Time it takes to go from airport to resort

[auntkelly]

Our plane is supposed to arrive in Orlando at 12pm on a Saturday. (On our last trip our plane arrived three hours late, I'm hoping we will have better luck this time). We'll be renting a car (probably from Hertz), and we'll go straight from the airport to the Dolphin, where we are staying. How long do you think it will take from the time we arrive at the airport until we are checked in at the Dolphin and ready to hit the parks?

 

[Mouseteacher]

We just got back from a stay at the Swan. We were picked up by Tiffany Town Car and it took about 25 minutes to get to the Swan from the airport.

 

[daannzzz]

The actual drive would be about 25 minutes or so. It depends though on how long it takes after you land to get your luggage. This last trip it took half an hour for the luggage to arrive. Then it depends on how the car rental counter is. Most of the time it takes me about an hour and fifteen minutes, give or take,from the time I deplane until I arrive at my WDW hotel. But I have done it in as little as 45 minutes.

 

[jel0511]

Just a note, Hertz doesn't have an on-airport location (meaning you have to shuttle to their location), adding at least 15 minutes to your time. Also, I believe Hertz is located off the Bee Line Expressway, meaning unless you re-enter the airport, you'll have to take Route 4 to WDW, which can mean MANY delays as Route 4 tends to back up a lot. If you want to steamline your car rental process and be more time efficient rent from one of the on-site rental agencies. They are National, Alamo, Dollar, Budget, Avis and L&M(local agency).

 

[auntkelly]

Thanks so much for the replies, the information was very helpful in planning the schedule for our first day. With a little luck, we should be at Typhoon Lagoon by 2:30pm! I probably will rent from a rental car company which has a site in the airport. I hope my plane is on time this time!

 

[#1hockeymom]

You might want to rethink your first day. I have heard that the busiest days for the waterparks are weekends. Even on a weekday BB and TL were at capacity by 12 on many days that we were there in late June. You didn't say when you were going, so that could change! I hope someone can make me eat my words, if not, what about the grotto pool then boardwalk for dinner? You wouldn't even need a park pass for your first day!

Debbie

 

[safetymom]

When you pick up your car at Hertz just go back on the airport property. You are talking about a mile or two. Take the exit for 417 the Greenway. You will be at your resort in a half an hour. That road is great, not crowded, $2 worth of tolls and you don't have to fight any traffic. I have been to Orlando 7 times in the last year and done this with Hertz and no problems.

Hertz also has a #1 Gold Club that allows you to bypass the counter. We are driving off the lot in less than 10 mins. There are offers for free enrollment in the Club if you need one.

 

[NHAnn]

You should be aware that you cannot count on your room being ready in order for you to settle in change and head for the bus to Typhoon Lagoon. (Of course you can leave your bags at bell services and check in after returning from the water park.) Sure, if everything went without a hitch AND your room was ready before the standard checkin time, you might be able to get to TL by 3 or 4. But with all the potential for delays, I'd take hockeymom's advice and rethink your plan for the first day. Do you really want to use a park pass for a few hours at a water park on your first day when you are tired from the trip? If you MUST jump right into the parks (and I fully understand if you do want to ) , you might want to consider Epcot instead of TL. It's a 5-10 minute stroll from the Dolphin (or take the Friendship boat).......and it is open later than the water park so you'd get more park time and have less transport time. (The bus from Dolphin to TL stops at YC/BC/BW on the way...and then at DTD on the way back). Personally, I wouldn't want to be stressing about my schedule before I've even checked in and then getting on a bus, even for 20 minutes, after trraveling all morning...but that's JMHO. Also, if you are going this summer...late afternoon is prime thunder/shower time............

anyway, whatever you decide......have a wonderful vacation, I know you will enjoy the Dolphin!

 

[jel0511]

I have to agree with all the other posters on trying to avoid TL on your first day. We were just at WDW a couple of week ago, and on MOST days, regardless of weekday or weekend, the waterparks were close to capacity around noon, and wouldn't open up until enough people left. Now, what a bummer that would be to arrive on-time, try to go over to TL with your bag so you could change there, only to arrive to a closed situation. I also want to remind you that almost EVERY afternoon we were there there were thunderstorms that started around 2PM and lasted on/off until 5 or 6 PM. The waterparks would be closed off because of possible lightening, they close them without warning, even if there is a storm approaching and it's not raining yet. I'd save TL for another day when you can enjoy the full day there, or at least a few hours. TL usually closes at 5PM, and the latest is 6PM, not leaving much time to enjoy the park when you don't plan on getting there until around 3PM.