Arriving Orlando airport at 11 am - at what time can I realistically make it to Epcot?

[mdcpr]

Hi - we are arriving at Orlando airport at 11 am, and are staying at the Wilderness Lodge. We want our first day to be at Epcot since it sounds like it is more manageable for half day. Realistically, between arriving to the airport, taking the bus, and getting to hotel, checking-in, and grabbing a quick lunch, at what time should I schedule my first Fast Pass at Epcot?

tks!

 

[Minnie Mum]

Hmm. Figure 1 1/2 - 2 hrs min minimum from landing until you arrive at WL. An hour to hit the bathroom and eat lunch ( might be crowded). And another hour to get to Epcot and get thru security then walk to your first attraction. That would take you to 2:30 -3:00.

 

[mdcpr]

Hmm. Figure 1 1/2 - 2 hrs min minimum from landing until you arrive at WL. An hour to hit the bathroom and eat lunch ( might be crowded). And another hour to get to Epcot and get thru security then walk to your first attraction. That would take you to 2:30 -3:00.

to be on the SAFE side, I'll schedule that first Fast Pass to Frozen Ever After at 4.

 

[Kingoglow]

3:00 - 3:30 if you are determined to get there ASAP.
I would plan my first fastpass at 5pm. Use any of the time before that to explore parts of the park and get some pictures in.

 

[Smiley/OCD]

You don't say how you are getting from the airport to WDW...rental car? DME? Do you have to wait for luggage? If you're renting a car, I would think you'd make it in the hour...but again, it all depends on whether you are waiting at the carrousel for your luggage or everything is carry-ons. If you're renting a car, to hasten things a bit, have the person who the car is assigned to go right to the rental area while the other adult is getting the luggage. If you're using DME, you're probably going to have a wait. Good luck!

 

[mdcpr]

You don't say how you are getting from the airport to WDW...rental car? DME? Do you have to wait for luggage? If you're renting a car, I would think you'd make it in the hour...but again, it all depends on whether you are waiting at the carrousel for your luggage or everything is carry-ons. If you're renting a car, to hasten things a bit, have the person who the car is assigned to go right to the rental area while the other adult is getting the luggage. If you're using DME, you're probably going to have a wait. Good luck!

Taking DME to the hotel.

 

[DisneyCyclones]

Hi - we are arriving at Orlando airport at 11 am, and are staying at the Wilderness Lodge. We want our first day to be at Epcot since it sounds like it is more manageable for half day. Realistically, between arriving to the airport, taking the bus, and getting to hotel, checking-in, and grabbing a quick lunch, at what time should I schedule my first Fast Pass at Epcot?

tks!

I almost thought this message was from my wife, because everything is the same except we'll be doing Magic Kingdom since Magical Hours have it open until midnight when we are there.

 

[DISR]

I almost thought this message was from my wife, because everything is the same except we'll be doing Magic Kingdom since Magical Hours have it open until midnight when we are there.

I’ve had a similar question, and the answer may help you out. Could I stay at another resort, and take DME to Beach Club, and then go straight to EPCOT? I would grab luggage and check in at my home resort after the park. Failing that, could I just get off at whatever the first DME stop was (regardless whether it was my resort) and jump on the resort bus to a park. Again, head to my resort and get bags/check in later? I’ve done lots of Disney, but never used DME.

 

[MouseMelly]

I’ve had a similar question, and the answer may help you out. Could I stay at another resort, and take DME to Beach Club, and then go straight to EPCOT? I would grab luggage and check in at my home resort after the park. Failing that, could I just get off at whatever the first DME stop was (regardless whether it was my resort) and jump on the resort bus to a park. Again, head to my resort and get bags/check in later? I’ve done lots of Disney, but never used DME.

Your magic bands will be linked to your resort. So they’ll assign your bus based on the band. Sorry...

 

[JIMINYCR]

Just another option to think about. Ep has some great places to eat and snack. When we arrive we are so excited to get to the park that we have a snack with us to tide us over after landing at MCO, then after checking in, immediately head to the park where we eat lunch. To us it enhances the first visit. IMHO the first meal tastes better in the park than the resort food court.

 

[mdcpr]

Just another option to think about. Ep has some great places to eat and snack. When we arrive we are so excited to get to the park that we have a snack with us to tide us over after landing at MCO, then after checking in, immediately head to the park where we eat lunch. To us it enhances the first visit. IMHO the first meal tastes better in the park than the resort food court.

What a great idea!!!!! Thank you.

 

[monothingie]

Taking DME to the hotel.

If your flight arrives on time.... (Big IF)

WL will be your first stop on DME so that will cut your travel time significantly. Because you will be arriving before checkin, you probably will not get your MDE room information or text message, so that means you have to check in manually. Last two times I arrived at around noon - 1PM and got a room right away (I was staying CL). When I last went using DVC, the room was not ready till 4. It's not big deal they can store your luggage and deliver it automatically. Your biggest delay at that point will probably be your wait time for the bus to Epcot and security. I would figure on you'll be in the park within 3 hours.

The worst thing you can do is rush rush rush everything. It adds so much stress and aggravation to what should be a fun time.

 

[DisneyJoe]

If your flight arrives on time.... (Big IF)

WL will be your first stop on DME so that will cut your travel time significantly. Because you will be arriving before checkin, you probably will not get your MDE room information or text message, so that means you have to check in manually. Last two times I arrived at around noon - 1PM and got a room right away (I was staying CL). When I last went using DVC, the room was not ready till 4. It's not big deal they can store your luggage and deliver it automatically. Your biggest delay at that point will probably be your wait time for the bus to Epcot and security. I would figure on you'll be in the park within 3 hours.

The worst thing you can do is rush rush rush everything. It adds so much stress and aggravation to what should be a fun time.

It really depends and can vary greatly.

The last 7 out of 10 trips arriving in MCO from ACY, our flights were 15-20 minutes early. Of course I have physical challenges slowing me down, so that loses time that in comparison to those with no handicap.

I've also had instances where I have received the room ready text message before my 9:30am flight left ACY, some when I turned my phone on when we landed. (I always fly to MCO early morning)

I agree getting to Epcot will be the longest wait.

 

[GJM724]

What are the benefits to checking in online vs doing it in person? Any?

 

[MouseMelly]

What are the benefits to checking in online vs doing it in person? Any?

They’ll give you your room number on the app when you check in online. After it’s ready, of course. It’s really a preference thing. I usually check in online to pick my room preferences, but still go to the front desk.

 

[NeedMoreMickey]

I’ve had a similar question, and the answer may help you out. Could I stay at another resort, and take DME to Beach Club, and then go straight to EPCOT? I would grab luggage and check in at my home resort after the park. Failing that, could I just get off at whatever the first DME stop was (regardless whether it was my resort) and jump on the resort bus to a park. Again, head to my resort and get bags/check in later? I’ve done lots of Disney, but never used DME.

In most cases you need to go to your resort. Our last trip we had one person who came on a later flight and she asked if she could get the bus to BC so she could make the dinner reservation with the rest of our party in Epcot. MDE wasn’t busy and they put her on the BC bus.

 

[GJM724]

They’ll give you your room number on the app when you check in online. After it’s ready, of course. It’s really a preference thing. I usually check in online to pick my room preferences, but still go to the front desk.

I accidentally checked in online. I was seeing what the options where and it checked me in. I will probably still stop by the front desk anyway.

 

[cmb5002]

Concur with the above. 2:30 - 3 is reasonable.

We usually arrive to MCO @ 8ish, take DME to BWV and are eating in Sunshine Seasons around 11...after my lovely and wonderful wife takes what seems to be an excruciatingly long time to change clothes.

I've never notice any advantage from checking in online. Seems our room is usually ready around 3:30 regardless.

 

[Janir]

They’ll give you your room number on the app when you check in online. After it’s ready, of course. It’s really a preference thing. I usually check in online to pick my room preferences, but still go to the front desk.

Getting a room preference! You can ask (May not get) for a room near a bus line, or near the main resort clubhouse or whatever needs you might have. Our last 2 trips I made sure to check us in days ahead, Port Orleans Riverside I asked for a room near a bus top , knowing how large POR is , I didn't want to waste extra time in the morning walking to a out of the way bus stop. Last Trip in Saratoga Springs I asked for one near the resort main building so we were not only close to the buses, but close enough to the main resort buildings that we could easily stop in there on our way to and from a park to pick up purchases or use our resort mugs for a on the way out or on the way back fill up. (That would have been perfect for unlimited drinks except the resort mugs didn't have handles at that point so carrying them got to be problematic with out some bag)

 

[GJM724]

I checked in online for the Poly and my only preference option is Balcony? Is there a spot where I can type in my preference?