Will I make the flight OK?

[debm]

As many times as we've cruised (5) I've never had this flight problem come up. The flight is significantly cheaper if we fly out on American at 11:37AM the day we disembark. We are planning on just using DCL transfers. We enjoy late dining but know we can go early if we need to get off the ship first. Will I be "pushing it" or feel rushed with all 6 of us getting to the airport in time. Our luggage will already be "checked" though so I won't have to worry about that. I know someone has had experience with this!

 

[mommasita]

OOH BOY...THis is kind of tender...I have had 2 11:30 AM flights, and made it perfectly. I did have a later flight in case on standby for 1:15 though...WE use a towncar for a few reasons, WORKS OUT WAY CHEAPER for us at 4, and you are 6....cheaper, easier, faster.....

We eat a quick breakfast, are some of the first people off, check-in, and then relax in MCO by eating lunch, and then flying out....

You could have a delay due to many reasons, so you have to be aware of that..

Having said all that, I would do it, have done it, just have a later flight in case..

 

[SueEllen]

Using the Disney transfers it will be difficult to make that flight time. You have to get off the ship, get luggage, wait for the bus to leave, travel time and time to arrive at the airport, check in, get through security (and security lines at MCO can be long depending on the time of day.) MCO requirements mandate checked luggage be scanned and checked at least 45 minutes prior to your flight time (so that's at least 10:45 a.m.) Travel time to the airport is about an hour on DCL bus (with no issues.)

If you can get a later time I would do so for peace of mind. Otherwise I would switch to a private town car (like FL Tours www.fltours.com)
You are more likely to arrive in time if you use a private town car service.

DCL recommends flights of 1:00 p.m. or later. Your flight time can be made, but I definitely suggest using the private transfers to make it more likely that you will not miss your flight.
Sue Ellen

 

[meresandwillsmom]

We were on the Mothers Day Wonder. Our TA said all the things SueEllen did, so, we booked the next available flight which wasn't until 4pm. We didn't leave the ship until 9am and were through security, shopped and at the gate by 11:10am. Most of the people on our bus to MCO had noon flights. We could have easily made the 12:30 flight. Made for a long, exhausting afternoon trying to explain to my kids why we were just "sitting" in the airport. Book the earlier flight, eat breakfast at MCO if you are worried and go on home!

 

[lbgraves]

If your flight is later in the afternoon you can book a day room at the airport hotel so that you don't have to sit in the airport all day waiting. You can even use their pool.

 

[dipdotdarlin']

We have done 4 cruises and used the Disney transfers 3 of the 4 times. Each time we were at the airport by 10am or sooner. We could have made an 11:30am flight each time easily,even going through security and each of those were spring break times. But I have heard of delays at the port getting off, etc. If you eat early and get off as soon as they allow, I think you could make that flight. If you would worry a lot about this, it would be better to book a later flight.

 

[debm]

Thanks! After all this excitement that the tickets were cheap--we should buy them now..... then we talked about it and decided that we might just drive!! It would eliminate having to worry about any kind of transfers. Disney is so expensive but is just peace of mind for me not having to coordinate anything else, and then there is the transportation from home to airport, parking, etc. etc. The kids have 2 days off of school before we leave on our trip so now we are thinking of using those as our driving days. Then I'm on my own time too! So many decisions!