Plane arrives very late. Any tips?

[ekatiel]

Our flight does not arrive at MCO until 11:05pm. I know we will have to get our own luggage at the airport to bring on the ME. The flight was WAY cheaper than any others within about a 3 day period, so 11:05 it is. We are staying at the GF for a conference. Will we have a problem checking in so late?-- I'm sure we won't be there until after midnight. Should I call them and let them know we'll be late or will they already know b/c of our ME reservation? We don't have anything planned for the next morning except a character breakfast at 'Ohana at 10:50am, so we should be able to sleep in a bit that morning. Any other tips about arriving so late?

 

[sam_gordon]

Make sure you have everything you need for the night and the next day in a carryon. Just in case a bag is misdirected somewhere, you probably won't see it until the next day.

I wouldn't anticipate a problem, but I'd call and let the GF know you're going to be checking in late. I've checked into hotels at 1 or 2am with no issues (not at Disney, but that's not too unusual).

Another possibility... find a hotel near the airport, especially if you're paying for the GF (as opposed to work). Use that hotel's shuttle to get you there then back to the airport the next morning to catch ME. (Let ME know you'll be arriving the next day if you do this). I would try to be back at the airport by 8am. That will allow you to get to GF by 9, check in, then head to the Poly (take the motor launch... it will be quicker than the monorail).

 

[ekatiel]

Make sure you have everything you need for the night and the next day in a carryon. Just in case a bag is misdirected somewhere, you probably won't see it until the next day.

I wouldn't anticipate a problem, but I'd call and let the GF know you're going to be checking in late. I've checked into hotels at 1 or 2am with no issues (not at Disney, but that's not too unusual).

Another possibility... find a hotel near the airport, especially if you're paying for the GF (as opposed to work). Use that hotel's shuttle to get you there then back to the airport the next morning to catch ME. (Let ME know you'll be arriving the next day if you do this). I would try to be back at the airport by 8am. That will allow you to get to GF by 9, check in, then head to the Poly (take the motor launch... it will be quicker than the monorail).

Thanks for the tips. DH's work is picking up the hotel tab, so we'll stick with the late check-in at the GF . Great idea about packing what we'll need for the night in carry-ons. Even if we have our luggage, I doubt we'll want to go sifting through it at midnight!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

to go with having everything for the first night in carryon, make sure each checked bag has clothing for everyone so everyone has a change of clothes in case of delayed bag

 

[mamabunny]

Our last trip, we arrived after 11:00 pm and took ME to POFQ. I had called ahead, just as a courtesy, however everything went just perfectly.

Because we were arriving so late, the front desk even loaded our luggage onto a golf cart, and sent us off with a bell person to our room! He was awesome, helped us get everything in to the room, and gave us several great tips about the resort.

As others have mentioned - be prepared, pack a carry on with the essentials - and don't forget any medications that might be needed by your family. (I always put our medications in carry on anyway, but that's another topic for another post LOL)

The nicest thing about arriving late was that the resort was quieter - we got to see it during a time when a lot of folks are already tucked in for the night.

Have a super trip!

 

[Lewisc]

Make sure you eat on the plane. Bring sandwiches if your airline doesn't serve an edible dinner.

Food options will be limited. Almost all of the food court in MCO will be closed when you land. The places open may be out of sandwiches.

GF has a 24 hour snack bar, I suspect the food offerings after midnight are limited.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We arrived after midnight at the GF and everything went as excepted. It was nice to walk around the resort and it was nearly a ghost town.

 

[maxiesmom]

My tip is to not use Magical Express. The most magical part of it is them handling your bags, and that is the part you won't be able to benefit from. Do your family a favor and book a car service. That way they will help you with your bags, load you up and drive you straight to your resort. No waiting for your bus, no waiting on the bus to leave, and then no waiting for your resort stop.

The one time we used Magical Express late at night it was 2 1/2 hours from getting off of the plane to standing at our resort's check in desk. No way will I ever risk that again!

 

[sbrost13]

I second the idea of hiring a town car. We did that for our last trip and it was a life saver! So convenient and the driver even had a cooler with ice cold drinks for us. Both kids immediately fell asleep.