DCL experts wanted

[Disneydreamer5]

Ok so I have been looking at all different dates and lenghts of cruises trying to find something that wouldn't brake the bank on us so to speak but yet still be worth the trip.
We would be driving in from NJ and the cruise we are thinking about would be leaving the Sunday after Thanksgiving Nov 29th, it is a 4 night on the Wonder. I am thinking we will get to Florida on Friday sometime perhaps early Saturday. I need to find a hotel close to the port and somewhere that will allow us to leave the van and take us to the port on Sunday.
I am also trying to find something to do other then Disney World, Universal or Discovery Cover. I know there are many other things to do in Orlando but I want something that is cheap and fun as there are 7 of us so I don't want to spend a whole lot of money before the cruise if I can avoid it.
The total for this trip is going to be $3,200.00. That is for 2 cabins, cat 11 and I already gave you the dates. From what I have seen, as I have been looking for sometime now, this seems to be a really good rate but I wanted to check with you all to see if it really is or if you think I should wait and see if something better comes along.
How is the weather in Nassau and Castaway Cay at that time of year?
I have only cruised once with Carnival and the kids all have never cruised. I was very sea sick last time we cruised at this time but that was the Western Caribbean and I have since be told that I have Vertigo so this time around I will be better prepared.
Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[tomspixie]

Sounds like you have put in a lot of time and energy on finding YOUR perfect trip! We do love that time of year. The think is that it can be warm...wonderfully so...but there have been plenty of times where it can be quite cool. Some definite benefits are that the ship will be prepped for Christmas, with Christmas-type activities onboard.
As to your vertigo, I am so sorry. I have to admit that I take Dramamine everyday...on land! The chewable Dramamine works really well for me...especially when we are on the ship. I had wanted to give some to the kids before we really sailed. My husband, ever the voice of reason, requested that we wait. If we pre-disposed them to "thinking" they were seasick, they could do it to themselves mentally. He was right...none of the kids have ever had a problem. I do have to say that my body reacts better to the 7 day cruise than the 4...but all in all, just get me on the ship! Any amount of time would be fantastic!
I know you don't want to do the parks...but if you haven't done them for the holidays, it is pretty neat...especially with the Dreamlights on Cinderella's Castle. We have always been partial to the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. On Disney property, our crew always enjoys Fantasia Gardens or Winter/Summerland mini-golf! Plus you can do some stuff at Downtown Disney. The new T-Rex restaurant is pretty neat. The dinners are a bit pricey...but they did have sandwiches as well. My boys had the ribs and I was in agreement, some of the best we have ever had! They allowed me a taste!
If you would want, you could always just stay in Cocoa Beach and hit RonJon...and the beach! Usually a reasonable kinda day! I am not really too familiar with many locations there, but someone has to be. We did stay at the Radisson at the Port and didn't have a very good experience...but many others really recommend it. We always just park at the port and have had it be a good experience.


Good luck.! Make your plans and enjoy!

 

[jhoshowski]

We will be on that cruise, as well! We have a party of 13, to celebrate my parents' 40th anniversary. That cruise was the cheapest in November, which is when my parents want to sail. I will also get the celebrate my 38th birthday on the cruise.
I can't help too much with the hotel. 4 of us are flying in Saturday and staying at the Hyatt at the airport and getting a car transfer to the port. 7 will be driving down and going to WDW for a few days before the cruise. 2 will be driving down and staying at the port the night before, but I am not sure where. We are on deck 6 - cabins 6044-6047.
Here's hoping it will be a great cruise!!

 

[tjbaggott]

You can also park your vehicle at the port for $15.00 a day.