MCO to BWV -- How Long?

[BabsBunny]

How long would you say it typically takes from the time you land to the time you get to the check in line (assuming you aren't getting your bags)? I've never really paid attention. We usually claim our bags and take them on ME ourselves in the hopes our room will be ready. Otherwise, we just hang at the pool until they are.

But since we will be arriving so early, and since I doubt that our room at BWV will be ready (it's during F&WF), I'm thinking of switching it up and doing a park after check in. I'm sure we'll be starving, so I want to make a lunch reservation somewhere and I'm not sure how early I should make it.

And while I have your ears, if you were staying at BWV, would you walk over to Epcot or would you bus it to MK, etc. for a few hours?

TIA.

 

[tjkraz]

Scheduling anything on your arrival day can be dicey. You never know what sort of travel delays may occur. Could be anything from airplane maintenance that delays your departure to a missed connection to traffic back-up in Orlando.

With regard to DME, the unknown factors are how long you'll have to wait at the airport for a bus and how many stops that bus will make before you are dropped off at your resort. Absolute best case scenario is about an hour. 1.5 - 2 hours is more typical. In extreme circumstances it could be even longer than that.

If you're getting an ADR at Epcot, I'd recommend a minimum of 2.5 hours from scheduled arrival. Do not book a reservation which requires a credit card deposit. Also try a slower location (i.e. NOT Le Cellier) and hope they have some flexibility in case you are running late.

Personally I'd just leave things open and not book an ADR. Places like ESPN Club, Kouzzina and Big River Grille are right on the BoardWalk. They either don't take ADRs or can usually accommodate walk-ups. If all else fails just get a counter service meal somewhere. If your plane runs late, lunch may end up being a hot dog at the airport. There are also several excellent restaurants at the Dolphin and Swan, most of which have 20% discounts for DVC members.

 

[preemiemama]

I agree with the pp- it is a challenge making ADRs on arrival day. We have stayed a few times at Boardwalk, and would say that 1.5 hours is a good average for travel time. All the Boardwalk area restaurants are good, IMO, and can usually accomodate walk-ups. You also have the "international food court" in World Showcase or Sunshine Seasons to choose from if you want a more substantial counter service meal. It is also very convenient to walk in to Epcot and enjoy a relaxing first day as opposed to rushing for a bus to MK. (Plus, you are much closer when the notify you that your room is ready.)

We tend to be parkhopping people, so I'd vote for lunch at Boardwalk and then Epcot early, a nap when the room is ready, then go to MK for the evening.

 

[BabsBunny]

Thanks, tjkraz. If it's 1.5 to 2 hours, I think I'll go with a 12:00 pm someplace on the Boardwalk. If I have to add time to get to a park or Epcot, it's going to be late.

I'm aware of travel delays, as we fly quite frequently. That being said, I'd still like to have a sit down lunch booked. If something goes wrong, c'est la vie. Knock on wood, we usually arrive early on the JetBlue direct. I hope I didn't jinx myself.

 

[BabsBunny]

I agree with the pp- it is a challenge making ADRs on arrival day. We have stayed a few times at Boardwalk, and would say that 1.5 hours is a good average for travel time. All the Boardwalk area restaurants are good, IMO, and can usually accomodate walk-ups. You also have the "international food court" in World Showcase or Sunshine Seasons to choose from if you want a more substantial counter service meal. It is also very convenient to walk in to Epcot and enjoy a relaxing first day as opposed to rushing for a bus to MK. (Plus, you are much closer when the notify you that your room is ready.)

We tend to be parkhopping people, so I'd vote for lunch at Boardwalk and then Epcot early, a nap when the room is ready, then go to MK for the evening.

Good thought on being close by at Epcot when room is ready.

I don't usually micro plan our trips, and we don't do the parks everyday, but I want to book dinner at LeCellier (never been), and I'm just trying to get an idea of what days we want to use our hoppers.

 

[jennypenny]

It takes us about an hour from the gate to the front desk but we don't use ME, we rent a car. This includes picking up our luggage, arguing over which car to take, checking out at national, and driving straight to BCV on the toll road.

We book Germany as our first meal on travel day. They are usually accommodating if we are delayed. And we usually miss at least one meal on travel day so the buffet and liter of beer really hit the spot

 

[mouseaider]

We did the same thing a couple of times and here is what we've done.

Arrive at MCO at around 11:15 and get on ME Bus. Arrive at BWV at around 12:00 to 12:30 and check in. We do on line check in and almost every time, our room has been ready for us every time. (I know... we are lucky)

A quick walk to Epcot and over to the Liberty Inn for a grilled chicken flat bread sandwich. We hang around Epcot for a few hours and walk out and get on the monorail.

We stay at MK until closing and then bus it back. Our bags are waiting in our room........ I love our first day!

Good luck with your planning.