WDW and a cruise?

[ToTallToSlow112]

Do people do this often? WDW and a cruise.

This will be a brief 3 days at WDW in Feb followed by our first cruise (Carnival) to the Bahamas. Just wanted to get the forum's thoughts on combining these vacations.

Background:
It will be my live in girlfriend and I. We have no kids, we are in our late 20s, and we have been together 5 years. My girlfriend won a cruise, no it is not a scam, through her work at a pool and spa store. We both are former castmembers so sailing out of Port Canaveral and a few days in the world were a no brainer. I did upgrade to a moderate resort (Port Orleans French Quarter) considering the brief 3 nights.

Here's where you come in:
I'd like to pick the forum's brain for things to do with limited time in the parks(one park per day tickets most likely no AK) thoughts on the WDW paired with a cruise, and general thoughts concerning a first time cruiser.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

A cruise can be quite relaxing so feel free to go commando in the parks. You can sleep in and rest on the ship.

It's not unusual to eat a lot on a cruise, where meals are all included and buffets are common. Accordingly, try to eat light during your visit to WDW so you don't feel bloated when you get on the ship and can't enjoy it quite as much.

 

[belledream]

We just honeymooned at WDW followed by a Disney Cruise and it was so much fun! Granted, we spent a week at Disney so it's definitely more than 3 days and the relaxation of the cruise afterwards felt completely necessary.

Since the cruise is free, I'd say definitely tack on a trip to WDW since you'll be in the area! Otherwise, I'd say 3 days at Disney is way too short and I'd choose 7 days at Disney instead of 3 and 3. But I think the two of you should definitely go for it!

As for doing Disney in three days, park hopper probably not necessary unless you want to go to AK. Then you could do MK, EPCOT, and split a day between HS and AK. But we definitely prefer to stay in one park each day. It really keeps us in the spirit and makes FPs and ADRs very easy to plan. Also doesn't waste time travelings.

Good luck planning and enjoy!

 

[ToTallToSlow112]

Thanks Wendy, darling, and u too Belle.

Given the limited three days... I can agree with, and I'm certainly not above the death march approach. Infact i was raised on it. However, once your personal E ticket experiences are achieved in a specific park, (negating parkhoppers) how do you approach making the most of the parks without heading for the turnstiles? Or if you do exit the park gates how do u make the most of your resort.?

 

[belledream]

I'm definitely a park commando type person. We hardly leave the parks once we enter until closing. That being said, we don't just ride ourselves silly when we don't feel like it. We love browsing the shops, even though the merchandise is pretty standard throughout, but it's fun to see all the different decorations and themes. We also eat, a lot, so planning a few, special dining experiences can really break up the day but also enhance it greatly, and if we truly don't feel like doing anything, we'll just park it on a bench and listen to the music, people watch, and enjoy the atmosphere, especially at sunset.

We stay in values so we never head back to our resort during the day, but we head to nearby resorts to explore, relax, and take pictures. Sometimes, a boat/monorail ride can be an attraction in itself. There's lots to see and do at the resorts. You can't go swimming, but you can eat, rent boats, bikes, fish, etc. (extra cost of course).

If we did go back to a resort during the day, I'd definitely do it during the afternoon when the crowds get really bad and the heat is hot. Hit the pool, walk the grounds, and just enjoy your time in Disney!