Disney Springs in the AM

[boufa]

We are visiting in Feb, and our departing flight leaves at 430p... I know that ME will pick us up around 130p at POP, and we will use RACS to get rid of our bags. Fair enough. But with checkout at the hotel (POP) at 11am, that leaves a gap, I am looking to fill.

I was thinking taking a bus to DS, but the shops don't open until 10a?

You can obviously stroll around Disney Springs before 10a ...correct?!? When do the buses start to run, and if we assume 45 minutes to get back to the hotel, and leaving some cushion, we would have to be out of Disney Springs by 1230p ish...

Ultimately the question is, assuming only light shopping (since our luggage would already be checked in at the resort), and mostly just enjoying the atmosphere, how long is appropriate for DS. Is 4 hours enough? Our initial plan was to go to DS the day we arrived, that would have give us 7-8 hours if we wanted to, but out departing flight got pushed back, so if we can squeeze DS on the last day, we could add in 1/2 a park day on our arrival day.

 

[goofyintoronto]

We are visiting in Feb, and our departing flight leaves at 430p... I know that ME will pick us up around 130p at POP, and we will use RACS to get rid of our bags. Fair enough. But with checkout at the hotel (POP) at 11am, that leaves a gap, I am looking to fill.

I was thinking taking a bus to DS, but the shops don't open until 10a?

You can obviously stroll around Disney Springs before 10a ...correct?!? When do the buses start to run, and if we assume 45 minutes to get back to the hotel, and leaving some cushion, we would have to be out of Disney Springs by 1230p ish...

Ultimately the question is, assuming only light shopping (since our luggage would already be checked in at the resort), and mostly just enjoying the atmosphere, how long is appropriate for DS. Is 4 hours enough? Our initial plan was to go to DS the day we arrived, that would have give us 7-8 hours if we wanted to, but out departing flight got pushed back, so if we can squeeze DS on the last day, we could add in 1/2 a park day on our arrival day.

I think 4 hours is enough for DS. Not every single store will interest you, that'll it a quicker trip.

 

[Alesia]

You need to plan to be back at the resort by 12:30. You need to be at the platform, completely ready to go, 15 minutes before your pick up time (which might be as early as 1:15. You also need to leave time to get your carryon bags from bell services and make a last minute bathroom stop. Bus transportation from Disney Springs is notoriously slow; you need to be at the bus stop no later than 11:45. 11:30 would be better.

I would just hang out at the resort.

 

[boufa]

I would just hang out at the resort.

If we have to be out of our room @11am, then we would be hanging out in the food court for 2 hours... add in the similar experience of hanging out at an airport for 2+ hours waiting for our plane, then another 2 hours waiting for our next plane, and that's a lot of hanging out in food courts for 1 day.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Sorry I guess I should read the whole question. If youre at DS right when the stores open at 10am....and if you leave at noon...that gives you 2 hours to shop. You can get some decent shopping done in 2 hours.

Leaving DS at 1230pm may be pushing it. I'd leave earlier. I'd head for the buses at 12 noon. Or if you really want to leave at 1230pm, grab a taxi.