How much time to allow before first park

[NaughtyQueen]

We are going in December (adults only) and will be flying Southwest. I'm guessing we will check our bags so we will have to wait to pick them up. We will also be picking up a rental car before heading to Animal Kingdom Lodge.

How much time do you think we should estimate from landing to being at the first park (MK or Epcot...still deciding). I'm trying to determine what time to make our first FP+ for. Does this seem accurate?

Exit plane and get luggage: 30 min
Rental Car Pickup: 30 min
Drive to WDW: 30 min
Check In and drop off bags in room: 45 min
Drive to Epcot or MK: 20 min

So does about 2.5 hours seem right? I have been several times but I can never remember how long it takes!

 

[mesaboy2]

Three hours is the typical estimate.

 

[Disworldluv]

2.5 to 3 hours is doable. Have a great time.

 

[bryon]

Last trip I timed this.

-I left plane and went to Magical Express. (only stopping to use restroom)
-Waited about 10-20 min to get on bus and leave.
-Magical express stopped 2 places and then stopped at my resort.
-Checked in (I already did online check in)
-Went straight to room dropped off carry on and went straight to bus for Hollywood Studios.

I was getting off the bus at exactly 2 hours from the time I exited the plane.

I have no idea if renting car would be faster or not. But figuring I had to wait 10-20 min for Magical Express and the bus stopped two places before my resort, you figure it may be about the same time as renting and driving.

So I would say 2.5 - 3 hours would be safe for fp+ times.

 

[drb116]

Yes, I would add a little time to your estimates. It will probably take more like 40 minutes to drive to WDW, depending on the time of day and where exactly you are going. 20 minutes will get you from your hotel to Epcot, but driving to MK rakes a little longer since you have to park and take the monorail.

 

[eeyoresmom]

You could face weather delays in December but there's no way around that. 30 minutes to rent a car is ideal but I would add another 15 minutes to that if you are flying into Orlando.