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[dizneydiva2005]

I'm trying to decide if we should fly or drive to Orlando. When the kids go with us, we drive... but this is just hubby and me for 4 days. I'm not sure driving 9 hours is worth it but is flying worth the time?

I would want to use Magical express but I'm clueless on how to. I think I read you have to head to the airport 3 hours prior to your depart time? And it runs only until 1 pm... what if your flight is after that?
If we have to get to the airport so early, flying isn't worth it. It would take just as long as driving when all things considered. Time to and from the airport, layovers, check in...
I have flown to Orlando prior to 9/11 and had NO issues getting there... haven't flown since 9/11 and wonder what I'll have to deal with????

Flying would only be $150 more than driving with cost of gas, plus I just got a new car and hate to rack up the miles??
Because this is a quick trip, I would think flying is the way to go, but... I'm not exactly sure what I'm dealing with when it comes to Magical express. Last time I flew I used A car service, it was great but I don't want to pay the money this time. Last trip I split it w/ other family members.

I'm torn on what to do. And Im rambling!!!

Any help???

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

You can use ME by registering. Simply call Disney and say you need to add your flight times for ME. You will get a booklet in the mail, with luggage tags, a map of Orlando Airport, etc. THere is a sticky thread at the top of this page with information on ME.

ME runs 24 hours a day, not only til 1 pm.

Yes, you will be picked up 3 hours prior to your flight time. I don't see this as much of a big deal for myself, as we would want to be at the airport at least 2 hours ahead anyway, I have heard security at MCO is nuts.

Check out the great ME threads at the top of the page!!! Posters who really know their ME have put in a lot of helpful info.

And goo luck on your decision!

 

[clkelley]

If your drive is only 9 hours and you have to change planes, I would honestly consider just driving.

We have a 11-12 hour drive, and if we have to change planes to get a good fare, I would rather drive.

For just time alone (and I'm guessing on some things cause I don't know where you are coming from).

Let's say you have an 8am flight out of your airport.

Leave your home at 5:30am to get to the airport by 6:00 am.

Flight leaves at 8am, arrive at layover at 9am, depart 2nd flight at 10:15 am, arrive Orlando 12:30 pm. Walk down to Magical Express area, worst case arrive at your resort at 2:30 pm, then check-in, then to the parks by 4:00 pm.

You could leave your home at 5:30 in the morning and drive straight to the parks and be in a park by 3pm, then go check-in later.

 

[goofy4tink]

Me, I would fly. Sure, you have to get to the airport early, but at least you arrive at WDW refreshed and not tired from the drive. I would book the flight, then call Disney to book the DME ride. It will take you about 70 minutes to get to your resort after you hop off the plane...at least that's about the average we're seeing. For the return to the airport, yes, you do get picked up about 3 hrs. before your flight departs. DME runs 24/7 though. You may be confusing the remote airline checkin desk hours with the hours for DME...they are unrelated. The remote airline checkin does close around 1ish, and reopens in the morning around 5ish. But DME runs all the time.
But, you do have to call and make reservations. And for a 4 day trip, I would most definatly fly...much less stress and fatigue for you guys.

 

[dizneydiva2005]

If your drive is only 9 hours and you have to change planes, I would honestly consider just driving.

We have a 11-12 hour drive, and if we have to change planes to get a good fare, I would rather drive.

For just time alone (and I'm guessing on some things cause I don't know where you are coming from).

Let's say you have an 8am flight out of your airport.

Leave your home at 5:30am to get to the airport by 6:00 am.

Flight leaves at 8am, arrive at layover at 9am, depart 2nd flight at 10:15 am, arrive Orlando 12:30 pm. Walk down to Magical Express area, worst case arrive at your resort at 2:30 pm, then check-in, then to the parks by 4:00 pm.

You could leave your home at 5:30 in the morning and drive straight to the parks and be in a park by 3pm, then go check-in later.

Our thoughts exactly!!!!! Sooo we were talking about it earlier and actually decided to leave the night before, drive to the beach in FL. Spend the night, relax a few hours on the beach and then head to WDW {only about an hour or two drive to disney at that point} so we won't feel so tired arriving Disney. I can't see leaving so early to wait in the airport, change planes, arrive, find transportation to the resort and I have no control over how long that will take. If it were a much longer drive, I'd fly.... but 8 hours or so... not worth the headache of flying and having flights late, or whatever.

Thanks everyone for your posts!!!