orlando airport?? How crowded April vacation week?

[jdearman77]

Hi , I am flying into Orlando Airport and am worried about the crowds during April Vacation week. I am coming for the last shuttle launch so these dates can't be changed.

I'll be flying in on Sunday the 17th and leaving Sunday the 24th

My flight arrives on the 17th around 1:30PM ish.

And leaves Orlando around 3 ish on the 24th.

I am wondering will I have any problem renting a car on the 17th @ the orlando airport @ That time of day? Or is early afternoon a good time to fly in?

I am considering using E-Z rent a car, National or Alamo, any experiences with these companies @ The Orlando airport?

My other question is coming back, how early should I arrive at the airport so I won't miss my flight? Are sundays really busy for April vacation week?
getting out of Orlando? My flight is mid afternoon so will that be a better time to fly out than say the early morning ???

How many hours should I get to the airport to return my car and check in/security etc??? get to the gate, etc. ???

Thanks for any help in my planning

 

[jdearman77]

I'd really appreciate someone reply to this question.

I had a bad experience even in May at Orlando airport. It was jammed with people, and took me 1 1/2 hour to get through the rental return line @ Dollar, and then Another 1 hour to get checked in my bags, and then the security line was jammed packed..and I almost missed my flight if it wasn't for a jetblue employee who let me through the employee line.
They were literally waiting for me to come down the jetway and pulled back from the gate right when I got on.

So if someone could please answer my question about timing and how the airport might be around that time. I am worried about what time to get to the airport and such.. should I allow at least 4 hours since its vacation week? or is 3 adequate??

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, it is Easter time and many schools have their spring vacation the week prior to this. So, you can expect MCO to be cranking...especially for a midday flight. I know you're not going to want to hear this but if it were me, I would plan on being at MCO 4 hrs before my flight...that means arriving at MCO no later than 11:30, a bit earlier would be better. There is absolutely nothing worse than worrying about being late for a flight.

I would expect MCO to be pretty busy on the 17th as well. But that shouldn't impact you too much. My question for you is 'have you booked your rental yet'?? Prices are ridiculously high for this time period. I booked my car back in May....cost me $350 from 4/14-4/124. And it has at least doubled since then. I'm flying into Sanford so that may have impacted my cost somewhat.

 

[grumpytx]

I've flown into MCO at different times of the year. The one thing I've noticed is it always seems busy, I would plan on arriving at the airport 2 to 3 hours early to be safe. We went in 2007 and watched a shuttle launch. The traffic coming back was bad, took an hour and a half to get to Titusville and over four to get back to Orlando.
Good luck.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

As another poster said, I would suggest being there at least 4 hours prior to your flight, since OIA (MCO) will be very busy.

 

[jdearman77]

Thanks, Airfare done by air miles
Lodging - Silver Lake resort through a trade with RCI (right by Animal Kingdom)
Rental: Dollar rent a car around $400.
not too bad

other expenses:
Tampa Bay Rays ticket $20
Shuttle launch package Florida Dolphin tours Nasa Causeway: $160 ish.
Gas money to bring
Shopping money
About $300 for dining reservations @ Disney and other dining money

so maybe $600 or $700 total + the $400 for the car rental.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

As another poster said, I would suggest being there at least 4 hours prior to your flight

This is ridiculously early, even for a time when the airport will be very crowded. Arriving 2 hours early, 2 1/2 if you are really anxious, is plenty.

 

[SilverMickey]

WE LOVED Silver Lake Resort! Ask about the "back way" to Disney. Disney property is directly across the road from the back of the property! Have fun!

I would plan 2 hours for the airport part of your trip. When you rent you car as the rental counter how long it should take you on the 24th to get your car returned. We have never had to wait on a return... we always use Alamo or National.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Sundays are busy at MCO. And it's a holiday week..

Give yourself a couple of hours at MCO AFTER you return the car etc...

It's not a well run airport and it doesn't take much to make security checkpoints a zoo!

 

[goofy4tink]

I was one who suggested 4 hrs. Why? Because no one is going to arrive that early, but if I say to arrive 2.5 hrs before, they're going to figure 2 is good enough. Say 3 hrs, and a bit more than 2 is 'good enough'. I say 4 and hope that translates to 3. I'm flying home on Easter Sunday..out of Sanford, and I'm allowing more time than usual, even for that smaller airport.
MCO is going to be a zoo on Easter Sunday...2-2.5 may not be nearly enough. Better to get there 3 hrs beforehand, get bags checked, through security and grab a bite to eat and relax.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

I have no advice for you but I am reading your thread with interest. I too am coming down for the 4/19 shuttle launch. I got my confirmation from my senator yesterday that we were granted Causeway tickets! I have been planning this trip out since January 2010! Rebooked several times due to launch date changes!

We are flying in on the 16th around 9:20 at night and just staying that night at the Hyatt right in the airport. Will rent a car the morning of the 17th and then we are staying at the Holiday Inn in New Smyrna Beach. Flying home the evening of the 23rd.

I actually have 2 cars booked right now. At Budget an SUV for $332 that I got going through http://www.carrentalsavers.com/florida-car-rental.html

I also have a minivan booked at Budget using the X474200 code for $282. So depending on the type of car you are renting you may be able to do better than $400 at Dollar. Check Mousesavers.com for some additional rental codes.

As for launch info I have been following this site:

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=4.0

Especially the Viewing launch thread and the rollout (latest) thread to keep updated on all that is happening and getting lots of great tips on viewing!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I've never flown into or out of MCO when it wasn't crowded. Well except my
2 a.m arrival the airport was dead. Plan for security lines to be rather long and take at least 30 minutes.. maybe longer to get through and gate area's to be crowded.

 

[mickeyluv]

We are flying out of MCO on April 17th with a 12:00pm flight. We'll be fine I think as long as we're at the airport by 10am...won't we? Easter Sunday isn't until the 24th so 2 hours should be fine, at least that's what i'm hoping. We'll be getting off of the Disney Dream cruise that morning but have asked for an 8:30 pick-up time from a private transportation company.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

IF OP goes with EZ Rent, I would take the 4 hour advice. That gives you time to stand in lines.

If you go with National or another major company go with 2.5.

If the lines to check your luggage are LONG get out some cash and walk out to the curb. Pay the skycap to deal with your luggage... it's just a couple of bucks tip per piece and it gets your luggage out of your hands.

Do not assume you will be let into the employee line or that "pleading" will get you in the front of the security line. (There's a reason MCO was one of the FIRST airports to get the Clear service back.... Incompentent management of those lines!)