Leaving WDW for MCO

[Baltica]

For our trip in February we're scheduled for a flight out of MCO at 12:30 in the afternoon. We'll have to return a rental car before we depart.

By what time should we be leaving WDW property so as not to be stressed about catching our flight? Any chance that we could enjoy one of the parks for even an hour (thus leaving around 10:00)? Or would even that be cutting it too close?

 

[n2mm]

When returning our rental, we generally try to get to the airport 90 minutes before our flight and so far we've always had plenty of time. If you're using RAC for your luggage you should be good. But if you have to check your luggage at the counter, then I would allow 2 hours. Our waits through security have been as short as 5 minutes on Oct 5, 2010 (Tuesday) and as long as 30 minutes December 12, 2009 (Saturday). So if my flight was at 12:30PM I would leave the resort at 10:30AM. But that's us, and we do it often. We take the toll road too. We like to stop at one of the eateries at the airport and pick up a sandwich for the flight home.

 

[Michael623]

This question has been asked lots of times and the answers are typically all over the place. I have been riding POC 2.5 hours before my flight but I tend to push it a bit. My basic rule is to be in the car (at WDW) 2 hours before my flight. With a fuel stop and returning the car I've never missed a flight and that includes traveling with an infant. If you prefer a less stressful return I would say 2.5 hours is plenty of time. MK can be a bit tougher too because you need to take the monorail/boat plus the parking shuttle. Maybe opt for the Studios, that also puts you closer to 417 for the return trip.

PS We do tend to visit WDW in the off season (Jan/May/Sept) so if you're going during New England's February vacation time your results may vary.

I'm sure someone will respond that anything less than 4 hours early is crazy.

 

[tkldisney]

When returning our rental, we generally try to get to the airport 90 minutes before our flight and so far we've always had plenty of time. If you're using RAC for your luggage you should be good. But if you have to check your luggage at the counter, then I would allow 2 hours. Our waits through security have been as short as 5 minutes on Oct 5, 2010 (Tuesday) and as long as 30 minutes December 12, 2009 (Saturday). So if my flight was at 12:30PM I would leave the resort at 10:30AM. But that's us, and we do it often. We take the toll road too. We like to stop at one of the eateries at the airport and pick up a sandwich for the flight home.

That's pretty much what we do to. Our flight home next week is at 4:10, we'll leave Downtown Disney around 1:45 to return car around 2:15. IF you use 417, then take boggy creek exit that's the easiest and less traffic. You'll have two 1.25 tolls. You can fill your rental car at the Hess station right after you pass Caribe Royal and it will show full when returned. There is also a station a couple miles down the road if you turn right on Boggy Creek then just backtrack to the airport.
Is your rental car in terminal? If you have to take shuttle you'll need to allow more time.

 

[Michael623]

Is your rental car in terminal? If you have to take shuttle you'll need to allow more time.

This is an excellent point too. If you rented from an off-site place I would allow another 30 minutes.

 

[debknight]

As referenced in post #3, what is "New England's Feburary vacation time"?

 

[Michael623]

The week of President's Day, typically the 3rd week of Feb. It is quite busy that week. The 2 weeks before this are pretty quiet, but not as quiet as January.

 

[skelooch]

I agree with n2mm above, if you know where you are going 2 hours should be enough time.
But when I responded with the same advise to a similiar thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2582495 recently, I was chastised by several others for giving bad advise.

I too would suggest using RAC before leaving your resort, if it is available for your airline, if not give yourself an extra 15-20 minutes to check your bags at the airport.
Another option I have used before RAC when traveling with the family, is to drive to the departure area for your airline, checkin with the skycap and then return the rental car by myself, and meet up with the rest of the group near the security area. It will avoid having to drag your bags from the rental return area to the terminal and check them in there. It will save some time.

I don't think I would waste the time going to a park for a flight that early in the day, perhaps a round of mini golf or a stop at DTD, but I don't think a park would be worth it for an hour.

 

[debknight]

The week of President's Day, typically the 3rd week of Feb. It is quite busy that week. The 2 weeks before this are pretty quiet, but not as quiet as January.

President's Day is rather late next year - Feb. 21, 2011.

 

[Baltica]

Wow! Thanks for all your help!

The rental car will be from one of the agencies located at the airport itself, not some remote site, so that ought to help.

The reason I asked was that we will have a spare day on our passes that I'd love to be able to use. I was hoping that one or two final rides at either the Studios or Epcot would be a nice way to end the vacation.

And it'll be right at the beginning of February so President's Day won't be a factor!

 

[seashoreCM]

Your gearshift should be in drive by 10 AM at the latest (2-1/2 hours before flight time). Of course this means you have to be at the exit turnstiles a little sooner, like 9:30, to allow time to take the tram and walk to your car and cool down the car before getting in. (More time for leaving Magic Kingdom because you need to take the monorail or ferry too.)

 

[j's m]

My DH is overly obsessive. We usually leave the parks at least 3 hours before flight time. But we always get dinner at the airport, too.

Maybe it's because one time on the way to the Philadelphia airport there was a huge backup (midday made no sense) and we barely made it there on time, couldn't find a parking space (parked in short term illegally and paid six arms and two legs).

This year we'll be leaving on a Sunday, how will that affect the traffic to the airport? We usually leave mid-week.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Just a note--if you use RAC be prepared to stand in a line there!!!