Orlando airport at 4:30 getting to wishes cruise at 8?

[SoCalKDG]

My plane is scheduled to arrive at Orlando airport at 4:30. Can I make it to my hotel, which is HIFS, check in, grab a bite to eat, and make it to the Contemporary for a wishes cruise at 8?

I can join another family that has the cruise booked already. It would be a Saturday in Sept. I haven't been to WDW yet, so I'm not sure of the timing when it comes to picking up luggage, rental car, driving, check in, driving to WL, etc.

I think this would be a great way to start the trip, and no need to use a pass that day at a park.

Thoughts, opinions, info. I want it all.

Thanks.

 

[kimwim8]

I'd be surprised if you could pull it off. It's one thing if you had transportation waiting for you at baggage claim, but with you getting your luggage, then getting in line at your rental car counter (I can't remember who we rented with in 2000, but we had to take a shuttle to the rental car office, and then wait in line there for our car), then finding your way to your hotel, then waiting in line there to check in....I'm not sure.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

 

[dzneelvr]

The drive from the airport will be a little over an hour if you get a limo or towncar that will take you directly to the resort. Taking into account luggage delays, etc. I would say you'd hit your resort about 1 hour prior to the cruise. If your flight is delayed then you're done....
sounds like a hurried, harried arrival to me...I'd re schedule if I were you. Who wants to start off a trip with your pants on fire!!

 

[Micca]

I agree...why get all wound up and anxious over your arrival? I think you could make it, but the stress is not necessary on a vacation

 

[SoCalKDG]

Thanks guys for the info. I'm still thinking of going with the reservations, but making these adjustments.

I'm signing up for express checkout for the rental car, and its at the airport. I'll have my wife get the car while I get the luggage. Then if we are running behind, we will check in to our hotel after the wishes cruise(we have late check in as late as midnight).

Originally our flight wasn't going to get into Orlando until 9:00 pm, thus check in at the earliest was going to be at 10 PM. Now we will be there earlier and want I want to start off the vacation with a magical moment, which I hope the cruise will be.

A sleep in day will be in order for the next day(Sunday) as we will be at Epcot and have it scheduled for another day as well.

 

[MOMOF2LILPRINCESSES]

We arrived the day before Hurricane Charley arrived in Orlando at around 3:30pm and were able to make it to the Polynesian Luauat 7:30pm. We still had to pick up our luggage, get the rental car, check in to the all star movies resort , freshen up and wait stand by at the Luau. It was kinda crazy, but once we got to the luau everything was fantastic & after the show we walked to the "beach" and saw the Wishes fireworks show!!!! It was a magical evening!! Good luck & go for it. Think of it as an adventure to accomplish!!

 

[PlutoPony]

Do you know the on-time % for the flight you're on (it's usually buried someplace in the airline website)? That would give you more infomation about your chances of getting to Orlando on time .....
Good luck if you chose to go that route - suspect it will be tight at best!

 

[Barbday62]

Dont forget if wife gets the car she will be the driver.

 

[SoCalKDG]

Dont forget if wife gets the car she will be the driver.

Thanks. She gets car sick if she doesn't drive.

Do you know the on-time % for the flight you're on (it's usually buried someplace in the airline website)?

91%, so I think thats good.

I'm also using Dollar for the car, and just joined their fast lane service to get out of there quicker.

I know at LAX I've had my luggage and been out the door in 30 minutes. If the whole process takes less than an hour, I should be out the door before 5:30, then to the hotel by 6:30 at the latest. Quick check in, then off to the boat. If I run late, we will just wave at the hotel as we go past it.