Need opinions please! What would you do?

[mrsltg]

Hi All-

My cruise is quickly approaching (don't ask how many days though - I don't know without my counter!). I was planning to arrive at the port at the earliest possible time (read: sleeping bag in the car - KIDDING - mostly). We are staying at the Beach Club Villas for two nights before the cruise. We will have access to Storm Along Bay, and I know that my water rat DD will love it. My question is this, would you:

Check out of the Beach Club Villas bright and early and hit the road to arrive at the port around 10:30

OR

Check out at the last possible moment enjoying sleeping in and the fabulous pool for a few more hours (knowing that the pools on the ship just aren't going to do a whole lot for DD), arriving at the port around 1-1:30

Also, we are planning on parking our car at the port - would this make a difference as far as availability of parking spaces?

Thanks!
Erin

 

[disneyma]

If you don't need certain PALO ressies or need to change dining arraingements then I would stay at the Beach Club for the extra time and be at the ship at around 1:30.. You don't need to worry about parking . There seems to be PLENTY of parking.

The Beach Club is awesome and it would start your day off on a wonderful note before going to the ship!

Whatever your decision is you will have a great time!

Have fun!

 

[NYDisneyMom]

Originally posted by mrsltg
would you:

Check out of the Beach Club Villas bright and early and hit the road to arrive at the port around 10:30

OR

Check out at the last possible moment enjoying sleeping in and the fabulous pool for a few more hours (knowing that the pools on the ship just aren't going to do a whole lot for DD), arriving at the port around 1-1:30

Also, we are planning on parking our car at the port - would this make a difference as far as availability of parking spaces?

Thanks!
Erin

I don't know about the parking spaces...looked like there were plenty of spots open when we were in the lot waiting for the Budget van, though.

As for when you arrive...that depends. Do you need to get on board early to make Palo, spa, Flounders ressies?? If so, then you should probably get there around 10:30. If not..enjoy the Beach Club for as long as possible!!

 

[Credit Man]

If you are not concerned about making Palo or spa reservations, I think you would be safe in getting to the port a little late, and enjoying SAB.
However, if Palo and spa reservations are important to you, I would go with plan A.

 

[Disneefun]

Even without needing Palo ressies, etc. I'd still leave early. I'm always paranoid that there will be traffic, a big wreck will close the interstate, we'll blow a tire, break down, etc. (insert other disaster here) and I just like to give ourselves the extra time to get there in case something goes wrong. I'd rather be there super early than miss the boat!

 

[Cap]

For our first cruise, we were at the parking lot when it opened. There was lot's of hurry up and wait, including at the terminal, then in the boarding line, while boarding (they want to take pictures of each group as you board), a wait to get access to the rooms, and a wait in line to get Palo's reservations.

For our second cruise, we arrived from Boardwalk about 1:00 PM, had a very easy boarding, room was ready, etc. We did have to go with our second choice on Palo's reservations. We were not booking any Spa reservations.

If you do not have critical Palos or Spa reservations, then I would say enjoy BCV and arrive later. It's much more relaxing. Just be sure to allow time in case you have a flat tire, as it would be very tough to see the ship pulling out with you not on it.

 

[mrsltg]

Thanks everyone! We have the REAS booked so there are no Palo/spa problems. My DD is 3.5 so there are no Flounder's concerns, either.

I think I may stay at the BCV longer. Being an obsessive type A it may well kill me, but I'll at least let myself think that I don't need to be one of the first people on board!

Erin

 

[NeedsNEscape]

You might also want to "play it by ear." You never know, the day you leave it could be rainy and there would be no point in going swimming. There is nothing quite like that pool!