Late arrival = orlando hotel?

[cmdg]

I know I am very ahead in our planning, but I just can't wait!!

We will be flying in to WDW from California. We are using Virgin America points, so that is our only option for travel and it looks like they only have one flight from LA to Orlando which gets in at 4:30PM. By the time we take ME to the resort (WL) it will be nearing 6pm.

DS will be almost 3 at the time and we assume he'll probably be going to bed around 8/8:30, a little later than he does at home. So, are we wasting a hotel night by coming in so close to his bedtime? I'm thinking there won't be much for us to do except maybe a dinner and quick swim.

It just occurred to me that we could fly in to Orlando the day before we are supposed to check in at WL and just stay in a cheaper airport hotel, then take ME over in the morning and have a whole day for exploring on that first day rather than just 2 hours.

But... I wonder if that would take some of the "magic" out of the trip? We always love getting off the plane and right on to the ME! But it feels like we'll be wasting money that first night.

 

[Belle83]

6 p.m. isn't that late. I'd just go straight to the hotel, personally. That's a lot of time to deal with changing hotels, taking the shuttle from airport hotel back to airport and then waiting for ME....not worth it imo. Plus you'll have to pay to change your flight, probably.

 

[cmdg]

6 p.m. isn't that late. I'd just go straight to the hotel, personally. That's a lot of time to deal with changing hotels, taking the shuttle from airport hotel back to airport and then waiting for ME....not worth it imo. Plus you'll have to pay to change your flight, probably.

I'm torn... we haven't booked our flights yet so that wouldn't be a problem. And the hotel is literally right inside the airport so there is no shuttle. I guess my worry is that if we are paying $500 a night to stay in WDW then I want to get the most for the $ and a later arrival with only two hours to play before our son will need to go to sleep makes me wonder if we're wasting $ that first night. I know we'll wake refreshed in the morning, but I also wonder if spending a little to fly in the day before check-in will give us 7 full days at WDW rather than just 6.

 

[goopysolelady]

Oh, I'd stay at the airport! You'll certainly save money. I'd check with ME though about necessary ID or whatever you'd need and ask them about the earliest ME bus the next morning. You'd have to deal with your luggage; on arrival and getting back to pick up area, but I think it would totally be worth it. Your son will be excited/tired from the long plane ride; early bedtime and rise/shine the next morning...rested and ready to go. You wouldn't be able to get into a room until the next afternoon but once you're checked in and luggage is stored you can head for a park. I think that's an excellent idea!

 

[MissouriPrincess]

This past trip, I stayed offsite due to a late arrival (we drove, though, so no ME to worry about). I told my husband I would not want to do that again. We still felt like we were going to lose park time if we didn't get there at opening. So, we packed up everything (and we had a lot with a toddler), checked out, and drove straight to the Magic Kingdom to get there by rope drop.

When it was time for our break, we drove to Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village to check in. Our room wasn't ready yet at 2:30. I knew that was probable. So, we drove to get food at the Mara since our dining was now active. While there, we got the text our room was ready.

So, we went back and unloaded everything. The toddler really didn't get a rest because by the time we were arranged, it was time to leave for an ADR at Chef Mickey's.

Long story, I know, but it seems to me that you are going to need time to check in and get organized. It can be the night before your trip really gets going, or it can be on your first park day. We only had five park days.

Next trip, I will just check in at our resort whenever we get there to be ready for the next day with a park visit.

 

[Allison]

Six is not late. Use those hours to get settled in your room and to relax before the park touring starts the next day. Having a relaxing meal at the resort and maybe go for a swim.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I know I am very ahead in our planning, but I just can't wait!!

We will be flying in to WDW from California. We are using Virgin America points, so that is our only option for travel and it looks like they only have one flight from LA to Orlando which gets in at 4:30PM. By the time we take ME to the resort (WL) it will be nearing 6pm.

DS will be almost 3 at the time and we assume he'll probably be going to bed around 8/8:30, a little later than he does at home. So, are we wasting a hotel night by coming in so close to his bedtime? I'm thinking there won't be much for us to do except maybe a dinner and quick swim.

It just occurred to me that we could fly in to Orlando the day before we are supposed to check in at WL and just stay in a cheaper airport hotel, then take ME over in the morning and have a whole day for exploring on that first day rather than just 2 hours.

But... I wonder if that would take some of the "magic" out of the trip? We always love getting off the plane and right on to the ME! But it feels like we'll be wasting money that first night.

I don't think 6 is late al all!! We don't usually get in until 10:30-11:00 at night!

 

[Hopefully]

Although I don't think 6 is late either, it is to you in your situation. I would stay at an off site hotel that night and start your Disney vacation the next morning. We did this one year, although we got in after 10 PM. But know, doing that, you may not have a room until late in the afternoon, even if you check in first thing in the morning.

 

[mickeynut1]

I agree that 6 p.m is not late and I would go straight to the WL rather than stay at the airport and take DME the next morning. I would take that time to go for a swim, grab a bite to eat, get settled in your room, etc. After your son goes to bed, you and your DH can sit on the balcony taking in all the beautiful scenery. Then the next morning you will be well rested and ready to start your day . We always get in late the night before (usually after midnight) and while it does cost more than an offsite or airport hotel, I wouldn't do it any other way as it is great getting settled and waking up the next morning ready to go rather than having to pack up and move. Good luck with whatever you decide and have a great trip .

 

[Karabee]

I don't think 6 is late either. We're getting in around 930 our next trip. However, similar to you, we didn't want to pay for that night at SSR so we booked POP our first night! I find the transfer so easy since we don't pack a lot so that's not an issue for us- I guess big packers that's a different story.
Even though you might not get into your new room until 3 or 4, at least you have a room onsite until the 11 check out!

 

[stephgles]

I also agree 6 isnt late. We arent arriving until 9:30 p.m. I would eat and swim go back to the room unpack and you and your dh can sit on the balacony and enjoy the view and relax a bit while you little one sleeps. You would loss valueable time stay off property, as you are adding additional travel time. If you get there in the a.m. your room might not be ready and you will have to head back and later in the day to get situated in the room. Even if you feel you are wasting your money stay at WL for the night see if you can get a room on disney property at a value resort. This way you are atleast on Disney property.

 

[dzorn]

I would not call 6pm a late arrival either. For me a late arrivial would be closer to waking up then the time we go to bed.

Not sure how much you would save but I would take into account the pita factor and stay at WL if possible.

Denise in MI

 

[dzorn]

I'm torn... we haven't booked our flights yet so that wouldn't be a problem. And the hotel is literally right inside the airport so there is no shuttle. I guess my worry is that if we are paying $500 a night to stay in WDW then I want to get the most for the $ and a later arrival with only two hours to play before our son will need to go to sleep makes me wonder if we're wasting $ that first night. I know we'll wake refreshed in the morning, but I also wonder if spending a little to fly in the day before check-in will give us 7 full days at WDW rather than just 6.

Are you taking into account the time change for your little one? Your little one goes to bed at 5:30 at home?

Denise in MI

 

[TeamBlack]

We're flying in from AZ in Sept. arriving around 7pm the day before our ressie. We have a room booked at the Best Western near the airport(free shuttle and free breakfast) $65. We will take the shuttle back to the airport after breakfast and hop on DME, then were off. Pre-arrange with DME so they know to expect you in the morning.

 

[cmdg]

Are you taking into account the time change for your little one? Your little one goes to bed at 5:30 at home?

Denise in MI

I forgot to think about that. He goes to bed at 7PM and I'm sure will be a bit later in FL, but generally when we visit the east coast his bedtime still stays around 8/8:30 that first night since he is tired form the excitement of traveling.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I might book a room at the Hyatt at the airport you'd still be saving money over WL and you wouldn't have to worry about a shuttle - just go up to your room and rest. After a long flight it might be nice to just crash.

Otherwise may be book a value resort for a night - you'd still have the Disney magic - and could enjoy the value resort theme!

 

[BigKid45]

If you can afford it, I say go straight to WL. Early evening at WL is full of things to do and I bet your little one will be ready for a full evening. Swimming, exploring WL (it's really neat..even for little ones), pool is open, and the Water Pagent goes right by WL about 830-9PM. Then up with the chickens and off to the parks!!