Flying in from the west coast and want to get acclimated

[Masonmj84]

to the time zone change for a few days before hitting the parks (we're RD people).

Originally, I though we'd just stay at the Hampton Inn near MCO (using their complimentary shuttle service) for two nights, and then take Magical Express to our resort (WL) the following day.

The advantages of the Hampton Inn include queen beds (which are a must for us) and free continental breakfast for about the same price as a value resort. Its also within easy walking distance of a Bonefish Grill and a Longhorn Steakhouse.

Lately, however, I'm warming up to the idea of staying on property these first two nights. In that regard, I'm leaning toward POR because it would give us the option of going to DTD via boat during the day in between those first two nights. Plus, my daughter is really into Disney princesses and would love staying in one of the new Royal Rooms. In addition, since we'd likely be arriving around 6 pm, if we start out at POR, we won't have to go to baggage claim.

The downside to the POR strategy is that it will cost at least $250 more than the Hampton Inn (when you factor in difference in room rate + having to pay for a QS breakfast for two mornings as opposed to getting it free at the Hampton Inn).

A value resort is out of the question as we must have queen beds.

So what would you do:

Stay at the Hampton Inn and save the $250.

Stay at POR and let the magic begin right away.

(And if you recommend POR, would you suggest Riverside Mill (QS) or Boatwright's (TS) for the first night's meal)

 

[jaykorf001]

We stayed at the Hampton that is close to DTD (not quite walking distance but easy drive) our first night. We paid $90. Just wanted to make sure you knew there is another Hampton closer to Disney.

 

[1GR8DISNEYFAN]

We are also from the west coast and I like to have a few days to adjust to the time change before jumping into the fast pace of our Disney vacation. In the past we have enjoyed a day or two at the beach. We loved Anna Marie Island. So relaxing and not too expensive. We stayed in a quaint little place right on the beach. When it was time to check into our Disney resort, we were well rested and ready to go!

 

[bumbershoot]

FWIW, taking things super-slow at the beginning has never worked for us. We tried it several times but all it does is frustrate us (we're so excited to be there!), and we still crash 3 days into it.

So now we just hit the ground running, and plan a crash day 3 days into it.

Do we ever DO the crash day? Maybe not. But it's there if we want to take it.

 

[purple figment]

We're also from the west coast and we're like bumbershoot. We'll go to bed around 11 PM the first night when our body clocks are still thinking 8 PM Pacific time. We'll get a good night's sleep and we're ready to go the next morning. However, we're not rope drop people so heading out around 9:00 is fine for us.

 

[CoolPool]

It sounds like you won't be renting a car? I would recommend POR. If you don't have car, you will be able to visit DTD by boat and also use the buses to potentially visit other Disney resorts if you are at POR. That will be a better form of acclimatization than just walking to a Bonefish.

We used to live on the WC, and our first trips were from there. We just stayed up late and got up late.