MCO Hyatt v. Three nights at Disney pre-cruise

[twinsouvenirs]

This sounds like it would be a no-brainer, but I'm a bit overwhelmed! Please weigh in, all opinions are welcome.

Factors:

• I'm feeling a WEE bit burned out on WDW, but our three little kids are not.
• We have three little kids (under 5) and will probably have a lot of luggage.
• We have DVC & APs so I booked 3 nights in a poly studio pre-cruise just in case--so if we do that, it will be a cashless stay other than food/merch--but WDW food is not cheap for 5.
• We REALLY want to get on the boat as soon as possible and Hyatt has that deal where they transport your luggage and you have no set PAT.
• Flights are significantly cheaper flying in the Wednesday before the cruise.
• I'm nervous about planning a pre-cruise trip to WDW because I'm already nervous about the cruise--it's our first one and I'm unfamiliar with all the details
• We may stay a few days at WDW after the cruise for less expensive airfare (Weds to Weds fare is only $200ish ea)

Given these, do you think it would be easier to fly into MCO, stay at the airport and head to the port first thing, or go to the Poly for a few days and keep it low key (maybe not make FPs or ADRs at all and just chill as much as possible) and take the DCL ME? I'm assuming I'll get a late PAT since we are first time cruisers. HELP ME, DCL Forumites! YOU'RE MY ONLY HOPE!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

This sounds like it would be a no-brainer, but I'm a bit overwhelmed! Please weigh in, all opinions are welcome.

Factors:

• I'm feeling a WEE bit burned out on WDW, but our three little kids are not.
• We have three little kids (under 5) and will probably have a lot of luggage.
• We have DVC & APs so I booked 3 nights in a poly studio pre-cruise just in case--so if we do that, it will be a cashless stay other than food/merch--but WDW food is not cheap for 5.
• We REALLY want to get on the boat as soon as possible and Hyatt has that deal where they transport your luggage and you have no set PAT.
• Flights are significantly cheaper flying in the Wednesday before the cruise.
• I'm nervous about planning a pre-cruise trip to WDW because I'm already nervous about the cruise--it's our first one and I'm unfamiliar with all the details
• We may stay a few days at WDW after the cruise for less expensive airfare (Weds to Weds fare is only $200ish ea)

Given these, do you think it would be easier to fly into MCO, stay at the airport and head to the port first thing, or go to the Poly for a few days and keep it low key (maybe not make FPs or ADRs at all and just chill as much as possible) and take the DCL ME? I'm assuming I'll get a late PAT since we are first time cruisers. HELP ME, DCL Forumites! YOU'RE MY ONLY HOPE!

Using DCL transportation from the Hyatt or WDW is the same from either location. The only difference is when you get to the ship.

When we've done it from WDW we always book a fun character meal, go back to the the room to freshen up a bit and then meet up for the bus. It's usually picked us up around 11:00 and we're on the ship around 1:00-1:15.

I haven't done it from MCO but I've read you're usually one of the first ones on the ship after concierge and platinum.

Either way will be pretty stress less since you're using DCL transportation. Also, I greatly prefer parks before cruise not after.

 

[Geomom]

We are also DVC/AP members, I'd probably do the 3 nts at the Poly, make FPs--maybe just go on those 3 rides and then go back to the resort to enjoy the pool, etc. If you're going to have a late PAT anyway, I would think it'd be better just to get to the ship when you can walk right on vs. waiting in many lines--security, boarding, etc.

 

[adisneyaunt]

I enjoy wdw parks After a cruise.
If it's your first experience doing this with the little kiddos I'd do Hyatt MCO... it's just so relaxing and getting what I call the VIP treatment just eases everything.
And it's less expensive and will be worry free for you.. to me just easier all around.
Enjoy whatever you decide!

 

[lanejudy]

You didn't specify (or I missed it) but I think this is a short cruise, 3 or 4 nights? Usually for a short cruise I would say stay at the Hyatt and get onboard as soon as possible. Just be aware that staying at the Hyatt does not guarantee that you won't need a PAT, but even as first-time cruisers we didn't find it difficult to get an early PAT.

However, considering your traveling party is so young... I recommend you stay at the Poly and take DCL transfers from there. You won't have to rush out that morning, so you can enjoy a nice breakfast and/or swim before boarding the bus. DCL will still take care of your bags (pick-up at 8am), PAT typically becomes moot, and the big plus for you is that when you board you most likely can get to your stateroom. Less hassle to wrangle 3 little ones plus carry-on items and the ability to access the stateroom as a "base" to get settled. Otherwise, arriving directly from MCO earlier, you need to wrangle all 3 kids plus whatever carry-ons and strollers, try to get lunch in a crowded/excited environment and no good place to drop everything.

There is no right or wrong, whichever seems to be the best fit for your family.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[girliesj]

I also have 3 small kids, and we just cruised out of PC (our last one was Miami, which was so simple). After agonizing what to do for months, we ended up renting a car from MCO and spending 2 days in PC/Cocoa Beach. It was fabulous!! No anxiety about PAT (we were 5 mins away), and while we did have to "deal with" luggage, we purposely packed VERY LIGHT (Most cruisers will tell you they overpacked, and I did that for our first and TRIED to be very light with our packing). We found a great family-friendly restaurant that we went to both nights in Cocoa Beach, and our one-way rental (from MCO to PC) was very reasonable. We had a really great vacation, from start to finish!!!

 

[girliesj]

AND as far as the details about the cruise, read here and other social media groups, ALL your questions will be answered.

Even if you know NOTHING beforehand, you will have an amazing DCL vacation!!

 

[kiford]

Being as this is your first cruise, I'd suggest WDW and take the DCL transfers. Yes, you won't get there really early but you won't need to stand in line for long (essential with small ones) to check in, you'll get to board right away and your room will be ready for you. If you go early, you can't get into your room until 1-1:30 and you'll have to carry your carry ons around until the room is ready. Not so much fun with little ones.

If you stay at the MCO Hyatt you may be required to book a PAT. We had to. However, don't assume that you'll not be able to get an early PAT if you really want it. Not everyone who isn't a first timer wants an early one. We don't.

If you stay at WDW, don't rush around and see everything. Just take it leisurely. Spend some time in the pool, take the afternoon off.

Whichever you choose, don't stress or be nervous about the cruise. Disney will walk you through every step of the way and there are lots of people who can answer your questions and only want you to have a great time.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Love the Poly pre-cruise and DCL transfers. So easy, they take care of luggage. You may not be the first one on the ship, but that means your room is ready close to your arrival. Poly is so beautiful, pool etc. Just heaven! Spending time there instead of rushing to the parks and running around. You will choose what is best for your family. Have a wonderful vacation!

 

[cruiser21]

Can you rent a car? It's usually cheaper and you will get to the port early. You can probably rent a car for week, pay for parking and it will still be less then DCL transfers. It's a very easy drive from WDW to PC.

 

[quickcat]

If the thought of going before hand stresses you out then definitely do the land portion after the cruise. Don't be stressed out about the cruise at all! You will have a great time

 

[twinsouvenirs]

You guys are SERIOUSLY the best. You're giving me a lot of peace of mind about all options, actually!

In reference to length of cruise--it is a 7 night cruise. I will have to spec out a Cocoa Beach pre-stay! I did kind of want to see Cape Canaveral...

We could rent a car but the carseat rental makes it more expensive (we have three that would need carseats).

 

[Dug720]

Using DCL transportation from the Hyatt or WDW is the same from either location. The only difference is when you get to the ship.

When we've done it from WDW we always book a fun character meal, go back to the the room to freshen up a bit and then meet up for the bus. It's usually picked us up around 11:00 and we're on the ship around 1:00-1:15.

I haven't done it from MCO but I've read you're usually one of the first ones on the ship after concierge and platinum.

Either way will be pretty stress less since you're using DCL transportation. Also, I greatly prefer parks before cruise not after.

IF your PAT is in the first slot. You could theoretically be on the first bus and yet have Boarding Group 26 (or something like that) because your selected PAT was later. I witnessed it happen to a family that was on my bus from MCO (the first one) but whose selected PAT was a lot later. I'm sure the possibility exists that you will get a person checking you in who will somehow override the system and give you a lower number (I think I've seen one on here say that happened to them), but it's far more likely if you have a later PAT but are on the first (or at least an early) bus you'll be watching people who arrive after you board before you.

 

[Geomom]

You guys are SERIOUSLY the best. You're giving me a lot of peace of mind about all options, actually!

In reference to length of cruise--it is a 7 night cruise. I will have to spec out a Cocoa Beach pre-stay! I did kind of want to see Cape Canaveral...

We could rent a car but the carseat rental makes it more expensive (we have three that would need carseats).

For a 7 nt cruise, I really would not worry about trying to get on the ship ASAP--you will have plenty of time to enjoy the ship over the next week! Enjoy your cruise! I'd go with the least expensive option--if you do look at checking out the east coast, maybe a stay at the Vero Beach DVC would work for you.

 

[mrp4352]

Someone double check me, but if you use Disney Transport, I don't think you select a PAT.

OP: You might also consider a split stay. Two nights at the Poly (you can easily spend a full day at the pool; monorail hopping; exploring Disney Springs; playing Putt-Putt), but taking Magic Express back to the airport and spending the last night at the Hyatt (just find a flight about three hours after the time you'd like to be picked up, and tell Magic Express you're on that flight - they don't verify flight reservations). Then you can book your transfers from the airport and grab that early bus! Have a wonderful cruise!!

 

[lanejudy]

Someone double check me, but if you use Disney Transport, I don't think you select a PAT.

You do select a PAT coming on DCL transfers, but coming from WDW it is usually a moot point as most likely they will be at opening boarding by the time you arrive.

OP -- for a 7-night cruise I would definitely stay at the Poly and take the DCL transfers. It's easy, takes away a lot of the stress. No need to arrive early and be in the midst of the massive crowds with little ones.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

You guys are SERIOUSLY the best. You're giving me a lot of peace of mind about all options, actually!

In reference to length of cruise--it is a 7 night cruise. I will have to spec out a Cocoa Beach pre-stay! I did kind of want to see Cape Canaveral...

We could rent a car but the carseat rental makes it more expensive (we have three that would need carseats).

I apologize for a potentially silly question. It has been a while since my teens were in car seats. But when you fly, can't you bring certain types of car seats (not rear facing ones) on the plane with you, and even if you can't bring them on the plane, I seem to remember checking them (and a stroller) "at the gate." This didn't count towards our luggage total and we were not charged for this. But as i said, it was a while ago.

Now, maybe you just don't want the hassle of car seats at all, and that is fine. But if you are thinking about Port Canaveral, at least this way you'd have your own seats. I think there will be room to stow them in your cabin too. I was surprised how big the cabins are, and you must have one of the "family" cabins right, so they have some room to stow a few things like car seats.

 

[Weedy]

If you have 4 or more people the cost of private transportation is about the same as the Disney transportation. Also the private transportation will make a stop at a grocery store which you may need for diapers and wine!! With private transportation you can choose the time you leave your hotel.
If this is your first cruise you can log on to the Disney website 75 days prior to your cruise and pick a Port Arrival Time. The earliest is 10:30-10:45. Once you check in you will be given a boarding number. The usually start boarding the ship 11:15-11:30.
There are lots of transportation companies. Happy Limo, Fl Tours, Mears.

 

[mevelandry]

You sound exhausted just thinking about a pre-cruise WDW stay. Stay at the Hyatt.

 

[cruiser21]

You sound exhausted just thinking about a pre-cruise WDW stay. Stay at the Hyatt.

The thought of traveling with three little kids makes me exhausted. LOL.