Flights

[orangetiggs]

In the process of booking flights and we always do the 11:15 lgw to mco route with virgin and this year that flight is full according to va site so we are left with the 13:00 flight

This means we get in alot later than normal.

What are your views on this? Should we change to the 11:40 ba flight?

 

[RDP]

We prefer virgin, only from the point of view that we use DTD checkin and can ditch the luggage. If BA can get you in earlier, you may decide that's a better 'perk' and suits traveling with young children better.

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

The later departure time might work well for you, it means that you wont have such an early/hetic start, which may work well with two small children. If the BA flight is cheaper then i would go with that one, but if flying VA is important to you the do the 1pm flight.Also flying later forces you to stay up later, meaning you might sleep in later, getting into DISNEY time quicker IMHO the 2 hour difference would not be an issue, but that's because we love flying Virgin

 

[wilma-bride]

I think it really depends what is important to you and the difference in cost.

For us, we don't do anything on arrival day anyway, other than getting settled/unpacked and going out for something to eat (although now, when staying on-site, we generally just pop to the food court or hotel restaurant).

If you want to get shopping/groceries when you arrive then you might benefit from a flight which gets you in earlier.

When all is said and done, though, it's really only a difference of 2 hours. Personally, I wouldn't bother too much about being on an earlier flight unless that flight was the same price/cheaper.

 

[Twinkly-Tink]

The last time we flew Virgin we had the early flight from Manchester and this time the later flight was the one coming up cheaper (and the only one we could M&M tickets on) so we booked this.

Getting in earlier would have been nicer but a saving is a saving and I reckoned we probably wouldn't be doing too much on forst night as we generally just unpack, eat and then have an earlyish night.

Whatever you decide will be fine..............you'll be in WDW!!! (whether you're there a couple of hours earlier or not!)

 

[wayneg]

To us it really does not matter what time we arrive, be it 3:30pm into MCO or 9pm into Tampa via indirect. If the price is right I don't care.
Arrive mid afternoon we get unpacked & buy a few bits and bats from Publix, maybe DTD and try keep awake until 11-12pm. Arrive late and we can unpack and go straight to bed.
Arriving early just means we get a few essentials in rather than doing it on first full day.

 

[Kath2003]

To us it really does not matter what time we arrive, be it 3:30pm into MCO or 9pm into Tampa via indirect. If the price is right I don't care.
Arrive mid afternoon we get unpacked & buy a few bits and bats from Publix, maybe DTD and try keep awake until 11-12pm. Arrive late and we can unpack and go straight to bed.
Arriving early just means we get a few essentials in rather than doing it on first full day.

I'm with Wayne. Whatever time you arrive you're going to be tired, bored, hungry and in need of a shower! I would just book whichever flight was cheapest.

 

[Mrs Stonfiesta]

I agree that the time doesnt make that much difference to me (we have a 2 year old) we always go ba as they are always cheapest for us and we have never had any issues with them. Personally i would go for the cheapest but if they were the same price then its personal choice to which you prefer.

 

[casinocolin]

The earlier we are there the better can not get enough of WDW and never ever been bored whilst in Florida but just do what you think is best for you.

 

[Disneymad]

I always choose the early flight if it's available, but I'd certainly not pay more to do it and have taken the later flight a bunch of times, it's really not that much difference in the end imo.

 

[Button]

Hi,

We're on the 13.00 flight from LGW in March. Liked Virgin *** we also booked the later flight coming back and the DTD check in option.

I'm working on basis that 13.00 gives me more time to run the 2 year old around the airport so when on plane it's food and nap as he should be shattered by this point. (Notice I use the word should!)

 

[babystar]

We always prefer the later flight, it means we are rushing less on the morning of departure and by the time we arrive in Orlando we nip and get a bite to eat, arrive at the villa, let our DD have a little explore before bathing her and putting her to bed (no trying to keep a little one awake). I then have some peace to do some unpacking.

 

[orangetiggs]

I guess it doesnt matter but going with both sides of family who are terrible at driving ! My dad got lost last time they went for our wedding, he ended up near the space coast! And the other side has never been so worried about them following me in the dark

Guess two hours doesnt make a huge difference really

 

[Disneymad]

Maybe some tactical planning could be arranged? Iirc you're staying on site aren't you?

Could you potentially arrange a 'treat' and book a limo transfer or something? They're surprisingly inexpensive when you break it down as cost per head. Everyone would be able to fit in (hopefully! Think they can carry 12-14 people or summit), you'd not have to stress about picking up the cars at the airport (could do it next day, we always pick ours up from the Dolphin instead) and driving in the dark when people are tired and ofc, really fun way to start your trip!

Just an idea