Downtown Disney the Day before our crusie or other suggestions

[Mike Bartenhagen]

I booked our plane tickets last November and checked the reservations today and the flights we had were changed which worked out rather well for us. It allowed me to cancel the tickets that we had booked with frequent flyer miles and buy 4 tickets for only 550.00 total. It also allows us to get to Orlando earlier. I have booked a room at the Radisson for Saturday night and would like to be able to visit Disney on Saturday afternoon. We get in at 2:00 so I know that we won't have much time so I would like to figure out something to do. Is Downtown Disney a good place for us to visit. It has been 25 years since I have visited Disney World so I am not exactly sure what Downtown Disney is but I have seen mentioned here that other people do this. We have kids that are 3 and 5 if this makes a difference (also a 6 month old that has to stay with Grandma and Grandpa, won't he be mad when he's old enough to know he was left at home). My goal on Saturday would be to do something that was not extremly hectic, something the girls could enjoy, and also have a little time to drive around Disney (if this is possible) to check out some of the places to stay for a trip next year to the park. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[din]

Downtown Disney has shops and restaurants. Next to Downtown Disney is Disney Quest and Interactive gaming area. YOu amy want to check the attractions there for your kids. If you have not been to Rainforest Cafe, it is fun to see the kids enjoy the robotic animals. Go there early to get a number for dinner!!!

Here is a link to check out the Marketplace

http://www.wdwinfo.com/downtown/marketplace/index.htm

It can be hectic if you make it, or a very slow pace if you just want to relax before the cruise...

Have fun!!!

 

[dthogue]

We love Downtown Disney. It is Disney shopping around a small lake. They have a huge Disney Store - World of World, a Lego store with a large outside playland, another toy store, a store with only Pooh merchandise and a ton of other shopping options. The Rainforest Cafe is a great place to eat (but the pretend thunder and lightning inside may scare some children), there is also a McDonald's if you are into that. You can also get ice cream at Ghirdelli's.

Another idea would be to stay at one of the Downtown Disney Hotels and then drive to the port the following morning. It would give you a little more time to explore the area.

Tammy

 

[Rikersmom]

Hi, Mike--

Another idea might be to visit a couple of the resorts, since you said you might like to check out places for a future trip. You do have to pass a guard station to get into each resort, but I don't think you would have a problem if you explained that you were on the Disney cruise and had an extra day to look around. Both the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are amazing to visit. Boardwalk is fun, since you can enjoy the activities on the Boardwalk without paying any park admission. Also, the food courts at the All Stars are pretty reasonably priced for meals, and you could check out the pools and the theming at those resorts.

Actually, I can't think of any resort that doesn't have some fun things to see.

I'm originally from Omaha. Are you a native Nebraskan?

Karen

 

[luckymom]

Hi Mike

Downtown Disney has places your kids may enjoy like a leggo building area, a water fountain area, and a train - also a playground. Its a nice place to walk around while you wait for your table at Rainforest Cafe. The Disney store is the best. We were there in May and they were doing alot of construction for more stores which may be done by the time you are there.

Another neat place is the Boardwalk - again lots of stores and good places to eat. You can rent surrey bikes and they have vendors along the "boardwalk". You can also check out the resorts and see the fireworks at Epcot.
Hope this helps!

 

[Mike Bartenhagen]

Yes we are Karen. In fact we have planned our last two cruises around Husker football games.

I had thought about staying at Disney for just one night but I wasn't sure if this would be an easy process. This may be a silly question but would staying at one of the Disney properties be as easy as checking in to a Holiday Inn if it was just for one night. What would be an approximate cost? How about parking for Downtown Disney or some of the other places mentioned. Is is easy? Maybe like going to the mall or could we end up walking a long ways.

 

[luckymom]

Parking at downtown disney is easy --IF YOU GO EARLY. It gets quite crowded in the evening. Don't bother with a disney hotel just for one night - unless it is the Riverside/Port Orleans. They have a boat that goes straight to downtown disney and there is great pool with a slide. Stay in the Alligator Bayou side - the kids will love it. You may also be able to get disney transportation to the cruise (although I'm not too sure how that works). If a transfer is possible, it may well be worth it.

 

[Rikersmom]

Hi, again, Mike--

I assume that you are renting a car since you asked about parking. Parking at Downtown Disney is about like parking at a mall. You might have to walk a bit, but not too far.

As for checking in to a Disney resort for one night--it's just as easy as any hotel. Depending on when your cruise is scheduled, you might find the rates comparable to off-site hotels. The value resorts (All Stars) are the least expensive--I've seen them as low as $75 for certain dates. Moderate resorts (Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans, etc.) start around $150, but again, I've seen specials for $99. A lot depends on when you are going.

We'll be taking our sixth Disney cruise in September. We have always stayed at WDW for one or two nights before the cruise. We rent a car from Avis--picking it up at the airport and then driving to the port and dropping it at the Rad the day of the cruise. Florida is great, because there is no extra charge to drop the car at a different location.

Go Huskers!

Karen