What time do I need to Depart Animal Kingdom to be at Coronado Springs at 5pm?

[baytiger]

We are flying out of Orlando International at 8pm Saturday night - meaning (from my understanding) that we need to be at the resort (coronado springs) ready to go at 5pm.

My question to all of you is, if we wanted to play at Animal Kingdom that day - what time should we be ready to go back to the resort, at the shuttle area to make all of this work? Is 4pm enough time, while playing it safe, or should it be 3:30, 3:00?

 

[richmo]

We are flying out of Orlando International at 8pm Saturday night - meaning (from my understanding) that we need to be at the resort (coronado springs) ready to go at 5pm.

My question to all of you is, if we wanted to play at Animal Kingdom that day - what time should we be ready to go back to the resort, at the shuttle area to make all of this work? Is 4pm enough time, while playing it safe, or should it be 3:30, 3:00?

4:00 should be OK, but I'd be inclined to go closer to 3:30. Late afternoon buses out of AK can get a bit crowded since that's when a lot of people that go to AK early are finishing up. I haven't had it too rough to resorts, but going to other parks can be crowded. Although you're going at a much quieter time than I usually do...I'd play it safe anyway.

 

[goofy4tink]

I would plan on heading out of AK by 3:30. That way, you won't have to stress. You should be out at the DME area at least 15 mins prior to the stated p/u time. The stated time is the time the bus should be leaving the resort, not when you should be walking to it!
When you get back to your resort, you are going to want to use the restrooms, maybe check out the gift shop one last time, and get any bags you may have left with Bell Services. So, that 90 mins gives you plenty of time to do all that with no worries.

 

[baytiger]

Thanks to both of you for the quick reply. This begs a follow up question, is that enough time in Animal Kingdom if we start first thing and leave at 3:30? Or should we go to that park on another day?

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks to both of you for the quick reply. This begs a follow up question, is that enough time in Animal Kingdom if we start first thing and leave at 3:30? Or should we go to that park on another day?

yes if you arrive early and use FP+. A half day or less is plenty for most people.

you could always plan on catching bus back at 3 pm & plan to have a bite to eat at the resort vs the park or airport.

 

[richmo]

...is that enough time in Animal Kingdom if we start first thing and leave at 3:30? Or should we go to that park on another day?

I think you can cover a good part of Animal Kingdom and get out at 3:30. I'd set up fastpasses for at least the Safari and Everest. The rest shouldn't be too busy.

One other thing...if you do your airline checkin and bag check before you leave the resort in the morning, you may want to skip Kali River Rapids.