Arriving at the World

[Pooh'sBuddy]

Hi, all. Please help me think this through. I'm trying to prioritize the pros and cons for making our airline/flight decisions.

We (hubby, sons 9 and 7, and I) have flight choices between arriving at 7:31 pm and 9:00 pm. Would that hour and a half difference make a big difference to you?

 

[DisneyDelirious]

You have travel time between the airport and WDW. That can take you from 9pm to after 10 by the time you get checked in and settled. My kiddos are 10 and 9. If I can get them to bed a fairly normal time that first night I can go hard the next day instead of starting with a tired pair. My kids are troopers and are in great walking shape and hold up pretty well. That being said, each day you can see they get a little more worn out. If there isn't a major cost difference and i can get them there a little earlier I would capitalize on it.

 

[dave&di]

Go for the earlier flight, every extra minute you can get at WDW is vital!

 

[zurgandfriend]

I would go with the earlier flight as well, you might avoid tired, cranky children in case of delays etc. If you get in on time you might have a little time for some magic.

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

Thank you, all. Your responses are all right on point, and I agree completely. I'm thinking our first day will start out with the extra magic hour in the a.m. at MK, and a full night sleep before will be important. Y'all's affirmation makes me feel better.

 

[kimberlymautz]

I set up my flight (it's only my boyfriend and I, our daughter is sitting this trip out) specifically around what would work best for her (in case we decided to bring her). We decided on a flight that would leave PHL at 1:30 (mid nap), have a stop in Newark (lunch!), and then be in Orlando by 6:30 (dinner!). Our flight home we leave Orlando at 7 (right after dinner!), stop in DC at 9ish (quick snack and get ready for bed), and then land back in Philadelphia around 11. Then she'd sleep the second half of the flight and hopefully during the car ride home. Unfortunately she won't be coming along (she's only 18m and keeps getting sick, so having her home with her grandparents and doctors is better, plus, she's TERRIFIED of characters), but we'll still make the most of it.

 

[Dads 2 Boys]

The earlier flight will allow for a more relaxing night in my opinion. You'll arrive @ your resort around 8:30-9:00 and be in your room not long after. You can get your mugs and get the kids a snack before bed @ reasonable time.

 

[disneygirl1]

I agree with the previous posters I opt for the earlier flight. The sooner you can get there and get settled the better. Plus there could be delays leaving later in the day. Don't want to be too late getting into MCO.

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

Yes, yes we did. The earlier flight is less expensive too. We'll pull them out of school on the last day a little early and take jetBlue's direct flight to MCO. I would think we can let ME handle the luggage if we're landing at 7:30. It shouldn't take too long to get our bags, hopefully. Thank you, all.