Tampa to WDW timing question

[demarcon]

We are staying with friends in Tampa and had planned to drive to ASMo for our resort magic stay early on the first day of our trip. I lucked into a Cindy Breakfast for that first day, but it is at 8:20 am on Monday (EE at MK). Here is my question, what time do we need to leave Tampa on Monday AM to get to ASMo to pick up our tickets and be at the Castle on time for breakfast? Would we be much wiser to find a cheap room in Orlando for that Sunday before our package starts? Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!

 

[DisneyMim]

demarcon, we fly into Tampa sometimes, so I can tell you it takes us about 1 hour from Tampa airport to WDW. In fact we just went Easter week, stayed at ASMO and it took us 1 hour. Now the problem I have in helping you is that you have to check-in at ASMO, get your stuff, and get to the MK. This could take 1 hour or 2 hours depending on many things. I don't know how familiar you are with Florida, either so it may take you longer to drive from Tampa to WDW. Going from ASMO to MK might take longer than you think. If you take the bus many people say it is really luck if a bus comes quick or not (we don't use the bus system). Driving will take awhile too because you have to park, get the monorail or launch....

I'm sorry I'm rambling!!!!! Just thought of something else, it's morning, so add in regular traffic! I would say allow a minimum of 2 hours, maybe longer.

Sorry I don't feel I helped you at all!! Too many things to consider!! LOL!!

Have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[TSI_Fan]

It will take a good hour from Tampa International to WDW. That is if you don't hit traffic...and I am sure you will!! Either at the junction of I275 and I4, or I4 and I75, or even in miscellaneous spots on I4 headed to Orlando.
Allow a minimum of 1 hour. 1.5 hours to be safe. 2 hours to allow for any possible distraction, emergency, etc..

 

[Lewisc]

Since no one on this board has the slightest idea where in Tampa your friends (where you're staying) live the answers you get are next to useless. ASK YOUR FRIENDS HOW LONG THE DRIVE IS TO DISNEY? Add about an hour to account for check-in, wrong turn, getting to MK then decide if you want to get up that early. Yes, it's about an hour drive from the airport but it could be more or less depending on where in Tampa you're coming from.

 

[demarcon]

Thanks for the tips, my friends are about 1-1/4 hours from WDW. If we leave Tampa early (say 5:30 am), will we see a lot of traffic? Do the roads leading into the parks (or specifically ASMo since we will park there and take the bus to MK) get busy that early in the am (assuming we are there at 7:00 am). Thanks again for your help!