From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 3

[disneywondergirl22]

I keep reading about the 2005 and 2008 PC cruises. Everytime I read about these cruises, they seem to be westbound cruises, ending in LA. So this begs the question, were there any eastbound cruises to put these boats back. It seems this had to take place, but there is no discussion on this. Just curious

not in this case. the Wonder is relocating to LA to do Alaskan and MR cruises and has a 3yr contract with that port. it is moving only because the Dream is beginning in January and taking over the Wonder's 3/4 day sailings out of Orlando. Then, later on, the 4th ship will come out and I'm sure there will be more ship shuffling.

 

[Tinkerbel129]

I keep reading about the 2005 and 2008 PC cruises. Everytime I read about these cruises, they seem to be westbound cruises, ending in LA. So this begs the question, were there any eastbound cruises to put these boats back. It seems this had to take place, but there is no discussion on this. Just curious

Yes, the Disney Magic sailed eastbound LA to Fl, in August 05 & 08. Sailed on both of them, loved it! Excited about sailing the Wonder the opposite way.

 

[AJQ]

So I tried to pm jeff re our accomodations, but was told I have to have ten posts before I can pm anyone.

But since I don't want to just post gibberish, in thought I would ask a question regarding arrivals: we are booking our own flights and we are flying into Orlando from Buffalo. As the weather in Buffalo (in January, and i am saying this as a Canadian ) can be pretty dicey, we are thinking of flying in the day before the cruise departs (to be really uptight about delays)

So, my question is this:

Does it make more sense for us to stay at a hotel near MCO and take the DCL bus the next day, or to forgo the bus and head straight to the port and find a hotel there.

The reason I ask is this, is the bus ride an intricate or integral part of the experience?

 

[AJQ]

The cruse meet thread doesn't have this part three listed, so I tried to subscribe to this thread, and I don't know where on DIS boards it show my "subscribed to" threads.

 

[AJQ]

Never mind... Found it ... D'oh!

I am so smart. S M R T, I mean....

 

[zakerdog]

So I tried to pm jeff re our accomodations, but was told I have to have ten posts before I can pm anyone.

But since I don't want to just post gibberish, in thought I would ask a question regarding arrivals: we are booking our own flights and we are flying into Orlando from Buffalo. As the weather in Buffalo (in January, and i am saying this as a Canadian ) can be pretty dicey, we are thinking of flying in the day before the cruise departs (to be really uptight about delays)

So, my question is this:

Does it make more sense for us to stay at a hotel near MCO and take the DCL bus the next day, or to forgo the bus and head straight to the port and find a hotel there.

The reason I ask is this, is the bus ride an intricate or integral part of the experience?

WDW has some great rates out there for January/11. We are flying out of either Toronto or Buffalo also and leaving the day before. We are using Magical Express from MCO to the Wilderness Lodge ($150 a night) and then going to the port from there. We have AP's so we will have a day at a park, dinner at 'Ohana and then hot tub at WL. It doesn't get much better than that

 

[sak0526]

So I tried to pm jeff re our accomodations, but was told I have to have ten posts before I can pm anyone.

But since I don't want to just post gibberish, in thought I would ask a question regarding arrivals: we are booking our own flights and we are flying into Orlando from Buffalo. As the weather in Buffalo (in January, and i am saying this as a Canadian ) can be pretty dicey, we are thinking of flying in the day before the cruise departs (to be really uptight about delays)

So, my question is this:

Does it make more sense for us to stay at a hotel near MCO and take the DCL bus the next day, or to forgo the bus and head straight to the port and find a hotel there.

The reason I ask is this, is the bus ride an intricate or integral part of the experience?

There's been lots of discussion about getting to the ship. We are coming from Md probably sun or mon just after all the problems with snow last winter here. It really comes down to: it's a personal choice. I didn't look, silly me, to see how many of you there are. but the bus isn't cheap. but depends on how many there are, you could possibly do just as well with a car/limo (rental or driven) if there's enough of you. some cant' stand the stops the bus makes or how it doesnt get you there at the crack of dawn (as you can see, I'm a bit prejudiced towards the bus). Nor does it stop if you want to get food or alcohol on the way. (we need neither). DH and I like the bus for several reasons. we've had fun talking to others and finding out where they're from and all that. We like the idea thatif there's a major problem on the road and we're in a disney bus, they'll wait for us, but if you are going private, not so much (at all). Both times we've cruised we've been on a bus that went to two resorts. One was saratoga springs, and i'll admit it did stop there more than one stop. but it didnt' bother us. others prefer to share a car/limo and go on their own, some making stop on their way. and still others are stahying at various hotels near the port. i dont knwo if there's free transport from them to the port, but i'd suspect they do. So it comes down to - it's personal preference. Sorry to not be of help, but i've been thinking the same thing, but i think we're going to stay at the World and let Disney take us there. I think the 2 of us on the bus is cheaper than a hotel out there and we're DVC so room is free.
good luck with your choice!
Sherri

 

[AJQ]

WDW has some great rates out there for January/11. We are flying out of either Toronto or Buffalo also and leaving the day before. We are using Magical Express from MCO to the Wilderness Lodge ($150 a night) and then going to the port from there. We have AP's so we will have a day at a park, dinner at 'Ohana and then hot tub at WL. It doesn't get much better than that

We are actually closer to BUF than YYZ and I love flying out of BUF...no customs issues once you cross the Peace Bridge and BUF is so easy.

Traffic between us and Pearson makes it a crapshoot as to when to leave for the Airport.

When I fly for work, I try to get out of Buf, but it is making for some interesting decisions on the flight back from LA. No direct flights.

 

[AJQ]

There's been lots of discussion about getting to the ship. We are coming from Md probably sun or mon just after all the problems with snow last winter here. It really comes down to: it's a personal choice. I didn't look, silly me, to see how many of you there are. but the bus isn't cheap. but depends on how many there are, you could possibly do just as well with a car/limo (rental or driven) if there's enough of you. some cant' stand the stops the bus makes or how it doesnt get you there at the crack of dawn (as you can see, I'm a bit prejudiced towards the bus). Nor does it stop if you want to get food or alcohol on the way. (we need neither). DH and I like the bus for several reasons. we've had fun talking to others and finding out where they're from and all that. We like the idea thatif there's a major problem on the road and we're in a disney bus, they'll wait for us, but if you are going private, not so much (at all). Both times we've cruised we've been on a bus that went to two resorts. One was saratoga springs, and i'll admit it did stop there more than one stop. but it didnt' bother us. others prefer to share a car/limo and go on their own, some making stop on their way. and still others are stahying at various hotels near the port. i dont knwo if there's free transport from them to the port, but i'd suspect they do. So it comes down to - it's personal preference. Sorry to not be of help, but i've been thinking the same thing, but i think we're going to stay at the World and let Disney take us there. I think the 2 of us on the bus is cheaper than a hotel out there and we're DVC so room is free.
good luck with your choice!
Sherri

Sherri.

That is actually lots of help and new information. It never occurred to me that the bus would make more than one stop. For some reason, I just assumed the cruise bus would go straight to the port. There are four of us (2 adults, a 7 year old and a 5 year old). More to think about. I also like the idea of the bus to get to meet some people right out of the gate.

I would plan on staying at a hotel near mco, not go to WDW.

Q

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Hello all! I have been on a 3-week cross country road trip and have really missed being so active on here! I had some time in the hotel tonight before heading home tomorrow to catch up on 30+ pages that I missed over the last three weeks, whew! But I'm glad to be back in the swing of things. Lots of exciting things discussed!

I just read on Mousesavers that there are room-only discounts at the 3 Disney-owned hotels---but only until December 31st. ARGH!

I know, I hope they extend that soon! I'm very happy that I saved with the big room only discounts released this week for WDW hotels- I am baffled now that my moderate resort ressie for WDW is only a tad more for 3 nights than the price for just 1 night at the PPH in DLR! Hoping that a big discount comes out for DLR rooms soon- I'm still staying there regardless, as I really dont care for the area around DLR at all, but it would be nice for a price break.

On the 2008 Westbound PC cruise a Diser organized a group for Aruba Jeep rentals, thus obtaining a lesser rental rate. Has anyone started something like this or would anyone be interested? We rented Jeeps in 08 and really enjoyed them, we want to do the same again.

Any thoughts?

I've never been to Aruba (or any of the ports of call on this cruise...other than CC)...just wondering why so many people rent jeeps on Aruba? Are the excursions not that great? Anyone done this with younger children? DS & DD are 5yo and in booster seats at home...just wondering what the car seat policy might be.

I am curious about the Jeep rental from those of you who have done it. The idea of renting a car in a foreign island country seems a little overwhelming to me, but I am adventurous if I feel that I know what I'm getting into and have researched it. Can those of you who have done it describe how you got around? Did the jeeps have GPS or did you just "wing it" and explore randomly? How was parking around the different island hot spots and beaches?

The excursions really don't look all that awesome and I don't even have any kids. One port was all dolphin, dolphin, dolphin, dolphin, I don't hang out with sea creatures I can't eat.

I completely agree. I was really disappointed reading them tonight. I thought there would be more beach excursions in Aruba- but nothing was there! Only thing was some Palm Island thing with a waterpark, and I have no interest in seeing a manmade waterpark on my island vacation with the exception being Atlantis. I was looking at places like Eagle Beach for a nice beach day- hoping there would be an organized excursion- but I guess I have to figure it out on my own, a taxi I suppose. Also, for Costa Rica I really wanted a beach excursion there too- does anyone know any close beaches to the port that you would recommend?

Does it make more sense for us to stay at a hotel near MCO and take the DCL bus the next day, or to forgo the bus and head straight to the port and find a hotel there.

The reason I ask is this, is the bus ride an intricate or integral part of the experience?

If it were me, I would rent a car and head straight to the port and stay at a hotel there. I enjoyed the Radisson there and others have stayed at others and also enjoyed them, and the rental agencies (I use Hertz) are so close to the hotels, very easy to return the car and hop in their free shuttle to the port. I only did the DCL bus from the airport on my first DCL cruise 6 years ago, and I can tell you it is not an "integral part of the experienc"- it basically shows a fun video, but if your anything like me and the other DCL addicts on here, you've probably watched the DCL DVD in your home dozens of times before leaving, and this video is basically the same thing- hyping you up about the cruise to make the time fly by as you drive. With the bus you have to wait for others, and you cant make grocery or liquor, etc pit stops along the way, and it is almost always way pricier than renting a car or getting a towncar to the port. You will get some people on here who do like the buses and some who insist on it as its the only "guaranteed" way that DCL ensures you make it to the ship and will wait if you are delayed, but in my opinion taking the bus is not the best choice by far.

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

I keep reading about the 2005 and 2008 PC cruises. Everytime I read about these cruises, they seem to be westbound cruises, ending in LA. So this begs the question, were there any eastbound cruises to put these boats back. It seems this had to take place, but there is no discussion on this. Just curious

As it has been answered...there were EB PC cruises as well. I was on the EB PC cruise. We chose that one because it added a port I have always wanted to see (Cartagena).

 

[zakerdog]

We are actually closer to BUF than YYZ and I love flying out of BUF...no customs issues once you cross the Peace Bridge and BUF is so easy.

Traffic between us and Pearson makes it a crapshoot as to when to leave for the Airport.

When I fly for work, I try to get out of Buf, but it is making for some interesting decisions on the flight back from LA. No direct flights.

We are closer to Syracuse but no SW only JetBlue and the flight times are terrible. We have the same issue coming back from LA or we would drive the extra to fly SW out of BUF. That's why I think we will bite the bullet and use YYZ, we can cover most of the cost with points and only have to pay the taxes (which are more than the flights out of USA)

 

[danfromca]

I keep reading about the 2005 and 2008 PC cruises. Everytime I read about these cruises, they seem to be westbound cruises, ending in LA. So this begs the question, were there any eastbound cruises to put these boats back. It seems this had to take place, but there is no discussion on this. Just curious

I was on the Eastbound 08 - it was a great trip. Which is one of the main reasons I'm thrilled to be going on this cruise.

 

[danfromca]

So I tried to pm jeff re our accomodations, but was told I have to have ten posts before I can pm anyone.

But since I don't want to just post gibberish, in thought I would ask a question regarding arrivals: we are booking our own flights and we are flying into Orlando from Buffalo. As the weather in Buffalo (in January, and i am saying this as a Canadian ) can be pretty dicey, we are thinking of flying in the day before the cruise departs (to be really uptight about delays)

So, my question is this:

Does it make more sense for us to stay at a hotel near MCO and take the DCL bus the next day, or to forgo the bus and head straight to the port and find a hotel there.

The reason I ask is this, is the bus ride an intricate or integral part of the experience?

Flying in a day before the cruise is a really good idea - especially if DCL isn't booking your flight (if they do, they have to get you on the ship somehow at some point).

The bus is a nice experience. I've never taken it from the resorts, so haven't had to deal with the multiple stops issue). But I have dropped off my rental car at the airport in the morning and grabbed the bus from there - which can get you there pretty early if you want.

It has all the disadvantages you've heard about (not being able to stop over, possibly added cost).

But it has the advantage that once you get on the bus, you can sort of tune out and get into vacation mode. But it's not really a big deal or an integral part of the experience.

I'm doing the car rental this time and staying at Cape Canaveral the night before - but it's because we plan to visit Kennedy Space center the day before.

 

[aan1701]

The two reasons we took both westbound cruises are first the obvious one, the ship drops me off at home. Second ny going west the cruise is three hours longer as the clocks go back going west.

 

[LovesToRun]

Wanted to see if I could organize those with younger children to discuss our ports-of-call plans. I went through the excursions last night, and there really isn't a lot for younger children...rather disappointing given this is a Disney Cruise. But then again, I understand Disney isn't running the POC, so I can't expect to find a theme park at every one

I'm just starting to read about the excursions and get myself familiar with the ports, but I'd be happy to share what I learn. If anyone has any input (particularly PC cruise veterans) on which excursions did/didn't work with kids, I'd love to hear.

Hi there,

We have 2 children (ages 8 and 10 at the time of the cruise). I did notice the majority of the excursions listed (so far) have an age limit of either 10 or 12, so that won't work for us because we certainly can't leave our 8 year old son out! I wonder if they chose more adult oriented excursions because of the time of year... maybe there won't be a lot of kids on this cruise?? Who knows...

I haven't had any time yet to look at what things there are to do at the ports we'll be at. The only port I do know a lot about is Aruba. We spent 10 days on the island of Aruba several years ago and at that time, our kids were little... like ages 2 and almost 4. We loved Aruba... the beaches there are AMAZING...white sand, like powdered sugar! So, when we go to Aruba on the cruise, we have already decided we're just going to get a taxi to a beach and hang out at the beach all day.

As for the other ports, I've never been to. So, yes, if anyone here has any good info on excursions that are fun (and safe) for kids under the age of 10, I'd love to hear what those are!

The port I'll be researching the most is the Costa Rica port... we've always wanted to go to Costa Rica, so I want to do something really fun there.

The Mexico ports, I'm not sure... my husband is worried about all the current violence there with all the drug war stuff... he wants to just stick to beaches and things like the resort excursion at one of the ports in Mexico that is being offered (I forget which port).... he seems nervous to go too far away from the beaches and main resorts.

So, a lot up in the air... we'll figure it out, but I would love to hear idea from people who do have children under the age of 10 what they plan to do at all the ports.

I do know one of my excursions will be the SPA on board! hehe!!

-Kathy

 

[LovesToRun]

I've never been to Aruba (or any of the ports of call on this cruise...other than CC)...just wondering why so many people rent jeeps on Aruba? Are the excursions not that great? Anyone done this with younger children? DS & DD are 5yo and in booster seats at home...just wondering what the car seat policy might be.

Hi there,

We vacationed in Aruba several years ago when my children were about ages 2 and almost 4, and I'm certain (at least at that time) that either there are no car seat laws, or if there are, they are not encoreced. For us, we brought car seats and used them regardless of what the locals do or don't do.

But, I remember seeing cars drive by with people holding small children in their laps in the front seat or back seat, or small children in cars without car seats.

We rented a car while we were there, but I can't remember why now, but for some reason we did not rent our car until the day after we arrived, so we got a taxi from the airport to our hotel. The taxi was this tiny little car, and there was the 4 of us, our suitcases, plus the kid's car seats. There was NO room for the car seats plus all of us, so we just held our kids in our laps... I still remember asking the cab driver if this was ok (like thinking we should wait for a bigger taxi), and he was like, "oh no problem!!" I just remember praying we would not get in an accident!! haha.

Anyway, so I think in Aruba, you could get away with no car seats just fine, but if you wanted to use a car seat, of course, there is no reason why you couldn't. I think it would be up to your comfort level. Maybe things have changed, too, since we were there last, but I'm guessing not.

-kathy

 

[orlandothebeagle]

So I tried to pm jeff re our accomodations, but was told I have to have ten posts before I can pm anyone.

But since I don't want to just post gibberish, in thought I would ask a question regarding arrivals: we are booking our own flights and we are flying into Orlando from Buffalo. As the weather in Buffalo (in January, and i am saying this as a Canadian ) can be pretty dicey, we are thinking of flying in the day before the cruise departs (to be really uptight about delays)

So, my question is this:

Does it make more sense for us to stay at a hotel near MCO and take the DCL bus the next day, or to forgo the bus and head straight to the port and find a hotel there.

The reason I ask is this, is the bus ride an intricate or integral part of the experience?

I would rather be at the port the night before.

Hello all! I have been on a 3-week cross country road trip and have really missed being so active on here! I had some time in the hotel tonight before heading home tomorrow to catch up on 30+ pages that I missed over the last three weeks, whew! But I'm glad to be back in the swing of things. Lots of exciting things discussed!



I know, I hope they extend that soon! I'm very happy that I saved with the big room only discounts released this week for WDW hotels- I am baffled now that my moderate resort ressie for WDW is only a tad more for 3 nights than the price for just 1 night at the PPH in DLR! Hoping that a big discount comes out for DLR rooms soon- I'm still staying there regardless, as I really dont care for the area around DLR at all, but it would be nice for a price break.





I am curious about the Jeep rental from those of you who have done it. The idea of renting a car in a foreign island country seems a little overwhelming to me, but I am adventurous if I feel that I know what I'm getting into and have researched it. Can those of you who have done it describe how you got around? Did the jeeps have GPS or did you just "wing it" and explore randomly? How was parking around the different island hot spots and beaches?



I completely agree. I was really disappointed reading them tonight. I thought there would be more beach excursions in Aruba- but nothing was there! Only thing was some Palm Island thing with a waterpark, and I have no interest in seeing a manmade waterpark on my island vacation with the exception being Atlantis. I was looking at places like Eagle Beach for a nice beach day- hoping there would be an organized excursion- but I guess I have to figure it out on my own, a taxi I suppose. Also, for Costa Rica I really wanted a beach excursion there too- does anyone know any close beaches to the port that you would recommend?



If it were me, I would rent a car and head straight to the port and stay at a hotel there. I enjoyed the Radisson there and others have stayed at others and also enjoyed them, and the rental agencies (I use Hertz) are so close to the hotels, very easy to return the car and hop in their free shuttle to the port. I only did the DCL bus from the airport on my first DCL cruise 6 years ago, and I can tell you it is not an "integral part of the experienc"- it basically shows a fun video, but if your anything like me and the other DCL addicts on here, you've probably watched the DCL DVD in your home dozens of times before leaving, and this video is basically the same thing- hyping you up about the cruise to make the time fly by as you drive. With the bus you have to wait for others, and you cant make grocery or liquor, etc pit stops along the way, and it is almost always way pricier than renting a car or getting a towncar to the port. You will get some people on here who do like the buses and some who insist on it as its the only "guaranteed" way that DCL ensures you make it to the ship and will wait if you are delayed, but in my opinion taking the bus is not the best choice by far.

Same as they say re port! I agree

Hi there,

We have 2 children (ages 8 and 10 at the time of the cruise). I did notice the majority of the excursions listed (so far) have an age limit of either 10 or 12, so that won't work for us because we certainly can't leave our 8 year old son out! I wonder if they chose more adult oriented excursions because of the time of year... maybe there won't be a lot of kids on this cruise?? Who knows...

I haven't had any time yet to look at what things there are to do at the ports we'll be at. The only port I do know a lot about is Aruba. We spent 10 days on the island of Aruba several years ago and at that time, our kids were little... like ages 2 and almost 4. We loved Aruba... the beaches there are AMAZING...white sand, like powdered sugar! So, when we go to Aruba on the cruise, we have already decided we're just going to get a taxi to a beach and hang out at the beach all day.

As for the other ports, I've never been to. So, yes, if anyone here has any good info on excursions that are fun (and safe) for kids under the age of 10, I'd love to hear what those are!

The port I'll be researching the most is the Costa Rica port... we've always wanted to go to Costa Rica, so I want to do something really fun there.

The Mexico ports, I'm not sure... my husband is worried about all the current violence there with all the drug war stuff... he wants to just stick to beaches and things like the resort excursion at one of the ports in Mexico that is being offered (I forget which port).... he seems nervous to go too far away from the beaches and main resorts.

So, a lot up in the air... we'll figure it out, but I would love to hear idea from people who do have children under the age of 10 what they plan to do at all the ports.

I do know one of my excursions will be the SPA on board! hehe!!

-Kathy

Good luck fixing it all out

 

[sak0526]

Q, the bus is really no big deal. i think we were the first stop one time and it took about 20 minutes to make the other stop at our resort and one at another place and we were on the road. since we'll be at the world for a few days, the bus is the way to go for us. DH is paranoid about timing when we leave a car at BWI or when we've rented one at other airports - in getting there sooo early. yes that would get us to the boat earlier, but bus is sooo hassle free. doesn't put me in vaca mode, but it's just set luggage out night before, get up, eat, get on bus, get off bus, get luggage, check in and board. just so easy. but that's why baskin robbins has 31 or 2 flavors - people like to do diff things. that said, if i was coming ONLY the night before instead of a few days before like we plan, i'd push DH to stay at port.

"I know, I hope they extend that soon! I'm very happy that I saved with the big room only discounts released this week for WDW hotels- I am baffled now that my moderate resort ressie for WDW is only a tad more for 3 nights than the price for just 1 night at the PPH in DLR! Hoping that a big discount comes out for DLR rooms soon- I'm still staying there regardless, as I really dont care for the area around DLR at all, but it would be nice for a price break."

can you explain this? i cant see where i copied it from, but i'm wondering about the big discounts and whats PPH and DLR?

Sherri

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

I've never taken the bus to port. Depending on whom I'm traveling with, either they've been Floridians with their own cars, or I've rented a car. We either stay at the Radisson or the Residence Inn, if we stay over.

This time there are 4 of us so I'm renting a van. We're coming in 2 days early and staying at AKL the first night for a "cousins" meet up, and then driving out to Cocoa Beach for the night before the cruise. I like to go to Fish Lips for dinner, and down to see the manatees in the river, and maybe over to Jetty park or the beach at "I dream of Jeannie" Lane.

Happy planning!