Arrival day question

[jordanyosh]

The questions from either myself or my cousin will start coming a bit more frequently as we are less than 2 months away from our trip to WDW. We are ramping up our planning and are starting to have some questions.

Question: How long do you think it will take us to get gate at the airport to the lobby of the BW?Factors to consider: We are 13 family and friends, altho only 10 arrive that first day. We also are renting 2 mini vans and will probably make a grocery stop.

Do you think we will have time to hit WS at EPCOT? Or do you think we won't have any time?

TIA

 

[djmatthews]

There are lots of factors to take into consideration like:

• Landing Time?
• Time to get through the airport - baggage claim, customs etc...?
• Time at the car hire centre?
• Travel time from the airport to WDW?
• How long are you shopping for?
• Checking in/finding your room?
• EPCOT closing time?

 

[tigsmom]

djmatthews is right...we need more specifics...we're always glad to help.

 

[civileng68]

time?

We need time of arrival?

You can do it though. My wife and I have AP and we go often. We leave work at 5:30 pm and get to Epcot in time for Illuminations.

 

[jordanyosh]

We arrive at 4:25 and 4:30pm arriving from LAX on Sunday, September 14th. We have 1 more party yet to book flights...so that could throw a wrench into our plans. We have to go to Hertz to rent the 2 minivans. Then factor in the trip from MCO to the Boardwalk Villas. We will probably stop for breakfast items and snacks at a grocery store. Then we will check in to the villas. How long do you think all this will take? WS closes at 9pm. We don't necessarily need to eat b4 going to WS.

Will we have time to go to the WS? Is it worth it? or should we just hang at the Boardwalk.....? Have a nice cold glass of beer.

 

[s25843]

Hmm you land at 430, give it 20 minutes to get to the gate, and another 20 to get luggage etc... Then another 30 minutes to get your vans. So we are up to just about 6pm. Then 20 minutes at the store and a 30 minute ride to the BW. So thats 7pm. I would just hang at the BW, you will probally be way too tired if you push it..

 

[RogueHabit]

I wouldn't hold out too many hopes. I think you'll be really pushing it to get their in time. IMHO

 

[gjpjtj]

If you are really dying to go that first night, it seems like you could make it. What type of passes do you have? Wouldn't want to waste a day, on a 2 hour visit.

 

[tigsmom]

I would think that you would be tired from your trip...I would just check in, have something to eat and then chill. Explore the Resort and turn in early...that way you will be nice and rested for a full day in the parks.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

If you land at the time you are supposed to, it will take you close to two hours to get to the resort. Hertz is not in the airport and you have to take a shuttle for about 5-10 min to get there. So you have to factor in shuttle waiting time as well as car rental time. Then the grocery stop can be short or long depending on how your family shops and what they are looking for.

 

[civileng68]

well

out of all you've heard. Take my word on this. I am a freak on this stuff! I am going to Disney at a rate of once per month and everytime I go I am in the rush because we go from work on Friday night and try to get there in time for Illuminations at World Showcase.

YOu WILL have time if you want to. You will have to get a move on but won't have to rush miserably. Just move and keep moving. Normally you would be tired after a long flight but, keep in mind that you will actually stay up really late the first night, tired or not, because your body is behind 3 hours. If you are used to going to bed at 10:30 pm your time then your body will be in mode to go to bed at 1:30 am eastern time. Now give a few hours up because you will be tired and you probably still won't want to go to bed before midnight. I say this because I have been out west numerous times and flown back and even with a busy day and being tired your body still wants to stay up later.

If you are the type of person like me you will be tired but realize, "im on vacation, what the heck, I can sleep in tomorrow!".

You will have time. Boardwalk is RIGHT AT Epcot. You are very close to the park. In fact you can watch Illuminations from the Baordwalk but if you want to go to Epcot, you will be able to get there in time. You are so close to epcot you can jump on the boat that takes you directly to the International Gateway which is about a 5 minute ride but you can walk it in about 5-10 minutes as well. I mean, you're right there. You can see it from there.

Just plan on keeping a move on and you will be able to make it.

Look at it like this.

I live 3 1/2 hours south of Disney World and my wife and I leave at 5:45 on Fridays and drive up there and are there just in time for Illuminations. You should be fine. Just FYI.

If you want to see it the first night. You can drop your bags off at the front desk. They will store them or take them to your room, at your request and you can just immediately go watch Illuminations.

 

[BRER STITCH]

In general, I always suggest allowing 2 hours from landing at the airport to arriving at your Resort without renting a car.

For planning purposes, it's always better to allow more time than needed, though this time scehdule usually comes pretty close no matter what we do.

All in all, you should be at your Resort checking in by 7:30 if you arrive on time. That leaves you an hour and a half to hit Epcot if you are not too tired.

One thing in your favor though, is that at least Illuminations is EVERY night! (Unlike the FITS or Spectromagic.) Also, most people say there is a pretty good view of them without even leaving the Boardwalk!

My suggestion is to find your room, unpack, relax a bit, hit the Boardwalk for dinner and drinks. You'll be tried from the long flight and not want to unpack later tha night. Get to bed early so you'll be ready for a busy day the next day!

HAVE FUN!

:sohappy:

 

[jordanyosh]

WOW!!!Thanks to all for all the great advice . Still don't know what we are going to do. I know the older folks(those over 60) will probably just hang at the Boardwalk and have dinner. We younger folks(those in their 30's and unfortunately,40's), may still try to get over there even if it is just to go to the Rose and Crown for a Guiness or Bass.......

We'll let you know what we ended up doing in our daily trip reports. We are taking a laptop and will be reporting live from WDW September 14-21 at the BWV.

Thanks again to you folks here at the Magic.