Concierge..transport from WDW to PC?

[justme0729]

We will be concierge on the Disney Dream for 5 nights for our honeymoon after our wedding at WDW. Before we were doing concierge, we were planning to take DCL transportation from AKL to the port. But... Now I have read that concierge has a buffet/ welcome reception type thing that we wouldn't want to miss because we don't get to the ship til 2pm. We kinda like the DCL bus because it's easy and we have never cruised before so it would be exciting to see the videos they play etc but we don't want to miss out on anything. What would you suggest doing for transportation to port?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We will be concierge on the Disney Dream for 5 nights for our honeymoon after our wedding at WDW. Before we were doing concierge, we were planning to take DCL transportation from AKL to the port. But... Now I have read that concierge has a buffet/ welcome reception type thing that we wouldn't want to miss because we don't get to the ship til 2pm. We kinda like the DCL bus because it's easy and we have never cruised before so it would be exciting to see the videos they play etc but we don't want to miss out on anything. What would you suggest doing for transportation to port?

Do you know when the reception is? I think it's pretty much after most people have arrived, so it could be later than you think. I believe the "reception" that you're talking about isn't actually a set time, but a set place (until everyone's onboard). There you meet with your Concierge staff and get all the specifics about what they can do for you.

 

[justme0729]

Do you know when the reception is? I think it's pretty much after most people have arrived, so it could be later than you think. I believe the "reception" that you're talking about isn't actually a set time, but a set place (until everyone's onboard). There you meet with your Concierge staff and get all the specifics about what they can do for you.

I read somewhere that when we board, there is a buffet in the concierge lounge and staff there to greet you etc. I wonder if this is the same thing or not?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I read somewhere that when we board, there is a buffet in the concierge lounge and staff there to greet you etc. I wonder if this is the same thing or not?

I rather imagine that's it. I'm fairly certain it runs the whole time people are boarding, until muster drill. So, whenever you arrive, it should be available to you.

 

[Allabouthemouse]

The concierge lounge is set up with snacks and a bartender on embarkation day. You meet your concierge staff and they will help you arrange spa treatment (spa staff is there), kids clubs registrations (again, youth staff is there), dining reservations, mixology, etc. It is a nice way to meet your staff. There is a more organized concierge reception later on in the cruise with food, drinks and a special character greeting. That may be the event that you are thinking of.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We've done the bus and private transportation. I wouldn't do the bus again. It picks up at multiple resorts and gets to the port quite late. As a concierge guest, you are free to board as soon as they start boarding and your stateroom will be ready early. I love getting on board, going to the welcome reception and making sure all of our plans are squared away for the cruise. You can then also grab lunch before most people and start enjoying the ship. I would suggest calling a limo company and getting a private transfer. We use Park Ave. Limo.

 

[bumbershoot]

I wouldn't do the bus again, especially if I have concierge on a ship with the lounge (which is 3 out of the 4 now, yes?). It was SUCH a disappointment to get there so late, knowing I could have boarded 2ish hours earlier. We boarded just as rooms were ready, and we just wanted to get out there and explore, but we also knew we needed to get to the lounge and meet with the staff and get our folders etc. We sat there, so antsy to just get on with it. Since our first cruise (which was our first of two concierge cruises) was only a 3 nighter, that "delay" put us off kilter and we never felt like we got that time back.

It's a rental car or a towncar service from now on.

 

[NancyIL]

You could arrange for early Magical Express to the airport, then take the DCL bus to the port from there.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

The videos aren't special enough to give up an early arrival and boarding. And it's a little too much hassle to take the Magical Express back to the airport in order to get an early DCL bus, especially on your honeymoon. Arrange for a private car service to drive you.

 

[justme0729]

The videos aren't special enough to give up an early arrival and boarding. And it's a little too much hassle to take the Magical Express back to the airport in order to get an early DCL bus, especially on your honeymoon. Arrange for a private car service to drive you.

That puts it in perspective for me! Thank you! I think we will use a private car service.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

BTW, if you want to see the videos, I'm fairly certain you can find them on YouTube. My DD loves watching DCL videos and has seen those.

 

[bumbershoot]

And since the Disney bus will be $70 each way for you two each way, it's likely right in line with a towncar.

By the way if you're going straight to the airport post-cruise and your flight qualifies you for onboard airline checkin (you have to use the Disney bus to the airport for it), THAT is a good service.

And yep you can book one way.

 

[steves100]

And since the Disney bus will be $70 each way for you two each way, it's likely right in line with a towncar.

By the way if you're going straight to the airport post-cruise and your flight qualifies you for onboard airline checkin (you have to use the Disney bus to the airport for it), THAT is a good service.

And yep you can book one way.

I think the biggest issue is the cost. I feel that magical express is way over priced. Although not touching your luggage once you leave it out, does have some percs. I thought the bus came multiple times to the hotels throughout the morning, guess I was wrong.

 

[NancyIL]

I think the biggest issue is the cost. I feel that magical express is way over priced. Although not touching your luggage once you leave it out, does have some percs. I thought the bus came multiple times to the hotels throughout the morning, guess I was wrong.

Magical Express (between the Orlando airport and WDW) is free for resort guests. I don't think $35 pp each way is a lot for the Disney Cruise Line bus, but it does add up for families.

 

[NancyIL]

And since the Disney bus will be $70 each way for you two each way, it's likely right in line with a towncar.

By the way if you're going straight to the airport post-cruise and your flight qualifies you for onboard airline checkin (you have to use the Disney bus to the airport for it), THAT is a good service.

And yep you can book one way.

$70 each way is in line with a town car between WDW and the airport. A car from WDW to the port will cost $158 plus tip with FL Tours: http://www.fltours.com/

 

[bumbershoot]

I thought the bus came multiple times to the hotels throughout the morning, guess I was wrong.

Sadly, no. From the airport, yes.


I remember the prices for fltours not being that crazy, except that we went with a limo. DH hadn't been in one, and they said we had too much luggage for a towncar. And then we had to keep one carryon in the front next to the driver and we held our carryons. OH and we own what's basically a towncar, and we took all those bags to and from the airport in our towncar, so... Anyway, I thought our high price was b/c of the limo.

 

[coloradocutie]

The reception is nice, but nothing that you need to rush to. You are sailing concierge... they will take care of you and anything you need when you get there. If you want to enjoy a late morning at your resort- do so- and then just take private transportation. We used Mears and it was very professional.
Congrats! Enjoy your cruise!

 

[jlemieu1]

Like OP say the reception is nice but not necessary. Free drink and small plate apps that are there all the time. The drinks will be there before each meal. They will be waiting for you to arrive. Plus your room will be ready.

 

[dclpluto]

Who told you, you won't get to the ship until 2pm? I have always got there before the rooms open at 1:30 taking the DCL bus from the resorts.

 

[tinkerone]

I rather enjoy the bus myself. Its a build up to what we will be doing for the next week(ish). We have done car service, car rental and DCL bus. I must say the bus is my favorite.
I have heard of buses being late however I think that is fairly rare. Much like dclpluto, we have never boarded later than 12:45 which is only an hour or so after boarding starts and the crowds have dispersed. To each our own....