Thoughts on trip plans (cruise+WDW)

[DisneyDoug85]

We have our first disney cruise planned for november 12th 2018, we're also going to stay 3-4 nights in WDW. At first I was planning on staying in WDW prior to the cruise based on most peoples suggestions, now I'm considering staying after instead. Reasons being-

1) My sons 4th bday is the 16th, which would be our travel day home if we do WDW first. If we do cruise first, he'd get to spend his bday in WDW.

2) I think we'll be staying at Wilderness Lodge and we're really looking forward to seeing the Christmas decor etc for the first time. I think theres a chance the tree won't be up if we stay before the cruise (Nov 8-12th), but it should be up if we stay after (Nov 16th-20th, Thanksgiving is the 22nd).

My questions- What are your thoughts and experiences of visiting WDW before vs after your cruise? Also, I know crowds are at their busiest around Thanksgiving, would i run into that a couple days prior? Or does it start getting real bad on Thanksgiving and last throughout the weekend etc?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[DisneyDoug85]

Ditto what @21stamps (Merry Christmas, my friend....yeah, I know, I still owe you that drink, lol) and everyone else said. WDW first, then cruise. We did that our first Disney cruise. And we've done it for every cruise, but one. After a 4 night cruise, we stopped at WDW overnight on our way home for our meeting with the wedding planner for my daughter's wedding. All we really wanted to do was get home. Disney wants you off that ship by 9am the morning you return to port.

Yes, WL should be decorated by then. The Christmas party starts around that time, also.

Thanks. Yes i know people recommend WDW first, but in our specific case, it'll work out much better for us to do it after. I think we'll be fine...We booked Wilderness Lodge yesterday, so excited!

 

[DisneyDoug85]

another question regarding the Disney transportation. If i fly in and use lyft or uber to get to port as well as to WDW from port....can i still then use Disney magical express to get from WDW to the airport after the trip? in other words, is the magical express an "all or nothing" type of service?

 

[LAKid53]

DCL has buses from the port to WDW. They aren't free, but probably cheaper than an Uber. I think $70 a person one way.

It's approximately a 90 minute drive from the Port to WDW.

 

[Minnie Mum]

another question regarding the Disney transportation. If i fly in and use lyft or uber to get to port as well as to WDW from port....can i still then use Disney magical express to get from WDW to the airport after the trip? in other words, is the magical express an "all or nothing" type of service?

Yes, you absolutely can just take the Magical Express one way, as long as you're at one of Disney's resorts.

 

[DisneyDoug85]

DCL has buses from the port to WDW. They aren't free, but probably cheaper than an Uber. I think $70 a person one way.

It's approximately a 90 minute drive from the Port to WDW.

I found these rates online but not on the official Disney cruiseline website....are these correct or old rates? If they’re right it seems I could do two separate 1 way trips, airport to port, then port to resort. Would cost 70 bucks per person round trip.

 

[DisneyDoug85]

Yes, you absolutely can just take the Magical Express one way, as long as you're at one of Disney's resorts.

Yup, just booked at Wilderness Lodge the other day. Thanks!

 

[LAKid53]

I found these rates online but not on the official Disney cruiseline website....are these correct or old rates? If they’re right it seems I could do two separate 1 way trips, airport to port, then port to resort. Would cost 70 bucks per person round trip.

What airport are you flying into before your cruise? Because you can take the Magical Express from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Port Canaveral and then the Disney Cruise bus from the Port to WDW. I know the Cruise bus that runs between the Port and WDW is $70 round trip per person. The price from MCO to the Port is probably the same.

Both the Magical Express and Cruise Line buses are operated by Mears. If you fly, you will have luggage tags that will get you all the way to your stateroom. The DCL website doesn't list pricing, but I would call them. I believe you add ground transportation once you can start your online check-in, which as a 1st time Disney cruiser will be at the 90 day mark before your date of sailing.

You can always check to see if the Disney Moms Panel has answered a question about ground transportation.

You will enjoy your cruise!

 

[LAKid53]

Ok so if we fly in to MCO fairly late the day before, we'd probably be best off staying at a hotel at MCO and then jumping on Disney transport or some other type of transport from MCO to port. Then to get from port to WDW after the cruise, we'll again need Disney transport or taxi/uber/shuttle etc. Does the disney transport from port to WDW work the same as Magical express whereas it'll take us directly to our hotel (wilderness lodge)?

Yes, the DCL bus grom the Port to WDW works just like DME. Once you pick up your luggage from customs, you'll head to the area outside the Disney terminal for the bus going to your resort.

 

[DisneyDoug85]

What airport are you flying into before your cruise? Because you can take the Magical Express from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Port Canaveral and then the Disney Cruise bus from the Port to WDW. I know the Cruise bus that runs between the Port and WDW is $70 round trip per person. The price from MCO to the Port is probably the same.

Both the Magical Express and Cruise Line buses are operated by Mears. If you fly, you will have luggage tags that will get you all the way to your stateroom. The DCL website doesn't list pricing, but I would call them. I believe you add ground transportation once you can start your online check-in, which as a 1st time Disney cruiser will be at the 90 day mark before your date of sailing.

You can always check to see if the Disney Moms Panel has answered a question about ground transportation.

You will enjoy your cruise!

Well i've always flown into Orlando (MCO) to go to WDW. I never even considered flying into a different airport but there is Melbourne, which is much closer to the port. So you're saying i can take magical express (free) from MCO to the port? I always just assumed that the only way to get to port using disney, was through the cruisline transportation. I will definitely call them soon to hear it straight from the source...thank you!

Yes, the DCL bus grom the Port to WDW works just like DME. Once you pick up your luggage from customs, you'll head to the area outside the Disney terminal for the bus going to your resort.

Ok great, i wasn't sure if the DCL went to WDW from port, or just back to MCO. Thanks for clearing that up. I think since this is our first cruise and first time doing both in one trip, i'd feel more comfortable doing everything through Disney. It may cost a bit more and be a little less efficient, but i'll have better piece of mind.

 

[LAKid53]

Well i've always flown into Orlando (MCO) to go to WDW. I never even considered flying into a different airport but there is Melbourne, which is much closer to the port. So you're saying i can take magical express (free) from MCO to the port? I always just assumed that the only way to get to port using disney, was through the cruisline transportation. I will definitely call them soon to hear it straight from the source...thank you!



Ok great, i wasn't sure if the DCL went to WDW from port, or just back to MCO. Thanks for clearing that up. I think since this is our first cruise and first time doing both in one trip, i'd feel more comfortable doing everything through Disney. It may cost a bit more and be a little less efficient, but i'll have better piece of mind.

I've only taken the DCL bus from WDW to the Port and back. The DCL website isn't clear which service goes from MCO to the Port - DME (free to WDW to/from MCO) or DCL (not free). One website I looked at said DME from MCO to Port, but I've only seen the DCL buses at the Port. Which is why I suggested calling DCL for clarification and updated pricing.

Oh, for those who drive and park at the Port, like me, Port Canaveral has discontinued paying in advance for all parking, including preferred.

 

[NelleBelle]

Ok so if we fly in to MCO fairly late the day before, we'd probably be best off staying at a hotel at MCO and then jumping on Disney transport or some other type of transport from MCO to port. Then to get from port to WDW after the cruise, we'll again need Disney transport or taxi/uber/shuttle etc. Does the disney transport from port to WDW work the same as Magical express whereas it'll take us directly to our hotel (wilderness lodge)?

Yup! Disney transport works the exact same as ME (except for the $ ) so they will take you to WL--may not be directly to WL; just like ME, they may drop at other resorts before WL, depending on how many are going where.

We, too, did WDW after our cruise and loved it! We will do it that way from now on (not that we've tried it the other way )! I'd definitely stay at MCO--I believe if you stay at the Hyatt, they will take your bags for you and they will "magically" reappear in your stateroom on board the ship. You won't have to "lug" your luggage down to the Disney bus, except your carry-ons for the day. Just tell the front desk you're doing the disney cruise transport and they will give you instructions for what time to set your bags out and tags to apply.

 

[LAKid53]

Yup! Disney transport works the exact same as ME (except for the $ ) so they will take you to WL--may not be directly to WL; just like ME, they may drop at other resorts before WL, depending on how many are going where.

We, too, did WDW after our cruise and loved it! We will do it that way from now on (not that we've tried it the other way )! I'd definitely stay at MCO--I believe if you stay at the Hyatt, they will take your bags for you and they will "magically" reappear in your stateroom on board the ship. You won't have to "lug" your luggage down to the Disney bus, except your carry-ons for the day. Just tell the front desk you're doing the disney cruise transport and they will give you instructions for what time to set your bags out and tags to apply.

DCL works the same way. Put your cruise luggage tags on and DCL will pick them up from your resort room the morning of your departure, put them on the DCL bus and they show up in your stateroom in the afternoon.

Just a note, OP, since this is your first cruise. You won't be able to access your stateroom until 1PM, so don't pack too much in that carryon. I have a tote with all my important papers (DCL, of course) - cruise contract, passport, etc - and a small rolling bag with the things DCL tells you to carry on - swimsuit, toiletries, change of clothes, sunscreen, jacket. Many times our luggage showed up after 3PM, and not all at once.

 

[Grumpy06]

We have our first disney cruise planned for november 12th 2018, we're also going to stay 3-4 nights in WDW. At first I was planning on staying in WDW prior to the cruise based on most peoples suggestions, now I'm considering staying after instead. Reasons being-

1) My sons 4th bday is the 16th, which would be our travel day home if we do WDW first. If we do cruise first, he'd get to spend his bday in WDW.

2) I think we'll be staying at Wilderness Lodge and we're really looking forward to seeing the Christmas decor etc for the first time. I think theres a chance the tree won't be up if we stay before the cruise (Nov 8-12th), but it should be up if we stay after (Nov 16th-20th, Thanksgiving is the 22nd).

My questions- What are your thoughts and experiences of visiting WDW before vs after your cruise? Also, I know crowds are at their busiest around Thanksgiving, would i run into that a couple days prior? Or does it start getting real bad on Thanksgiving and last throughout the weekend etc?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[Grumpy06]

We have taken 3 cruises so far and have had a wonderful time on all 3.
We always fly into Orlando one or two days before cruise and go to WDW
And then take wdw transportation to cruise,they pick up your luggage around 7 am
the day of cruise and your luggage will be delivered to your cruise room for you
We enjoy cruise and and then take cruise transportation back to wdw for three or four more nights
that way no rush to airport day cruise gets back and spending day hanging around airport
Makes for a stress free trip from beginning to end
ENJOY

 

[NelleBelle]

DCL works the same way. Put your cruise luggage tags on and DCL will pick them up from your resort room the morning of your departure, put them on the DCL bus and they show up in your stateroom in the afternoon.

Just a note, OP, since this is your first cruise. You won't be able to access your stateroom until 1PM, so don't pack too much in that carryon. I have a tote with all my important papers (DCL, of course) - cruise contract, passport, etc - and a small rolling bag with the things DCL tells you to carry on - swimsuit, toiletries, change of clothes, sunscreen, jacket. Many times our luggage showed up after 3PM, and not all at once.

Yes! This is an awesome thing, OP! We actually prefer this! We get a little taste of WDW before the cruise. Just know that you likely will not get to the port early. We stayed at Coronado Springs and didn't get to the port until almost 1pm. We didn't mind as we were not first-time cruisers and found that the stress of trying to get to the port early and stand in line was not a great thing for us. By the time we arrived, there was no check-in line for Castaway Club members (and frankly, maybe 3 groups in the general line). We were able to board immediately and they had just opened the rooms, so we were able to put our stuff away as soon as we boarded. Cabanas wasn't nearly as crowded either.

So there are some definite pros and cons to staying pre-cruise at a WDW resort. If you want to board early, definitely stay at the Hyatt at MCO. Disney transportation starts boarding for the port at 9am, getting you there a little after 10am. Whichever you choose, the price is the same!

 

[LAKid53]

Yes! This is an awesome thing, OP! We actually prefer this! We get a little taste of WDW before the cruise. Just know that you likely will not get to the port early. We stayed at Coronado Springs and didn't get to the port until almost 1pm. We didn't mind as we were not first-time cruisers and found that the stress of trying to get to the port early and stand in line was not a great thing for us. By the time we arrived, there was no check-in line for Castaway Club members (and frankly, maybe 3 groups in the general line). We were able to board immediately and they had just opened the rooms, so we were able to put our stuff away as soon as we boarded. Cabanas wasn't nearly as crowded either.

So there are some definite pros and cons to staying pre-cruise at a WDW resort. If you want to board early, definitely stay at the Hyatt at MCO. Disney transportation starts boarding for the port at 9am, getting you there a little after 10am. Whichever you choose, the price is the same!

If I remember, we were told to be at the POR lobby around 10:30 for the cruise bus. But they put a notice in your room the night before with all the specifics. We now drive from WDW to the Port the morning of our departure, since parking at the Port is cheaper than taking the bus.

 

[NelleBelle]

If I remember, we were told to be at the POR lobby around 10:30 for the cruise bus. But they put a notice in your room the night before with all the specifics. We now drive from WDW to the Port the morning of our departure, since parking at the Port is cheaper than taking the bus.

Hmm, yes! Depending on whether or not you have your own car/one-way rental car prices, no. of people traveling, it could definitely be cheaper than taking the bus! We did a one-way rental our first cruise but had such a fiasco dropping the car off that we said "never again"! It probably would've been cheaper for us to hire a car service to take us from WDW to the port for our party of 6 but at the time, I went with "easy".

 

[DisneyDoug85]

Thank you everyone! Well over the last couple of days i think I've been leaning toward renting a car at MCO and driving to port right away (the day before). We'll stay at a hotel that night and depending on when our flight comes in, we could have a few hours to explore the Cape Canaveral area as opposed to being stuck in the airport. The reason I'm leaning that way is that we booked the Cruise through a family travel agent and because we didn't book Hyatt through disney, we're not able to check our luggage with the Magical Express tags. Meaning we'd have to keep our luggage wth us anyway. I can rent a car from Hertz or other through an employee discount for about 90-100 bucks for the time i'd need it. I did not realize that as a first time cruiser my state room won't be available till 1pm, thats definitely something we'll have to remember and plan for.

So my new idea for an itinerary is as follows,

1-Sunday. Fly in to MCO (could fly in to Melbourne too if not using Disney transport anyway)
2-Sunday. Pick up rental car at airport, drive straight to port. Maybe have some time to explore.
3-Sunday. Stay at port hotel
4-Monday. Return Car first thing in the morning, take Hertz shuttle to port.
5-Monday. **CRUISE**
6-Friday. Return to port, board DCL express to Wilderness Lodge
7-Friday through Tuesday. **WDW**
8-Tuesday. Board Magical Express to MCO for flight home.

What do you think?

 

[LAKid53]

Make sure the Hertz shuttle drops you off at the Disney Cruise Line terminal they have their own. And the luggage tags DCL sends you (will be in the booklet you get a few weeks begore your cruise - 2 per passenger) are on the luggage you are not carrying on. Another thing, the names of passengers on your reservation must match the names on their passports or birth certificates used to check-in and board the ship.

 

[DisneyDoug85]

Make sure the Hertz shuttle drops you off at the Disney Cruise Line terminal they have their own. And the luggage tags DCL sends you (will be in the booklet you get a few weeks begore your cruise - 2 per passenger) are on the luggage you are not carrying on. Another thing, the names of passengers on your reservation must match the names on their passports or birth certificates used to check-in and board the ship.

Thanks, ill have to look into that. I think what i could possibly do is the morning of the cruise i could use the rental car to drop off our luggage, then go back for my family and to drop the car off. That way we don't have all of our bags with us on the shuttle etc. Ok so basically you're saying to make sure that all of our names exactly match whats listed on our passports? We'll be getting our passports any day....so thats good to know.