Need Advice for our FIRST Disney Cruise

[TylerandDylansMom]

Hello all! We are booked on our first Disney cruise this Nov (7 day Eastern 11/13) with my DH, two boys (4, 7) and my parents. I have been lurking for a while, but finally decided to register and ask the questions myself. I need information pertaining to ground transportation from the airport to the port for all 6. What's the best? Is there anything else that I should know too? Also, what are the can't be missed on the ship.

My parents are seasoned cruisers (but not DCL) and always take the transfers arranged by the ship (bus) and never have a problem, but this seems like it may not be the way to go)...also I have been reading about having the driver stop for a quick run into a grocery store for beer/wine/water...what are your thoughts.

I really appreciate all the information as I want this trip to be the best for all of us! Thanks in advance. Jennifer

 

[musicgirl]

We have used Tiffany Towncar and they were great!!

This past year, in looking for the lowest price, we found Art's shuttle had a great price. For the three of us, it was $100 round trip in a nice mini van. I do know the price has gone up to $55 for three one way.

That rate is for three and then they add on some per person. I do know that this was way cheaper than the others. We paid for each leg of the trip separately of course along with the tip.

Now, with 3 of us, I was told that we might be traveling with another group if it was close to our time. With 6, I would imagine you wouldn't have to worry about that, but you might ask.

Lorie

 

[musicgirl]

I wanted to update that. The additional charge is $10 per person. So I believe one way for the 6 of you is $85 or $190 round trip. So that will give you something to compare with.

Also, you were asking about a grocery stop. We didn't stop with them because we didn't need to. When we went last year in a limo with TT, we were told it would be $20 extra due to the size of the car ????????? Anyway, we were so close to stores, it really didn't matter. We walked.

www.artsshuttle.com

Lorie

 

[MarkRG]

In basic dollars and cents you are much better off hiring a towncar service when you have more than three people in your party. Three is about the break even point of the cost of the Disney tranfers vs the local towncar services.

Beer/wine/specific beverage you must bring onboard, sure, go for the grocery stop. Basic beverages? You won't need them. There is more than enough availibility of free beverages onboard you won't use anything basic you bring into your cabin. There are complimentary beverages provided at the lunch buffet, a beverage station on deck 9 that has a bunch, you can order any of these by pitcher delivered to your room from room service (not listed on the menu) that will fit in the beverage cooler. Also now, Coke products are also free onboard as well. Note that they ONLY carry Coke products, so if you have some other specific soda you need to pick it up. As far as water, just bring sport water bottles. Something with a large enough opening to put ice in. The tap water onboard is very pure, and the room steward will provide ice right inroom, up to 3 times a day. Even then, if that isn't pure enough, the beverage station has extra filtered water and ice whenever you want as well.

 

[tkd lisa]

For our family, we've always rented a car for the trips to and from the port. This gives us the flexibility to get breakfast when and where we want, as well as stop by stores to pick up the last minute things. It's very easy to find the port and the rental car places.

For our 12/18 trip, I have a mini van reserved (we also have 6 people), for 3 days (we're doing WDW before) and it's a total including tax and fees of $200. It will be about $60 for the return trip, but I don't know of anyplace that will take you between MCO and Port Canaveral for $10 per person.

 

[rcdisneyfam]

We have always used Tiffany Town Car Service for all DCL cruises. They have always done good by us. We will be using them again in August.

 

[TylerandDylansMom]

Thanks for all the information! Jennifer

 

[kcashner]

The best, most efficient, cheapest way is private limo. Tiffany limo, FL limo, Happy limo all have great reputations. The "break even" point is 3 people. More than that, a private limo is cheaper than DCL transfers. Besides, a private limo runs on YOUR schedule and will stop for 15 minutes at a grocery store or Walmart if you desire. The driver will get your luggage from baggage check to the vehicle and to the porter at the port.

They will have a DVD player with videos for the kids in most vehicles.

There is a discount coupon at www.cast away club.com (take out the spaces--we aren't allowed to post that site at this one, so it gets blanked out if we type it correctly).

 

[Ginny]

We have used Happy Limo on two occasions and been thrilled with their service both times. We only tried them because of Inkkognito and her/their recommendation. We have been very pleased AND enjoy the coupon on Inkkognito's website.

 

[Karel]

I like to drink a lot of water - not a big soda drinker - so I'm bringing water bottles. I bought three six packs at a dollar each and I'm more than happy to drag them along and not pay $3.00 a bottle. (Which I'll probably do at some point anyway.) I might also bring a refillable canteen. It was nice having the cold water at our chairs on Castaway Cay after snorkeling. Soda isn't good for rehydrating on a hot day.