1st Cruise, How did I do?

[auntie k]

This is our first cruise, please provide any feedback if you see any pitfalls.
We have a Cat 6 - it was worth the extra $ for the verandah!

1) arriving a day early, staying at a hotel on Augusta National Drive
2) Hotel to shuttle us to airport, to take DCL transfer to port
3) From port to Pop Century via DCL shuttle
4) Back to the airport via Magical Express

We usually opt for a towncar, but with only 2 of us on this trip and the mutli-legged trip, I couldn't justify the cost
Also couldn't afford the Hyatt, well I guess I could, but would have to forgo the Cabana massage and Parasailing at CC and who would
want to do that??

I want to "roll the dice" on Priceline and get the Hyatt, but I'm chicken!
My airfare went from $311 to $186 - who says Pixie Dust isn't real???

 

[mott]

We sailed in 01 in cat 6 and loved it - but now there is no going back. This year I felt I had to book a cat 6 again...

Great idea to fly out day early. We are staying in Cocoa Beach this time. Plan to rent a car. Budget has great deals (30-50 per day). If there are only 2 of you, DCL transfers may be the same (we are family of 4 so it is much cheaper to rent car for a day each direction).

Only thing I don't understand is why are you going back to Pop Century? Last time we curised, we transfered from MCO to port and back to MCO. If you are staying at WDW when you return from curise, then it makes sense. Only thing I have heard is that the curise is the relaxing party of the land/sea package and the suggestion is to do any extra time pre-cruise instead of post.

HAVE FUN!

 

[kcashner]

It sounds to me like you did ok. We like to do WDW before the cruise, but that's really a matter of personal preference.

I've done the Priceline bit several times. There is no guarantee that you'll get the Hyatt, but you won't go wrong with any of the 3* hotels in the MCO area. We usually pay $31 - $35 for the Priceline night. These all have complimentary shuttle to/from MCO. That's really the only suggestion I have. If you are paying $100 for your night at a hotel, that's $60+ you'd have for fun. Of course, if you can't cancel the hotel, keep things as they are. DOn't cancel your hotel until AFTER you get a Priceline room.

 

[auntie k]

We are flying direct from MCO to LIT and the flight leaves at 9:10 - so I figured we might as well go spend the time at WDW resort!! woo hoo!

I have a one day left on a pass from my Sept '04 trip - and since I'm in Orlando, I just couldn't resist going one day to MK with just me and my hubby. We've always had kids with us, and always went when it's much hotter.

I haven't tried POP - but would really like to get a deal on a moderate.

Although I want a bargain, the "codes" drove me crazy the last two trips!
I did try priceline, they declined by $45 offer ....will try again closer to date.