Day at MK before/after cruise or not at all?

[VeroBeachGirl]

I have three young kids who are lucky enough to visit the parks and cruise frequently. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't do Magic Kingdom before a cruise, in July with two small children. It is exhausting for everyone and not a relaxing way to start your cruise. I would stay at a hotel with a nice pool and maybe spend some time at Disney Springs, Fantasia Mini Golf or a Character Meal at one of the resorts. (Disney Springs has a little train and merry-go-round that is very popular with children your ages.) That way, your children would experience some Disney fun, but wouldn't be tired from a whole day at the parks. You and your spouse could embark on the cruise well rested and excited for a fun experience.

 

[texasgingerbread]

Do it! You said yourself you won't make it back soon and you've never been. I get that you need a whole week to do it right but if this is your chance - jump on your chance! One day is better than none IMHO. We are doing parks one day before our cruise and although I'm heartbroken we cant do it all I'm happy to be able to at least do something. It'll be hot and crowded but who cares it's still one day at Disney vs. none. Relax when you get on the cruise.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I wanted to add (so I'll just do another post) - I think crowds and weather are relative. I would fully expect July to be hot/humid and crowded however it seems last year Disney was offering discounts near 4th of July and attendance was "down" so who knows crowd wise how it will be. I expect it to be crowded all the time now and don't see that changing too much really.

We've been several months throughout the year and even one time at the end of October, the heat index was 108. I think it can be hot at any time and who knows what will happen. If it is expected to be hot, I would likely factor in a mid day break. We did this and it wasn't even hot last week (chilly actually) and we went back and rested for a bit, then had dinner at the resort and headed back for a couple more rides and to see Wishes. At first my step dad thought we were nuts for going back "just for the fireworks" but he hasn't been so he didn't know what to expect and as I mentioned in my earlier post, Wishes was among their favorite things, especially my nieces. She loved her day at the MK.

You definitely have to do what's best for your family but do I think you're nuts for thinking of it - no way!

Heather

 

[bobbiwoz]

Yes, I would stay at a Disney Resort the night before and maybe do a character breakfast on Embarkation day to get in the spirit, but I would not go to a park for the first time for on 4th of July weekend.

I really like VeroBeachGirl's post above.

 

[dprincessmom]

MK the day before (and then you relax during the cruise). I think with a lot of research and the FP+ you can make the best out of a single MK day. Pick whatever you think your family will enjoy the most.

I like WDW hotels because you can book a shuttle (35$/pp each way) that will pick you up around noon to go to Port Canaveral (with videos playing, similar to what you get with the Magical Express but regarding Disney Cruise Line). It's more expensive but stress-free.

Do you leave your car parked at WDW property or is this typically the route of the flyers?

 

[mevelandry]

Do you leave your car parked at WDW property or is this typically the route of the flyers?

We don't use a car. We only use the Magical Express and the DCL shuttles (from airport or from resorts).

 

[ministrychick77]

I'm actually in the process of planning a trip like this! Though we're going in January, and we don't have kids. I always think the worst day at Disney is better than an average day anywhere else. Our cruise leaves on a Friday, so we're doing MK on Thursday, and then the new Bon Voyage breakfast the day of the cruise. Doing all my research, making full use of fast passes and timing.
Think of if it'll be worth it to your family...