Not sure where to stay...

[mjtatman]

We are doing a land and sea vacation in January. Our cruise is Monday-Friday, we are staying at PO-RS Friday-Tuesday. We planned to fly in on the Sunday before our cruise, but saved a ton of money by flying in on the Saturday before. So, I planned to just Priceline a room for Sunday night as we were going to get in late. However, now we are flying in the Saturday before, so we'll be there Saturday evening, all day Sunday and Monday morning. So, now I'm wondering what to do. We WILL NOT be visiting any theme parks before cruise. Thinking just Downtown Disney and mini-golf.

If I go with my original idea and get a cheap hotel room somewhere. I'll need to pay for transportation from the airport to the hotel. Then will I have to pay for transportation to downtown Disney or is this normally included with the hotel? Would this really be cheaper than just booking an extra two nights at PO-RS, considering I'd get the free transportation. And I've not stayed off of Disney property in almost 15 years, so I don't even know where to stay....so suggestions are welcome there too!

There are 2 adults & 3 kids, if this helps with my equation. Thanks so much for any advise...I know this is a complex question!!!!

 

[dpswift]

Have you posted on the cruise board yet? They can give you better info on the transportation and pre cruise ideas and where to stay. Have you tried the values they can be fun. 2 days would be a good amount of time to try them.

I would try to get to the ship as early as possible. There is a lot to explore. If you go through Disney transportation they let you into the terminal when you get there. If you are booking your own transportation you need to sign up for a port arrival time. The earlier time go fast however that is not going to matter if you cannot get there until 2pm.

When we did a family cruise we just did mini golf and DTD the day before and it worked well

 

[happymommy]

We went on a Disney cruise a few years ago, and flew in just one day before. We rented a car at the airport and stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton at Cocoa Beach. The next morning, DH dropped me and the kids off at the cruise terminal early in the morning with our stuff, then he returned the rental car nearby (I think it was Budget that does this). They have a shuttle that takes you back to the cruise terminal.

We were allowed to go in pretty early - we were so excited to see the ship! It was fun waiting for our number to be called - then got on board and the kids went straight into the pool while we had lunch nearby (light sandwiches I think).

Have you looked into renting a car when you arrive then driving yourself to the port early Monday morning? I'd rather do that personally. That frees you up to stay where ever you choose.

For a family of 5, your choices are more limited for hotels (some may be tight and not so comfortable with all of you in one room). What about the Doubletree in Downtown Disney? You'd have use of the Disney transportation then for getting over to DTD (or even if you decide to do one theme park Sunday you could - I don't know how the tickets work with a land/sea package but I'm sure you could add a day probably).

You could also look at the Swan or Dolphin - walking around the Boardwalk at night with the entertainers is so fun (but I'd be too tempted to have tickets to go to Epcot personally!).

 

[Megkel]

I sadly cannot add to much to the conversation except that the Swan and Dolphin was one of my favorite hotels when we stayed there. They are Disney but not Disney at the same time. If you are military they offer a great discount and they might for other things too (like AAA). They offer all the transportation you need to get to the parks and downtown Disney. Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Cobern]

We are doing a land and sea vacation in January. Our cruise is Monday-Friday, we are staying at PO-RS Friday-Tuesday. We planned to fly in on the Sunday before our cruise, but saved a ton of money by flying in on the Saturday before. So, I planned to just Priceline a room for Sunday night as we were going to get in late. However, now we are flying in the Saturday before, so we'll be there Saturday evening, all day Sunday and Monday morning. So, now I'm wondering what to do. We WILL NOT be visiting any theme parks before cruise. Thinking just Downtown Disney and mini-golf.

If I go with my original idea and get a cheap hotel room somewhere. I'll need to pay for transportation from the airport to the hotel. Then will I have to pay for transportation to downtown Disney or is this normally included with the hotel? Would this really be cheaper than just booking an extra two nights at PO-RS, considering I'd get the free transportation. And I've not stayed off of Disney property in almost 15 years, so I don't even know where to stay....so suggestions are welcome there too!

There are 2 adults & 3 kids, if this helps with my equation. Thanks so much for any advise...I know this is a complex question!!!!

What about renting points and staying at saratogasprings? You can walk right to DTD or boat

 

[ssawka]

Have you considered staying at the Hyatt inside the Orlando airport for Saturday night, and then continuing with your original plan? I have not stayed at the Hyatt, but I have read on the DIS that many people do this if they arrive late.

 

[mjtatman]

Have you considered staying at the Hyatt inside the Orlando airport for Saturday night, and then continuing with your original plan? I have not stayed at the Hyatt, but I have read on the DIS that many people do this if they arrive late.

well our original plan was to spend the night somewhere cheap on sunday, get up monday and go to our cruise, but since we are coming in on saturday night now, i think we are going to Downtown Disney on Sunday. I'm just trying to do the math....this 'cheapter' flight looks like it might end up being just as expensive now with the extra accommodations, meals and activities!!! What a great problem to have