Cruise and then going to WDW for 3 days: What to expect/plan on disembarkation day?

[kboo]

First time cruisers, frequent WDWers traveling with an almost 6 year old and an almost 2 year old. We'll be staying at BCV post cruise. What time can we expect to get to BCV, and what are your suggestions for that day? Will there be enough time to go to Epcot or another park? (this will have some effect on whether we get a 5 or 6 day ticket). Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

First time cruisers, frequent WDWers traveling with an almost 6 year old and an almost 2 year old. We'll be staying at BCV post cruise. What time can we expect to get to BCV, and what are your suggestions for that day? Will there be enough time to go to Epcot or another park? (this will have some effect on whether we get a 5 or 6 day ticket). Thanks!

You can start debarking the ship around 7:30. If you are taking DCL transfers to your resort, they don't start departing for the resorts until 9:00. Typically it'll take about an hour to 1 1/2 hours to get to your resort. You could be at one of the parks pretty much by lunch time, if you want. Or just spend that day at your resort, settling in. Remember, you're going to be up early that morning to get off the ship.

 

[mernin]

We got off the dream last week Friday (our first cruise as well, travelling with dd9 & dd4) and went to PVB after for a few nights. Our bus left a bit early at 8:20am as everyone was on it. We were the 4th stop on the bus (AKV, YC & BC were first) and dropped off by 10 or shortly after. We checked in and dropped our bags with the bell desk and hopped over to the TTC for the monorail to Epcot. We arrived around 11:30 I think. We spent about 4 hours there before heading to HS until about 8:30.

 

[dclpluto]

Most likely your room won't be ready to late afternoon. Checkin give them your cell phone number so they can text you when room is ready. Than go to Epcot. When room is ready go back to room get settle in. Go back to Epcot if you have park hoppers go to DHS.

 

[1Winston]

Something to think about for next trip is planning your WDW portion prior to the cruise. We have found that this works best for us. The kids love WDW but it is very busy so we do that then the cruise is much more slower paced and relaxing so we go home relaxed. Not for everyone but that has for sure worked out best for our family. You could for sure use the disembarkment day in the park though there is lots of time.

 

[ldo]

I would get the 6 day. you will at least be able to go into parks for later afternoon/evening. Assuming you have a stroller and toddler can nap there, you could certainly start out right after an early lunch. I would make FP+ starting at noon and later. Stroller nap is likely the only option, as room might not be ready. Assuming you can get into your room for a nap, even 3-7pm with a counter service dinner would be a nice time at Epcot strolling around the countries.

 

[connie1042]

I am going to do this in Nov. I am hoping for a Christmas Party, so I can do Magic Kingdom during that.

 

[uchi]

Wow, we're also first time cruisers, frequent WDWers traveling with a 6 year old and a 2 year old. And we're also doing WDW post-cruise. I read somewhere that booking private transportation helps you get to the resorts faster, maybe that's something you want to look into?

We decided on doing WDW after the cruise, even though I knew that we'd probably end up more tired because my 6 year old just loves the parks and so I wanted to finish the trip with that. However, I'm now worried that we'd be landsick after the cruise and that going on roller coasters might make it worse. Anyone experienced that before? We're not going to the parks on our first post-cruise day, we'll be staying at the resort and going to Disney Springs; will one day be enough to get "back to normal"? Thanks!

 

[Dug720]

Wow, we're also first time cruisers, frequent WDWers traveling with a 6 year old and a 2 year old. And we're also doing WDW post-cruise. I read somewhere that booking private transportation helps you get to the resorts faster, maybe that's something you want to look into?

We decided on doing WDW after the cruise, even though I knew that we'd probably end up more tired because my 6 year old just loves the parks and so I wanted to finish the trip with that. However, I'm now worried that we'd be landsick after the cruise and that going on roller coasters might make it worse. Anyone experienced that before? We're not going to the parks on our first post-cruise day, we'll be staying at the resort and going to Disney Springs; will one day be enough to get "back to normal"? Thanks!

Are y'all on the same cruise? You may end up tablemates!

 

[bumbershoot]

However, I'm now worried that we'd be landsick after the cruise and that going on roller coasters might make it worse. Anyone experienced that before?

When I've had landsickness NOTHING made it worse. Nothing made it better, either. I just had to grit my teeth and deal with it.

We're not going to the parks on our first post-cruise day, we'll be staying at the resort and going to Disney Springs; will one day be enough to get "back to normal"?

No one can tell you if you'll get it and if you get it how long it will last. Normally for me it resolves quickly. But the one cruise where it was more sea days than port days it was BAD and I was wobbly in yoga for a good month after the cruise. But DH and DS were fine.

 

[Maddysdaddy]

Hopefully it doesn't happen to you, but my daughter (6 at the time) became 'land-sick' after leaving the ship, with dizziness and trouble regaining her balance. We were told that this was not an uncommon situation (although who knows how accurate that is). As a result, we ended up missing our day at the parks.

All to say, you may want to have Gravol (or Bonine, I think is what they call it in the US) handy upon disembarkation.

 

[kboo]

You can start debarking the ship around 7:30. If you are taking DCL transfers to your resort, they don't start departing for the resorts until 9:00. Typically it'll take about an hour to 1 1/2 hours to get to your resort. You could be at one of the parks pretty much by lunch time, if you want. Or just spend that day at your resort, settling in. Remember, you're going to be up early that morning to get off the ship.

LOL ... we have little kids who are usually up by 6. Sleeping in is sleeping til 7. :-\

 

[kboo]

Something to think about for next trip is planning your WDW portion prior to the cruise. We have found that this works best for us. The kids love WDW but it is very busy so we do that then the cruise is much more slower paced and relaxing so we go home relaxed. Not for everyone but that has for sure worked out best for our family. You could for sure use the disembarkment day in the park though there is lots of time.

We are actually doing a few days before AND after! LOL. This trip has turned into Franken-trip.

 

[kboo]

Wow, we're also first time cruisers, frequent WDWers traveling with a 6 year old and a 2 year old. And we're also doing WDW post-cruise. I read somewhere that booking private transportation helps you get to the resorts faster, maybe that's something you want to look into?

We decided on doing WDW after the cruise, even though I knew that we'd probably end up more tired because my 6 year old just loves the parks and so I wanted to finish the trip with that. However, I'm now worried that we'd be landsick after the cruise and that going on roller coasters might make it worse. Anyone experienced that before? We're not going to the parks on our first post-cruise day, we'll be staying at the resort and going to Disney Springs; will one day be enough to get "back to normal"? Thanks!

uchi, when are you going? you could be our bizarro family.

 

[uchi]

uchi, when are you going? you could be our bizarro family.

We're doing the 4-night Bahamian in the Disney Dream leaving on Sept 25th.

Hopefully it doesn't happen to you, but my daughter (6 at the time) became 'land-sick' after leaving the ship, with dizziness and trouble regaining her balance. We were told that this was not an uncommon situation (although who knows how accurate that is). As a result, we ended up missing our day at the parks.

Oh no, I'm sorry that happened to you. I'm soooo worried about that...

 

[kboo]

so landsickness - does the usual motion sickness medication work the same way? We don't have Bonine but have kids' dramamine. DH and I have experienced a little wobbliness after small boat (12-80 pax) cruises before we had kids, but this is our first big ship cruise and first cruise w kids.

uchi, too bad we won't be on the same cruise! ha.

 

[Maddysdaddy]

Oh no, I'm sorry that happened to you. I'm soooo worried about that...

Best not to worry about things that are out of your control. Odds are your kids will be absolutely fine. My only reason for pointing it out was so that you could be prepared with the necessities in case it does happen.