our first trip...tell me what you think about our plans.

[jeepman]

this is my first post here...so far I am very glad I found this site. I wish I would have found it BEFORE I booked my entire trip.

Anyways...I was hoping you all could tell me what you think about the plans I have come up with.

Our entire trip is planned around a 3 day cruise which leaves on the 10th. We are arriving to MCO on the 9th around noon. I have a car rented with Thrifty. I got a very good deal on the rental so instead of renting it one-way to the port...I just kept it for the entire trip and I'll just park it somewhere. I read that parking at the port is pretty cheap.

So...once we arrive and get the car picked up we are heading to cocco beach and staying at the holiday inn. No big plans for that day...just get there and hang out on the beach. The cruise leaves the next day at 5:00 or so...so we are still kinda looking for something to do that day. Suggestions are appreciated.

The next three days we will be on the ship...returning at 7:45 on the 13th. I am still reading here about what to expect on the cruise. On the 13th we have a room reserved at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort for two nights. So...we have most of the day on the 13th, all day the 14th and about half a day on the 15th on Disney property to do something. We are not for sure what we are doing...but we do plan to do magic kingdom the entire day the 14th. Maybe on the 13th we'll do animal kingdom or something. We leave early evening on the 15th.

We are in our early 30’s and the children are 4 and 8.

Suggestions on “must do’s” would be great!

Thanks!

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

Welcome to the boards!

Parking at the port is $10/day, I think. Some hotels will allow you to park in their lot if you stay there pre-cruise, so that's something to consider.

Regarding the day of the cruise, yes, the ship leaves at 5:00pm, but check-in begins at 10:30 and the ship usually begins boarding at around 12:15. So you really don't have to find something to do that day. I'd suggest having a nice leisurely breakfast, and then heading over to the port between 10:30 and 11:00. Once on board, you can enjoy the pools, hot tubs, bars, lunch buffet, etc. The ship leaves at 5, but the cruise really begins once you're on board. The ship is up and running from the start.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

My only suggestion would be to get to port early for check-in so you are able to board once boarding begins (noonish). There are so many great things to do onboard (especially exploring the ship), so you want to make the most of the time you have!

Have fun! Your trip plans sound like fun!

 

[fredms]

Congratulations on your first post! Welcome to the Board.

Like the other two posts above, I would agree that you should arrive early to check-in. You want to get on the ship early to make your Palo, spa and oceaner club reservations. Also, the sooner you're onboard the sooner the fun really starts.

As far as once you are in WDW I'd probably spend the full day at Magic Kingdom based on the ages of your children since that will have the most for them to do. In my opinion, Animal Kingdom is better in the morning as more animals are out since its cooler so you may want to do that the last day. On the day you arrive you could spend the afternoon at Epcot or MGM. Illuminations at Epcot (usually at 9:00am) around World Showcase is a not to be missed.

Good luck planning and have a fantastic time!

 

[dclwdwlover]

Yes - early to the ship is the best. It'll give you a chance to get the kids settled & have some fun with them before reservations, eating & the sail off.
My kids always enjoyed MGM at a young age too, especially the 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids' playground & the Muppet Show.
Have a WONDERful time.
Don't know much about the rental car as our first time we used DCL transp. & last time (& this time) we had our own car. But, we did get a great deal at the Radisson @ the port which will let you leave your car there while you cruise if you're their guest & shuttle you to the port. Something to look into, possibly.