Flying in the Night Before is Smart!

[Chattyaholic]

We did the "air deviation" thing on our first Magic cruise, it cost an extra $50 per person.

Our "agent" through DU at first was Tricia Brookover, and she said we absolutely could NOT fly in the day before our cruise if we wanted Disney to arrange our flight.

We are flying "Spirit Air" from Detroit to Orlando on Thursday 1/15 for our 1/18 Wonder cruise. Round trip is only $185, I'm sure it would be MUCH more expensive through Disney.

 

[Gina]

I don't think I would fly in the same day, even if I had free airline tickets. There are just so many reasons why, as everyone has mentioned.

From here, Delta usually has the lowest fares to Orlando, for some reason. But the joke about Delta standing for Don't Expect Luggage To Arrive is no joke. One trip to WDW a couple years ago, I didn't get my main suitcase for a day and a half after we got there. And I spent that day and a half on the phone trying to figure out where the %$@# it was at all.

And as someone else said, if you're on that ship by noon, you practically have a half day of "pretend sea time" to enjoy the ship. And at that time, that Mickey pool will never ever be that empty again during your cruise.

And lastly, we so love our tradition of spending the day at the Radisson the day before the cruise... DS and I fly in early enough to be in Orlando before noon, and we have the rest of the day for lounging around and playing in that gorgeous tropical pool, and for a DIS meet around the pool at night.

Next morning, it is so exciting to wake up and know you're right there -- so close to the ship. You're relaxed, refreshed, and in the vacation mood. It helps that they make really really good Malibu Coladas at the bar in the Radisson, that they will put in a plastic cup so you can enjoy them poolside.

Ahhh.... I can't wait to do it all over again!!

-gina-

 

[prymsu]

We always go the day before. Coming from the midwest, and since we usually cruise during the winter months, you can just never predict the weather or possible flight delays. I would much rather pay for a hotel room for a night, then be a nervous wreck trying to make it to the ship on time.

Also, I set up our over the door hanger at the hotel, and then the next morning my husband helps me get it folded up, and into our carry on so all i have to do when i get to our room is hang up, and don't have to waste time getting this organized.

 

[plutospup]

For our upcoming 2/28/04 cruise, we're not only flying in the day before, but we switched our outgoing airport! Normally, we fly out of a small commuter airport that is very convient to our home. However, in winter it's often closed due to snow, wind, or ice. Harrisburg is not as convenient, but is often open when Williamsport is closed.