Arriving Orlando MCO Airport 7:50 PM - going to disney world resort

[mickeymousedavid]

Hi guys,
I'm a newbie here.
I'm super excited about going to Disney world for the first time with my significant other.

I'm booking a resort within Disney world, and I'll be there for 5 days (probably 3 full days).
November 2 to November 6.

My flight arrives to Orlando MCO airport November 2 at 7:50 PM

I'm not sure if this belongs in this forum section or not (too many forums and a bit overwhelming for a newbie):

1) What time would I get to Disney world if I take the disney magical bus?
I'm going to Disney Animal Resort.

2) What can we actually do when we arrive since everything seems to be closed? Would I essentially be wasting my money on the resort on that day?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks very much in advanced

 

[siskaren]

Taking DME (Disney's Magical Express), you should get to Animal Kingdom Lodge about 9:15. That probably will be a little late to do anything other than explore the resort (although you could check out Downtown Disney for a bit), but I wouldn't consider it wasting your money because you'll be rested and ready to go first thing the next morning.

 

[Disneyhappy]

It will give you a chance to check out your beautiful resort and rest up for an early start at a park. Are you a newbie to WDW or only to the Dis boards? If new to WDW and depending which park you want to go to, you may want to get rest to start early at a park the next day. Enjoy your visit.

 

[mwmom]

We always arrive at the resort late, but the advantage is that you can be up and going early the next morning. So, no, I don't consider it a waste of money at Disney. Getting to the parks early means getting to ride more rides before the mid-morning crowds arrive.

 

[sonogal]

Animal Kingdom Lodge does have some evening programs/activities. They also have an outdoor campfire area too- very neat. I think they'll be enough going on at the resort to give you something to do for a little while. I agree with the others on getting a good night's sleep and being refreshed for the next day.

 

[MagiKitty]

I actually have a different point of view, but its always a personal choice. I tend to arrive at MCO late also, and what I do is Hotwire a 4 star hotel with an airport shuttle with free breakfast and save some money. I then take ME early in the morning, check in and have my early start.

I'm doing this in December...my flight arrives at 8pm. I got a hotel for $45 with shuttle and breakfast. The next morning, I'm heading to the airport after breakfast and should be onsite by 9am. I plan to drop my bags off and head to EPCOT!

I'm not sure if money is a factor for you..but if its not, then check in, absorb some amazing Disney atmosphere and enjoy an early start like everyone says!

 

[goofy4tink]

Hi guys,
I'm a newbie here.
I'm super excited about going to Disney world for the first time with my significant other.

I'm booking a resort within Disney world, and I'll be there for 5 days (probably 3 full days).
November 2 to November 6.

My flight arrives to Orlando MCO airport November 2 at 7:50 PM

I'm not sure if this belongs in this forum section or not (too many forums and a bit overwhelming for a newbie):

1) What time would I get to Disney world if I take the disney magical bus?
I'm going to Disney Animal Resort.

2) What can we actually do when we arrive since everything seems to be closed? Would I essentially be wasting my money on the resort on that day?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks very much in advanced

Welcome to the DIS!!!
1. If you arrive, ontime, at 7:50, you should plan on it taking under 90 mins..gate to resort. If you tag your bags with the yellow DME tags, you can expect the bags at AKL up to 3-4 hrs after you checkin there. So, if you arrive at MCO at 8pm and get to AKL by 9:20ish, your bags could get there at any time between 9:30 and 12:30!!
I would actually leave the tags off the bags, go to baggage claim and get them upon arrival, and take them to the DME bus with me. Yes, it will add about 20 mins to your overall time, but you'll have the bags with you and you can get settled in upon arrival.

2. I don't think you're wasting money by staying there for the first night. You'll be up and ready to go, first thing in the morning. If you stay elsewhere, you will have to make the transfer over to AKL the next morning, get your bags and get settled in....that will cost you time in the parks.
You will find that you can wander around the resort..it's beautiful at night. Grab a bite to eat at Mara, the food court area. It won't be offering a full line of food, but you should be able to grab something. Or, take the bus to DTD..and wander around there for a bit,.
Then, you can get a good night's sleep, get up early and hit the parks!!!

 

[mickeymousedavid]

Thanks guys! You guys are wonderful.