Best places to stay pretty precruise night (Disney resort vs Hyatt mco vs misc).

[LUVDisney1975]

We like to get on the ship asap, and for that priority, booking the MCO Hyatt via DCL and using DCL transfers is the best option, as you can get to the port early and won't be tied to a PAT.

The Hyatt is also just a really nice hotel: comfortable, attractive, clean, with good service, good food options. A room there is more spacious and comfortable than a deluxe WDW resort room, but much less expensive.

If you stay at the MCO Hyatt and book through DCL, are the DCL Transfers free or is it still $35 per person?

 

[Dug720]

If you stay at the MCO Hyatt and book through DCL, are the DCL Transfers free or is it still $35 per person?

Still $35/person. Same as if you stay on WDW property, at another hotel and get back to MCO, or (not recommended) fly in the day of.

 

[Sydnerella]

This will be our third cruise. we will be will be flying in to Orlando the night before. We have never stayed at a Disney resort, but are considering it to get the experience for one precruise night. Is it worth the extra money for moderate resort for one one night? WE will get to the airport at 515 pm. Considering resort vs Hyatt airport vs other options. If you do recommend moderate resort , which is a nice moderate? Don't have any ground transportation booked yet so open to suggestions.

You will not have ANY time to really enjoy the resort - arriving by 6:30pm by Magical Express if your flight were on-time. Then the DCL transportation to PC from the resorts is later, so arriving at PC later - but not so late that you miss the crowds. It arrives later than the MCO transfers which is when the crowds begin. I would rather stay at Hyatt to keep it simple, enjoy the WDW shops at the airport if you need that type of thing, but get rested and ready to be on the earliest MCO to DCL Bus so that you can get on your ship quickly and explore/relax/dine/swim/enjoy. Even if you are doing it your third time

Love my WDW Resort Hotels, but would not recommend it based on your flight timing and the late arrivals of the DCL buses from the resorts. When we stayed at Beach Club before our cruise in October we arrived at MCO at noon on Thursday and had that afternoon/eve at the park and then all-day Friday in the BC pool area/Beaches and Cream. Saturday we enjoyed the Cape May Cafe character breakfast and then took a private transfer to PC since we learned the DCL buses arrived later. We were at PC by 11:20 am and on the ship by noon based on my photo time-stamps! I highly recommend doing what we did - especially since we usually stay at moderates, not deluxes. We got a "discount" price and since it was just two nights, it didn't break the bank - plus we had time to really enjoy the awesome pool and resort area!

Enjoy!

 

[kabbie]

If you stay at an airport hotel and take Disney ground transfers to port, do you get a choice in time that you leave for the port?

 

[TestingH2O]

If you stay at an airport hotel and take Disney ground transfers to port, do you get a choice in time that you leave for the port?

Whenever you show up you'll get the next bus they can put you on.

 

[FigmentSpark]

People talk about the DCL buses from the resorts. We saw one arriving at the port after we were in our rooms after 1:30. Not sure if it was from MCO or WDW, but it made me wonder just how late those buses run.

 

[mischief32]

We love staying at the Hyatt MCO. My daughter thinks it is cool to explore the shops that we are usually buzzing past to either make a flight or catch our ride. WE overlooked TSA last time and it was interesting to watch people arrive and go thru security.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

I would stay at a Disney resort IF arriving in the morning hours or very early afternoon. Otherwise you will arrive at the resort in the early evening and with your cruise being the next day... won't be able to enjoy much of it.
For an afternoon or evening arrival I would go with the MCO Hyatt, swim at the hotel, visit the Disney Store at the airport to get in the mood... and head to the port in the morning.
If you prefer to stay at a moderate at Disney, we love the Port Orleans resorts best.

 

[dcassetta]

I would stay at or near the airport with a flight arriving that late. I like the airport Embassy Suites - free airport shuttle, lots of space and excellent breakfast. Their evening reception is from 5:30-7:30 with drinks and appetizers.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Our next go-round, we're staying at a near-airport hotel with a shuttle, and then booking a private shuttle for $20pp.

Getting off the ship, we have a car rental and we're off to KSC, then an as-yet undefined DVC booking.