DME to AKL time?

[renes]

We arrive at MCO on Aug 7th at 6:00, staying at AKL and are surprising our grandkids. Our DD and DSIL have ADR at Saana at 7:20 and want us to babysit. Is that cutting it too close on a friday night to make it to AKL? Should we get a limo or taxi?

 

[Alesia]

You can expect to be at your hotel 70 to 90 minutes after you step off the plane, so yes, that's cutting it way too close.

You may not make it even with a taxi or town car. They may want to make other plans.

 

[renes]

Maybe if we rent a car? Is there a better chance that we will make it then? I have taken MDE before but never paid attention to the time. What resort shares a bus with AKL?

 

[strmtroopr96]

We have been on a Magical Express bus that had 3 stops that trip. It went to Pop first, then AoA (where we got off), and then was headed to AKL last.

Could your DD and DSiL either make a later ADR or try and schedule Sanaa for another night?

 

[broncobill]

From everything I have read that would be cutting it way too close.
I've asked how long it would take from MCO to AKL for the same day, August 7. But we arrive at 11:30 pm.

 

[goofy4tink]

We arrive at MCO on Aug 7th at 6:00, staying at AKL and are surprising our grandkids. Our DD and DSIL have ADR at Saana at 7:20 and want us to babysit. Is that cutting it too close on a friday night to make it to AKL? Should we get a limo or taxi?

You 'might' make it, but it would be very tight. I've taken the DME to both AKL and Pop about 6 times total.....most of the time, Pop and AoA were the first two stops. Once or twice, AKL/Kidani were the first. I would figure AKL would be at the end...so figure on arriving there up to 90 mins from the gate...not from landing!!!
If you really want to do this, I would suggest getting a car service. If you tag your bags (being aware of the things that 'could' possibly happen if you aren't on the bus), and then just go directly to the meet and greet area, by baggage claim, you should be at the resort by 7. Are they staying at Jambo House or Kidani? That will make a difference as well.

 

[renes]

I think we are going to rent a car, I can use points and get one for free and not get our bags. I don't want to start our short trip all stressed out.

 

[sam_gordon]

I think we are going to rent a car, I can use points and get one for free and not get our bags. I don't want to start our short trip all stressed out.

How are you not getting your bags? I hope you're not planning on DME getting them. If you don't ride DME from the airport, you can't use their luggage delivery service. For more information, there's a sticky at the top of the Transportation forum.

 

[Polydweller]

I think we are going to rent a car, I can use points and get one for free and not get our bags. I don't want to start our short trip all stressed out.

Even with a rental car it's going to be very tight. It will take around 20-30 minutes from the plane to the rental car and leaving the airport. Then you have about a 20-25 mile drive to AKL which will take about 30 minutes. So arriving AKL at about 7:00pm. Then budget at least 10-15 minutes to park and get to the room. That gives your party no more than 5 minutes to get to Saana. Considering that Disney wants you to check in 15min before your ADR it's already too late.

It would be better if your party could change their ADR to 7:45 or better 8:00pm.

 

[Alesia]

I think we are going to rent a car, I can use points and get one for free and not get our bags. I don't want to start our short trip all stressed out.

Even then, you very well may not make it in time. Getting to your resort within an hour of landing is difficult even if things go perfectly. Any delay at all and you won't make it. I think you're going to start the trip stressed out.

 

[broncobill]

I've waited 30+ minutes before to get a rental. I think around 6:00 on a Friday is going to be busy no matter what you do. I would try and back the ADR by an hour.

 

[3Gsandme]

Yeah, I don't think you'd make it in 80 minutes even with renting a car.

 

[goofy4tink]

How are you not getting your bags? I hope you're not planning on DME getting them. If you don't ride DME from the airport, you can't use their luggage delivery service. For more information, there's a sticky at the top of the Transportation forum.

While I agree that Disney doesn't want us using DME just for our luggage, they certainly aren't doing anything to prevent it!!! They aren't even asking how many bags we have checked!!! They used to, but not anymore. So, in all reality, even if you're on the bus, and the airline misdirects one of your checked bags, how is DME going to know? They have no idea how many bags you checked and are expecting to be waiting at the resort!!
So, long story short....does Disney want you to tag those bags, and then rent a car, or use a car service, to get to the resort? No. Can you do it? Sure. But, read the sticky thread to get all the info you need to make an informed decision.

I doubt renting a car will give you all that much time.
Here are some times I've had.....gate to resort.....
DME.....checked bags.......55-85 mins, average about 75 mins
Towncar service...checked bags......60 mins
Towncar service....carry on only.......45 mins
Mears shuttle......90 mins
Rental car.....60 mins...at least.

It takes about 15 mins to get from gate to level 1, where you will find car rental areas. Then, 15 mins in line (possibly shorter, but I've had much longer times as well), 30 mins to the resort (at least).

The least amount of time is going to be with a car service, and no bags. Be sure you are completely informed before making a decision!!

Is there no way the parents can move their Sanaa ADR up a bit, say to around 8ish? That would work out much better.

 

[renes]

The ADRs got changed to 8:00, that will give us 2 hours after landing. We can use DME and hopefully get to AKL in time. I think if we are going to cut it close, they will bring the kids to Saana and we will meet them before their dinner and then go to our room.

 

[goofy4tink]

Much better! You should be off the plane by 6:15, down at dme by 6:30. That gives you time to get to AKL. If you see that it's 7:40ish, text your dd. she can tell the kids that they are going to a sitting service at Kidani. Imagine how surprised they'll be when you show up!! Hop off the bus at Kidani and go surprise the grands!!!!

 

[wdwrich]

The ADRs got changed to 8:00, that will give us 2 hours after landing. We can use DME and hopefully get to AKL in time. I think if we are going to cut it close, they will bring the kids to Saana and we will meet them before their dinner and then go to our room.

Now, just hope there are no flight delays. Wishing you good luck!