very early morning arrival questions

[Kellyh123]

I will be arriving at the airport about 12:11 A.M.
I figure I won't arrive at the resort until at least 1:30 or 2. I hate to pay for a whole night for only a few hours. I will be traveling by myself.

My question is this. Has anyone ever arrived around this time and found something they could do to pass the time until a park opened at around 8?

I am hoping to stay at POP but do not have my reservations yet?

Thanks

 

[Laurajean1014]

This is definitely a challange, but I'm sure the DISboards will answer your question.

Why not try a cheap "outside the park" motel until 8:00 am?
Go to Golden Corral and eat everything on the menu?
Watch a double feature at the AMC Movie complex?

Sorry that I am not much help! But it will be interesting to see what people come up with.

 

[ducklite]

So are you not planning on sleeping? I'm kind of confused.
I'd stay at teh Hyatt at the airport, get some sleep, and go to WDW feeling fresh and rested in the morning.

Anne

 

[Kellyh123]

I will be by myself on this trip. It is a budget trip. I will not have a car. I am a teacher and will be on summer vacation. My flight doesn't leave until 9 p.m. and I will be sleeping that afternoon before I come. I really want to avoid having to pay for that night for just a few hours of sleep.

Just wanted to see if anyone else had ever done this. Is it possible
thanks

 

[Hopefully]

I know you said you didn't want to pay extra to sleep. If no one else comes up with a nightime idea for you, here's what we did last year.
We stayed at the Fairfield Inn at the airport for $89. They had a decent continental breakfast in the morning. They also have a free shuttle from MCO to the hotel. We then went to BCV and checked in early, stored our bags and we were offl
Sorry I didn't answer your exact question, but getting a nights sleep as you start an exhausting Disney vacation seems like a good idea. Good Luck

 

[ducklite]

Thre really is nothing to do in the greater Orlando area or at WDW from 2:00am until about 7:00am.

Some of the hotels have counter service places open 24 hours a day, but WDW transportation stops at 2:00am, so if you aren't staying at one of those resorts you'd have to take a cab.

The health clubs generally open at 6:00am, but Pop doesn't have one. You can pay a day rate at some of the others as a non-guest.

Anne

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

For a budget trip--I'd hate to see you not sleep and then expect that first day to be a good day. The hyatt at the hotel will be pricey--can you see if you can add on the night before your trip as your check-in night. I'm certain you can find a decent rate.

As far as what you can do. You can try the Amazing Race trick--and sleep in the airport. Not sure if there are no weather delays or cancellations and such if they kick people out though.

You can hang out in the lobby of Pop and watch the Disney Cartoons.

You can try checking in and see what they say.

The earliest we've ever arrived is 6am--so 5 hours and no sleep is a looooongg time to wait. I was told one time when booking for my sister who was arriving late like this one time--to guarantee a room before 5am--you wil need a ressie for the preceding evening.

Good luck!

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Hello Kelly!

We're almost neighbors-- I live in The Woodlands!

I would suggest staying at an inexpensive hotel near the airport or springing for an extra night at POP. IMO, you need to start your vacation rested or you're going to feel very tired for the remainder of your trip. Try looking at the room-only rate codes and maybe you can get a good deal so you could add an extra night at POP.

 

[bavaria]

I'd go with a priceline.com option for an airport hotel, they used to be around $30 or so (things may have changed). That way you can get some sleep and a shower, and still get to POP early to pre-register, and get to a park by opening time.

Even when I fly a red-eye and arrive at 630am I don't last long without a shower and a refresh.

 

[Kellyh123]

I appreciate everyone's advice. Thanks for reminding me about how important sleep is . I do know this but it is good to be reminded. I am still debating whether to rent a car or not. THe priceline idea around the airport might work well.

thanks again