Don't cut it close at departure -

[tjmw2727]

I often see posts from folks questioning the 3 hour pick up time from ME and I want to say based on my own experence in November and just last Saturday (12/29) don't risk it.

Once again, the lines to check luggage and then to clear security were very long. We flew Orlando to Philadelphia on SWA departing 12/29 11:20 am:

Arrived in MCO Orlando at 9:00 and needed every minute of time. Luckly we didn't have any checked luggage as the check in lines looked long, inside as well as outside at the curb.

The security line was 10-12 lines wide and stretched way past the arrival departure TV screen area. We entered the line at 9:10 and cleared it 55 agonizing minutes later. It was very poorly managed with folks changing lines and ducking under the dividers. Once again I was not impressed with the TSA in Orlando.

So if your tempted to fudge your departure time when leaving please think twice. IMHO an extra 30 minutes or so at WDW isn't worth missing your flight home

Three of my past four departures out of MCO have been a nightmare wait in the security line with 2 of the 4 over 50 minutes. FWIW they were the most recent, early November and late December.

Hope this helps someone,
TJ

 

[dudspizza]

I often see posts from folks questioning the 3 hour pick up time from ME and I want to say based on my own experence in November and just last Saturday (12/29) don't risk it.

Once again, the lines to check luggage and then to clear security were very long. We flew Orlando to Philadelphia on SWA departing 12/29 11:20 am:

Arrived in MCO Orlando at 9:00 and needed every minute of time. Luckly we didn't have any checked luggage as the check in lines looked long, inside as well as outside at the curb.

The security line was 10-12 lines wide and stretched way past the arrival departure TV screen area. We entered the line at 9:10 and cleared it 55 agonizing minutes later. It was very poorly managed with folks changing lines and ducking under the dividers. Once again I was not impressed with the TSA in Orlando.

So if your tempted to fudge your departure time when leaving please think twice. IMHO an extra 30 minutes or so at WDW isn't worth missing your flight home

Three of my past four departures out of MCO have been a nightmare wait in the security line with 2 of the 4 over 50 minutes. FWIW they were the most recent, early November and late December.

Hope this helps someone,
TJ

Even with your good advice, we will still continue to hear people asking if the 3 hours is necessary and then complain if things don't work out. I am with you, I will be there plenty early!

Duds

 

[safetymom]

I think MCO is one good airport to spend time in. There are lots of shops to keep you occupied if you find yourself with extra time.

I can't tell you the number of people I see running to the gates because they didn't allow enough time.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

Yup I also have no problem with the 3 hour . I even jump on an earlier one if they have room. get some last minute Pin shopping or a bite to eat before heading home.

Even when we rented a car we still left before 3 hours so we had time to stop for gas and drop it off.

Trust me if Disney thought they could keep you on-sight another 30 minutes or so they would be doing it.

 

[dudspizza]

Trust me if Disney thought they could keep you on-sight another 30 minutes or so they would be doing it.

Very good point! Disney is all about the $$$

Duds

 

[hsmamato2]

thankyou for the reminder,I needed to heat it
last year- we had a car,and cut it SO close, just pure luck we did it all on time...we were enjoying our last afternoon a little too much!
At that point there were no lines for anything,so we made it,but it was stressful.....
now,we'll pay heed to all the ME warnings to be there before pickup time....