Got my Ding! airfare rate, now no time for HDDR!

[3princesses4us]

Okay, I finally got my great Ding! rate through SW airlines. Only problem is I arrive at WDW at 3 p.m. I have HDDR booked for 5 p.m. that first night (I was assuming I could get an earlier flight out...). There's no way to make this right?
My original plans were to do the 5 pm HDDR then head over to MGM to catch Fantasmic! Now, I'm thinking it would be a bit more relaxing to eat at Beaches & Cream since they don't take ADRs anyway and then head over for Fantasmic! Anyone agree this is now the way to go?
Also, they already charged my credit card for the HDDR. Should I let my TA deal with this for me or call directly myself and how long does it take for a refund to go through?

 

[Luv2Roam]

I think the only way you would make it on time is to leave from the airport directly to HDDR. And that is if your plane is on time.

Since you are using a TA, I would have them make any changes for you.

 

[WDWCPAlumni]

Well honestly let me tell you what our experiences have taught me. Our kids are 2 and 5...........if we ever plan on coming in at a later time in the day and doing anything at a park, it pretty much usually fails!
The kids are SOOO excited and when we get to our resort they just want to check things out and have fun there. I think you will probably get to your resort around 5pm after you go through getting off the flight, getting your luggage, getting over to the resort while people in Orlando are getting out of work. Then you still have to check into your resort and put your bags in the room!!!!
With our kids, if you pack a brown paper bag lunch and let them eat that close to the time you land, it will hold them over through all that "getting there" stuff.
You can check in, put your stuff in the room, walk around the resort and get into the mood, maybe go for a short swim to unwind........then get to MGM close to Fantasmic time and get a counter service meal or a snack and take it with you to the Fantasmic seats, eat while you wait for the show!
I KNOW you would love a nice sit down meal after you fly and get there, but honestly the kids are going to be like..........Lets get to it already!!!!!!
Just my opinion! I hope it helps, no offense if it does not.

 

[3princesses4us]

Good points guys~ thanks! I will definately think seriously about just taking it easy and doing a quick counter service dinner as Fantasmic is really the most important thing for us to do that night. Getting to know our resort will be fun too as we've never stayed at Pop. Thanks for the advice. I will have my TA cancel HDDR.