Estimated time from MCO landing to MK gates

[Oswald the Canuck]

I'm trying to decide which park to go to on the day we arrive in Florida. I realize there are a lot of variables but any input is appreciated.

Feb 4/16:
Scheduled arrival at MCO: 11:40am
Magical Express to The Boardwalk.
Check-in at Boardwalk.
Bus to Magic Kingdom.

Touring Plans has MK rated a 3 on this day but is only open until 9pm. The next day MK is an 8 but has Morning Extra Magic Hour. We are only at WDW for two days.
What time would I expect to get to MK? Is the 4th the best day to visit there or am I better to wait until the 5th?

 

[DisneyHardin]

Last week, we were 2 hours exactly from landing to sitting down for lunch at Epcot.

 

[AngiTN]

I'd say 2 hours is good too.
We are typically in our resort 90 min from landing. Adding another 30 to reach the park is probable. At least on avg. Could be 30 min faster, could be 30 min longer.

 

[bc7ate9]

On September 23, 2015, our plane was on the ground at 11:10 AM. We got to the Magic Express line at 11:30 AM. We were on the bus at 11:45 AM. Our bus stopped at all 3 All Star resorts. We arrived at our resort (CSR) at 12:34 PM. We were in the lobby at 12:37 PM. We got to our room at 12:48 PM. We boarded a bus to MK at 1:02 PM. I took my first picture of the castle at 1:31 PM.

 

[mom2rtk]

When we stayed at the Pop Century it was 3 hours from touchdown to the MK gates (bus from PC to MK).

 

[BrianL]

I would safely plan for 3 hours with the knowledge that it could be faster, but don't commit to anything.

 

[dwbrewster]

If you're traveling with kids (depending on age) 9 PM may be fine to end your night as travel could wipe them out. I am a big believer in 2 days at MK so I would do the 7-8 hours that you get there on the first day and then do another day there on your last day.

Just my two cents.

 

[kniquy]

We traveled to WDW last year for new years eve -- we arrive around the same time that you are arriving at MCO - If i remember correctly we were able to get on a ME bus right when we disembarked the plane. Then by the time we got to the resort, checked in and freshened up we were in the park between 3-4pm. We were not rushing either so if you are in a hurry you could probably get to the parks by 3:00.

 

[PSUGuy]

We always stay at the Board Walk and usually land by 9 am. Even then, with a grocery stop at Publix after getting our rental very quickly we just make the opening of World Showcase at 11 am. With FP+ arranged in advance we have a full first day, the picture below is me on my favorite 'ride'. It's nice to hit MK first thing and we used to, but we get more out of our trip by capturing our first day in Epcot.

Bill From PA

 

[DisDadDVC]

2-2.5 hrs

 

[Oswald the Canuck]

Wow! Thank you for the quick and detailed replies. Your experiences seem to be consistent.
I was estimating getting to MK at 4 but was worrying about setting FastPasses too early.

 

[Dis703]

I would figure on 3 hours just in case. A couple weeks ago I was checking into our resort just 45 minutes after landing and we were at Disney Springs not 45 minutes after that. But last year at BWI we were delayed taking off, then held up landing, then they had issues with ME causing a really long wait and they ended up sending us in a cab. We checked in more than 2 hours later than we anticipated.