Cruise Terminal Question

[TheGlensideGregorys]

Is there any sort of cafe or snack stand at the terminal itself? For those of us who are so eager and want to get there around 10:30 but have young kids (4 y/o) in tow, I was just curious as a planning note..

 

[Cruisin]

I believe that there is a small snack bar in the terminal. I think that there is a charge for items from the snack bar, it is not considered to be a part of your cruise I guess.

 

[smchan]

Originally posted by Cruisin'Kroezes
I believe that there is a small snack bar in the terminal. I think that there is a charge for items from the snack bar, it is not considered to be a part of your cruise I guess.

I don't believe the cruise terminal is owned by Disney, thus I imagine the snack bar there is also not owned by Disney.

I read a blurb somewhere that said the terminal was built to "Disney's specifications", and I noticed that at least one other ship, the Norwegian Dawn, uses the terminal, hence I think it's owned by whatever authority controls the port.

Sam

 

[FredS]

There is a snack bar/coffee shop in the terminal. There are also lots of sofas and tv's, as well as interesting views of the ship and port to keep kids entertained. Some characters came out at about 11:15 or 11:30 when we cruised and there were picture and autograph opportunities. A four-year-old should have no problem (okay, no more than the adults!) in being entertained and having access to snacks during the wait to board.

P. S. I would NOT wait in the line to board. There were people standing and sitting on the hard floor when we arrived a little before 11:00 a.m. They waited in that line another hour, whereas we walked around, sat on the cushy sofas watching tv, etc. until the line started moving and were on the ship within five minutes of getting in line. It moves very quickly and efficiently.

 

[mom_rules]

What time does boarding begin? When does the ship actually leave? I'm trying to get my flight and timing correct.

 

[Jeanny]

Originally posted by mom_rules
What time does boarding begin? When does the ship actually leave? I'm trying to get my flight and timing correct.

Boarding sometimes begins as early as noon-12:30ish... the ship is usually scheduled to leave around 5pm, but due to a number of factors, has left later. You need to be on board for the mandatory boat/safety drills between 3:30 p.m & 4:30 pm.

we're not taking any chances with the weather, we're flying down the night before and will take the DCL bus from the airport in the morning and wait in the terminal with everyone else.. I like the idea of just waiting until the line starts moving to get in line... sounds like a plan to me!!

 

[mom_rules]

You're spending the night in the airport?!?!

 

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by smchan
I read a blurb somewhere that said the terminal was built to "Disney's specifications", and I noticed that at least one other ship, the Norwegian Dawn, uses the terminal, hence I think it's owned by whatever authority controls the port.

Actually, only the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder use Terminal 8.

From the official Port Canaveral site:

Cruise Terminal 8 is the exclusive home of Disney Cruise Lines' first two ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. The Disney Magic began sailing on 3- and 4-day cruises to Nassau and Disney Cruise Line's private island, Castaway Cay, on July 30, 1998, and the Disney Wonder began offering similar cruises on August 15, 1999. In August, 2000, the Disney Magic converted to 7-day cruises sailing to the Eastern Caribbean.

 

[smchan]

Originally posted by ThreeCircles
Actually, only the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder use Terminal 8.

I stand corrected, though I'm sure I've seen pictures of the Norwegian Dawn docked at Disney's terminal. Posted somewhere on disboards, in fact.

Sam

 

[Jeanny]

Originally posted by mom_rules
You're spending the night in the airport?!?!

well kind of, we're staying at the Hyatt, which is located right in the airport... we're not sleeping on the floor in the airport or anything like that!!!

 

[mom_rules]

Glad to hear that! What's the Hyatt like - what time does the DCL bus pick you up at MCO?

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

You're spending the night in the airport?!?!

Thanks for asking mom, I was a little concerned for Jeanny too!

 

[Doctor P]

I may be wrong, but I think the pictures I have seen of the Norwegian Dawn have it docked at the terminal next to Disney, the one used by the Carnival ships. There is also a terminal on the OTHER side of Disney's that gets some use as I recall.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

The little coffee shop did not open until about 11:30 on 10/23. We were one of the first families into the terminal at the time, so checking in was a breeze (especially if you do your documents before you get there). The characters came out at 11:45 a.m. and boarding began about 11:50-12:00 p.m.

The coffee shop had some sticky buns, juices, etc. Hope this helps

 

[DisneyGator01]

From my experience, the offerings at the little cafe are pretty slim to none, and are a little pricey for what you are getting at least.

It's coffee's bottled sodas, pastries... chips. About it from what I recall. But nothing really eye-catching.

 

[TheGlensideGregorys]

Cruisin', Fred, Stepharoonie ---

Thanks - just the type of info I was looking for. (Note to self - get mid-morning snack for the boy....).

NOW --- If someone could just post a POST DRY DOCK Navigator, to see what events are in the new venues, etc.

 

[Jeanny]

Originally posted by mom_rules
Glad to hear that! What's the Hyatt like - what time does the DCL bus pick you up at MCO?

Actually, this will be my first time staying there.. From what I've learned so far, I believe we can go downstairs to check in with the DCL buses between 8:30-9am the first few buses leave MCO around 9:30 or so, as soon as they're filled, off they go to the Port.

I choose it for the convenience and I was a little scared of hotwire, maybe next time!

 

[din]

We stayed at the Hyatt the last time. Although we did not use the bus, (we used a town car service), if you tell the front desk that you are on the disney cruise, they will give instruction for the morning of the cruise.

Basically, the hotel will pick up you luggage and transport it to the ship. You basically check out, walk to the DCL rep standing right by the escalator to the hotel from the terminal floor, check in and get on the bus downstairs. Your bags will next be seen in your cabin.

Recent cruiser may verify if this is correct.

 

[Jeanny]

Yep Din, that's the way I was told... I'll double check when I get there to make sure it's ok ... some people have been told differently ~ that they can't leave their luggage out unless they booked the Hyatt through DCL, etc... which makes no sense to me at all.

 

[din]

We stayed at the Hyatt using points and when we checked we were asked if we would them to pick up the bags. We declined as we were not taking the bus.