Do you think we can make it?

[Michellez54]

We are planning to fly in to Sanford airport with a flight that lands at 4:20 (we hope) and hope to make it to the MVMCP that evening. We plan to stay on-site, but haven't chosen a resort yet. Do you think we'll make it into MK in time for the festivities?

Love reading the boards!

 

[KrazeeK120]

Well...I don't know what time MVMCP starts.

But...I would say this:

-you should allow up to 90 min. to get to your resort from the time you land.
-depending on where you're staying, you will need to allow up to 45 min. to get to the MK.

 

[dudspizza]

Well...I don't know what time MVMCP starts.

But...I would say this:

-you should allow up to 90 min. to get to your resort from the time you land.
-depending on where you're staying, you will need to allow up to 45 min. to get to the MK.

Wouldn't it be up to 90 minutes from MCO? Sanford is a longer drive and a rental car or car service is in order from Sanford...

 

[DebbieB]

We are planning to fly in to Sanford airport with a flight that lands at 4:20 (we hope) and hope to make it to the MVMCP that evening. We plan to stay on-site, but haven't chosen a resort yet. Do you think we'll make it into MK in time for the festivities?

Love reading the boards!

Unless it's the only night you can go, I wouldn't. First, if you buy the tickets in advance and your flight is late, you may have wasted your money.
Second, it's a big advantage to be able to enter at 4:00, later it will be more crowded.

 

[Alesia]

Well, you'll have to pick up your luggage, get your rental car or car service, drive 50 minutes or so, check into the resort, and then take a bus to MK. That will put you there somewhere between 7:00 and 8:00, depending on how lucky you are. Since they start letting people in at 4:00, you're at a pretty big disadvantage. I guess it depends on what you want to get accomplished.

But I think there's an even better reason to schedule it for another day: arrival day is just loaded with possible delays. Your plane could be late taking off. Or landing. Or you could miss your connection. Or there could be a delay with your car. Or traffic from the airport could be terrible. Don't book something non-refundable for arrival night.

 

[Michellez54]

Thanks all! I think I'll look for an evening flight the day before! It would be a shame to plan everything to the minute, and then miss it!

 

[goofy4tink]

We are planning to fly in to Sanford airport with a flight that lands at 4:20 (we hope) and hope to make it to the MVMCP that evening. We plan to stay on-site, but haven't chosen a resort yet. Do you think we'll make it into MK in time for the festivities?

Love reading the boards!

Sanford is an incredibly user friendly airport!!! When we traveled, with another couple, last Oct, dh and I headed to the car rental counter while the other couple went to baggage claim. You can actually see baggage claim from the car rental area!! We finished up with the rental and were headed to get the luugage when we saw the other couple headed our way with the bags!!! Really fast. Then we walked across the street and got into our car and off we went.
But....it will take up to 20 mins from landing to car rental..no way around it. Then, it's an hour to WDW from Sanford International.

In all honesty??? I would be more concerned with booking a resort rather than worry about timing to the party. A lot will depend on which resort you end up at.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Wouldn't it be up to 90 minutes from MCO? Sanford is a longer drive and a rental car or car service is in order from Sanford...

Oh, you're right! I completely missed the "Sanford" part.

 

[Michellez54]

at the Beach Club.

Our other option is to fly the night before, not direct, more expensive, adding a night to our stay, etc. The MVMCP we're trying to make is the only one during our trip, so I hate to miss it. I'm known for planning things to the minute, but I don't have much control over flight times so I'll be pretty helpless to things like weather in November, delayed planes, etc.

My plan A is to land by 4:30, only carry-on luggage, have a town car waiting, check in quickly I hope (hope to use online check-in to help speed up things) bus ride to MK and hope to be in the park by around 7. Not sure what time the festivities begin (parades, snow, etc), but hope to see it all! Not too concerned about getting all the rides in that night, mainly looking for the Christmas experience. We'll be back to MK on another day this visit.

 

[goofy4tink]

If your flight arrives ontime, at 4:30, you should have your bags in hand by 4:50, maybe a bit sooner. The town car will get you to BC by 6ish. You can get checked in, and then take the bus immediately to MK. You should be able to be there for 7. Even if you get there by 7:30, you will be fine. The parade/fireworks don't start for awhile.

 

[Lewisc]

Rent a car and you can drive to the MK. Will your luggage fit in the trunk? Drive directly to the MK and check in at your resort after MVMCP. You'll have to pay for parking if you don't go to your resort first. You might be able to get it refunded. I don't think your resort confirmation is enough to avoid paying for parking but I'd give it a shot.