Advice on What to do with late arrival?

[ericnj]

We just got our air travel for our Nove 6th cruise, we land in orlando at 12:45 day of cruise. I am concerned that we will be delayed in getting to the ship due to the transfers from Disney. Now if we get there at 3 what are the odds of getting any Palo reservations? Any suggestions for time savings? Thanks

 

[hydster]

I am not much help but I would think if you land at MCO at 12:45 and get luggage by 1:00-1:30 it's a little more than an hour to the port so that would be 2-2:30. When we went last Nov we got to the port around 2 and still got a good lunch. We didnt do reservations but then we arent ones to do the scramble anytime so I dont know about that.

Did you buy Disney transfers?? If you did you might have to be resigned to getting to the port later but if you didnt it shouldnt take you long to get your luggage and get to a car service and get on the road. I know when we landed on our land/sea vacation we didnt get in until almost midnight but our driver was waiting for us with a bright pink sign. 20 min later we were on the road to the Poly with all luggage in hand and he hauled it all into the van for us.

Sorry I am not of much help but no one else has responded so I thought I would give my "words of stupid wisdom" for you!! And also maybe bump it up to the top to keep the thread from dying and then some of the veterans can take it from there!

Heidi

 

[goodstarr]

In June, we boarded the ship at 3:45 We had to do the drill immediately, but once we got back to our cabin, I phoned to inquire about Palo ressies. I believe that I left a message and received a return call that night that the date I wanted wasn't available but that I'd be put on the waiting list. I was called again 2 days later asking if I wanted ressies for that night and declined (I wanted to go on my anniversay). They said they'd keep me on the wait list in case there was a cancellation. The next day, I was called again and told that due to the overwhelming requests for that particular day, they would be opening Palo 1/2 hour earlier and I could come then. We did (and we were the only ones there for about 1/2 hour ) but we were very happy. So, it can be done

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

If you've purchased the transfers from DCL, you won't have to deal with your luggage at MCO. They will collect it and transfer it to the ship. You can get off the plane and go straight to the bus (there are a lot of DCL reps around to direct you), and head to the port as soon as the bus fill up. I would think you'll get there well before 3:00pm. If your flight is on time, you should be on the road by 1:30 at the latest. You may not get your first choice, but you should still be able to get a reservation. If not, the waitlist for Palo somehow has a way of coming through pretty often.

 

[ericnj]

Yes we did the air and transfer through Disney so we do have to catch the bus. I thank you for your suggestions as I won't know where we are dining each night and want to go to Palo on the day we have Triton's on the schedule. I will definitely call once I get onboard. Great suggestion. Thank you

 

[Jeanny]

Hey Ericnj~
you should be fine then if you purchased air & transfers through DCL. I believe the last bus leaves the airport at 1:30?? so as Lloyd mentioned, your luggage will be taken automatically and you (should) find it at your stateroom later that day...so that's one less worry and timesaver right there!

As you won't know your dining schedule until you check in at the Port, there's still a chance you can get the reservations you want at Palo when you get onboard.
Good Luck~