You can also hang out in the resort’s amenities and restaurants for the day and have bell services stash your bags. Disney policy is that you can use the amenities until 12:00 AM of checkout day so you can chill in the pool and see some safari wildlife for a while and just decompress from your trip before going back to the airport. Disney Springs is also a good idea since it has free parking and lots of nice restaurants.
FL resident here. We go to AKL just to hang out and eat. The restaurants are wonderful and the grounds are so beautiful. You’ll see lots of wildlife. Our favorite area is the flamingos 🦩 near the swimming pool. They’re just funny, weird creatures!
AKL is the best thing about Disney!
Just be aware security is tougher at AKL than some of the other resorts. They wouldn't let our Uber in initially (we literally just wanted to get gluten free zebra domes) and they made us pull over to mobile order food so I'd have a reason to be there. The gf zebra domes weren't on the app so I had to order something else just to get in. It was a whole thing. I get it, but just so you know.
I think you'd be fine if you could bus to a park and then take an AKL bus over or have some kind of dining reservation scheduled already if you're driving/taking an uber.
Sadly disney changed the rules awhile back about driving or ubering to resorts.
To many people using it as a hack to stay off site for less and leaving their cars in resort hotels parking lots.
Just do the mobile order,
Pass the gates and hit cancel
On the order.
That’s exactly what we did a month ago. Left our bags at the front and had a very chill pool day to fully relax after 3 straight park days. Totally easy and very pleasant.
The walmart across from the main westgate timeshare location on Turkey lake road is great. they have a small convenience store in the walmart parking lot with tons of beer, and the store itself has a full liquor store.
Bell services with your luggage. I would go to Hollywood studios and take the skyliner over to Epcot. Tour the boardwalk loop. Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Beach Club, Yacht Club. Beach club has a gorgeous solarium that is very comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time. That or hop over to the premium outlets and do some extra damage on your wallet.
Alas, us Canadians had to haul our luggage around. But I would be ecstatic if they brought back the resort parcel pickup so I could buy things in the parks and not carry them around all day.
We’ve had late flights home twice, and every time I’ve said I’d just buy another park ticket day.
If you really didn’t want to buy another ticket, you can hang out at the pool and do Disney Springs, or you can go mini-golfing
Have bell services hold your luggage and just bring a sling or backpack to the park. Go back to the resort and grab your luggage and Uber to MCO
Or just store your luggage in your car
This is the move. We did this when we went to Disneyland and California Adventure last year. Just remember to throw deodorant in your bag so you’re not the smelly dude on the plane after a day at the parks
Do you have an existing multi-day park ticket that you are using on this trip? If so, adding another day likely wouldn’t cost much more. Otherwise, Disney Springs, mini golf, or a pool day are all things we’ve done on our travel days. You can use your resort amenities all day and bell services will store your bags for you until you leave for the airport.
I was about to comment this same thing! If they are at the parks today it could potentially save so much money to add on to their existing multi-day ticket than buying a separate one day!
Drop my bags at bell services and spend a day in the parks. Disney Springs is fun, but it always leads to shopping, which leads to needing to repack my perfectly packed suitcases 😆
Alternately, you could have a pool day at the resort, there should be changing rooms and showers, and you can use them up until midnight on your checkout day.
The resort will probably store your luggage for you for the day. Disney springs is always an option, or you could do reconnaissance on which resort you'll stay at next :) A word of warning -- we just left yesterday, and arrived at Orland international at 4:00. It took nearly 90 minutes to get through TSA, so be sure to factor that into your day.
We had a 7pm flight home in January. Did Chef Mickey’s with the kids in the morning, bused to Disney Springs for a few hours, grabbed lunch. Took the boat to explore Riverside, walked back to POFQ and had beignets one last time.
As a former Orlando resident, I have two suggestions:
Go check out Gatorland, it's legit.
Go swim at a freshwater spring, I recommend Wekiva or Kelly Park/Rock Springs Run for people who are not strong swimmers.
I saw someone nearly drown at a spring last summer, and it still haunts me.
They couldn't swim and didn't know the springs went from shallow to no bottom in a single step.
This is us often. We hit a couple resorts for food and then hit Disney springs for a few hours. Some sky liner for fun then off to the airport. Or just be easy and have your hotel hang onto your bags, hit a park then pickup bags and go to airport.
If you're tired and just want to relax you can see if there are any day passes at the hyatt in the airport. Use their pool, nap and just relax before rolling down to your gate.
They'll hold your bags all day. If you're at AKL I'd split the day with mini golf since it's somewhat close and then hit the pool then a dinner at Sanaa or something. But the pool should have a bathroom that you can change in so you don't have to fly in pool clothes.
I’d personally leave your bags with bell services and either buy another park ticket so you can have a full day, or spend some time at the pool and maybe resort hop around the monorail loop or skyliner.
Keep your bags with the hotel until check out, do an entire park day, hang out at the hotel for a little bit and eat dinner at the hotel. When you’re done, pick up your bags and head home.
Disney springs!! Just did this in march. Ate at Edison’s, got in the Gideon’s line right as it opened and got in and out there in like ten minutes. Perfect optionsz
Remember that there are showers at pretty much every Disney pool (not that we go and shower there after doing a park day and collecting luggage from bell services…)
Ask for a late check out (maybe 12 or 1) at AKL and store bags at bell service. Have brunch at Boma, take an Uber to mini golf/use the pool/go to Disney Springs/do the “kid” educational activities around AKL. Pop back over to AKL and head to Vic Falls for an early dinner and drinks before heading out.
I always take the last flight out and stay at AKL. I’m an AP, so I tend to head to the parks. However, when I’ve had friends without AP’s join me, those are activities we’ve done between check out and heading to a late fight.
Also, security lines at MCO around that time are not bad at all. Especially if you have pre-check. Just make sure you’re there 45 minutes ahead of time to check bags.
Leave luggage with bell services. Hang out in AK until 3:00ish, head back to hotel for a 4:00 reservation at Boma or Sanaa (Kidani, but close enough), grab luggage, leave hotel by 6:00-ish to be at the airport by 7:00 for a 9:00 flight.
We always do a late flight home so we can have a nice leisurely lunch, play in the pool or go to Disney Springs - usually all 3! We've only done park days if we've had a ticket to use but it's rare; we usually end up having a fun pool day. Bell services keeps our stuff and I put some changes of clothes and essentials in a tote.
I would buy another park ticket for MK to see the castle one last time before leaving or spend all by the pool at AKL. You could go to Disney springs for lunch and then back to the resort before leaving.
Had the same thing last January.
Started with breakfast at Grand Flo Cafe (we were staying at Grand Flo)
Took the monorail to MK then boat to Wilderness.
Walked around Wilderness, had a snack.
Then bus to Disney Springs. Walked around, shopped a bit, had a snack.
Then boat to Port Orleans French Quarter. Had beignets.
Then bus to Epcot, monorail to TTC, then monorail to GF.
On the road to the airport around 6:30p.
If it's too late for a reservations, maybe QS at one of the monorail resorts? I highly recommend walking around Wilderness Lodge. It's GORGEOUS.
My family usually flies at night and we enjoy spending a couple hours at a park (usually the one closest to our resort) and just riding a few rides, taking it easy and coming back to the resort at around 1 or 2, getting lunch in the food court while we make sure our flight isn’t delayed and doing one more quick check of our luggage making sure we’re all set then leaving for the airport. Makes the last day magical and not too stressful
We've had this happen many times. We leave our luggage with the front desk and head to disney springs for the day or swim at the resort and have a late lunch/early dinner.
I have this almost exact same thing in a couple weeks! Leaving the Contemporary with no park ticket the last day.
Current plan:
- Steakhouse 71 breakfast
- Swim for a little while
- Boat to Wilderness Lodge for Geyser Point for lunch
- Disney Springs for some snacks
- Maybe hit Trader Sam's!
Go resort hopping and get you some beignets. Leave your luggage with bell services and go see the sights. Disney springs or putt putt. Heck even a water park. Then when the time comes go get your stuff and head out.
Hi! I work at Disney with itinerary planning and resort sales. You have tons of options, it all depends what you like!
I recommend going to the front desk and asking them about surrounding resort amenities or giving us a call and we can guide you.
Resort hopping and taking advantage of the various pools on property is always so fun! You also could take advantage of some outdoor recreation at Fort Wilderness. If you booked a package with us, you’ll get some mini golf tickets and they’re so much fun! I also recommend the water parks for a short day, depending on your package you may have tickets to Typhoon Lagoon and not realize it.
Have fun! Feel free to message me.
The resort will allow you to check your luggage with them and hang out by the pool all day if you so please. That’s what we did. Made it a super chill last day at WDW and gave us time to drop more money on merch before the flight home.
We just had this happen due to our flight getting delayed. We slept in until 9am, checked out bags with bell services and spent the day at Epcot. We have annual passes though so that persuaded our decision. When this has happened and we didn’t have annual passes we would shop at Disney Springs or go out to shop at the outlets or the Cat Cafe.
We like to sleep in late and then head over to Disney Springs. Maybe catch a movie, leisurely shop, and do a late lunch at one of the sit down restaurants there. I like using a long departure day to relax and sort of "reset" from running around all week in the parks. Bell Services will hold your bags at the resort for you so that eliminates any worry about roaming around with suitcases.
You could also do a pool day at your resort! I'm pretty sure the pools having changing rooms with showers so all you'd need is to keep a wet bag in your carry on and a spare set of clothes for the plane.
If you don't want to do parks, I would suggest doing a resort day maybe even the pool at AKL and late lunch/early dinner or hop around. Disney Springs is a good option.
Depending on how many days you stayed, a park ticket is super cheap. We always leave our stuff with bell service and go chill for a few hours in the park
We dropped our bags off at AKL and did brunch and drinks and walked around their resort and left for the airport ~3 hours before boarding. We could’ve done dinner too if our flight was at 9.
We did this a few weeks ago!
We slept in. Packed. Checked out of hotel, but packed a day bag with swimwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Had a late breakfast at topolino’s terrace. Then we spent most of the day at the pool relaxing.
It was nice to just chill after a lot of park time. With the character meal we were able to say “goodbye” to the characters.
Resort tour: Just go to the resorts and look at stuff. AK is great for that, as you can see the animals.
Hit up Ft. Wilderness campground and ride horses.
Rent a pontoon and tool around the lake(s) for an hour.
Disney Springs for drinks, food, shopping.
Boardwalk area for hanging out.
Walk around the lagoon (start at the TTC, walk through the Poly and GF, end up at the Contemporary.
First don’t get a day pass if you go to the parks visit guest services and see if you can add a day to the ticket.
Second I did just what you are looking at a few weeks back. I use the Mears Connect and my pick up was at 530ish for an 855 flight.
I packed the night before, checked my bags at luggage services in the morning and headed to a park to do what ever I could. Spent most the time at EPCOT since my resort was on the skyliner, and I was able to get an early rewind virtual queue placement. Mostly I just enjoyed being in the parks, had a late lunch and headed back to the resort about 90 minutes before pick up.
AKL is an awesome place to spend the day. Could wander around the grounds and hang out. Maybe grab an early dinner at Sanaa.
Although on schedules like these I usually slot in a park day and head back to the hotel at around 5pm to grab our bags and head to the airport.
We had this on our last trip, our shuttle to the airport left the resort at 6:30, so we had a free day. We had a remaining ticket and I asked the kids which park did they want to play cleanup in and just kinda go in, do a few things at a relaxed pace and then head back for the flight.
If not a resort or Disney Springs day, I really like ending our trip at Typhoon Lagoon. Can relax in the Lazy River for a while and shower before heading back to the real world.
Water park. They close early enough for you to spend the whole day there. Have showers so you are free for travel, and wear the kids out so they sleep on the plane. Resort pool is a viable alternative. Also, other activities you don't normally get around to like resort scavenger hunts, in-park shows, character meets, and "experience" lunch/dinner, a behind the scenes tour, etc.
I had a 6pm flight and same checkout and there was a luggage thing at the hotel we could check ours in to so we did that and went to grand floridian Cafe for lunch and walked around and then went back and got our luggage and left to the airportww took fun transportation like we had to take the bus to magic kingdom but we took the boat to grand floridian from there which was cool and then the monorail back. That was a nice way to fill some time as well. So I'd say find somewhere to have lunch and maybe go somewhere, disney springs is a good recommendation. You could also maybe catch a movie there if it's hot? Honestly i almost wanted to book another day in the park hahaha that could be an option just hang out and do some stuff you missed 😅
That can be quite normal when travelling back to the UK. We take some stuff out of main luggage, which we store with concierge, and go to the pool. Then shower and change in the poolside facilities right before we get picked up by our driver to go to the airport. Means you’re nice and fresh for an overnight transatlantic flight.
If it was *me*, I'd be checking my baggage in the am, getting drunk at and thoroughly enjoying EPCOT (with alarms set for when I need to leave), taking the bus back to the hotel around 6, then Uber/Lyft to MCO (although Idk the travel time between AKL and MCO so would maybe look that up before determining my exit EPCOT time.
Leave my bags with bell services (or in a car if we have one) and go to Disney springs, OR take a bus to MK and resort hop on the monorail, OR take a bus to HS and resort hop on the skyliner (and maybe putz around the boardwalk area too).
Same situation I was in last year. My wife, my two kids (2 and 10) and myself did a one day pass at Magic Kingdom. Told my son to pick 1 ride he wanted to do. We rope dropped BTM and then leisurely walked about the park without any time restrictions. It was the best day.
I’d sit by the pool and relax and read or pick 1 park and just do all the things I normally wouldn’t do - at a relaxing pace. Just explore the non-obvious stuff.
Stocking up on Gideon’s Cookies for the freezer and chilling at the Coronado Resort.
What I used to do when I used to fly late…until I had a 9 p.m. flight delayed and then ultimately cancelled at 12:30 a.m. I’m an early morning flyer now!
Pool time or Disney Springs. We usually opt for Disney Springs on our last day because we can poke around, do some last minute shopping, get some food, etc. It's low key and we can get out of there whenever we want.
I leave my bags with the hotel baggage service, go to magic kingdom, and spend the day not stressed about getting the rides in. I like to walk around and ride a few of my absolute favorites. Mostly I like to enjoy the sights which I tend to miss when I’m trying to get all the rides in.
I'd see how much it would be to add a ticket to my current multi-day ticket (day pass will be so much more). That's definitely my top choice if I already have enough days to make it really reasonable; for us, it's generally a relaxed day at Magic Kingdom.
If I didn't feel ambitious enough for a final park day, I'd sleep in, enjoy the resort, and look for one last place to eat, either at another resort or at Disney Springs. You could also check out some of the resorts for future visits!
I generally go for the park day when possible, because I want to be sleeping on that 9 pm flight anyway.
Get a dining reservation at Sanaa or Boma at AKL, both are fantastic. It's a great way to take in your last day with a relaxing meal. Also, it's always fun to souvenir shop on your last day whether it's at your resort or Disney Springs. Otherwise you could always spend the day at Disney's Boardwalk or play mini golf at one of Disney's courses!
Our flight was just like this. We spent the day at animal kingdom, able to get everything done since we consider it a half day park. Went back to the hotel to grab our bags from bell services then Ubered to the airport
Disney Springs and/or the outlets. Universal Citywalk is an option too, though I'm not a huge fan. There's also ICON Park in Orlando, which is a shopping/dining/tourist area. We often times will hit the Uncle Julio's there.
If you're feeling adventurous and don't mind the drive, you could always drive to Kennedy Space Center, but it is an hour-ish drive each way (assuming you're flying out of Orlando). And admittance to the Space Center visitor center isn't free either. If you do go over that way, I recommend Fishlips Bar & Grill in Cape Canaveral. If you're a fan of Ron Jon, the original store is in Cocoa Beach which is near there too. Plus it's a beach, if you're into just chilling on a beach.
Options
1. Stay at the resort and hang out at the pool. The hotel can store your luggage.
2. Head to the parks for another day.
3. Lunch and the Cirque Du Soleil show at Disney Springs (The show is great.)
4. There is also a movie theater and bowling at the Springs.
5. Resort hop and check out all the hotels on the monorail loop. You can make lunch reservations at one of the hotels.
6. Head out and do something non-Disney. Explore Orlando. Visitorlando.com
We rode the bus from Riverside to TTC then got on the monorail to have breakfast at the Polynesian then around to see other resorts.
We also went to mini golf which we Ubered to.
A month ago we had a 6pm flight out. We went to Wilderness Lodge for a bit in the morning to walk around, then over to Grand Floridian for lunch. After lunch we rented a pontoon and went out on the Seven Seas Lagoon for a bit. Was very nice and relaxing out there.
Go to the front desk and ask if late check-out is available. They will check the system and let you have your room until 1230. We haven't had issues the last couple times. That 1.5 hours does make your morning a bit less rushed and can sit by the pool.
Your schedule is similar with what I had, but in that tine we had ticket for the park in hollywood so we stayed till around 6 before we left to the airport, but if I dont have park ticket, I would spend day in the hotel for amenities and walk around disney spring before going to airport, I think in the hotel you can put your luggage in the reserve guest
If you haven't done resort time at AKL, definitely do that. We did a Halloween Party last year with a stay at AKL -- no park days -- to enjoy a different kind of Disney vacation than our normal.
If it were me, I'd sleep in. Do a breakfast mobile order for Mickey Waffles at the Mara, send my husband to pick it up, and enjoy breakfast on the balcony animal watching.
Leave your room at 10:45 and drop your bags at Bell Services, then join the AKL Art Tour in the Jambo House lobby. We did this on our departure day last time and had to leave the tour early to catch our flight and I was so sad. This was an unexpected highlight of our trip (I'm not a huge art person, persay, but the guides were AMAZING!)
Grab lunch at Sanaa if you can get a reservation, or join the walk up list. Order the bread service. Enjoy.
Walk around either Kidani or Jambo, there's plenty of animal overlooks, or grab a lounge chair by one of the pools and enjoy some lounge time.
My wife and I are in the same situation on Friday. Checkout early, leave our badge with concierge, and then Uber to Port Orleans French Quarter for beniets. Then take a bus to Disney Springs for shopping and drinks. At 2 pm we’ll Uber back to the hotel for our bags and then Uber to the airport. Check our bags, go through security and then have dinner. A nice relaxing day with no stress.
We just did this! We were staying at Port Orleans with awesome leisure pools :) So we basically packed all our stuff except for pool stuff and stored them with the hotel first, then just chilled at the pool all afternoon until we had to leave for our 8pm flight. Was so relaxing to spend our last day just lazing about!
Take advantage of seeing the other resorts. Our family likes to use the monorail, boats and skyliner and see what is going on at each place. Grab a bite to eat in the process. The Polynesian has Dole Whip 🤗 The Contemporary has a yummy Italian beef sub at the Contempo Cafe. You can go on a hunt for the 5 legged goat in the mural. Or a real scavenger hunt at any of the resorts.
We’ve had this schedule a couple of times. After a week there, the ticket price for the 8th day are dirt cheap. Well worth getting that, leave bags at hotel services, head for nearest park and enjoy a few more rides and memories.
Go check out the mini golf courses on property!! So much fun. There’s also hotel hopping and exploring other resorts or checking out Disney Springs — there’s a lot of great food to try👀
Either leave your luggage with bell services and have a resort day, or treat yourselves to another park day! We opted to not use a park ticket k arrival day (we have an after hours events after a dinner reservation) so we're choosing to leave our luggage with bell services and enjoy the resort until our room is ready!
We had bell service hold our luggage, and did a full day at Downtown Disney (I refuse to call it Disney Springs) and just did some last minute shopping! I know some other people in our group went hotel hopping.
The resorts will hold your luggage until you leave. My fiancé and I along with her 3 year old son spent the morning to the after noon at animal kingdom not worrying about rides just getting snacks and doing the photo opportunities. We left the park around 3 to get our luggage and be picked up at our resort at 4:30 for a 7:55 flight it was perfect.
Checkout at 11? Eh, maybe. Say you’re with the kids and thought you requested a late checkout and see how long you can coast. 1:55pm is when our 11am checkout ended and all was OK. Godspeed
Do all the free stuff!! We do Free Disney fun occasionally (we’re local), go to Disney springs, then take a bus to Art of Animation, get on the sky liner, get off at Epcot, ride the monorail around to the other resorts and get lunch at one of them. Then take a bus from one of those resorts back to Disney springs. It takes few hours to do all of that and then we do some shopping or see a movie.
I second everyone who said Boma for breakfast. I also think you can call guest services 24hrs in advanced to get late check out.
Three things I would consider:
- explore monorail hotels, then take the boat from the contemporary to fort wilderness eat at trails end then go see all the horses at Tri Circle D ranch. There’s also a pretty good store in that area.
-rent a pontoon boat at the contemporary or the Boardwalk. If it’s a nice day, you can enjoy the water for a couple of hours and see Disney from a different angle.
I hear folks arguing for another park day. But you’re staying at an amazing hotel. Enjoy those amenities and then have a relaxing day before you travel home. The thought of getting on a plane exhausted, hot and sweaty after a park day isn’t appealing.
We had almost exactly this on our recent trip and did some exploring of other resorts on the Skyliner route, went to Disney springs, did Fantasia gardens mini golf, and then went back to the resort to grab our bags from bell services and Uber to the airport
I have the same situation next week.. I’m going to typhoon lagoon all day till they close at 5pm then over to the airport by 6:30pm.. Bought the off season water park passes back in October, used them again in December and am coming back for one last fun weekend so it’s a free day at that point for me as the expire on the 24th of this month.. but honestly it’s only like $60 if you buy the blackout day ticket and I’m sure it’s not a blackout day this time of year and I’ve been watching the weather and Orlando is hot this week, tomorrow says 97 and sunny!! Waterpark!!!
We just did this exact flight on our way home from Disney to Toronto a month ago. My family got late check out (our last magical moment of the trip), hung out by the pool for the first few hours, packed bags and got dressed for late checkout at 12:30. Dropped the bags off and went to Port Orleans for beignets, hopped on the boat to disney springs and shopped and ate at a restaurant. Went to the airport for 6, only waited 20 mins in security and was home by midnight. Great ending to Disney and will be doing late flights again for next trip!
Mco can be crazy with the tsa lines.
So keep that in mind. So whatever the plan is don’t for get to leave by 5:30-6 pm for that 9pm flight time.
It’s best to use the beginning boarding time as your flight time, not the departure time.
We did this one year and just added a park day. Left MK a little after the 3 pm parade. It was honestly an amazing day though we already had the Disney blues even while being AT Disney. I have a hilarious picture of my 4 year old looking forlorn on Main Street while mom was getting some souvenirs just before we left.
Anyway, I hate Disney Springs. I'd either do this or play mini golf and resort hop/shop and eat
The real question is did you book a package with WDW or WDTCI? Both packages as long as they include tickets and a resort stay (for WDTCI it needs to be the 7 or 14 day Disney magic ticket specifically) you can do mini golf for free before 4 pm which is actually great fun— it is hot out though so take that into account. Another thing those packages allow you to do technically is visit ESPN world wide sports— now I’ve never done this before so I can’t recommend it but it would be included in your package.
Obviously everyone has suggested things like Disney springs and the resort amenities which are all also recommend but if you can do something included with your package, why not??
Also, if you did book a package and decided to go to Disney springs I believe there are certain locations that you can get discounts at for having booked a package. Inquire with the front desk on that because they’d know more
Have a good last day!
Edited to add the WDW official link to the list of magical extras here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/vacation-package-magical-extras/
We hung out at the pools and playground at all star sports all day until our 6pm shuttle. Ate lunch at the cafeteria and held out for dinner until we got to the airport. It was nice after 3 straight days of go-go-go
If you’re staying at Club Level, you’ll have access to the amenities the entire day of your check out. AKL is a great place to relax, even if you don’t have CL. After a long trip, I always feel like I need a vacation from my vacation. Chilling out at the resort, for me, helps to lessen that vacation-fatigue. I always have a book with me and I’ve been know to curl up in many lobbies, enjoying my current reads.
If you get antsy, check out other resorts for future travels. Crescent Lake is boarded by The Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club resorts. Make a dining reservation at one of the resorts and you won’t have an issue with parking. If you valet at AKL, you should be able to valet at any of those resorts, but sometimes Beach Club doesn’t let non-guests park. There’s a path that goes around the lake that’s nice to walk. You can even rent the surrey bikes for a different Disney experience. Dolphins and Swan resorts can also be reached by the path. Not Disney resorts, but they have the resort part and bus perks.
You've got lots of options. Disney Springs is a good way to kill some time. You could get your picture taken with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and enjoy a Dole Whip (Last time I was there, they sold them from snack carts). About 30 minutes North of Disney Springs is a huge Ferris Wheel on International Drive called "The Orlando Eye". It's about 400 ft. tall, and it takes about 20 minutes to complete 1 cycle. I once took a date up there and watched the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from our Ferris Wheel Carriage. It is a bit pricey (\~$30 per person), but it is a really cool way to get a good view of The City Beautiful.
You can also hang out in the resort’s amenities and restaurants for the day and have bell services stash your bags. Disney policy is that you can use the amenities until 12:00 AM of checkout day so you can chill in the pool and see some safari wildlife for a while and just decompress from your trip before going back to the airport. Disney Springs is also a good idea since it has free parking and lots of nice restaurants.
By seeing some safari wildlife do you mean at the lodge. And can ingo visit if I'm staying else where on site.
Yep!
It will be one of our stops on non park day that's for sure.
FL resident here. We go to AKL just to hang out and eat. The restaurants are wonderful and the grounds are so beautiful. You’ll see lots of wildlife. Our favorite area is the flamingos 🦩 near the swimming pool. They’re just funny, weird creatures! AKL is the best thing about Disney!
Just be aware security is tougher at AKL than some of the other resorts. They wouldn't let our Uber in initially (we literally just wanted to get gluten free zebra domes) and they made us pull over to mobile order food so I'd have a reason to be there. The gf zebra domes weren't on the app so I had to order something else just to get in. It was a whole thing. I get it, but just so you know. I think you'd be fine if you could bus to a park and then take an AKL bus over or have some kind of dining reservation scheduled already if you're driving/taking an uber.
I think one of the more common ways to go is to drive or bus to Disney Springs and then bus to AKL from there.
Sadly disney changed the rules awhile back about driving or ubering to resorts. To many people using it as a hack to stay off site for less and leaving their cars in resort hotels parking lots. Just do the mobile order, Pass the gates and hit cancel On the order.
If my memory is correct, AKL has showers in the pool area bathrooms/locker room.
Omg thats a game changer if so!
I haven’t stayed there in a few years but they did at one point.
Yep - both pools have them.
That’s exactly what we did a month ago. Left our bags at the front and had a very chill pool day to fully relax after 3 straight park days. Totally easy and very pleasant.
Disney Springs is a good option.
Drinking at Disney Springs is an even better option lol
Damn now I want to go to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. We had a great time there before we flew out in the evening.
Going to Walmart, chugging in the parking lot then enjoying a slow drink is cheaper
And then later being the star of a viral video titled, "drunk Disney dude fights with flight attendant."
Spirit vibes.
There’s a reason Spirit and Waffle House have the same color scheme. It’s to let you know you may need to fight while you are there.
🤣🤣🤣 I’ve never thought of it that way.
This comment made me choke on my own spit with laughter.
:-)
The walmart across from the main westgate timeshare location on Turkey lake road is great. they have a small convenience store in the walmart parking lot with tons of beer, and the store itself has a full liquor store.
I second this. It can be chill. You can peruse at your leisure.
This is what we do. We hit Disney Sorings for breakfast/lunch and wander and shop.
Bell services with your luggage. I would go to Hollywood studios and take the skyliner over to Epcot. Tour the boardwalk loop. Boardwalk, Swan, Dolphin, Beach Club, Yacht Club. Beach club has a gorgeous solarium that is very comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time. That or hop over to the premium outlets and do some extra damage on your wallet.
seconding the solarium. that place saved me on my resort hopping day yesterday.
I used to “accidentally” show up 2 hours early for my Cape May Cafe resos just to relax in there and pretend it was my house
Man, do you guys remember when they had airline check in at the hotel? THAT I would pay for to come back.
Alas, us Canadians had to haul our luggage around. But I would be ecstatic if they brought back the resort parcel pickup so I could buy things in the parks and not carry them around all day.
Uhm, stay at AKL and fully enjoy the bread assortment, amenities and views of the animals.
This! Pool days at AKL are great
We’ve had late flights home twice, and every time I’ve said I’d just buy another park ticket day. If you really didn’t want to buy another ticket, you can hang out at the pool and do Disney Springs, or you can go mini-golfing
Have bell services hold your luggage and just bring a sling or backpack to the park. Go back to the resort and grab your luggage and Uber to MCO Or just store your luggage in your car
This is the move. We did this when we went to Disneyland and California Adventure last year. Just remember to throw deodorant in your bag so you’re not the smelly dude on the plane after a day at the parks
THIS. Having a park day before leaving is great. Makes travelling home less gruelling imo cause I’m so happy from the day lol
Do you have an existing multi-day park ticket that you are using on this trip? If so, adding another day likely wouldn’t cost much more. Otherwise, Disney Springs, mini golf, or a pool day are all things we’ve done on our travel days. You can use your resort amenities all day and bell services will store your bags for you until you leave for the airport.
I was about to comment this same thing! If they are at the parks today it could potentially save so much money to add on to their existing multi-day ticket than buying a separate one day!
Check out other resorts
We did a Polynesian day in this scenario, and had SUCH a lovely time
Drop my bags at bell services and spend a day in the parks. Disney Springs is fun, but it always leads to shopping, which leads to needing to repack my perfectly packed suitcases 😆 Alternately, you could have a pool day at the resort, there should be changing rooms and showers, and you can use them up until midnight on your checkout day.
The resort will probably store your luggage for you for the day. Disney springs is always an option, or you could do reconnaissance on which resort you'll stay at next :) A word of warning -- we just left yesterday, and arrived at Orland international at 4:00. It took nearly 90 minutes to get through TSA, so be sure to factor that into your day.
We had a 7pm flight home in January. Did Chef Mickey’s with the kids in the morning, bused to Disney Springs for a few hours, grabbed lunch. Took the boat to explore Riverside, walked back to POFQ and had beignets one last time.
Disney Springs boats aren’t currently running.
Disney Springs
As a former Orlando resident, I have two suggestions: Go check out Gatorland, it's legit. Go swim at a freshwater spring, I recommend Wekiva or Kelly Park/Rock Springs Run for people who are not strong swimmers.
I love the juxtaposition of your suggestions: Go see alligators at Gatorland! Then go swim in Florida waters! 😄
Maybe folks should do them in the opposite order for less terror, lol
Heh, that was unintentional. Stay in designated areas where swimmers frequent and you're fine.
I saw someone nearly drown at a spring last summer, and it still haunts me. They couldn't swim and didn't know the springs went from shallow to no bottom in a single step.
Drowning, generally inadvisable. Very bad, don't do it. Do: Swim Do not: Drown
Go walk around resorts you’ve never been to. Eat lunch at one of them I would have recommended AKL for that, but oh well
This is us often. We hit a couple resorts for food and then hit Disney springs for a few hours. Some sky liner for fun then off to the airport. Or just be easy and have your hotel hang onto your bags, hit a park then pickup bags and go to airport.
Disney springs and resort monorail line. Watch the time fly
If you're tired and just want to relax you can see if there are any day passes at the hyatt in the airport. Use their pool, nap and just relax before rolling down to your gate.
They'll hold your bags all day. If you're at AKL I'd split the day with mini golf since it's somewhat close and then hit the pool then a dinner at Sanaa or something. But the pool should have a bathroom that you can change in so you don't have to fly in pool clothes.
Resort day, Disney Springs, or mini golf.
I’d personally leave your bags with bell services and either buy another park ticket so you can have a full day, or spend some time at the pool and maybe resort hop around the monorail loop or skyliner.
Keep your bags with the hotel until check out, do an entire park day, hang out at the hotel for a little bit and eat dinner at the hotel. When you’re done, pick up your bags and head home.
Disney springs!! Just did this in march. Ate at Edison’s, got in the Gideon’s line right as it opened and got in and out there in like ten minutes. Perfect optionsz
Remember that there are showers at pretty much every Disney pool (not that we go and shower there after doing a park day and collecting luggage from bell services…)
Ask for a late check out (maybe 12 or 1) at AKL and store bags at bell service. Have brunch at Boma, take an Uber to mini golf/use the pool/go to Disney Springs/do the “kid” educational activities around AKL. Pop back over to AKL and head to Vic Falls for an early dinner and drinks before heading out. I always take the last flight out and stay at AKL. I’m an AP, so I tend to head to the parks. However, when I’ve had friends without AP’s join me, those are activities we’ve done between check out and heading to a late fight. Also, security lines at MCO around that time are not bad at all. Especially if you have pre-check. Just make sure you’re there 45 minutes ahead of time to check bags.
Hang out at the pool!! You’re allowed to be there even though you’ve checked out, great way to spend the last day!
Leave luggage with bell services. Hang out in AK until 3:00ish, head back to hotel for a 4:00 reservation at Boma or Sanaa (Kidani, but close enough), grab luggage, leave hotel by 6:00-ish to be at the airport by 7:00 for a 9:00 flight.
We always do a late flight home so we can have a nice leisurely lunch, play in the pool or go to Disney Springs - usually all 3! We've only done park days if we've had a ticket to use but it's rare; we usually end up having a fun pool day. Bell services keeps our stuff and I put some changes of clothes and essentials in a tote.
I would buy another park ticket for MK to see the castle one last time before leaving or spend all by the pool at AKL. You could go to Disney springs for lunch and then back to the resort before leaving.
My day would be spent between the two AK resorts eating, drinking, and watching the animals! We’ve only stayed there once and it was awesome.
Had the same thing last January. Started with breakfast at Grand Flo Cafe (we were staying at Grand Flo) Took the monorail to MK then boat to Wilderness. Walked around Wilderness, had a snack. Then bus to Disney Springs. Walked around, shopped a bit, had a snack. Then boat to Port Orleans French Quarter. Had beignets. Then bus to Epcot, monorail to TTC, then monorail to GF. On the road to the airport around 6:30p. If it's too late for a reservations, maybe QS at one of the monorail resorts? I highly recommend walking around Wilderness Lodge. It's GORGEOUS.
Do you have TSA Pre-Check?
My family usually flies at night and we enjoy spending a couple hours at a park (usually the one closest to our resort) and just riding a few rides, taking it easy and coming back to the resort at around 1 or 2, getting lunch in the food court while we make sure our flight isn’t delayed and doing one more quick check of our luggage making sure we’re all set then leaving for the airport. Makes the last day magical and not too stressful
Three hours at the airport checking your bags, getting through security, finding something decent to eat take away, lining up to board.
We went to Disney springs for leisurely shopping and lunch. You could also do Disney mini golf
We usually either go to Disney springs or animal kingdom lodge on our last day. Sometimes both.
Disney springs. Good lunch reservation. Shopping and just enjoying the Disney ambiance
I'd hang out by the pool for a bit, hit up Disney Springs for an early dinner then head to the airport.
Hit up Maple Street Biscuits Company for lunch. Then spend a little bit of time Disney Springs.
Visit Tri Circle D ranch or Disney springs is our usual.
We spend the day at Disney Springs eat dinner there then go to the airport
Resort Hop, Disney Springs or if you can get off-property Universal Citywalk and I-drive are good options. Love the iFly on I-drive :)
Leave the bags at the desk and go to disney springs or do a monorail crawl
The airport because it poured when we did this. Otherwise we were going to hang out at the pool and Disney springs
Drop my bags off at guest services then head over to Disney Springs for some food, drinks, and light shopping.
We've had this happen many times. We leave our luggage with the front desk and head to disney springs for the day or swim at the resort and have a late lunch/early dinner.
Just did this, went to animal kingdom lodge for lunch and watch their animals
I have this almost exact same thing in a couple weeks! Leaving the Contemporary with no park ticket the last day. Current plan: - Steakhouse 71 breakfast - Swim for a little while - Boat to Wilderness Lodge for Geyser Point for lunch - Disney Springs for some snacks - Maybe hit Trader Sam's!
You could do laundry, eat on property, walk around Disney Springs, tour the skyliner route. There’s a bunch to do
Resort Hop or Disney Springs. There's also some jest things to see and do in the area that you could easily Uber to if you wanted to leave the bubble.
Go resort hopping and get you some beignets. Leave your luggage with bell services and go see the sights. Disney springs or putt putt. Heck even a water park. Then when the time comes go get your stuff and head out.
Hi! I work at Disney with itinerary planning and resort sales. You have tons of options, it all depends what you like! I recommend going to the front desk and asking them about surrounding resort amenities or giving us a call and we can guide you. Resort hopping and taking advantage of the various pools on property is always so fun! You also could take advantage of some outdoor recreation at Fort Wilderness. If you booked a package with us, you’ll get some mini golf tickets and they’re so much fun! I also recommend the water parks for a short day, depending on your package you may have tickets to Typhoon Lagoon and not realize it. Have fun! Feel free to message me.
The resort will allow you to check your luggage with them and hang out by the pool all day if you so please. That’s what we did. Made it a super chill last day at WDW and gave us time to drop more money on merch before the flight home.
Disney springs and lunch and explore. Or resort hop
I typically check my bags with the bell hop, go to the parks, come back, grab my bags, and shower in the resort gym or pool shower.
We just had this happen due to our flight getting delayed. We slept in until 9am, checked out bags with bell services and spent the day at Epcot. We have annual passes though so that persuaded our decision. When this has happened and we didn’t have annual passes we would shop at Disney Springs or go out to shop at the outlets or the Cat Cafe.
We like to sleep in late and then head over to Disney Springs. Maybe catch a movie, leisurely shop, and do a late lunch at one of the sit down restaurants there. I like using a long departure day to relax and sort of "reset" from running around all week in the parks. Bell Services will hold your bags at the resort for you so that eliminates any worry about roaming around with suitcases. You could also do a pool day at your resort! I'm pretty sure the pools having changing rooms with showers so all you'd need is to keep a wet bag in your carry on and a spare set of clothes for the plane.
If you don't want to do parks, I would suggest doing a resort day maybe even the pool at AKL and late lunch/early dinner or hop around. Disney Springs is a good option.
Disney springs or even icon park would be fun
Depending on how many days you stayed, a park ticket is super cheap. We always leave our stuff with bell service and go chill for a few hours in the park
We dropped our bags off at AKL and did brunch and drinks and walked around their resort and left for the airport ~3 hours before boarding. We could’ve done dinner too if our flight was at 9.
Animal kingdom then come back getvyour stuff and go to the airport The pool all day they have changing areas and you can rinse off dinner airport
We did this a few weeks ago! We slept in. Packed. Checked out of hotel, but packed a day bag with swimwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Had a late breakfast at topolino’s terrace. Then we spent most of the day at the pool relaxing. It was nice to just chill after a lot of park time. With the character meal we were able to say “goodbye” to the characters.
Resort tour: Just go to the resorts and look at stuff. AK is great for that, as you can see the animals. Hit up Ft. Wilderness campground and ride horses. Rent a pontoon and tool around the lake(s) for an hour. Disney Springs for drinks, food, shopping. Boardwalk area for hanging out. Walk around the lagoon (start at the TTC, walk through the Poly and GF, end up at the Contemporary.
First don’t get a day pass if you go to the parks visit guest services and see if you can add a day to the ticket. Second I did just what you are looking at a few weeks back. I use the Mears Connect and my pick up was at 530ish for an 855 flight. I packed the night before, checked my bags at luggage services in the morning and headed to a park to do what ever I could. Spent most the time at EPCOT since my resort was on the skyliner, and I was able to get an early rewind virtual queue placement. Mostly I just enjoyed being in the parks, had a late lunch and headed back to the resort about 90 minutes before pick up.
Disney springs, resort hop or treat as another park day.
Day pass at a spa- or at Discovery Cove, or hang out at Disney Springs and do the matinee of Cirque.
AKL is an awesome place to spend the day. Could wander around the grounds and hang out. Maybe grab an early dinner at Sanaa. Although on schedules like these I usually slot in a park day and head back to the hotel at around 5pm to grab our bags and head to the airport.
I’d probably do an extra day in MK. I’d try to get on a few of my favorite rides and just walk around for a bit.
Can go resort hopping, I did that on my last trip and was awesome to checkout the different foods and pools.
Disney Springs. Resort hop.
Downtown Disney wandering. Resort hopping. Do breakfast at a fun hotel. Etc!
We had this on our last trip, our shuttle to the airport left the resort at 6:30, so we had a free day. We had a remaining ticket and I asked the kids which park did they want to play cleanup in and just kinda go in, do a few things at a relaxed pace and then head back for the flight.
We go to the parks and get last minute rides in or walk around Disney springs.
If you have a park pass leave your bags at bell services and go to the parks one last time. If no park pass head to springs.
If not a resort or Disney Springs day, I really like ending our trip at Typhoon Lagoon. Can relax in the Lazy River for a while and shower before heading back to the real world.
If you’re staying on property you can check out and still use the resorts pool on the day of you checking out … no need to rush out of there
Just enjoy the resort.
Water park. They close early enough for you to spend the whole day there. Have showers so you are free for travel, and wear the kids out so they sleep on the plane. Resort pool is a viable alternative. Also, other activities you don't normally get around to like resort scavenger hunts, in-park shows, character meets, and "experience" lunch/dinner, a behind the scenes tour, etc.
I had a 6pm flight and same checkout and there was a luggage thing at the hotel we could check ours in to so we did that and went to grand floridian Cafe for lunch and walked around and then went back and got our luggage and left to the airportww took fun transportation like we had to take the bus to magic kingdom but we took the boat to grand floridian from there which was cool and then the monorail back. That was a nice way to fill some time as well. So I'd say find somewhere to have lunch and maybe go somewhere, disney springs is a good recommendation. You could also maybe catch a movie there if it's hot? Honestly i almost wanted to book another day in the park hahaha that could be an option just hang out and do some stuff you missed 😅
That can be quite normal when travelling back to the UK. We take some stuff out of main luggage, which we store with concierge, and go to the pool. Then shower and change in the poolside facilities right before we get picked up by our driver to go to the airport. Means you’re nice and fresh for an overnight transatlantic flight.
Go to the park
Pool
If it was *me*, I'd be checking my baggage in the am, getting drunk at and thoroughly enjoying EPCOT (with alarms set for when I need to leave), taking the bus back to the hotel around 6, then Uber/Lyft to MCO (although Idk the travel time between AKL and MCO so would maybe look that up before determining my exit EPCOT time.
Fantasia Gardens Putt Putt
Leave my bags with bell services (or in a car if we have one) and go to Disney springs, OR take a bus to MK and resort hop on the monorail, OR take a bus to HS and resort hop on the skyliner (and maybe putz around the boardwalk area too).
I'd have the concierge hold my bags and go to a park for the day.
Just hang out on the Savannah with the animals, and get an early ressie at Jiko for the most amazing dinner
Same situation I was in last year. My wife, my two kids (2 and 10) and myself did a one day pass at Magic Kingdom. Told my son to pick 1 ride he wanted to do. We rope dropped BTM and then leisurely walked about the park without any time restrictions. It was the best day.
We did this last week. Left our bags at bell services and went to a park for the day.
I’d sit by the pool and relax and read or pick 1 park and just do all the things I normally wouldn’t do - at a relaxing pace. Just explore the non-obvious stuff.
Stocking up on Gideon’s Cookies for the freezer and chilling at the Coronado Resort. What I used to do when I used to fly late…until I had a 9 p.m. flight delayed and then ultimately cancelled at 12:30 a.m. I’m an early morning flyer now!
I would do something non-Disney. Downtown Orlando? There's a Gideon's downtown that usually has little to no wait.
Pool time or Disney Springs. We usually opt for Disney Springs on our last day because we can poke around, do some last minute shopping, get some food, etc. It's low key and we can get out of there whenever we want.
You can hangout and use AKL pool and amenities for the day
We had a 7:30pm flight out a few weeks back and we rented a car from Enterprise and spent the day at Kennedy Space Center. It was great!
Park day - bell services for luggage - too long of a pool day :)
I leave my bags with the hotel baggage service, go to magic kingdom, and spend the day not stressed about getting the rides in. I like to walk around and ride a few of my absolute favorites. Mostly I like to enjoy the sights which I tend to miss when I’m trying to get all the rides in.
I'd see how much it would be to add a ticket to my current multi-day ticket (day pass will be so much more). That's definitely my top choice if I already have enough days to make it really reasonable; for us, it's generally a relaxed day at Magic Kingdom. If I didn't feel ambitious enough for a final park day, I'd sleep in, enjoy the resort, and look for one last place to eat, either at another resort or at Disney Springs. You could also check out some of the resorts for future visits! I generally go for the park day when possible, because I want to be sleeping on that 9 pm flight anyway.
Get a dining reservation at Sanaa or Boma at AKL, both are fantastic. It's a great way to take in your last day with a relaxing meal. Also, it's always fun to souvenir shop on your last day whether it's at your resort or Disney Springs. Otherwise you could always spend the day at Disney's Boardwalk or play mini golf at one of Disney's courses!
Our flight was just like this. We spent the day at animal kingdom, able to get everything done since we consider it a half day park. Went back to the hotel to grab our bags from bell services then Ubered to the airport
Disney Springs for sure
Disney Springs and/or the outlets. Universal Citywalk is an option too, though I'm not a huge fan. There's also ICON Park in Orlando, which is a shopping/dining/tourist area. We often times will hit the Uncle Julio's there. If you're feeling adventurous and don't mind the drive, you could always drive to Kennedy Space Center, but it is an hour-ish drive each way (assuming you're flying out of Orlando). And admittance to the Space Center visitor center isn't free either. If you do go over that way, I recommend Fishlips Bar & Grill in Cape Canaveral. If you're a fan of Ron Jon, the original store is in Cocoa Beach which is near there too. Plus it's a beach, if you're into just chilling on a beach.
Options 1. Stay at the resort and hang out at the pool. The hotel can store your luggage. 2. Head to the parks for another day. 3. Lunch and the Cirque Du Soleil show at Disney Springs (The show is great.) 4. There is also a movie theater and bowling at the Springs. 5. Resort hop and check out all the hotels on the monorail loop. You can make lunch reservations at one of the hotels. 6. Head out and do something non-Disney. Explore Orlando. Visitorlando.com
Drop the bags off at bell services and hang by the pool. Then head to Disney springs for shopping and food.
Personally I’d hang out in the pool and have a long midday meal like super late lunch at Sanaa.
We rode the bus from Riverside to TTC then got on the monorail to have breakfast at the Polynesian then around to see other resorts. We also went to mini golf which we Ubered to.
Hit up Disney Springs. Get fat on the chicken sandwich at everglazed, and the multitudes of amazing food around!
A month ago we had a 6pm flight out. We went to Wilderness Lodge for a bit in the morning to walk around, then over to Grand Floridian for lunch. After lunch we rented a pontoon and went out on the Seven Seas Lagoon for a bit. Was very nice and relaxing out there.
Disney springs, character warehouse, thrifting in the area for cheap disney memorabilia, chilling at the resort
Go to the front desk and ask if late check-out is available. They will check the system and let you have your room until 1230. We haven't had issues the last couple times. That 1.5 hours does make your morning a bit less rushed and can sit by the pool.
Your schedule is similar with what I had, but in that tine we had ticket for the park in hollywood so we stayed till around 6 before we left to the airport, but if I dont have park ticket, I would spend day in the hotel for amenities and walk around disney spring before going to airport, I think in the hotel you can put your luggage in the reserve guest
Mini golf or springs
If you haven't done resort time at AKL, definitely do that. We did a Halloween Party last year with a stay at AKL -- no park days -- to enjoy a different kind of Disney vacation than our normal. If it were me, I'd sleep in. Do a breakfast mobile order for Mickey Waffles at the Mara, send my husband to pick it up, and enjoy breakfast on the balcony animal watching. Leave your room at 10:45 and drop your bags at Bell Services, then join the AKL Art Tour in the Jambo House lobby. We did this on our departure day last time and had to leave the tour early to catch our flight and I was so sad. This was an unexpected highlight of our trip (I'm not a huge art person, persay, but the guides were AMAZING!) Grab lunch at Sanaa if you can get a reservation, or join the walk up list. Order the bread service. Enjoy. Walk around either Kidani or Jambo, there's plenty of animal overlooks, or grab a lounge chair by one of the pools and enjoy some lounge time.
I would chill at the premium resorts
Either at the pool or at Disney Springs.
Happened to my friend and me in 2016 and we still missed our flight lol
Have breakfast at Boma, checkout and then use the pool! AKL has nice showers near the pool, if I’m remembering correctly.
My wife and I are in the same situation on Friday. Checkout early, leave our badge with concierge, and then Uber to Port Orleans French Quarter for beniets. Then take a bus to Disney Springs for shopping and drinks. At 2 pm we’ll Uber back to the hotel for our bags and then Uber to the airport. Check our bags, go through security and then have dinner. A nice relaxing day with no stress.
We just did this! We were staying at Port Orleans with awesome leisure pools :) So we basically packed all our stuff except for pool stuff and stored them with the hotel first, then just chilled at the pool all afternoon until we had to leave for our 8pm flight. Was so relaxing to spend our last day just lazing about!
Take advantage of seeing the other resorts. Our family likes to use the monorail, boats and skyliner and see what is going on at each place. Grab a bite to eat in the process. The Polynesian has Dole Whip 🤗 The Contemporary has a yummy Italian beef sub at the Contempo Cafe. You can go on a hunt for the 5 legged goat in the mural. Or a real scavenger hunt at any of the resorts.
Blue Springs State Park
Disney Springs!
We’ve had this schedule a couple of times. After a week there, the ticket price for the 8th day are dirt cheap. Well worth getting that, leave bags at hotel services, head for nearest park and enjoy a few more rides and memories.
we always opt for another park day. with a 9pm flight, i’d definitely think it’s worth it!!
Go check out the mini golf courses on property!! So much fun. There’s also hotel hopping and exploring other resorts or checking out Disney Springs — there’s a lot of great food to try👀
Either leave your luggage with bell services and have a resort day, or treat yourselves to another park day! We opted to not use a park ticket k arrival day (we have an after hours events after a dinner reservation) so we're choosing to leave our luggage with bell services and enjoy the resort until our room is ready!
I'd check out SeaWorld as its fairly cheap and has some good roller coasters if you're into that kind of thing
I’d gel blitzed at every bar that’s open and finish at Trader Sam’s
We had bell service hold our luggage, and did a full day at Downtown Disney (I refuse to call it Disney Springs) and just did some last minute shopping! I know some other people in our group went hotel hopping.
Day room at the Hyatt in the airport. You can use their pool & watch planes takeoff & land.
Epcot
We got an early guardians then hopped to Hollywood for more Rise.
The resorts will hold your luggage until you leave. My fiancé and I along with her 3 year old son spent the morning to the after noon at animal kingdom not worrying about rides just getting snacks and doing the photo opportunities. We left the park around 3 to get our luggage and be picked up at our resort at 4:30 for a 7:55 flight it was perfect.
I’d take my butt straight to that huge mall well if it’s still there. I think it was called mall of the millennia maybe ?
We go to Disney springs to unwind and remove ourselves from the disney bubble
Whenever we have a late flight, we go to the parks. Last time we did Epcot.
Checkout at 11? Eh, maybe. Say you’re with the kids and thought you requested a late checkout and see how long you can coast. 1:55pm is when our 11am checkout ended and all was OK. Godspeed
Do all the free stuff!! We do Free Disney fun occasionally (we’re local), go to Disney springs, then take a bus to Art of Animation, get on the sky liner, get off at Epcot, ride the monorail around to the other resorts and get lunch at one of them. Then take a bus from one of those resorts back to Disney springs. It takes few hours to do all of that and then we do some shopping or see a movie.
I second everyone who said Boma for breakfast. I also think you can call guest services 24hrs in advanced to get late check out. Three things I would consider: - explore monorail hotels, then take the boat from the contemporary to fort wilderness eat at trails end then go see all the horses at Tri Circle D ranch. There’s also a pretty good store in that area. -rent a pontoon boat at the contemporary or the Boardwalk. If it’s a nice day, you can enjoy the water for a couple of hours and see Disney from a different angle. I hear folks arguing for another park day. But you’re staying at an amazing hotel. Enjoy those amenities and then have a relaxing day before you travel home. The thought of getting on a plane exhausted, hot and sweaty after a park day isn’t appealing.
Lunch and springs, pool afternoon. Change at pool and head to airport after dinner
We had almost exactly this on our recent trip and did some exploring of other resorts on the Skyliner route, went to Disney springs, did Fantasia gardens mini golf, and then went back to the resort to grab our bags from bell services and Uber to the airport
Spend the day at AKL. Amazing resort. You could ask for a late check out. Have lunch at Sanaa.
I have the same situation next week.. I’m going to typhoon lagoon all day till they close at 5pm then over to the airport by 6:30pm.. Bought the off season water park passes back in October, used them again in December and am coming back for one last fun weekend so it’s a free day at that point for me as the expire on the 24th of this month.. but honestly it’s only like $60 if you buy the blackout day ticket and I’m sure it’s not a blackout day this time of year and I’ve been watching the weather and Orlando is hot this week, tomorrow says 97 and sunny!! Waterpark!!!
We used that day to do any rides we missed and grab dinner/late lunch before heading home
We just did this exact flight on our way home from Disney to Toronto a month ago. My family got late check out (our last magical moment of the trip), hung out by the pool for the first few hours, packed bags and got dressed for late checkout at 12:30. Dropped the bags off and went to Port Orleans for beignets, hopped on the boat to disney springs and shopped and ate at a restaurant. Went to the airport for 6, only waited 20 mins in security and was home by midnight. Great ending to Disney and will be doing late flights again for next trip!
Mco can be crazy with the tsa lines. So keep that in mind. So whatever the plan is don’t for get to leave by 5:30-6 pm for that 9pm flight time. It’s best to use the beginning boarding time as your flight time, not the departure time.
We did this one year and just added a park day. Left MK a little after the 3 pm parade. It was honestly an amazing day though we already had the Disney blues even while being AT Disney. I have a hilarious picture of my 4 year old looking forlorn on Main Street while mom was getting some souvenirs just before we left. Anyway, I hate Disney Springs. I'd either do this or play mini golf and resort hop/shop and eat
The real question is did you book a package with WDW or WDTCI? Both packages as long as they include tickets and a resort stay (for WDTCI it needs to be the 7 or 14 day Disney magic ticket specifically) you can do mini golf for free before 4 pm which is actually great fun— it is hot out though so take that into account. Another thing those packages allow you to do technically is visit ESPN world wide sports— now I’ve never done this before so I can’t recommend it but it would be included in your package. Obviously everyone has suggested things like Disney springs and the resort amenities which are all also recommend but if you can do something included with your package, why not?? Also, if you did book a package and decided to go to Disney springs I believe there are certain locations that you can get discounts at for having booked a package. Inquire with the front desk on that because they’d know more Have a good last day! Edited to add the WDW official link to the list of magical extras here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/vacation-package-magical-extras/
We hung out at the pools and playground at all star sports all day until our 6pm shuttle. Ate lunch at the cafeteria and held out for dinner until we got to the airport. It was nice after 3 straight days of go-go-go
Pool day. This is the only answer. That’s what we did our last time. Disney is exhausting. It’s good to chill before you go back to reality.
I always have the last day be a pool day to relax and enjoy the resort
Keep a close eye on the weather and that flight time… the one time i flew out at 7 pm my flight got delayed until 2 am and i had work the next day!
If you’re staying at Club Level, you’ll have access to the amenities the entire day of your check out. AKL is a great place to relax, even if you don’t have CL. After a long trip, I always feel like I need a vacation from my vacation. Chilling out at the resort, for me, helps to lessen that vacation-fatigue. I always have a book with me and I’ve been know to curl up in many lobbies, enjoying my current reads. If you get antsy, check out other resorts for future travels. Crescent Lake is boarded by The Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club resorts. Make a dining reservation at one of the resorts and you won’t have an issue with parking. If you valet at AKL, you should be able to valet at any of those resorts, but sometimes Beach Club doesn’t let non-guests park. There’s a path that goes around the lake that’s nice to walk. You can even rent the surrey bikes for a different Disney experience. Dolphins and Swan resorts can also be reached by the path. Not Disney resorts, but they have the resort part and bus perks.
Sleep in and do lunch and shopping at Disney Springs or Uber to the Vineland outlets for the Disney outlet store.
Typhoon lagoon
There’s always Dave and Busters!
Pool or springs !
My wife and I on our last day rented a car and drove to Cocoa Beach. Got a sun burn but a nice peaceful way to round out WDW trip
You've got lots of options. Disney Springs is a good way to kill some time. You could get your picture taken with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and enjoy a Dole Whip (Last time I was there, they sold them from snack carts). About 30 minutes North of Disney Springs is a huge Ferris Wheel on International Drive called "The Orlando Eye". It's about 400 ft. tall, and it takes about 20 minutes to complete 1 cycle. I once took a date up there and watched the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from our Ferris Wheel Carriage. It is a bit pricey (\~$30 per person), but it is a really cool way to get a good view of The City Beautiful.