Is this pushing it too close?

OrangeCat04

You may have noticed that im not all there myself
Joined
Feb 2, 2009
Messages
561
Hi! We have 2pm reservations for the Fantasmic Package at Mama Melrose, and our flight gets in that day at 10:35. We are taking Magical express to the resort then taking a bus to the studios. Is this pushing it too close??
 
I think it is. You may make it to the Studios by that time, but it requires a lot of rushing, and I wouldn't want that stress on my first day of vacation. Plus, if you do miss it, you'll be charged, since it is a package dinner.
 
I think you could make it, actually - you will have to hustle each step of the way, but at the end of your hustle, there's a nice sit-down meal to relax & get into the Disney mood. Here's the scenario: The rule of thumb that I have seen for DME from the time your plane lands until you're getting dropped off at your hotel is 90 minutes. So a 10:35 arrival + 90 min. will have you getting off the bus at your hotel shortly after noon (12:05.) Checking in, making arrangements for stowing your luggage, potty break... could take another 20 minutes or so, gets you to 12:25. Think you'd be in the bus line for DHS by 12:30. If it took 20 min to get a bus (like you just missed the DHS bus), then a 15 min. ride, you'd be getting to DHS around 1:05 or 1:10. Then go through bag check, ticket turnstyles, etc. and walk back to the restaurant and check in 10-15 min. before your reservation.

Now, there's a chance your flight is late, you miss the bus here or there, etc. I say go for it.:thumbsup2

The alternative if you want to see Fantasmic that night is to eat counter service meal, and get to the theater at 75-90 min. before show time.
 
I also agree that you would be taking a big chance of possibly not making that ADR in time.

We traveled to WDW twice last year and took the Magical Express both times. I don't have a record of how much time it took from scheduled plane landing until we reached the Polynesian in May. But I do have notes from December when we stayed at the BWI. It took about 2 hours and 10 min. from landing at MCO to check-in at BWI via ME. Then you have to allow up to 90 minutes to get to your ADR. (We did make most of ours in less than 60 minutes.)
 

It takes about 2 hours (about 30 min to get to check-in, 30-45 minutes to check-in and leave, and 30-45 to get to hotel) to get from your plane to your hotel using Magical Express. If you skip check in, you can be at studios by 1:30 at the latest.
 
Skip DME and take a town car. You'll be at your hotel room in under an hour. I would go INSANE sitting on a bus for over 2 hours trying to get to my hotel!!!
 
If your flight is on time you will make it.

I figure an hour from land time to resort arrival (with DME). Use online check-in to expidite that process.

Your room will likely not be ready that early (11:45 ish) - just leave your carry-ons with the luggage people at the resort and board the bus to HS.

I'd say the latest you'd get to HS (again with plane on time) is 1:00, but I'd say you'd get there more around 12:30 ish.
 
I thnk you'll be fine. It's noever taken us more than an hour and half from the time our flight landed to get to our hotel. You'll be there early!
 
I really think that is cutting it too close. The idea of rushing around like a chicken with its head cut off doesn't appeal too much to me (anymore LOL). Personally i would err on the side of caution in case your flight was running a little late or if anything else went wrong (sickness, etc) and try to schedule a latter lunch or early dinner.
 
I think you will be fine.

I wouldn't sweat it, have the restarant's phone number handy in case you are running really late. If you are going to be more than 20 min late, give them a ring to tell them you are on your way. I think you will make it.
 
Too many variables, none of which are under your control. Change the ADR or change mode of transportation. :earsboy:
 












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