Choices, Choices ???

[jcemom]

So, I was looking to book flights for our September Fantasy cruise, and nothing seems to be ideal.

This will be our very first cruise, and we don't know what we will want to do when the time comes, having no experience with this situation. We normally vacation at Disney World for nine or ten nights, and stick to WDW property the entire time.

This year we're arriving at BWV on Tuesday, prior to our Eastern cruise. We're planning to hit MNSSHP, relax and enjoy the pool and Boardwalk area, and spend one commando park day hitting DD's top favorite attractions. We're using DCL transfers to and from the port. I'm completely happy with our pre-cruise plans...

...but not so sure what to do when it's all over. Our return flight choices are 11:20 am on debarkation day, which we've almost ruled out altogether because I know I would stress out over making it in time. Travel days ALWAYS stress me out. I can't help it, and I worry about everything...what I've forgotten to pack, weather, flight delays, accidents on the way to the airport, problems with security, ugh. You name it, I worry about it.

The other option is a 6:50 pm flight. Blech. That doesn't thrill me either. All those hours spent waiting around to go home, which will be depressing enough on its own, lol. We could rent a dayroom at the Hyatt, but that seems rather blah after a week and a half immersed in Disney stuff. (I hate to drive, so renting a car is out of the question.)

Or...we could head back to Disney for another night and take an afternoon flight home on Sunday. Our favorite resort is AKL/AKV, so that's probably where we'd go. That seems to make for a very long trip though. I don't know if I'd be happy to have One More Disney Day ( ) to look forward to, or if I'd just be tired and ready to go home (can't imagine that, lol, but I suppose anything is possible).

Thanks so much for opinions and advice, in advance. You guys are great!!

 

[ITGirl50]

I voted for the 6:50 flight and the day room. I wouldn't fly back at 11:20. That's just too stressful for me. You already had a long vacation and will probably be ready to get home. So staying overnight at AKV won't be very relaxing. You will just be spending the time waiting to go home the next day. So the increase in cost may not be worth it.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Getting off the ship is a real bummer for us -- the cruise is so much fun it's hard to come back to earth, so we like to spend an extra day. Fighting the crowds at WDW or DLR help ease us back into life.

 

[NWmom]

A delay to board plus a long travel day makes for a very long day home. so no 6pm flight.

The 11:20 would have me too stressed out.

Stay the night and leave in the morning or catch the later flight the next day.

Give yourself the 24 hours just in case anyone needs to get their land legs back.

 

[Disney Dreams]

I voted for other.

Just go to the airport and skip the day room.

We had a 6:30pm flight after our Alaskan cruise. We had breakfast (second seating) onboard, left the ship and went to the airport. From there, we found a comfortable spot with a table and seats. We broke out our ipads, called family, took turns looking in some shops, ate lunch, took turns taking half hour naps, two hours prior to flight time we checked our bags in for our flight, went through security and went the gate. Then we just did - idontknowwhat - until it was time to board the flight and go home.

It wasn't ideal, but it worked. To be honest, we were so exhausted from so much fun all week that it really didn't matter what we were doing. We knew the next earlier flight was going to have us worrying about catching our flight and with the 6:30pm flight we either had to figure out what to do with our bags if we did something with the day, rent a car (more $$$) or just kick it at the airport. It worked.

In your case, you are in Florida so there is teh day room, but do you really want to go to A, get settled, spend the day, and then have to pack all up again, make sure you have everything, and then transport AGAIN to B? Or do you just want to get somewhere and pass the time until your flight?

HTH!

...Give yourself the 24 hours just in case anyone needs to get their land legs back.

Hehe, in that case, I need at least a week! The world kept swaying for me for T E N days last time.

- Dreams

 

[holie]

Because it's still about 7 months away, perhaps you should weigh your options when the date gets a little closer. flights may change and more itineraries might open up.

 

[jcemom]

Because it's still about 7 months away, perhaps you should weigh your options when the date gets a little closer. flights may change and more itineraries might open up.

We fly Southwest, so there's no change fee to switch flights. I have never seen them add or change flights in the past, but it sure would be nice if they'd add one or two this time.


Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions! It will be just DD9 and I this trip, so I'm trying to make the best decision for her more than anything.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions! It will be just DD9 and I this trip, so I'm trying to make the best decision for her more than anything.

Ah, okay, that's important information. "We" for me is me and DH, no kids. I think a 9 year old would go bonkers at the airport just passing time. I would get the day room. You can have the room, use the pool, eat, relax, etc....

Yep, yep, with a kid, that would be my choice.

- Dreams

 

[sambycat]

i voted for other.

Just go to the airport and skip the day room.

We had a 6:30pm flight after our alaskan cruise. We had breakfast (second seating) onboard, left the ship and went to the airport. From there, we found a comfortable spot with a table and seats. We broke out our ipads, called family, took turns looking in some shops, ate lunch, took turns taking half hour naps, two hours prior to flight time we checked our bags in for our flight, went through security and went the gate. Then we just did - idontknowwhat - until it was time to board the flight and go home.

It wasn't ideal, but it worked. To be honest, we were so exhausted from so much fun all week that it really didn't matter what we were doing. We knew the next earlier flight was going to have us worrying about catching our flight and with the 6:30pm flight we either had to figure out what to do with our bags if we did something with the day, rent a car (more $$$) or just kick it at the airport. It worked.

In your case, you are in florida so there is teh day room, but do you really want to go to a, get settled, spend the day, and then have to pack all up again, make sure you have everything, and then transport again to b? Or do you just want to get somewhere and pass the time until your flight?

Hth!



Hehe, in that case, i need at least a week! The world kept swaying for me for t e n days last time.

- dreams

this

 

[jcemom]

Thanks for the votes and replies!!

* I don't think I would want to sit in the airport for 6+ hours with nothing for DD to do, so if we go with the Saturday evening flight, we're going to have to get the Hyatt dayroom. DD has an unlimited supply of energy and just sitting around looking at a book wouldn't cut it. She'd have me pulling my hair out. *I* would want to nap, and couldn't, because there wouldn't be anyone to keep an eye on her.

If we opted for another night at Disney, I gave DD two choices: a) Pop Century and Blizzard Beach, or b) AKV and hang at the pool/participate in some activites...she chose b, IF we opt for the extra night, which is looking more attractive.

AKL/AKV has a pool party in the afternoon, with games and stuff, that DD absolutely LOVES. I think they've also added a campfire and movie in the evenings, since we were last there. I know the have the storytelling by the firepit, and night-vision savanna viewing. We'd also have a few hours to kill after checking out of our room on Sunday though, but maybe we could hit Downtown Disney. I have a Rainforest Cafe gift card sitting around here somewhere. DD's been wanting to go up the in balloon thingy, but I am deathly afraid of heights. Kids probably can't go without an adult, huh?

 

[mickeynut1]

I voted for the extra night at Disney . We are taking our first Disney cruise in June 2013 and we are probably going to go a few days early and then stay a few days after the cruise. Staying at a Disney resort after the cruise will make it a little easier to go home as I know I won't want to head home at 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning after getting off the ship .

 

[frugalwitch]

I went the easiest route even though it costs a bit more. I booked hotel, (Hyatt MCO) air (ground transfers were included free) and cruise all through DCL.
I've been a 24/7 caregiver to a disabled parent for close to 10 years with no respite. The extra expense if worth it to avoid more stress on me

 

[ilovetexas]

I went with "other". I'm not enough of a Disney person to even understand all the abbreviations y'all are using. I mean, I get it, they are the parks...but I don't "get it". After time at Disney, then a Disney cruise...check into a hotel and do something else until your flight the next day.

Call a local company that will take you from place to place (or see if local hotels have a shuttle) and go to NASA for the day. It's a really interesting way to spend an afternoon.

I'm not knocking Disney. Just look at my signature. I've booked the Fantasy for me and DH for our anniversary. I'm just saying that since you have so much experience going to Disney, you might really love something new.

 

[Ssamara28]

Stay overnight. Relax at the hotel and play in the room and pool order pizza to be delivered and just chill. We sound a lot alike I worry about every detail until the last minute.

 

[jcemom]

I went with "other". I'm not enough of a Disney person to even understand all the abbreviations y'all are using. I mean, I get it, they are the parks...but I don't "get it". After time at Disney, then a Disney cruise...check into a hotel and do something else until your flight the next day.

Call a local company that will take you from place to place (or see if local hotels have a shuttle) and go to NASA for the day. It's a really interesting way to spend an afternoon.

I'm not knocking Disney. Just look at my signature. I've booked the Fantasy for me and DH for our anniversary. I'm just saying that since you have so much experience going to Disney, you might really love something new.

Thanks

AKL = Animal Kingdom Lodge (if we went back to Disney for the extra night, it would be resort-only time, no parks)

Hmmm...is everything still there at Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center since they ended the shuttle program? We've never been there, and I even LIVED in Orlando for five years. What exactly do they have to do there? I'd probably find it interesting, even if it's just a bunch of exhibits or museum-type stuff. I'm not sure about DD though.

I'll consider it, but I was kind of looking for the easiest, most convenient way to go. We'd have to arrange transportation to a local hotel, transportation to the space center, back to the hotel, and then to the airport.

If I wanted to rent a car it would be much easier, but I don't want to rent a car.

 

[ilovetexas]

Thanks

AKL = Animal Kingdom Lodge (if we went back to Disney for the extra night, it would be resort-only time, no parks)

Hmmm...is everything still there at Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center since they ended the shuttle program? We've never been there, and I even LIVED in Orlando for five years. What exactly do they have to do there? I'd probably find it interesting, even if it's just a bunch of exhibits or museum-type stuff. I'm not sure about DD though.

I'll consider it, but I was kind of looking for the easiest, most convenient way to go. We'd have to arrange transportation to a local hotel, transportation to the space center, back to the hotel, and then to the airport.

If I wanted to rent a car it would be much easier, but I don't want to rent a car.

I see your point about the transportation issue, but you could arrange through one of the local companies (I did a quick search and came up with AceLuxury that will do it) to pick you up at the port, take you to Kennedy Space Center, watch your luggage while you're in the Space Center, then take you to the airport. They just quoted me $258 (that includes tips) for a four person town car. If you found two other people who wanted to do the same, that would split your cost in half.

There is a TON to do at the Space Center. Check out their website. I'm sure that a girl would love it. (I'm a girl and I did! )

Regardless, I hope you find something to do that ends your trip on a happy, relaxed note!

 

[eyenerd]

We just got back from the Dream and we had a 12:00 flight. We made it to the airport with more than enough time to spare. We probably sat around for over an hour with nothing to do-and that was transporting me father in a wheel chair. I remember thinking to myself that I am glad i didn't listen to their departure recommendations.

THat being said, i hate to wait around for anything, so i would try to be on the earlier flight. If I didn't make it, then I would hope to get put on the next flight and take that chance.

Personally, I wouldn't want the hassle of lugging everything around for only 1 night at AK. I also get ready to come home after a certain point, so I know for me that wouldn't work.

Otherwise, i would probably just chill out at the air port in a day room or go to Cape Canaveral.

 

[jcemom]

I see your point about the transportation issue, but you could arrange through one of the local companies (I did a quick search and came up with AceLuxury that will do it) to pick you up at the port, take you to Kennedy Space Center, watch your luggage while you're in the Space Center, then take you to the airport. They just quoted me $258 (that includes tips) for a four person town car. If you found two other people who wanted to do the same, that would split your cost in half.

There is a TON to do at the Space Center. Check out their website. I'm sure that a girl would love it. (I'm a girl and I did! )

Regardless, I hope you find something to do that ends your trip on a happy, relaxed note!

Thank you for the information!

I think we'll keep it in mind for a future trip. We can get back to a Disney resort with DCL for $70 (for the two of us). I can get a studio at AKV for $150 if I rent some additional DVC points...so that's only a little over $200. I think it would be more relaxing, besides being less expensive. However, we've been talking about taking a Florida beach vacation in the not-too-distant future. We could very easily fit the space center into that trip!

 

[jcemom]

We just got back from the Dream and we had a 12:00 flight. We made it to the airport with more than enough time to spare. We probably sat around for over an hour with nothing to do-and that was transporting me father in a wheel chair. I remember thinking to myself that I am glad i didn't listen to their departure recommendations.

THat being said, i hate to wait around for anything, so i would try to be on the earlier flight. If I didn't make it, then I would hope to get put on the next flight and take that chance.

Personally, I wouldn't want the hassle of lugging everything around for only 1 night at AK. I also get ready to come home after a certain point, so I know for me that wouldn't work.

Otherwise, i would probably just chill out at the air port in a day room or go to Cape Canaveral.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm tempted to just go with the earlier flight, but Southwest only has ONE more flight to PIT that day, and it's the late one. I'm not so sure I could get seats on that one if I missed the earlier one, and if I did they'd be way more expensive that what I paid. I would worry so much about it that I'd probably age ten years in the process, lol.

I know what you mean about being ready to come home though. That's exactly what I'm worried about. It's kind of hard to know now what I will want to do then, lol. (Or what DD will want to do, I should say. I would be okay with a month's worth of hopping around, place to place.) I don't mind the luggage issue so much. If we go straight to the airport, I'm going to have to put my luggage on the bus and then get it into the airport. If we go to AKL, I'll have to put my luggage on the bus, bell services will take it to my room and pick it up again the next morning, and I can check it through to PIT right at the resort. Seems about equal to me, as far as inconvenience goes.

 

[jcemom]

Cost-wise,

the KSC side trip would be $260 transportation + $75 admission + $25 dinner = $360

if we go with DCL to the airport and take our chances with the earlier flight, it would be $70 + a couple days' enjoyment lost while I am too busy worrying to have fun, lol = $70

if we go with DCL to the airport and get a Hyatt room, it would be $70 + $100 + $25 for dinner = $195

if we go with DCL to the resort, it would be $70 + $150 + $25 for dinner, $15 for breakfast and $25 for lunch = $285

I will have to give it more consideration.