How long for ME to get back to airport?

[peaches0313]

I am trying to decide on a departing flight FROM Orlando at either 9:30 AM or 10:50 AM... I'd normally rather take the later one, but that will have me on 2 different airlines...which isn't a huge deal....but if I did the 9:30 am flight, anyone know *about* when the ME bus would pick us up from BLT? Not sure how many other hotels it stops at along the way. This is our 1st trip...thanks!

 

[peaches0313]

Am I reading correctly that they pick you up about 3 hours prior???!! Holy smokes...if that's correct....I'm thinking I definitely want the later one??

 

[OKW Lover]

DME will assign you a pickup time at your resort that is about 3 hours prior to flight time.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

For domestic flights, DME pick-up is 3 hours before scheduled departure, plus or minus up to 15 minutes either way. (DME serves each resort twice per hour at set times, if there are guests with scheduled DME pick-ups.)

From the Orlando International Airport (MCO) FAQ at http://www.orlandoairports.net/faq.htm :

How long before my flight should I arrive at the airport?
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority recommends arriving two hours before a domestic departure, or three hours before an international departure (or a domestic departure connecting to an international flight at another U.S. airport), but please check directly with your airline for specific recommendations.
​

Although DME tries to drop off passengers at MCO two hours before departure, that doesn't always happen.

 

[fabulousfive]

Yes three hours before flight you will leave.

 

[Gracie09]

That is whwn your bus is scheduled to depart your hotel. You are suppose to be there ready to go 15 minutes prior.

 

[sam_gordon]

When you say "two airlines", are you referring to one airline on the way TO Disney and a different airline on the way HOME (not a big deal), or two airlines on the way home?

If the former, take the 10:30 flight. Drop your checked luggage at RAC ~6am (they open at 5), have a quick breakfast, and be at the ME stop (it's in front of CR unless they've moved it) around 7. If the latter, take the 9:30 flight. I would NOT utilize RAC (because sleep is precious and I don't want to be at the counter at 5am), and bring your luggage with you and be at the ME stop at 6.

 

[peaches0313]

Sam, Thanks...very helpful.. Yes, one airline the way there, and another the entire way home... so will try for the later flight! Thanks