Is this WDW-PC transportation plan too ambitious?

[Donna M]

I have done the ME to airport and then early bus to port. I would much rather wait at the port than at the resort, since I'm up early anyway. I had carry on though.

 

[mousefan73]

I would do the early MDE to MCO and then the DCL bus. 70 bucks is not too bad. DCL gets crazy when you are a family if 4 or 5, then a service or rental saves 100+.

This way the „tragicexpress“ gets him bummed then the high when he is not going home!
Also I can see the limited Amount of luggage schlepping time is limited. Doable.

Plus you know you’re getting to the boat early. I don’t know how long your cruise is but for our 4 night those two hours can make a difference at least that is in our case. My goal is also getting there early and having my kids to the aqueduct before lines start

 

[pangyal]

What about staying at the Hyatt inside MCO on the last night instead of Disney? You would need to take your luggage to the hotel room yourself, but if you use DCL transfers to the port they will get your luggage from your hotel room to the ship. You could tell your son that DME wants to pick you up too early the next morning and it’s better to stay at the airport. Just throwing out another option for you.

I thought about that, but decided I’d rather stay the night at Poly as planned. I love that place . Plus, kiddo even knows our flight times, as we always take the same WestJet flights to and from Orlando.

 

[pangyal]

Just wanted to push back on this part a little. Since the OP is concierge, I think they definitely will be allowed to get on the first bus at MCO when they arrive there. I have read hear numerous times that that is a perk for concierge guests taking the DCL transfers from the airport.

Otherwise, it is entirely up to what you think would be the best. Each way has advantages.

That’s perhaps what the phone CM was thinking of. If it works that way, it would be perfect.

 

[pangyal]

Well he’s got to figure it out at some point.



It won’t work like that. He’ll know well beforehand.

If you’re getting the dcl transfer from the resort it’ll be weird bc they’ll come to your room and get your bags.

Then you check in at x time and wait around in the lobby for about half an hour. It’s all very very obvious that people are headed to the cruise. And as he figures it out it’ll either be in your room when the bags are picked up or in the lobby.

If you take dme to the airport that’ll seem normal, but you won’t be using rac, so if he’s used to that it’ll seem odd. At some point you’ll put the cruise tags on and he’ll notice that. And once you get off the bus and head to the dcl area that’s when he’ll know. So you’ll be checking in, in public, when he finds out.

If you take private transport I’d they do take a different route or once the vehicle passes the airport he’ll figure it out, and it’ll be in a private vehicle. Which is nice imo.

And if the surprise goes differently than you expect (my son’s reaction was pretty small to our ONE surprise cruise), then you are in private as well. For instance he might be super bummed that Dad isn’t there.



That’s what we did. Worked well.


OP you were right to doubt the CM. That’s not something they do. Our only from-resort transport experience was as concierge passengers. We got there painfully late and especially since it was a three night cruise missing that first hour or two on the ship made us feel behind the 8 ball the whole time. And we had non concierge family that drove in and got in ages before and texted us when they got onboard so that was painful.

Thank you so much for the detailed breakdown ! With a four night cruise, I’d like to take advantage of being able to get even an extra hour or two on the ship, especially if I’m paying for the advantage there (and likely won’t be able to do Concierge again, so I want to milk it ). We can’t use RAC as we aren’t Domestic, so that wouldn’t give it away.

I appreciate the nudge that maybe he won’t react the way I am hoping. We’ve done a few Mummy&Me trips now, so I think he will be okay, especially because it’s not his first cruise. But, it’s a very smart sentiment to keep in mind.

Update: I’ve added the ground transfers and will transfer the booking to Costco tomorrow. I priced the private transfer and it’s a lot for just two people. I decided that we are going to the airport with ME and then just when I’ve got him all despondent about going home, I’ll lead him to the DCL bus area. When he figures it out, we can put the cruise tags on, and hopefully he won’t have a meltdown. I was swayed by the idea that we might be able to get on the first bus or two as Concierge, and would definitely rather wait at the port!

He’s been good with surprises throughout his childhood, so I’m hopeful this will go well.

Thanks SO much, everyone! Now to wait until October .

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

That’s perhaps what the phone CM was thinking of. If it works that way, it would be perfect.

Great. If you start a new thread that asks that question in the title, you are sure to get some of the DCL concierge regulars to come on and confirm (or deny) it. Of course, you'll also get a few complaints from people lamenting that they have to wait while concierge boards, but hey if they offer it, that is one of the things you are paying extra for.

Have a great trip.