Ever have to leave your vacation to pick up 'incoming' family at the airport?

[bjakmom]

OK, I just realized that I never received confirmation e-mails for the towncar requests I put in a few weeks ago. Before I call them tomorrow to double check, I got to thinking that it may be easy just to leave the resort (BWV) and drive to the airport to pick up DH. I could give the kids a morning to sleep in - DH would also need to do this 2 days later to pick up an incoming friend on check-out day (she's arriving 9:30 - PS for breakfast isn't until 11:15). Has anyone done this? My memory is that the airport is only about a 20 minute drive - and at 9:30 in the morning probably not a lot of rush hour traffic left. How difficult is it to pick up passengers at Orlando airport? Am I crazy, or should I just try to get a towncar service ? If everyone would stop changing their plans, my life would be so much easier!- but, hey, I'll be on vacation in . . . . (see # of days below!!)

 

[MickeyCrazed]

If you can spare the extra $$, I'd go with the towncar service.
It's not the drive to the airport that is the hassle....
it is parking your car and trying to find your party.
And then trying to find your car when you leave.
When I am on vacation, I would prefer to leave those type of hassles to someone else!
Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[DebbieB]

It's probably closer to 30 minutes.

With the current code orange, I would have him take the towncar. You would have to park the car and wait in baggage claim, you can't stop outside baggage claim and wait for him. Unless he calls you when his plane lands and he is already waiting when you swing by the baggage claim level. I know at PIT they sometimes close part of the pickup areas, so you may have to deal with that. I wouldn't do it unless you both have cellphones to communicate if there is a problem. Also with code orange, your vehicle is subject to random search entering the airport.

 

[leslieh]

We just picked someone up last monday, we always tell them to be at the departing floor, instead of the arriving, we had enough time to park the car close to the cross over/under and wait inside where they come through the gates, it was free parking I think for the first 30-60 minutes, if more $1.00 per hour. We have done this many times, always takes about an hour round trip. Where we live the airport is 55 miles away, this trip is a breeze, 15 miles and about 20 minutes.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

We have done this picking up our cousin(from San Antonio) the day after we arrived. As Debbie stated as long as both parties have cell phones it is a breeze.

In fact I would even wait until the plane lands before going to MCO,have the person call as soon as the plane touches down. Then by the time they get there luggage you will be halfway there.

If you go the 417 route you will be there in 20-25 minutes.Let your cell phones do the rest.....where to pick up.

 

[bjakmom]

Thanks for the great advice ! I think that's exactly what I'll do to pick up DH - have him phone me as soon as he lands and I'll head out (Nick, is the '417 route' the same one they'll give me a map for to get to BWV from the airport at the car rental?) I've only ever followed those maps.

And I will also have him meet me at departing flights and wait outside - leslieh, did you want to park or did you have to park due to security?. At least the drive back to BWV will give us a few minutes to touch base without the kids- and give me an hour break to myself! I think I'll still try to confirm the car service for our friend arriving on Friday - although she said if her flight were to get delayed and interfere with our breakfast PS that she would just grab a cab. Thanks again for all the suggestions- I knew the DVC crew would know what to do!

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by bjakmom
Nick, is the '417 route' the same one they'll give me a map for to get to BWV from the airport at the car rental?) I've only ever followed those maps.

Yes......it should be the same.

After you get on 536, just stay straight, it turns into 417. Go through 2 toll plazas, $1 each, get off at Bogey Creek Exit to the Airport.

Do NOT go I-4 to airport!!

 

[Sammie]

As others stated do not leave until DH lands. We made the mistake of going when we thought our friend would arrive and had to wait due to delay.

If he calls as soon as he gets off the plane, by the time he goes to luggage, claims his bag and gets to the curb, you will have plenty of time.

He needs to be on the curb at pickup waiting for you or you will have to park, big hassle.

They will let you pull to the curb for picking up if the person is standing there and ready. They will not, will not, let you wait for them, even for one minute. They are very strict about this.

Just be sure you know where he will be curbside.

 

[bjakmom]

Thanks again everyone! Nick, I copied your directions - will double check my map and avoid I-4! I'll let you know how it goes.

Wish DH was coming down with us, but "life happens" certainly applies to this trip in spades, so I'm just happy and hopeful that he'll make it down for my birthday!

I'm really dancing now!

 

[jade1]

Twice last week. We drove from Mpls and some wanted to fly. Picked up Sunday at noon and left off wednesday (NYE) at noon. Had never done this but we did the forbidden I4 north to 536 east with no problems. Anyway to be safe I parked and walked across the street-then just waited for them. It worked great. NW came in Terminal B so I assume you could just go to passenger pick up for your terminal and not have to park.