Disembarkation Question for Experienced DCL Cruisers

[BCVOwner in MA]

Hello!

We're taking our first Disney cruise on April 17, 2004, and have a question about disembarkation.

Approximately what time can we expect to be back at the Orlando airport at the end of the cruise? We're using Disney transportation to return to the airport, and our flight is around 3:30 PM.

The reason for asking is that we're travelling with our three children (the youngest will be almost 2 then), and I'm considering getting a room at the hotel at the airport if the wait there is going to be somewhat long. Although it's an extra expense, I figured it will be easier to entertain and contain the kids in a hotel room than in the airport itself.

Thanks for any information you can provide!!

Mark and Ed

 

[MiaSRN62]

We haven't used Disney Cruise busses before, as we drive down. But I do know I've read of a couple people getting back in time to catch a 12-12:30 pm flight out of Orlando airport. I think that sounds kind of tight myself, as the airlines urge check-ins to be at least 60-90 min prior to flight time. But I suppose with Disney taking care of all the luggage and everything, it's possible.
Maybe you all could get a nice, leisurely lunch somewhere in the airport ? http://www.orlandoairports.net:/goaa/images/diagrams/shopping_dining_services.jpg
Hopefully someone who actually has used the cruise busses will be able to give you a better answer than me. Does the Hyatt offer "day room" rates ? If so, this might be helpful to you. Good luck with the little ones.

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

If you get off the ship shortly after it clears Customs, you should be to the airport by 9:30-10:00am. We always take the DCL busses and are usually to the airport and through security before 10:00am.

You could book a day room at the Hyatt in the airport terminal to use prior to your afternoon flight. I believe they charge around $60 for a day room. You'd have a place to rest and access to the pool.

 

[outahere]

Welcome to the 4/17/2004 cruise. I see you're another one of us from Mass. going that week. Check out our thread under the cruise meets threads.

When we went on the Wonder, we used DCL transfers and were at the airport by about 9:30, and we didn't get off the ship until after 8:00. We got a day room at the MCO Hyatt because our flight didn't leave until around 3:00. It was very nice to have somewhere to just "hang out", watch TV and go to the pool. We got lunch in the airport and took it back to the room to eat. We thought the price of the room was worth every penny.

This time we got a better price on flights by staying an extra day in Orlando. Not sure yet where we'll stay, but it will be nice not to have to rush around that day.

 

[AnnMorin]

Cancel your transfers and rent a car. It is very easy and then you could take the kids to downtown disney for the day. They even have a McDonald's there for an inexpensive lunch. The lego store is amazing, and of course the rainforest cafe is great, there is even a movie theature which is always a nice way to kill some time.

 

[BCVOwner in MA]

Thanks for the information, everyone.

In case this information is helpful to others, I thought I'd post what I found out about day rooms at/near MCO. (I requested information specifically for 4/24/04.)

The Hyatt at MCO has day rooms for $60 plus tax. You can check-in at 10 AM and must check-out by 6 PM. (I booked this.)

The Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport has a shuttle to/from the airport. They have day rooms for $69 plus tax.

I also requested information from the Hawthorn Suites Orlando Airport, but they never responded.

I also think the suggestion about going to Downtown Disney is good, as it seems like there would be time. We're traveling with a toddler, however, so having a place to rest and play works better for us this time.