Help with off-site to on-site, and a rope drop too!

Walt Disney World
1

I’m looking for a little help with my planning for October. We’ll be visiting in my in-laws near Melbourne for a few days before heading up to WDW for two days. We originally planned to drive from Melbourne to AK for rope drop, but have decided against adding that extra hour and a half to our long day, so I’m looking for Marriott hotels I can use a free night at. I’ve landed either Springhill at Flamingo Crossing, or Fairfield Kissimmee/Celebration. Springhill is newly renovated and has breakfast, but $15 parking. Fairfield looks older but has free breakfast AND free parking, so I’m leaning that way.

For the rope drop, my thought is to drive straight to AK and drop, then drive the car to Pop and skyline to HS. DW wants to drive to Pop then bus to AK. I’d rather have the extra logistical hurdle (moving the car) mid day vs starting the day.

Any help is appreciated - thanks!

1 Like
2

I always fly into MCO and use commercial transportation to get to WDW, so I’m weak on parking policy. I’ve read multiple topics on here that discuss difficulties that day guests (i.e. those not staying at a WDW hotel) have encountered when attempting to park at a hotel without something that qualifies them for parking such as a dining reservation. Hopefully someone else can expand on those issues and if they will impact your plan.

I do know that paying for parking at the AK (Park, not resort) will allow you to park at HS without an extra fee.

1 Like
3

We’re staying at Pop Century the next two nights, so will have parking privileges there as well as early entry for rope drop.

4

I would most certainly do what you suggested in order to save time in the morning. It will be easy to move the car mid day. The only thing that would make me feel differently would be perishables in the car.

4 Likes
5

I don’t anticipate anything beyond granola bars and such that we’ll be bringing into the parks with us.

I think this is key. We plan to take it slow, so should have time to make the car transition after a few hours at AK. Plus that gives us more Skyliner time :slight_smile:

1 Like
6

Also, if you have the car and aren’t somehow planning 4 POG mimosas that morning at AK, you might as well use it and avoid the buses! And avoid the harried feeling of come on move faster in line for Pop bag drop at 7am!

1 Like
7

I think that sounds like a good plan.

1 Like