Thanksgiving Mission (Im)possible?

[disnutt]

Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to land at MCO at 12:50 p.m. Thanksgiving Day and get to a 2:25 p.m. ADR at Cinderella's Royal Table.

Assuming PERFECT travel conditions is there any way to make this happen?

All options are open to us DME, taxi, car rental, town car. Whatever is fastest.

We're staying at Wilderness Lodge in case that matters in anyone's figures.

My first thought is a car rental (Alamo or something where I can walk to my car) and drive straight to TTC then ride monorail/boat over. That way we could leave our carry on luggage in the car.

Are there taxis at TTC? Would they get us to the loop in front of MK faster?

Don't know if we're really willing to risk this but the ADR became available and I wanted to see if we might be able to make it work.

 

[clanmcculloch]

The biggest problem with this is that you're talking about a non-refundable ADR. If you miss it, you're out a lot of money for nothing. You'd have to have the stars and planets align perfectly including your plane landing early, your luggage hitting the carousel in record time and no line at the car rental place. You'd pretty much have to do a car rental because you won't have time to go to your resort, check in and unload your stuff.

Of course you're also assuming that MK hasn't closed for capacity and that you could even get in to the park. We are talking about Thanksgiving day.

Do you already have your park tickets? You'll need to pick those up still if you don't. Do you have a package with dining? If you do then you have to go to your resort before the park.

Basically, don't do it. You're only talking about 1:35 minutes to get from your plane all the way to the restaurant.

 

[mdsd8700]

Sounds like great fun actually!

This is strictly off the the top of my head. Others may jump in with something better or drawsback I didn't consider.

We always rent a car as we drive to the parks. Generally through Alamo but sometimes other companies as well. Whatever the company you want to sign up for their "renters club". In most cases you can by-pass the counter. Alamo has a kiosk that you just enter a few pieces of information and then you go directly to get your car. My DH husband always does this while the kids and I get the luggage. He is always done before we are.

I would then drive to the WL drop off your bags, if time I would check in (you never know the room might be ready). Then I would take a taxi over to the CR and walk to the MK from there. Although it may seem crazy to take a taxi since you have rented a car, but if you drive to the MK you will have to park at the TTC and that will only take more time. After you are done at MK you can take a boat or bus back to WL.

Now if you don't plan on using the car for the entire trip, I am not sure renting one would make too much sense as it is an added expense. However if you are going to visit alot of the hotels for dining and/or recreation, do RD and drive to the parks/waterparks then a car is a great option.

If you are really lucky your plane will be early. This happened to us in June, we were about 15/20 minutes early and we rented our car, got our luggage and drove to the hotel in about an hour and 15 minutes. It was pretty sweet.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[disnutt]

Sounds like great fun actually!

This is how we're looking at it right now.

I figured a taxi would have to be involved somehow.

Gathering all the information and then we'll decide. It's just kind of nice thinking it through and deciding if we're willing to risk it. See my signature quote below. We're willing to risk being checkered by failure if there's a small chance this could work just to say we did it.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I can see where there might be fun in trying to get somewhere by a deadline just to see if you can, but that seems like a lot of money to put on the line for such a challenge. CRT is non refundable. If you're a gambler and you see some fun in risking that kind of money then go for it. I'm willing to risk failure/defeat but there has to be a heck of a lot bigger of a triumph/victory possible than getting just to an ADR on time in order for me to risk monetary loss. But, that's just me.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Taxi or town car will drop you at the Contemporary and you can walk, or the Grand Floridian and you can monorail. Only onsite buses can use the loop in front of the MK.

Alamo Insiders now must check in at the counter at MCO - no more kiosk or garage, so that's going to take longer. I won't address your seeming intention to bypass luggage pickup because (a) you haven't stated it and (b) there's a sticky thread on that subject already.

DME travel time averages 70-90 minutes from exiting the plane to exiting the bus at your resort, and you must go to your resort - especially if any of your carry on luggage is under the bus.

You're giving yourself just the tiniest bit over an hour and a half to get from your plane to CRT. that assumes your plane lands on time; you're the first ones off (no, you can't crawl over people - they have places to be, too); you run through the terminal and there's a tram boarding as you approach and you don't make any pit stops and you don't stop for checked luggage and your driver is waiting for you or there's no taxi line; no traffic problems interfere with your ride; Bell Services at either CR or GF will hold your checked luggage; and, as clanmcculloch indicated above, that the Magic Kingdom hasn't closed for capacity.

 

[disnutt]

I can see where there might be fun in trying to get somewhere by a deadline just to see if you can, but that seems like a lot of money to put on the line for such a challenge. CRT is non refundable. If you're a gambler and you see some fun in risking that kind of money then go for it. I'm willing to risk failure/defeat but there has to be a heck of a lot bigger of a triumph/victory possible than getting just to an ADR on time in order for me to risk monetary loss. But, that's just me.

Whoa! That wasn't a personal attack on you so I would appreciate you not putting down my possible choices.

My comment was addressed to the second responder who saw the fun in imagining doing something others might think is impossible.

My original request was for information on whether there was any way within the current time/space continuum for this to happen not a request for how other Disers would spend their time/money.

 

[mdsd8700]

Alamo Insiders now must check in at the counter at MCO - no more kiosk or garage, so that's going to take longer.

Wow I didn't know that. I haven't read the thread on this. We were just there in June and used the kiosk. We had never done the straight to the garage thing, but the kiosk was really great. That stinks! Thanks for the info.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Whoa! That wasn't a personal attack on you so I would appreciate you not putting down my possible choices.

My comment was addressed to the second responder who saw the fun in imagining doing something others might think is impossible.

My original request was for information on whether there was any way within the current time/space continuum for this to happen not a request for how other Disers would spend their time/money.

I'm not sure how you interpretted my response the way you did. In no way did I take your previous response as an attack on me and in no way was my response intended to suggest that I did. I also in no way put down your choices.

The fact is, if you go with the CRT ADR then you ARE gambling the cost of your ADR. It is non-refundable. This is factual information. Risking money for the prospect of a possible payout of some kind where there is a thrill to that risk seems very much like gambling to me. That's not a judgement. Lots of people get a thrill out of such gambling. I don't gamble at all but I certainly don't think less of those who do; it's a personal choice. I'm just trying to make sure you understand that there really is a financial risk involved. If you were doing this with someplace that didn't have any financial penalties then I wouldn't even both mentioning that aspect. If you were talking about an LTT ADR then I wouldn't have even brought up the money and would have only mentioned the timing aspect as well as the possible park closure due to capacity. When money's on the line though, people really do need to understand that so they can make fully informed decisions.

 

[Brian Noble]

The biggest problem with this is that you're talking about a non-refundable ADR.

That's my problem too. For my family, we're talking a cool $200. I could afford to toss $200 down the drain, but I wouldn't want to. If I wanted to play Beat The Clock, I'd do it with Crystal Palace instead. Saves you five minutes of walking, too.

Even if everything went absolutely perfectly, I think it is a stretch. if you play by "the rules" and park in TTC (rather than a resort at which you aren't a registered guest) then I think you have no hope. Even parking at the Contemporary (which the guard may or may not give you a hard time about---during Thanksgiving, it is more likely than, say September) I think it's probably not possible to make it by your ADR time.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We are Insider members and were able to use the kiosk with no issues.

** remember this is Thanksgiving day so except heavier than normal traffic delays. And yes the park could already be at capacity and you will be denied entery. You are out the money for the ADR and you will need to shell out more money to feed your family.

Taxi or town car will drop you at the Contemporary and you can walk, or the Grand Floridian and you can monorail. Only onsite buses can use the loop in front of the MK.

Alamo Insiders now must check in at the counter at MCO - no more kiosk or garage, so that's going to take longer. I won't address your seeming intention to bypass luggage pickup because (a) you haven't stated it and (b) there's a sticky thread on that subject already.

DME travel time averages 70-90 minutes from exiting the plane to exiting the bus at your resort, and you must go to your resort - especially if any of your carry on luggage is under the bus.

You're giving yourself just the tiniest bit over an hour and a half to get from your plane to CRT. that assumes your plane lands on time; you're the first ones off (no, you can't crawl over people - they have places to be, too); you run through the terminal and there's a tram boarding as you approach and you don't make any pit stops and you don't stop for checked luggage and your driver is waiting for you or there's no taxi line; no traffic problems interfere with your ride; Bell Services at either CR or GF will hold your checked luggage; and, as clanmcculloch indicated above, that the Magic Kingdom hasn't closed for capacity.

 

[goofy4tink]

Landing and exiting the jetway are two different things. Landing is when the plane touches down. So..if arrival/landing is at 12:50, it's gonna be at least another bit before you get to the gate..figure 10 mins tops. Now, it's 1ish.
Head to baggage claim....another 15 mins. Wait for luggage...yet, another 15 mins. Now, it's 1:30. Head to car rental area (assumning a rental car is used)...maybe 5 mins to get keys, out to car, another 5 mins, get settled and ready to leave MCO....now it's 1:45. Drive to WDW....2:15ish. You could drive straight to the CR and pay to valet park and then walk over to MK...now it's 2:30.

I'm just not sure it's worth it...way too much room for error. The fastest I've ever made it from gate to resort is 50 mins...and that time I was solo, with carryon bag only...so made the trek from the gate to ground level in about 15 mins total..not just to baggage claim. Got into the towncar and off I went....arrived at my resort at the 48 min mark. There was no wait time involved anywhere. I would imagine that if you are going to have to figure on at least an hour...and that's with very little wait time...maybe 5 -10 mins.

I would find someplace else to eat Thanksgiving dinner, but then again, I think CRT is over-rated.

 

[disnutt]

I'm not sure how you interpretted my response the way you did. In no way did I take your previous response as an attack on me and in no way was my response intended to suggest that I did. I also in no way put down your choices.

The fact is, if you go with the CRT ADR then you ARE gambling the cost of your ADR. It is non-refundable. This is factual information. Risking money for the prospect of a possible payout of some kind where there is a thrill to that risk seems very much like gambling to me. That's not a judgement. Lots of people get a thrill out of such gambling. I don't gamble at all but I certainly don't think less of those who do; it's a personal choice. I'm just trying to make sure you understand that there really is a financial risk involved. If you were doing this with someplace that didn't have any financial penalties then I wouldn't even both mentioning that aspect. If you were talking about an LTT ADR then I wouldn't have even brought up the money and would have only mentioned the timing aspect as well as the possible park closure due to capacity. When money's on the line though, people really do need to understand that so they can make fully informed decisions.

Thought you were putting me down for gambling. I don't do that unless the lottery is over $200 million and even then only 1 ticket.

I do understand the $$ at stake and most likely won't do this but if there were any way to do it thought it would be great to eat in the Castle!

 

[clanmcculloch]

Thought you were putting me down for gambling. I don't do that unless the lottery is over $200 million and even then only 1 ticket.

I do understand the $$ at stake and most likely won't do this but if there were any way to do it thought it would be great to eat in the Castle!

Oh heck no!!! I'm sorry if I came across that way. I have plenty of friends who regularly go to casinos or poker parties. While it's something I have absolutely no interest in, I see nothing wrong at all with gambling as long as you can afford it and you enjoy it. I figure it's just a choice people make for how to spend their entertainment money. Personally I would be looking at as spending my WDW money so no way am I about to do that but that's just my choice for my money. LOL I also hope that all those casino lovers aren't judging me for all my trips to WDW (which I know they are, non WDW folks just don't get it). LOL

Keep trying for an ADR on another day if you really want to eat at the castle. ADRs often open up right around 45 days (people cancelling their package trip before penalties would kick in), 5 days (people cancelling their room only trip before penalties would kick in) and even 2 or 3 days out (people cancelling their ADR while it's still refundable). It can become a game to see if you can get the ADR or not.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Landing and exiting the jetway are two different things. Landing is when the plane touches down. So..if arrival/landing is at 12:50, it's gonna be at least another bit before you get to the gate..figure 10 mins tops. Now, it's 1ish.
Head to baggage claim....another 15 mins. Wait for luggage...yet, another 15 mins. Now, it's 1:30. Head to car rental area (assumning a rental car is used)...maybe 5 mins to get keys, out to car, another 5 mins, get settled and ready to leave MCO....now it's 1:45. Drive to WDW....2:15ish. You could drive straight to the CR and pay to valet park and then walk over to MK...now it's 2:30.

.

Well... these are nice but very optomistic IMHO based on MCO.

I agree on landing and gate, but then you have to get OFF the plane. 5 minutes or so. And th e 15 minute wait for lugagge. If you are on SW MAYBE. Anyone else at MCO. Figure 30 to 60 minutes (see why I use DME if I check?) So now it's more like 2 to 2:15 before you even leave MCO.

 

[Brian Noble]

Anyone else at MCO.

FWIW, Delta has been pretty snappy for a few years now. I'm guessing that some combination of ME siphoning off a good chunk plus many airlines charging for bags has reduced volume to the point that MCO's ground staff can actually handle it.

 

[bigbabyblues]

It sounds like fun! I didn't see this answered, but I may have overlooked it. Where are you getting your park tickets? If you have to go the resort first and check in to get your KTTW cards, that may be a problem.

Good luck if you decide to do it!

 

[goofy4tink]

Well... these are nice but very optomistic IMHO based on MCO.

I agree on landing and gate, but then you have to get OFF the plane. 5 minutes or so. And th e 15 minute wait for lugagge. If you are on SW MAYBE. Anyone else at MCO. Figure 30 to 60 minutes (see why I use DME if I check?) So now it's more like 2 to 2:15 before you even leave MCO.

Yep...pretty much the very best case scenario. I always figure on at least 90 mins from landing to resort especially if getting my own luggage.

 

[chamonix]

This could be fun....let's assume:
Carryon luggage ONLY
Seated on plane in first class/first 10 rows of airplane so you're off quickly
You are ready to run with all your items as soon as plane lands (put away all items before landing)
Rental car from Dollar Express or similar where you can pretty much walk right out and get in your car, no lines
You run or walk very quickly (no strollers or small kids)
You take 417 Greenway and have a sunpass or change ready
Do not go all the way to the MK exit, take the Epcot exit shortcut

Hmmm, here's where it gets tricky....you will have to park at the TTC or the WL (do NOT check in!) Transportation at WDW is an unknown variable.....

Can you be late at all to CRT? (I have a tomboy teenager who has always hated princesses so we've never been to CRT) I will assume being 10 or so minutes late is not the end of the world....

And finally, the big assumption: are you OK with losing the deposit? Because it's air travel, it's winter.....etc etc etc.....I love a good fun gamble though, I say go for it.

 

[disnutt]

Just an update- we're still debating this mostly just for interesting dinner conversation. We are taking SWA in and usually do carry on luggage and will have tickets in hand.

We're all in excellent health. My DDs and I participate in the Run Disney events so we have lots of experience running through the parks.

We've decided that the need for a post flight potty break might be the deal breaker. Someone in the group always feels the need even if they've just done it on the plane.

We've just learned about the Wild Africa tour in AK and are thinking about spending the $$ on that instead of the Thanksgiving at the Castle. It has the advantage of not being on our arrival day so we're sure we could make that.

The desire to test ourselves is still pretty much alive but the possibility of taking the new tour at AK might just convince us to eat at Trail's End.