question about picking up at MCO

[goofy4dvc]

My brother and sister-in-law are joining us for a trip to WDW in October. I will be arriving several hours earlier than they will and plan to rent a car and drive to VWL to check in. They will either take Magic Express or I will pick them up when they arrive. Since they don't arrive until 10:00, and I've heard some stories about late transfers on ME not getting their luggage until VERY late, I thought I would probably pick them up. So, what is the procedure for picking up passengers at MCO? Do I have to pay to park or can I arrange to meet them out front, load them up, and off we go? This is how we do it at our airport, but it's much smaller than MCO. What do you suggest? Thanks.

 

[Cruelladeville]

I would personally let them come on Magical Express, but if you want to pick them up at the airport, they will need a cell phone, as will you. They will need to call you when they land in Orlando. You will need to be circling the airport. Orlando is very fussy about parking out front--in fact, you can't, they will force you to move. That's why you see so many people driving around and around the airport. This isn't something a first-timer should do, however. You need to be familiar with the airport's signage. But, again, I think both of you should take Magical Express, and if you need a car for a day or two while at Disney, it only runs about $60, and you can get it at the Swan/Dolphin. It's basically no waiting, and they go out to the lot and get it for you. It's better than Car-Care, too.

 

[disney junky]

A couple of thoughts...
MCO is a pretty good distance from WDW. I figure 45 minutes one way. I can't answer your question about parking. I would assume that as do most airports, they wouldn't charge for less than an hour, but I really don't know. We arrived at 11:50PM a couple weeks ago and walked right on to ME. Since we were told that our luggage usually arrives 3 hours later, we packed what we needed for the night in our carry-on luggage. The next morning at about 6:45, I called the front desk and within 5 minutes, our luggage was delivered to our room. I liked not handling the luggage. I tipped the guy who dropped it off in the room. The traffic can be murder back and forth to the airport. I'd take advantage of ME. If you are already there, maybe you could throw a few things in for them. And perhaps they don't mind waiting up for their luggage. After all, 1AM at WDW is like 10PM at home.

 

[KarenP99]

In May 2006 I had to pick up my mother @ 11:20 pm at MCO. It was painless (aside from the fact that I had gotten up at 3:30 that AM to catch my own flight to MCO )

I didn't want to park, so I asked her to come outside. You can't just park & wait curbside, so I circled through a few times around before she came out. She called from the tram to let me know she was almost out to the curb.

She didn't have checked luggage, so it was quick. I found it was only about 25 minutes from SSR to MCO

 

[1000th happy haunt]

If you're lucky, MCO will have their cell phone parking lot in place. It was announced and they have committed to having it by Thanksgiving. If it's there in October (and I'm in the same situation in October), you could park in the cell phone lot and when your brother and SIL have their bags, they could just call you and you would pick them up.

When you arrive look for any signs that indicate the cell phone lot is open.

If it's not open yet, you'll have to circle around like everyone else.


'Cell-phone' lot could ease OIA traffic

 

[goofy4dvc]

Thanks so much for all the wonderful tips. The cell phone parking lot sounds like it will be great when it's available. Never thought to have my guests pack a carryon with what they will need and get the luggage the next morning. That's why I came to the experts. Great ideas, everyone.

 

[Nanajo1]

As others have said we pack our carry-ons with stuff we'll want immediately. The late arrival will give ME plenty of time while they sleep to get the luggage. But if they are really worried about not having their bags they can retrieve the bags themselves and bring them on ME. Just don't use the special tags.

 

[AInWonderland]

My daughter had a friend fly down to join us for the second half of our vacation two weeks ago. It took me 30 minutes to drive to the airport (417) from Old Key West. I parked which was easy, and was there for probably a little over an hour because the flight was a little delayed. It cost me three dollars to park, and it was very easy. We waited for her at baggage claim and everything worked out well. This is another option for you.