Using DME for Return

[Tbella]

Can you please tell me your experience using DME for your return to the airport. We are going to Universal for 3 nights before heading to the Polynesian. I am going to book a private transfer to take us from the airport to Universal and then to the Polynesian. I wanted to know if I should just pay the $70 more that the private transfer company wants to charge me for taking us from the Polynesian to the airport or I should just use DME.
How fare before my flight would DME pick me up?
How long does it take to get to the airpot?
How many hotels does DME stop at?
Our flight isn't until 8:15 pm so I know it will already be a long day.

 

[bumbershoot]

DME picks up 3+ hours before the flight. And you need to be READY with your carryons etc (assuming your airline qualifies to do the RAC luggage service where you've sent your bags on that morning) already.

When I drive to the airport I leave 3 hours before the flight. (traffic, gas, and returning the car take time and we want to be walking into MCO no closer than 2 solid hours before our flight even if we all get Precheck).

No way to know how many hotels DME will stop at.

Private transfer might leave pickup to a bit later, but it's not going to be a significant amount, nor should it be, IMO.

 

[LilyWDW]

I would also point at the MCO and other airports have been experiencing increased wait times with TSA and as such you should be sure to get to the airport with extra time. Do NOT cut it too close.

 

[Tbella]

Thanks for the replies and advise!