January 25- Feb 5th - Harry Potter and an Eastern Cruise

[AverysMommy]

I am a bit scared but I am going to commit to writing a Trip Report for my Vacation in January.

The Overview:
We went on a Disney Cruise (Western) in 2007 and knew that we would have to go back and do another one. Went to Disney World in 2009 so we thought it was time for a Cruise. The 25% off for Canadians made it the perfect time to go. We are a very busy family so the first task was to find a week that didnt conflict with Hockey Tournaments, Dance Competitions, Volleyball Tournaments, and Soccer Meets. A Miracle Happened and the January 29th to February 4th dates worked.

The Players that you will meet:
2 Fun Loving Adults that just want to spend time with their kids before the kids dont want to spend time with them
DS - 11
DD - 8

Other players:
DNeice 18 that lives with us but will not be going this time
DNephew 24 that used to live with us that is going to stay with DNeice at home
DGrandparents who we will also be visiting in Florida

Next Update:
We have to go to see the Harry Potter Theme Park, Dont We?

 

[princessnpirate]

I am subscribing! I agree with you - we went on our first in 2008 and I have been dying to return and we are this upcoming April.

Cannot wait to hear more!

 

[AverysMommy]

We started our planning process.

We knew we wanted to do the Eastern Cruise. I loved the Western but I just didnt feel like we had enough time on the ship. I liked the idea of having one additional day on the ship. Plus - I have been to St Maarten and just love that island.

We were a bit worried about the end of January for the weather but I did some searches and found average temp info:
- Orlando average max is 72 degrees and minimum of 50 degrees
- St Maarten average max is 81 degrees and minimum of 72 degrees
- St Thomas average max is 81 degrees and minimum of 72 degrees
- Bahamas average max is 75 degrees and minimum of 68 degrees

I spoke to lots of people on the DIS that have been on January cruises and the general agreement is that it will be very nice once we get out of the Port. But we need to be prepared for cool weather at the Port itself.

And lets face it, who lays around and sunbathes anymore with all the sun fears. As long as its nice enough to get in the water and enjoy our time - thats what matters.

So we took a leap of faith - and we made the booking!

 

[AverysMommy]

Once we had the cruise booked then we started playing the Fun Game called - How do we Get the Cheapest Flights?

To Fly from Buffalo on a Friday was a bit expensive - much cheaper if we fly on Thursday.....but what would we do if we went down a day early.

HARRY POTTER!
While I am a true Disney Fan - I have never been to Universal Florida - I really wanted to go to the Harry Potter Theme Park. Friends of ours went in August and said it was Incredible. The father is normally pretty critical of rides but he said the main attraction was over the top of any other ride he has ever experienced. Plus he says the ButterBeer is totally addictive.

So we started doing our research. Cost is expensive to go to any of the Orlando theme parks for just 1 day - they really want us to go for more days but we just couldnt really afford it as this was a SIDE trip with the cruise being the big event.

I spent some time on the DIS that is dedicated to Universal and found that there really is only a few attractions in the Harry Potter part of Universal so it can easily be done in one day and still have some time to do the other rides as well. The problem is that its very busy so you have to go early.

HP Attractions:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - the star attraction ride
- Dragon Challenge - 2 dueling roller coasters
- Flight of the Hippogriff

and some very cool shops with fun stuff:
- Olivanders
- Zonkos
- Three Broomsticks

Once I started reading about how great this place was going to be - I knew we had to go.......in fact is many ways I am more excited about this day then the cruise. So the decision was made that we have to go ONE day early so we can do this park.

But OMG - I am taking my kids out of school - I have to be careful that they dont miss too much school. Then we got the GOOD NEWS - the week we are on the cruise, they have a PA Day so no school. SO if we fly down Thursday night and go to HP on Friday - they still will only miss 5 days of school. OK, I am not that bad of a parent - 5 days isnt too bad - is it? Decision made!

Next Update:
Family always makes things easier - NOT!

 

[rusafee1183]

I'll be reading along too.

We are going on the Eastern in May (our 1st cruise ever!) and I am very anxious to hear all about your trip!

Are you going to be doing any port adventures? We've never been to the Caribbean before, so I am having such a hard time deciding whether to try and navigate the islands alone or book an excursion