Magical Express and diner reservations

[manning]

The plane arrives at 5:20 pm. Staying at Beach Club.

When would be a safe time to book a dinner reservation At the Dolphin?

 

[akfan513]

We have had it vary between 2 and three hours from plane landing to resort room. Realize that you won't have your checked luggage when you arrive at the resort so pack whatever clothes you want to wear to dinner in your carry on.

 

[Shanti]

The plane arrives at 5:20 pm. Staying at Beach Club.

When would be a safe time to book a dinner reservation At the Dolphin?

7:30 or later should be fine, as long as your flight arrives on time..

 

[maxiesmom]

I would have at least a 3 hour buffer.

 

[sam_gordon]

Safe time? The next night.

Gate to resort is SUPPOSED to take 90 minutes. Then you need to get to the Dolphin. Do you need to change clothes? I'd plan on at least another 30 minutes. So we're at 2 hours if everything goes right. The earliest I would book would probably be 8:30-9p. What if your plane is late? What if DME takes longer? What if there's a problem at check in? What if you have problems getting between resorts, etc.

 

[anonymousegirl]

In 2008, I had a scheduled 6pm arrival at MCO with carry on bags only. No DME then (or I didn't know about it) so I had a rental car. Had a ADR at Chef Mickeys at Contemporary for 9pm. We barely made it. Had to drop off bags at POR and drive to dinner like a bat outta you-know-where.

 

[ptlohmysoul]

Our experience is airport to resort, 1 1/2 hours. I've found it too stressful to make reservations for that close to arrival. Is that a restaurant you really need reservations for? Or can you make the reservations when you're close to Beach Club?

 

[siskaren]

In 2008, I had a scheduled 6pm arrival at MCO with carry on bags only. No DME then (or I didn't know about it) so I had a rental car.

Just as an FYI, DME has existed since 2005.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Personally I would not book an ADR on arrival day. Many things can go wrong to prevent you from making it there. Why risk forfeiting $10 per person if you have to miss that reservation. My nephew just had this happen. His flight was delayed leaving Ohio because there was a weather system in Orlando. Therefore they did not take off on time. Got to MCO and they had no gate available for the plane. Waited another 20 on the tarmac for a gate to open up. Got off the plane and the shuttle was not working and had to be bused to the terminal. My Uncle who lives in Orlando said MCO is having a lot of problems with airport shuttle. Infact Jet Blue is advising their passengers and the DME to get people to the airport 3 hrs before their flight. They were 2 1/2 hrs late getting to MCO.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Just as an FYI, DME has existed since 2005.

Yes, that's why I mentioned that I must not have known about it. First trip back since early 90s, so I had a big learning curve.

 

[ncc1701]

You can see once you are on DME if a reservation is available. Our flights are scheduled to arrive between 9:30- 11:00am . Even then I don't make any ADR ahead of time for that day.Usually we wing it on arrival day but I have booked an ADR for dinner once we on the way to/ arrived at our resort.

 

[dancin Disney style]

With a 6pm arrival I don't think I would make an ADR at all. The last three years running we have been arriving in the evening and things have seemed to slow down with DME. Perhaps it's just because fewer people arrive later, IDK. The wait for the bus to depart has gotten longer for sure. This past March we sat on the bus for more than 25 minutes before it pulled out and when we got on the bus was about half full already so we thought that we would be leaving quickly. We had a DME trip last year that made 4 stops at WDW resorts and of course we were the last stop. We were 2hr and 15 minutes from the time we got off the plane to arriving at the resort. With 5 trips in the last three years, I've come to the conclusion that it's worthwhile to arrive the night before our trip officially starts but it is going to be a long, slow process.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Just to add....
If I were to make an ADR it would be no earlier than 9pm and I would have to be willing to pay the no show fee if things didn't work out.

 

[karly05]

OP, what time of year are you going? Where at the Dolphin are you wanting to eat? In early February this year, I did not book an ADR ahead of time for arrival day, but after I got to my resort I had no problem booking a last minute ADR for BlueZoo that night. Dolphin restaurants aren't on the dining plan and seem more "adult-friendly" and easier than most to book same-day/last minute. I would not prebook for arrival day but get on MDE once I reach the resort and see what I can get for dinner.

 

[Blackadder337]

A friend of mine just got back about 3 weeks ago (Late july), they flew from Toronto to Orlando and arrived at 3pm. They had an ADR for 6:30 (so 3 1/2 hours after landing) and they missed it.

So I'd say if that's the only time you can get THAT particular ADR, then do it, but when we go, we're usually too tired after landing to rush off to a big dinner.

Our first night we just ate at Boatrights (we stayed at POR)

 

[seashoreCM]

... They had an ADR for 6:30 (so 3 1/2 hours after landing) and they missed it. ...

Did they at least get to their resort with enough time to drop their bags at Bell Services and grab a taxi to the dinner venue?

On average, one in five commercial flights lands more than 15 minutes late.

 

[goofy4tink]

Also depends on the time of year you're flying. Weather can severely impact flights..on both ends. I tend to book any ADRs, on arrival day, at least 3 hrs after I hope to arrive at my resort. So, for a flight that lands at 5:20, I would assume you would arrive at BC around 7ish. Unless your flight is delayed for some reason. If it were me, I wouldn't book an ADR for your arrival night. Most places at the S/D allow for walkups, so you could try that. Worst case scenario, you eat at Picabu that night. You probably wouldn't even get over to the Dolphin until close to 8, if you arrive at BC by 7...by the time you get to your room, freshen up, then walk over to the Dolphin.

 

[tobikaye]

I rarely book any ADRs on arrival day, no matter if I drive or fly. I think the only time I have done so, my scheduled arrival was 10 am and I made a 6 pm ADR. I currently have a 6:30 pm arrival in January and if I decide I want a TS meal, I will make the ADR either once I arrive at the resort, or when my bus is near the resort. It may mean I do not get a "must" have reservation, but usually I can find a decent reservation still.

 

[Sugardimples]

It's at the Dolphin so I don't think the WDW cancellation fee applies.

 

[scrapquitler]

I wouldn't even consider any reservation earlier than 8:30. I've had magic express take as little as 55 minutes, and as much as 2 hour and 10 minutes. Once you get off ME, you'll still want to either drop your bags in your room or at bell services, which will likely add at least 15 minutes, then you'll need to walk over to the Swan, another 10 minutes maybe. That could easily put you close to 2 hour 45 minutes from landing IF your plane isn't delayed at all.