Magical Express and hotel departure

[seashoreCM]

Do you HAVE to leave 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight? Do they make multiple stops before heading to the airport? 3 hours just seems like an awfully long time especially if you have your boarding passes and checked your bags. I never leave for LAX that early and I still have to check in and check bags when I get there.

Do this as a compromise.

1. Keep the 3 hour in advance Magical Express bus ride back to the airport.
2. For more park time, skip the last meal you would have had at Disney.
3. Have that meal at the airport, inside security. There is a small food court at each gate area.

If you tend to spend a lot of time eating, you can reserve and earlier DME bus, for example 3-1/2 hours before your flight.

 

[ncc1701]

I was wondering about that. I have a 7:40 PM flight home on a Friday night. Traffic could definitely be a factor, and although I suspect not many vacationing families would be leaving then, the security lines could have regular business types.

Not sure where international flights leave MCO. But based on flights we have taken from Philadelphia to the UK at that time of day there may be plenty of families. Not to mention people getting a later US flight to home so they get the most out of their vacation ( and save money as hotel rates go up on weekends)

 

[georgina]

Not sure where international flights leave MCO. But based on flights we have taken from Philadelphia to the UK at that time of day there may be plenty of families. Not to mention people getting a later US flight to home so they get the most out of their vacation ( and save money as hotel rates go up on weekends)

Oh well, wishful thinking on my part. At least it's just me and I will only have a carry-on bag to deal with. We always stayed until Sunday night to maximize our Disney time when going with the family!

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

Just wanted to report back. Our flight was at 4:15 P.M. on Friday. MDE was scheduled for 1:25. We arrived at MCO at about 1:50 and were through security and at our gate before 2:30. So plenty of time. I guess that 3 hour time frame is just a safe time frame to account for traffic and security at various times of the day/week.

 

[goofy4tink]

I was wondering about that. I have a 7:40 PM flight home on a Friday night. Traffic could definitely be a factor, and although I suspect not many vacationing families would be leaving then, the security lines could have regular business types.

Believe me...there will be 'families' traveling every day, at all times of day!!! I've traveled through MCO on just about every day, and at various times of day...and there is always a wait at security. The least amount of time I've spent in line for security was about 15 mins...and that one time I had used JB's more speed aisle!!

Just wanted to report back. Our flight was at 4:15 P.M. on Friday. MDE was scheduled for 1:25. We arrived at MCO at about 1:50 and were through security and at our gate before 2:30. So plenty of time. I guess that 3 hour time frame is just a safe time frame to account for traffic and security at various times of the day/week.

You got lucky! There can be up to 3 or 4 resort stops along the way. There can be traffic, and security can be well over half an hour. Looks like the stars aligned perfectly for you. That doesn't always happen!

I've had anywhere from 10 mins to an 90 mins at the gate. Do I like sitting there, waiting? Nope. But it sure beats stressing out at security when it's about 30 mins to boarding time....and I'm way back in the line!!!

 

[crazydaisy00]

Does anyone know the list of airlines that you can check in at your resort or a link to a good thread for more info?

 

[Gracie09]

Does anyone know the list of airlines that you can check in at your resort or a link to a good thread for more info?

Try the magic express/rac what a participating airline really means sticky.