk to wherever you are going in EPCOT. 10 is the earliest I think, but they are forgiving on time usually up to an hour later.