Just back from a 7 day land/sea- my tips and comments

[LuVermont]

Just returned from our 7 day land (poly) 3 day Wonder. Since I found these boards so useful before I went, I thought I would share some comments and tips with you...
1. A three day cruise is way too short. When you break it down, you are actually only on the ship 2 and 1/2 days. If I do this again, a seven day is the only way we will go.
2. Regarding the chicken tender controversy: Yes there are excellent tenders available during the day at Plutos. THey are not pressed nuggets as the rumors on the boards had it.
3. Of all three restaurants, AP far exceeded the rest. The ambiance and food was great. Did not care for PC. Tritons was (in my opinion) over rated.
4. If you have older kids, I highly recommend the late seating. It extends your day and with all the food available during the day we were not hungry at 6:30.
5. The "family" programming options during the evenings were limited. This was very disappointing for us. (we have a 9 & 12 year old-boys) Since this was a "family" vacation, we were looking forward to doing things together after dinner. Most evening programming was for adults only. Only one choice was open for "families" duing evenings after dinner. I feel the offerings for families was extremely limited.
6. Definitely do AK THurs morning. It was a great way to pass the morning before boarding the ship and can easily be done in 3 hours. ( I would skip the Kali River Rapids unless you are prepared to change or sit on a bus soaking wet for a few hours)
7. Things I would skip next time: a blow dryer (the ones on board work fine), bug spray in March- no need, bike rentals at CC- not worth it- the path is VERY short and you will be done in 20 minutes and finally... panicing about debarkation/airport arrival. Going through this process was a cinch. We got to the airport at 9AM and that was without rushing.

So, these are some things I thought I would share with you all. If you have additional questions I can help you with I will check this post for the next say or so...

 

[Dustin & Shelby's Mom]

LuVermont,

Did you catch the bus at AK to go to the port? If so, what did you do with your luggage? My son and I will be staying at ASMu before our cruise, booked separately and are trying to figure out how to catch transportation to the port. I think we maybe catching a cab to a resort that has transfers.

TIA

 

[crackerjack]

We're leaving Thursday (Land/Sea starting on Land with 4-night cruise to follow). I have several questions. Is the ocean water cold right now? Were you constantly chilly in your stateroom? Were you chilly at night at the parks? I don't want to pack two entire wardrobes, but I don't want to be cold either!

Did the attendance at the parks seem to follow the old Early Entry patterns? Did you get really wet on Splash Mountain? Were both tracks of Space Mountain open? Did you do an E-night while you were there? If so, was it worth it?

Thanks!

 

[cjduby]

I was just WONDERing if you did any excursions? If so, what did you do, and what did you think about it? Thanks!

 

[LuVermont]

Originally posted by Dustin & Shelby's Mom
LuVermont,

Did you catch the bus at AK to go to the port? If so, what did you do with your luggage? My son and I will be staying at ASMu before our cruise, booked separately and are trying to figure out how to catch transportation to the port. I think we maybe catching a cab to a resort that has transfers.

TIA

When we arrived at AK there is a special place cruise line folks can go to check in their carry on bags. I am not sure if you need a Disney Transfer to use this service. We caught a bus at 12:45 from AK to Port Canaveral. It took aprox one hour. You probably should look into purchasing a Disney Transfer- it was very convenient and most likely be cheaper than a cab.

 

[kcand sunshine]

How was snorkeling at Castaway Cay? I've heard it's really crowded and the snorkeling isn't too hot!!Doing the 7 day in less than 2 weeks!! Can Not wait!!!!!!!!!!How about sunscreen? What was the temp during the day??We have the late seating so planning to do show b/f dinner but what goes on after dinner-9:30-10:00??? Thanks

 

[LuVermont]

Dustin & Shelby's Mom:
We caught the bus from AK at 12:45. We had Disney Transfers and were able to check in our carry-on bags at a location just before you enter AK. Our luggage was shipped directly to the ship from the resort. I would recommend looking into purchasing a Disney Transfer- the motor coach was very comfortable and convenient. They show a little video about what to expect on the cruise. The ride was over one hour long. Have a great time!

Crackerjack:
I hope you have a great time on your upcoming trip. I wish I was going back!
The ocean water at Castaway Cay was a comfortable cool. I believe it was 75 degrees. The day was very hot and sunny so the water felt great. We snorkled for a very long time.
Our stateroom was a very comfortable temperature at all times. I think I remember seeing a thermostat on the wall in our stateroom. Never had to use it however.
We hit two unseasonably chilly days when we went to MK and MGM. It did not bother us though. We definitely needed sweatshirts and fleeces at night. We also wore pants at night and shorts in the day.
The attendance at the parks was great. Practically never waited in a line. The longest line we stood in was at the Peter Pan ride for about 20 minutes. WE also took advantage of Fast Pass often which was great.
Regarding Splash Mountain- we were in the first and second rows and did not get very wet. The ride we got really soaked on was the Kali River Rapids at AK.
Space Mountain- we rode this three times. The first two times (on Monday morning) one track was open. Walked right on both times, never needed to use Fast Pass. When we visited MK for a second day (Wednesday) both tracks were open. We used the Fast Pass on Wednesday and walked right on.
No E-nights were available when we were there.
Have fun!

Cjduby:
We did not do any excursions. People sitting with us at dinner went to Atlantis and said it was great. We felt that since we were going to only be on the ship for three days we wanted to experience the ship and everything it had to offer. We loved this since most people got off the ship while at Nassau and we were able to lounge by the pools and enjoy a somewhat empty ship and a very delicious buffet (not to be missed!). We did get off the ship to browse the shops in Nassua for about an hour and picked up a few souveniers. Enjoy your trip!

 

[LuVermont]

Originally posted by kcand sunshine
How was snorkeling at Castaway Cay? I've heard it's really crowded and the snorkeling isn't too hot!!Doing the 7 day in less than 2 weeks!! Can Not wait!!!!!!!!!!How about sunscreen? What was the temp during the day??We have the late seating so planning to do show b/f dinner but what goes on after dinner-9:30-10:00??? Thanks

We thought the snorkeling was great. I highly recommend going first thing when you get off the ship- especially before most people enter the water. We were one of the first people in and it was clear- saw many fish and even a stingray! My husband and son even found Mickey. When we went in later after lunch, the water was very cloudy from kicked up sand and very few fish were to be found. IF you go our a bit farther in the afternoon ( by the submarine) it isn't too bad. My husband went out around 2PM and saw a lobster and a bunch of fish. You DEFINITELY need sunscreen. We hit a beautiful, clear, sunny day- it was in the high 80s. Even though we had lounge chairs with an umbrella and hammock we were getting toasted. The sun is very powerful and you will easily burn if you are not careful.
After dinner, most things to do were for adults only(18 and over). So if you want to do things without kids there is plenty to do. The few "family" activities included family Karaoke on one night, a family deck party with a band on another night, and a family disco. There were character greetings taking place at night as well. Perhaps there will be more family stuff (if that is what you are looking for) on a seven day cruise.
Bon Voyage!!!

 

[Dustin & Shelby's Mom]

LuVermont,

I have purchased the cruise transfers, but only for the 3 day cruise. We could not arrive early enough to do the 7 day land/sea package. We are staying at the All Star Music. Will the transfers pick up our luggage from our room at that resort? I know that they will not pick us up from there.

 

[tpmorley]

We are doing the 7 day land/sea and have the Disney transfers. How does it work at the airport for finding the Disney bus to the correct resort? Does everybody get on the same bus and then they let you off at your respective resort? Did you have to let them know which airline and flight you are on (we didn't get Disney air)? When you checked in at your resort, can you just leave your carry ons in your room and then go to one of the parks? Your luggage magically shows up in your room later, right? The passes to the parks are good for the Sunday you arrive and for Thur. morning at AK? Thanks for all of the details!

 

[LuVermont]

Originally posted by tpmorley
We are doing the 7 day land/sea and have the Disney transfers. How does it work at the airport for finding the Disney bus to the correct resort? Does everybody get on the same bus and then they let you off at your respective resort? Did you have to let them know which airline and flight you are on (we didn't get Disney air)? When you checked in at your resort, can you just leave your carry ons in your room and then go to one of the parks? Your luggage magically shows up in your room later, right? The passes to the parks are good for the Sunday you arrive and for Thur. morning at AK? Thanks for all of the details!

As soon as you get to the main terminal at Orlando you will see Disney Cruise Line Reps standing with a sign for Disney Cruise Line. You need to check in with them. They then take everyone down to the bus terminal on the lower level and separate everyone into lines depending on which resort they are going to or if they are going directly to the ship. It went very smoothly. It did not matter which airline you were on; everything took place at the main terminal. You will need to show the Disney Reps your transfer tickets at that point.
WHen you check in at the resort you can leave your carryons with the baggage check desk if you are unable to check into your room. You cannot check in until late in the afternoon. When we got there on Sunday (around 12:30 PM) , we checked in, left our carry ons, got our park passes and went to Epcot for the afternoon. WHen we returned around 5PM all bags were in our room.
Also, your passes are good for Thrus AM as well. I definitely recommend doing AK on THurs AM. It can easily be done in the morning if you just hit the highlights. Avoid the rapids unless you dont mind getting soaked or if you bring a change of clothes. It is a long bus ride if you have to sit in soaking wet clothes!
Have a great trip!