Taxi vs ME to MCO, Cost & Time Comparison

[ProudMommyof2]

We have a 6:50pm flight out of MCO. We will be in the park that day. How early would you have to leave by cab to negotiate the airport in time and about how much for a cab from Wilderness Lodge. I know you typically have to leave 3 hrs prior with ME, just trying to assess how much more time we get if we use a taxi.
Thanks!

 

[bradk]

you could take a taxi 45 minutes before your flight if you want, but not sure i'd recommend it.

the closest to flight time i've heard any professional car service say is 2 hours before flight.

you have about 30 mins from WDW property to OIA, pad that a bit from WL to even get to where it's 30 mins, maybe 50-60 mins. consider you need to check-in including any checked bags if you haven't already done so through a participating airline at the resort... get through security.. take the tram... get to your gate.

i'd say 2 hours is right on the edge. granted with DME, i've pretty much always ended up with like an hour to spare, you never know what's going to happen.

and it's not like OIA is a horrible airport to be stuck in for an hour.

i'm guessing the cab might run you $40-50 or so, given its metered. i believe one private car service i can think of is $60 one way

 

[dvc at last !]

I agree with Bradk.

 

[goofy4tink]

With DME you will leave anywhere from 2 3/4 to 3 hrs before your flight time...that would be about 4:00 or so (perhaps a bit earlier). With a cab, you want to leave by 4:30-4:45 at the latest. I'm a strong proponant of getting to the airport that recommended 2 hrs before flight departure. You can never tell what the situation is going to be, especially at MCO. It can be a breeze getting through security or it can be a horror show.
I would just take DME and play it safe. I wouldn't want to be stressed in order to spend an extra hour in the parks.