Early Morning DME v. Taxi

[Andiloo]

I've read in a few places that you must catch the DME 3 hours before your flight time. If this is true, and my flight leaves MCO at 7:00 a.m., then I have to be ready to go at 4:00 a.m.??? Am I mistaken about that & it's just my luggage that has to be ready that early?

So I'm wondering if I should just forget about DME for departure, and take a cab, but have no idea what to budget. Can anyone give me an estimate of how much it will cost to get a taxi (for a family of 4) from AKL to MCO? Also, approximately how long is that drive? I think I can have the troops up & out the door at 5:00 but 4 is pushing it!!!

 

[clkelley]

Unfortunately, you will have to have your family AND your luggage at the Magical Express bus stop by 4am. You will not be able to utilize the Resort Check-in at that hour either, so you will have to drag all your luggage to the airline check-in desk.

Tiffany towncar charges about $55.00 one way (plus tip) to the airport and they pick up about 2 1/2 hours before your flight. Taxis run between $45 and $60 to the airport, plus tip.

Another thing you might consider is checking out a day early, use Magical Express the night before and stay at the Hyatt at the airport. To do that, just list a flight (any flight) that will depart the airport about the time you want to go to bed. Then Magical Express will take you to the airport 3 hours before that. You then just walk upstairs to the Hyatt and check in. You will still have to move your own luggage, but then you could head for security (right downstairs) about 6am.

 

[seashoreCM]

You and the famiily and the baggage need to be ready to go around 4 AM for the 7 AM flight.

Taking a cab you save only 30 to 40 minutes of sleep. For the 7 AM flight you need to in the cab around 4:30 AM.

If you want to you can check out the previous day and take ME the previous evening to stay at an airport area hotel.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm