Departure Day Logistics: Park or Pool First

[vinotinto]

Hi! It's our first time flying (we usually drive the 6.75 hours, but DH thinks it will be more relaxing to fly...whatever!).

We're planning on DHS on our departure day since it's a half-day park for us anyway. We'll need 3ish hours there, and our flight is at 7:30 pm. I figured we'll get picked up at the resort around 4:30 pm.

Would you:
1) Go to the pool in the am, get dried, packed, and hand in luggage by 10:30/11:00 am. DHS until 3:30 pm?

or

2) Pack and hand in luggage in the am. Go to the DHS from 9:00 - 2:00 pm. Hang out at the resort from 3:00 - 4:00 (if we swim for a bit, can we change somewhere)?

or

3) Just stick to DHS, no pool, too much of a logistical nightmare to get changed.

 

[2Tiggies]

We tried park and pool on departure day a few times and it never worked for us. We found picking one was just easier. It's also easy to underestimate the odds of having a delay with a park bus arriving and adding unwanted pressure to making the magical express pick up. Even with 9 pm flights we found we were much more relaxed when we chose one place to spend the last day and just did it.

 

[Alesia]

Option 2.

 

[Tink415]

Depends on where you're staying as far as getting showered and changed after swimming. Not all of the resorts have facilities anymore.

 

[JimmyV]

Skip the pool. No reason to make a logistically challenging day even more challenging.

 

[han22735]

option 3

 

[mousefan73]

As a curtously to fellow passengers I would recommend a quick shower and clean clothes if spending the morning at the parks and it's hot and muggy.. This is what we do.. We have an international overnight flight.. DME is 4pm pick up... we hit the parks and then back to pool for a quick cool off, shower and fresh clothes....
Only issue I had was the showers were closed to cleaning ( didnt take that long) but made me nervous as we were cutting it close...
last year we did the relaxing version,,DTD and then quick pool.

 

[Rosebud123]

I'd go to the parks from 9-12, back to pool by 12:30 - 1 to eat lunch poolside, swim, chill. You can change at 4 and be ready for a 4:30 pick up! That's how we end almost all of our trips!

 

[RedStars]

I'd skip the park. Sleep in, check out and hit the pool.

 

[BobC]

Id do a park the last day but not both....always have to end your trip at a park!

For me I HAVE TO end my vacation at MK. I also have to start it there. Regardless of logistics...

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Vote here for pool. Why get worked up on your last day with crowds and wait lines.

 

[BobC]

Everyone has a different strategy and preference. My 'resort time' is midday from 12-3 or so to lounge around, nap, or do the pool. I don't do a full resort day. Not saying that I'm right or wrong! Its up to you!

I do a park in the morning and park at night. I want to maximize my Disney time to it's fullest potential.

 

[Eastern]

You have plenty of time to do both. We have made morning FP at MK when we were leaving for home at 12:30pm.

I would do the park first so you are at the resort for ME pickup and don't have to worry about a bus. Bell services can hold your luggage. Take an overnight bag to the pool to store your bathing suits.

 

[acresse]

From experience, I would choose one or the other. Preferably the pool. In the past I have had a bus break down, and I have been stuck on the monorail on my departure day. Both caused tons of stress, and took way longer than you would think. We usually check out, go to the pool, and have a late lunch at our resort.

 

[vinotinto]

Thanks all! I'm going to head to DHS in the am, and see what time we get back to the resort, prior to pick-up. DS must ride RnRC, so we must hit DHS!

 

[epcotty]

I say Option 3