Hotel/Transportation Night Before?

[jeeper9]

We are a party of 2 adults and 4 children (11-3). I am looking for suggestions on where we should stay the night before the cruise and transportation to the port.

Also, what type of room will we need for 7 people? Never did this before and I would like to make it as painless as possible.

Thanks.

 

[DrCavin]

www.dcltribute.com is a great site for hotel/transportation suggestions. While Dave has not updated his site in awhile it is still very good.

You say room for 7 people, do you mean on the ship or at a hotel????

 

[kcashner]

For 7 people, by far the cheapest transportation will be either renting a vehicle large enough to handle all of you + luggage OR private limo service. THe limo service is easiest. It costs about $90-100 for a vehicle, and if you check the internet there are some discount coupons available. DCL transfers are about $30 per person each way. Sorry, I've never rented a vehicle big enough for 7 people, so don't know what the car rental places will charge. THey are about $40 for a car--there is no extra charge for drop off at the port, and they will shuttle you back (no charge). Of course, you then pay gas and tolls. They will also pick you up after the cruise if desired.

If you do the car rental, drop off everyone and the luggage at the port, then have 1 person return the car and shuttle back...much easier and saves all sorts of time.

Ok, 2 adults and 4 children--I get 6, not 7. On ship...for 7, you need a Cat 1 or 2 lower cabins.

Night before, I do Priceline. A 3* usually goes for $31-35, and they have free shuttles to/from MCO. Of course, if you were getting a car, you can do that and drive to the hotel. Technically Priceline rooms are for 2 people, but I've never had a problem with an extra kid...you would of course, need 2 rooms.

The most painless way to go is to get a room at the Hyatt. The Hyatt connects to MCO, and DCL busses service it. So...you would claim your luggage and make your way to the Hyatt. In the morning, you would put your luggage outside your room and go to the DCL bus. Of course, this option would cost you about $180-210 for the transfers (one way) plus over $100 for each room at the Hyatt for the night.

You really have to decide which is more important--ease or $.

 

[lilo62]

I would recommend staying on Ron Jon's Cape Caribe Resort. Although a timeshare, you can "rent" a room. The property has a lazy river pool (with reg pools as well) and you can take a tram that lets you out by the oceanfront time shares and walk to the beach! When you are on the beach, to the left (it's about a 5-10 min walk) there is a very long pier. Lots of people fish from this pier, but there are sea turtles, crabs etc. Also, you can see the cruise ships from the pier as you pass by it when you leave the docks!

Ron Jon's website is www.ronjonresort.com. If you check out their website, it can give you a description of the type of rooms they offer and then you can fill out a form on-line for a price quote.

As far as transportation goes, we've always rented from Budget, pick-up the car in Orlando Int'l airport, use it for the day and then drop it off in Port Canaveral the next day and take their shuttle to Disney's terminal. We've done it for 2 yrs. now and plan on doing it again next year as well!

 

[jeeper9]

Thanks everyone for the information. Sorry about the 7 people instead of 6.......brain cramp?

We have 2 connecting PHR reserved for 14 Oct 06 cruise. Just trying to plan ahead.


Diana

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

We are staying at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International airport the night before then we rented a van for the 9 og us to drive one way to the port the next morning. I use Hotwire and got the rooms which list on the Hyatt site for $159 for $65. I have never stayed before but the convienence of flying right to your hotel is going to be awesome. We are arriving at 4pm and letting the kids enjoy thte pool before dinner. We will wake up have breakfast pick up the vehicle and go.

 

[pwade]

Kcashner,
If you don't mind my asking, how far in advance can you do Priceline? I tried a 3* last week for $50 and no one took it. I was wondering if the chances are better the later the booking (I'm going on the Wonder 9-25-05). Thanks for any help.

Pat