Please advise me: pre-cruise arrangements

[joyebean]

Okay, so I've booked my mom, my daughter and I on the March 13th Wonder. I worked with a DVC member and we're staying at the Wilderness Lodge Villas the night of the 12th. The problem is that Southwest has gotten rid of the early flight, so we won't get into Orlando until 6:00 pm on the 12th!! Not nearly long enough to hang out at WLV! I'm tied to Southwest, because I'm using Rapid Rewards tickets for all of us, and the DVC reservation is pretty well set.

So, I'm toying with the idea of flying us in on the 11th, staying at a cheap (but safe) motel that night, then maybe doing Magic Kingdom on the 12th, staying at the WLV and then getting on over to the cruise. This'll add about $250 to the trip, which is already getting more expensive than I'd planned, since I upgraded us to a cat 9. I had planned on us getting into MCO around 1:00, hanging out at Downtown Disney and then the Wilderness Lodge, so no park tickets would be involved. Now I'm thinking maybe I'll downgrade us to a cat 11 and that'll even things out, more or less.

My DH, DD and I went on a 4-day Wonder in September and had a cat 6, and I really wish I could swing a verandah for my mom too--she'd LOVE it; she's one of those early morning hot tea and bagel kind of people. Maybe she'll be okay with going up to Deck 9...

I really want to make this a great experience for both my DM and DD, but I've got a limited budget (which I'm already a little over). Argh!!! I'd love to hear suggestions, even completely different ones. Please help!

=joye

 

["Ginger"]

Joyebean I think your plan to leave on the 11th is the right way to go. Much more relaxing, you'll enjoy your stay at WLV. Just an idea have a limo pick you up at the resort and take you to the port instead of spending the money going to the Magic Kingdom. There are alot of things to do at the resorts without ever going into the parks. What ever you do I hope you have a great time.