What time to leave for the airport

[momof2cuties]

We are flying out of MCO on Wed at 2:15. We have a PS at Chef Mickey's for breakfast at 9:40. I think we have plenty of time if we pack up the night before, check out and head to breakfast, probably even have time to kill - my husband is thinking we may have to cancel the breakfast. I guess my question is what time do we have to leave Disney to return our car, check luggage, etc. - we are flying Southwest?

Thanks!

 

[Daxx]

They tell you to get to the airport at least 2 hours before departure.

Will you return your rental car at the airport or do you have to return it somewhere else?

DH wanted that leeway and we left WDW w/three hours to spare. We returned the car off-site and were shuttled to the airport. That took longer than we expected. Once we checked in at the gate (long line!), got the luggage through (you can't leave luggage where you check in -- you have to carry it to a separate place) and got through security and made it to the terminal w/some time to spare. Enough time to get a drink and a magazine before boarding.

When we flew, SWA closed the flight about 20 mins. before departure -- so I don't know how flexible they were on people coming after that 20 min. point.


Depending on where you have to drop off the car, I'd make sure I left WDW no later than 11:45. Will you need 2 hours at Chef Mickey? Can you change to an earlier PS for Chef Mickey's to allow more time?

Good luck and have fun!

 

[safetymom]

If you are returning a car at MCO you should use curbside check in. That will save you some time. After the luggage and you are checked in then you can return the car. I would allow 2 hours or maybe a little more since the airport does have some damage.

 

[momof2cuties]

We are using Alamo. I think it helps that breakfast is a buffet, I think we'll plan on leaving at 11 and just hang out in the airport - should give us plenty of time to enjoy breakfast.

Thanks!