Just my opinion, but I would definitely plan on getting to MCO earlier than 2 hours before your flight. I flew out of tiny Palm Beach International a few weeks ago and getting through the short (non-existent) security line took a long time! There was only 1 person in front of me, and he was sent to the TSA pre-check line. It still took me over 20 minutes to leave the security area, and I wasn't even wanded or patted down!
The TSA workers were pleasant, but they were very serious. I was directed to leave my shoes out of the box/tray, my laptop in it's own box...it went on and on. I fly frequently--flew out of MCO a week prior, and security was nothing like this! I had one purse, one tote (personal bag), and one carry-on, but through their direction, I ended up using four boxes to put my things in. My purse fit easily in the zippered tote. My ziplock of travel-sized liquids was taken to be scanned (x-rayed?) They asked if I had any food, so I gave them my packet of pretzel bits and small bag of jelly beans. Those were taken to be tested, too! I asked if this was happening because it is the airport that the president uses, and was told that this was the new national security policy, and soon all airports would start screening this thoroughly. The lead security lady told me that Miami and Fort Lauderdale piloted this new screening policy starting six months ago, and that all airports would need to follow these procedures within the next year. After I was cleared, I had to get in line to retrieve my ziplock of liquids, pretzels, and jelly beans. Unfortunately, a young family was having their formula, baby food, etc. tested ahead of me. Ten minutes later, they finally tested my things. It was crazy!! The airport was very empty. It was the middle of the afternoon, in the middle of the week, during low season. I can't even imagine how long it would have taken had there been even moderate crowds!
After I gathered all of my belongings, I headed to a news stand to buy a bottle of water. The young lady manning the register told me that it usually takes her 40 minutes to make it through the morning security line so that she can get to her news stand! She said that she packs her lunch and gets stuck in the crush of early morning travelers trying to make it through security. All that I could envision was holiday travel nightmares at MCO!!
So my guess is that the new 4 hour policy for Magical Express reflects this new screening law. I had the choice to book my daughter's Thanksgiving flight home from a college in between Orlando and Tampa through MCO or Tampa. I chose Tampa to avoid what I worry will be a messy situation at MCO. Her plan is to get to the airport at least 4 hours early and spend any left over time studying before she boards the plane.
Please plan on leaving early for your flights this time. It would really be horrible to gain an extra hour at WDW and miss your flight!
