Return Early - Change in Transportation Help

[poohs4me]

I booked a flight that leaves MCO at 10:55am on the cruise return day. I originally had someone traveling with me that was parking their personal car at the port so I was not concerned about making the flight. Now that person won't have a car parked at the port or near it and I am trying to figure out what to do. So please provide thoughts. These are the options I think I have:

1) Change my flight to a later flight - Cost starts at $200 for the change fee but the estimate is $500 total
2) Book Disney transfer normally and just get off when I am scheduled to, grab my bags and go. (Online Checkin will not be available to me according to the agent on the phone) Cost $69
3) Book Disney's transfer and do express walk-off. Cost $69.00 I have never done this before and do not know all the details or the pros and cons with it.
4) Book a town car service. Cost about $150 with tip. However, I do not know what time to estimate I will be off the ship. Still have to grab my bags.
5) Rent a car for the entire week. Total Cost $330 with port parking. Someone else in my group can return the car later.
6) I have considered renting a car for just the return but this seems too time sensitive.

I am leaning towards 3 or 5 but am not really sure. I know in the past that I have been at the airport by 9ish with DCL transfer's so I wasn't concerned when I booked the flight since I was having a personal driver. I am aware that accidents occur and I still may miss the flight but for this sake of feedback please accept that this is an acceptable risk for me making this flight - particularly considering it was well known when I made the original flight.

So thoughts please

 

[DISNEYFAN3260]

It is cutting it a bit close, but IMO you can take the DCL bus from PC and still make it to MCO in time for your flight. I've flown out as early at 11:30 before with no problems. Just be sure to get off the boat at the earliest possible time.

 

[shelbell77]

You should be okay with DCL transport although you are definitely cutting it close. We don't ever do express walk off, but still get there plenty early. But if you're concerned about timing express walk off would get you off even earlier.

 

[dittymau]

Should can do express walk off and get on the first bus, you will not be able to have express check in onboard, as the will not confirm for your before a 11:30 am departure time...

 

[lanejudy]

You should be able to do Express Walk-off and take DCL transfers. It's a risk, but likely you would make it. For Express Walk-off you keep all your bags with you the night before debarkation (do not put any out for pick-up). Be in the lobby around 7am with all your bags, and debark as soon as allowed.

I'm not sure where you are getting the $69 quote for transfers -- DCL transfers cost $35 per person one way.

Personally, I'd rather have a later flight...but I probably wouldn't pay an extra $500 for it either. So Express Walk-off would be my next best choice.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

It looks like I'm in the minority here but I'd go with Town Car Service, specifically Happy Limo. I've used the 4 times and have always had excellent, on time service. I would call them and explain the situation, I'm sure they'll work with you.

I just think all the relaxing I did on the cruise would go out the window while I was waiting for people to board the bus and go crazy with a slow driver. I'm sure a town car driver would have a slightly heavier accelerator pedal.

 

[bumbershoot]

2) Book Disney transfer normally and just get off when I am scheduled to, grab my bags and go. (Online Checkin will not be available to me according to the agent on the phone) Cost $69

3) Book Disney's transfer and do express walk-off. Cost $69.00 I have never done this before and do not know all the details or the pros and cons with it.

Aren't those the same thing? You're talking about going from the port to MCO?

There's no schedule for the DCL transfer; at least we haven't been scheduled. We get off when we want to get off and go to the bus that's boarding at that time.

In each one you mention the bus and getting your bags, so I don't think there's a difference.

And as was already stated, a one way transfer is $35 for one person.


Another option is to hope that there's a flight time change, and then you can call and tell the it doesn't work and you'll need them to change the flight time. When they change the time too much they will change you for no extra cost.

 

[poohs4me]

Thanks for the comments and the clarification. I can't recall where I got the $69.

When did you tell Happy Limo to be there? Do you know what time you are getting off? I know in generalities but they say they only wait 15 mins. How much time do you give yourself to get through customs?