How busy is Orlando Airport on a Sunday morning?

[Karenb64]

Do you really have to arrive for Magical Express three hours before you departure time or is this more of a suggestion? And does anyone have an idea of how busy the airport would be for an 8:30 a.m. flight on a Sunday morning in May? Thinking about taking a taxi instead of using Magical Express in order to sleep in a little longer.

 

[disneygirl1]

On your last day if you booked ME they will give you a voucher with the time of your pick up which is 3 hours prior to departure. You must present that voucher when getting on the bus. So basically whatever time that pick up says that is the only bus you can get on

 

[Karenb64]

This is what I had always heard, but a Disney Travel Co., agent made it sound like that was not the case, but I thought she might have it wrong. Thanks for the help!

 

[lunchbox1175]

On your last day if you booked ME they will give you a voucher with the time of your pick up which is 3 hours prior to departure. You must present that voucher when getting on the bus. So basically whatever time that pick up says that is the only bus you can get on

That is not necessarily the case, we have frequently taken a later bus without issue. If you do that, they will not guarantee that you will make your flight and will not assume any liability for missing it. We usually grab a bus that is about 2 hours from our flight time.

 

[71dsp]

On your last day if you booked ME they will give you a voucher with the time of your pick up which is 3 hours prior to departure. You must present that voucher when getting on the bus. So basically whatever time that pick up says that is the only bus you can get on

Never had a voucher for our return ME bus on any trip we've been on.

I think the bigger picture is, when is Orlando International *not* busy??!! That has to be one of the worst designed airports from a foot traffic perspective that I've seen (although I'll admit that I haven't been to that many, but my wife who travels quite frequently agrees). My wife has TSA Precheck and we're thinking of paying for it for myself and our son just to skip those crazy long lines!

 

[dreamfinder]

OP - 3 hours is what they do by default. Some people have reported success calling DME and requesting a later departure time, but why risk it? 3 hour advance pickup, may be another 25 minutes before you even leave property depending on how many other stops, 40ish minutes to airport, then 45-60 minutes for security (how long it took my last trip in Feb) and suddenly you have less than 1 hour to get your tickets/check luggage/find food/get to gate/etc.

Never had a voucher for our return ME bus on any trip we've been on.

Which is very strange. You should have received a letter hanging on your door with your departure time that you need to hand to the driver to get on the bus. No letter equals no bus trip.

 

[Weather_Lady]

Three hours is necessary - at least on weekends.

Last time, it took us well over an hour to get to MCO, with stops at a couple of other resorts en route. Once we got there, the security line was exceptionally long, and we spent another 30 minutes getting through it. By the time we made a quick stop at the restrooms to change our clothes (we were heading back to freezing temperatures) and walked to our far-flung gate, it was a little over 30 minutes before scheduled takeoff. Our aircraft was already mid-way through the boarding process and we were lucky to find any remaining overhead bin space.

 

[gaga4disney]

Three hours because ME makes multiple stops at other resorts and i agree with everyone else... MCO security has long lines.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

It can be touch and go.
We have been the last stop on DME and got stuck at the airport 2 hours before our flight. However, a few times we have arrived with only 30 minutes to spare.
A taxi might cost you a good chuck of change... maybe you could see if you could push back your flight for the same cost as a taxi?

 

[jaklgreen]

I would rather wait at the airport a little longer knowing I am there in time then to get there late and have to rush. We are only talking about times less then an hour. I can definitely entertain myself at the airport for that amount of time. Usually by going to the gift shops.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Sundays are actually the busiest travelling days in most airports, especially a large hub like MCO. You will definately get there on time (as other posters said, DME leaves 3 hrs before your flight) Good news is that the lines through security may be long, but move quickly.

 

[JoeT63]

My air-travel mantra...leave early and sleep on the plane.

 

[Karenb64]

Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it!

 

[MOXOMUMD]

So basically whatever time that pick up says that is the only bus you can get on

This isn't true. A DME will let you get on EARLIER than your reserved time if there is space. We fly at odd hours and have done this to eat at the airport.

 

[disney4life2008]

I usually always take the morning flights out of MCO (6 to 10am). The 3 hour DME pick up time is for most part correct. It takes up to an hour (account for multiple stops - we always seem to make more stops leaving than coming in) plus getting to MCO. Sunday morning check in can be quick but its hit or miss - remember, MCO is a cruise port and international port. Security line gets heavy 9am but again - the later you arrive - the more you push rushing.

In terms of taking a later bus - you must have your MB or voucher regardless. In January, a family had overslept by an hour and missed 2 pick up times (I think) - they were still able to board but I am certain they missed their flight.

 

[disney4life2008]

This isn't true. A DME will let you get on EARLIER than your reserved time if there is space. We fly at odd hours and have done this to eat at the airport.

I am with you. As much as I love staying at WDW my check out morning I am ready to get the ... out of there. I used the resort check in with my luggage in January and that took no time and saved me having to stand in line at the airport. I looooove MCO airport - I tend to do more shopping there than at WDW, lol. And I eat in the food court before boarding my flight.

 

[BigTxEars]

I go for both business twice a year and family fun at least once a year to MCO. Not a ton I guess but have been doing it of years. I have always been impressed with have fast TSA gets folks thru the system.

 

[71dsp]

Which is very strange. You should have received a letter hanging on your door with your departure time that you need to hand to the driver to get on the bus. No letter equals no bus trip.

Well, I have to admit, my memory is absolutely terrible. My wife informed me tonight that she's always held onto the vouchers for the trip back to the airport! I don't know how I missed it each time!!

 

[rob0519]

I go for both business twice a year and family fun at least once a year to MCO. Not a ton I guess but have been doing it of years. I have always been impressed with have fast TSA gets folks thru the system.

Sundays at MCO can be a real busy day. A lot of people are coming in to start their week and a lot of people are leaving. We made a family deal years ago to never fly either way on a Sunday. We found the TSA process to be kind of random. Some days it was tolerable, but there were two time that were so bad in terms of length of time and general disorganization of the lines. Since we always rent a car anyway, for the last 4 trips we flew into MCO then drove to Tampa, dropped off the rental car and flew home from there. Much less congestion. It's not a solution for everyone, but it's worked for us.

 

[BigTxEars]

We flew into Tampa last year and drove to Orlando as well, returned home the same way. We did it because our son is stationed in Tampa at McDill AFB so we picked him up before going to Orlando. Your right it worked fine.