Late flight back -- what to do to pass the time?

[radiojon]

We've got a late afternoon flight out (3:20p) on the day we come back. I've read that we could disembark as early as 9:00a ... any good ideas on what a family of 4 (including a 5- and 1-year-old) can do to pass the time besides sitting in the airport?

 

[ChattyKathy]

Visit Kennedy Space Center...

 

[SeaSpray]

When we realized it'd be a long day after debarking the ship, then waiting for our 4:25pm flight home, we decided to stay the night at a Disney resort then leave the next day.

This might not be an option for you....so.... There is always the Kennedy Space Center which would take up several hours. There's Cocoa Beach pier which is close, too.

 

[radiojon]

THANKS for the suggestions! Since we're taking a car service to/from the airport, what'd be the best way to spend a few hours at Kennedy Space Center? Is there any place to store luggage? Is there an "organized" KSC excursion?

 

[sjhlib]

On the same line, our flight leaves @ 3, and my Florida based in-laws would like to meet us for lunch, but with 8 of us, we would not be able to leave the airport. Does anyone know of a nice place to meet for lunch @ MCO?

 

[RebeccaLovesDisney]

We had a 5:30pm flight home on debarkation day, so we decied to rent a car at the port and we spent time at the Boardwalk and DTD before going to the airport.

If you are flying on one of the major airlines, you can check your luggage at the port with airline reps. even if you are not taking DCL transportation.

 

[inkkognito]

There is a Chilis and another reataurant that I think is called Stinger Rays or something like that where you could meet to eat. Both of them do not require you to pass through security. Hubby and I have eaten at both...the Chili's is typical, and the other one had similar food. They used to be very smoky because I think they were overrun with smokers trying to get in some last puffs before flying. But now smoking is banned at all restaurants in FL so that isn't an issue (or maybe it IS in issue if you are a smoker!).
I've also heard that there is a good restaurant in the MCO Hyatt, right on site, but I don't have any experience with that one.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[BAKAROMA]

We are in the same "boat." How long CAN we stay onboard before they rip our hands off the railing? What things are open Saturday a.m.?

 

[jlawall]

You have to disembark after the second seating for breakfast (9:30am.) We checked our luggage with the airlines at the port and this worked out well. However, my parents flew on Spirit so they had to keep their luggage. We went directly to the Boardwalk resort and stored my parents luggage there. We enjoyed a day at the BW (mini golf, lunch, renting bikes and shopping) before heading over to the airport. This was definitely a nice transition experience at the end of our cruise!

 

[DIScruisers4]

We have a 2:45 pm return flight for our January cruise. We are going with two other families. We decided to rent two day rooms at the Orlando Airport Hyatt. The rate was $60.00 per room. This will allow us to rest, unload our luggage, watch t.v., use the pool, etc. until it is time to check in. When we cruised in January 2002, we hade a 5:00 pm flight and went to the Kennedy Space Center to kill some time. That worked out well, but we were a bit too exhausted to really enjoy it.

I hope this helps, and hope that you have a great trip!

 

[sjhlib]

I never would've thought of a room at the Hyatt - depending on how much (or little) sleep the kids all get on the last cruise night, that might be a great idea. Much nicer than sitting in the airport. I think I'll check it out!

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Here's the link for information on the Hyatt day room...

http://orlandoairport.hyatt.com/property/specialoffers/newspromotions_detail.jhtml?id=2

Hope that helps! It would definitely be worth it, in my opinion!!

 

[two-foxes]

We got a day room at the Hyatt as well. It was more than worth the $$. We took a nap, got a work out in in the workout room (guilt driven by the days of eating on DCL!!!) and watched a movie in our room. By the time our 6 pm flight came we were rested, comfy, and not rushed at all. I would strongly consider it!

 

[Dreamer04]

Our return flight isn't until 8PM! I was wracking my brain, trying to figure out what to do with all the time. WDW was out-DH doesn't care for it And my DM, 77, will be too tired.

A day room at the MCO Hyatt is the perfect answer!

 

[ChattyKathy]

How long does it take to go thru Kennedy Space Center....??
And, how far is it from the airport...?

Thanks!


Kathy

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by Dreamer04
A day room at the MCO Hyatt is the perfect answer!

We just booked a "day room" at the Hyatt for our return on Feb 26th. Our flight doesn't leave until 5:00 pm so we can relax, get caught up on e-mail(Business center) and have dinner there.

It is $60 plus 11% tax.....so it will be around $67 total. We shouldn't have to leave our room until 4:00 since we will be in the airport.

 

[DMOMof3]

Luckymommyx2 Thanks for the link, just called and reserved my room. Flight doesn't leave till 6:15pm and I know we will be too tired to do any sightseeing.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

You're welcome DMOMof3...any time! Glad I could help!

 

[mkauffman]

We rented a van and went to Downtown Disney. It was perfect...a day of just walking and relaxing, then we ate at Rain Forest Cafe before we headed back to the airport. We needed that last Disney fix before we headed back to cold PA!

Michelle

 

[Dreamer04]

Just got off the phone with Brian at the front desk of the Hyatt Regency. I reserved our day room, and asked how early we could check in. He said we could check in as early as 5AM! It all depends on the turnover from the night before. He said there is usually no problem!

Thank you so much!

DH and the kids will love the pool and DM appreciate the nap. Me, I'm relieved because I haven't mentioned our late return flight because I didn't want to hear the howling. Now, thanks to luckymommy, I'm all set!