Help for a Disney Newbie

[Chipmedic]

My Fiance and are I are looking forward to having out Honeymoon on the October 20 Sailing of the Magic. We cant wait. But I have some questions regarding timing.

Our plans take us from Pittsburgh to Orlando the morning of the 20th (Departure around 0700 to arrive MCO 1000ish). We were thinking that it would be cheaper for us to take the shuttle bus from the airport. I wanted to get Happy Limo but Im not sure we can afford (broke the bank paying for this wedding). Anyway... If I take the shuttle, when can I expect to be at the terminal? Will we be rushed to get all our shore excusions scheduled, etc. Or will we have the time to get some stuff in leisurely before the ship sets sail. Any thoughts on this???

We cant wait... Anyone out there gonna be on the cruise, Email me and we will get a nice frozen alcoholic drink....

Chip and Lisa from Pittsburgh....

Woohooo.. were going to see Mickey!!!!

 

[Señor Ferrari]

If you arrive at MCO at 10:00ish, you should have no problem with getting reservations. I would think that you'll be at the port by the time boarding begins (usually at 12:15, sometimes later). You can save some time by pre-booking your shore excursions. I don't have the number to call off-hand, but I'm sure someone can post it, or you can find it at the Disney Cruise Line website.

On the 7-day cruise, it's not as hard to get reservations. It's still a bit of a scramble, but not really that bad. We're usually done with spa and Palo reservations (we usually don't buy excursions) by early afternoon, and then you have the rest of the day to relax.

Palo reservations are usually scheduled to begin at 1:00pm, but they will start taking them early. I usually go to lunch at Topsiders and then just run up the stairs to Palo (it's just above) at about 12:50. You can then finish lunch and walk forward to the spa. I think they begin taking reservations there at about 1:45 or so. If you've pre-booked excursions, that's really all there is to it. You'll have plenty of time to relax before the lifeboat drill.

As far as hiring a limo vs. the DCL transfers, it may be cheaper to use the transfers for only two people. I don't really know the costs of the limo, though. The transfers are $46/person. We always use them because I like the seamlessness of it. Also, if you book the transfers, then the cruise line will claim your bags at MCO, and you can just get right on the bus after arriving. The bags will be delivered to your room.

Congrats on your upcoming wedding and enjoy your cruise!

 

[Señor Ferrari]

bumping this up because it looks like my initial reply didn't register....