Port Everglades to MCO - 2.50pm flight?

[villauk]

We have an opportunity to book a really good rate for a flight to MCO, however, the flight back home leaves at 2.50pm on a Friday from MCO and we dock on the same day in Port Everglades. Do you think it would be cutting it too close to disembark and drive up from Port Everglades to MCO to catch the flight?

 

I realise it's a 3.5hr journey as we have completed it previously. Just wondered if we self-disembarked and collected a hire car, would it be feasible to reach MCO in that time?

[Orlando Vic]

I suppose it's doable, but I would not want to put myself under that kind of stress. You'll have to factor in time to get the car and then return the car. If this is an international flight they'll probably want you at the airport 2-3 hours early. You have no backup plans in case of bad weather or traffic problems on the highway.

 

If you do decide to chance it, just make sure you have travel insurance to cover trip delays.

[fishywood]

Seems and odd departure time for a flight back to the UK (would arrive there around 4:00 AM) but assuming it is, you would need to be in your car and on the road by 9:00 else it will be a white-knuckle drive. Doable assuming no delays on disembarkation--and a lot depends what ship you are on, and what day it is. The Oasis/Allure are always the first ships cleared for disembarkation, often as early as 6:30; Princess and HAL a bit later; Carnival, Celebrity and a different RC ship could be closer to 8:00 when you are off. And if it is a Sunday or Bank Holiday expect a long queue to return your rental car at MCO; be sure to choose a rental company that allows you to just drop your keys in the box and head straight back to the terminal.

Edited May 25, 2014 by fishywood

[villauk]

Thanks for the replies :). It's a connecting flight up to EWR before the flight across the pond. Friday is the day the X cruise arrives back at Port Everglades (not bank holiday) and we plan being at car rental shop when it opens at 8am, providing we clear customs speedily after self-debarkation ;).

[Capt_BJ]

if I booked this

 

I'd have to triple up on my high BP meds . . . .

[villauk]

Is West Palm Beach (PBI) any closer to Port Everglades? We can also fly from there.

[Lois R]

Is West Palm Beach (PBI) any closer to Port Everglades? We can also fly from there.

 

Yes, WPB is much closer than Orlando.

[Algebralovr]

West Palm Beach is about an hour from Port Everglades, compared to the 3.5 to 4 hours to Orlando. That is a MUCH better choice!

[EngIceDave]

Yes, fly out of PBI than MCO

 

You'll be killing yourself to make the flight out of Orlando (MCO) while you can get to PBI in an hour or so, depending on time and traffic

[villauk]

Great news. We'll take the PBI option :). Does anyone know if it would be more cost effective to hire 2 rental cars (7 in our party) or to hire a taxi service? There appears to be a few shuttle services to PBI :confused:. Thanks for all the fabulous information.

[Keith1010]

I would either rent a car or get a price quote for a private van.

 

Keith

[tunaman2011]

Greetings

 

PBI is a much better choice. It's only 45 miles from Port Everglades. It is also a much easier airport to use. MCO is busy, busy, busy. The check in and security lines there can be crazy long. The lines at PBI are usually quick and you don't have to ride a train to your gate. It's far better than MCO if you can get a flight from there.

 

Good Sailing

Tom

[villauk]

Have booked returning from PBI :). Thanks for all your comments. Need to look at car rental vs private van.