Please Post if You Stay at Disney Before Going on Cruise

[disneyokw]

My parents will be taking the Disney Cruise next year in October and my mom and I are trying to convince my father that it is wise that they stay at Disney at least the day before because of you never know with air travel and weather that you may miss the boat.

If you do travel before because of the above reason or if you or someone you know miss the boat can you describe in detail what happens when you miss that boat. We are going to have my father read everything everyone says. He thinks we are being ridiculous and are too worry that everything will be fine. Yea right what and see.

Thanks everyone.

 

[pklein09]

We sailed Nov 4 and flew down on Nov 2 in the afternoon. We stayed at OKW for 2 nights. I did NOT want to be tired the day we left on the cruise. By getting down early, we were able to let go of the stress of packing and traveling and we had a great day in the parks. It just immerses you in the Disney feeling so you're ready for the ship. Fly down at least the morning of the day before, not the evening of the day before. You'll be tired from flying in late.

 

[disneyokw]

Thank you for writing pklein09. You made a good point that we forgot about. Being tired. Plus just getting relaxed before the cruise.

 

[DisneyZell]

Since you are cruising in Oct. you also have to consider the fact that it is hurricane season, so you never know what the weather will be like. I have always flown down at least the day before b/c we have been traveling when we have been delayed, diverted, and have had flights cancelled, so you never know what is going to happen with the airlines.

 

[Vanvmom]

We didn't stay at WDW, but we did get there a day early and stay at the Residence Inn by the port. Very relaxing!

 

[TJGorman]

Last year, I had my family and friends (30+ ppl) fly down the day before our cruise. When I booked the flights, there were complaints about having to be @ the airport very early in the morning. Well, the night before our cruise there was a snowstorm and flights were delayed. Needless to say, everyone thanked me because it would have been hard to get to Orlando with delays. Also, on our first cruise we traveled the same day and I will never do that again. By the time you board, you are so exhausted from traveling you do not enjoy your first day on ship as much as if you were rested.

Take my advice, go down at least the day before!

 

[hawaiian mickey]

We are going to stay at OKW 3 days prior to get aclimated with the time change and enjoy the parks Christmas deco.
It's less stressful and gives us leeway just in case there are any unforseen problems.
Only 3 more days till our trip to WDW and 6 more days for our 7 day cruise can't wait.
Almost finish packing and done with all the Christmas shopping for everyone.

Mele Kalikimaka

Hawaiian Mickey

 

[Seahunt]

We ALWAYS go at least a day ahead, and it saved us during this trip years ago:

We were going on a Royal Caribbean cruise out of Miami, with a one night stay prior at the Intercontinental (booked thru the cruise line). We lived in Ohio at the time, and DH & I were going with 3 other couples (family) and 1 elderly uncle.

When we drove to the Dayton airport (2 cars and 1 van, coming from different cities) the fog was terrible, but for some reason I never thought about the planes being unable to take off due to the weather. We hung around the airport for our Delta flight which was delayed of course (and then cancelled), but the fog was not lifting, and we decided we'd better get busy trying to find another way to make the ship.

The Delta rep tried to help us, but there was nothing leaving at any airport in the region that morning. We decided that if nothing else, we'd drive to Miami! So the Delta rep started making us reservations all the way down I-75 (Cincinnati, Lexington, Knoxville,etc.) - keep in mind this was years ago and no way would happen now!

We ALL piled in the van- leaving the cars at an off airport lot - with all that luggage for 9 people on a weeks cruise (! ) and started driving, very slowly in that fog. Delta had given us phone numbers to call when we got close to see if flights were taking off. Cincinnati, no go, but when we got close to Lexington it started to rain. All the guys cheered, and said there wouldn't be any fog since it was raining so hard, so we called the number Delta gave us and Yes! We were on the flight out of Lexington and it was clear to fly!

We made it to Miami and finally checked in our hotel at 3AM, and were ready to cruise the next morning! Whew

We found out later that if we would have missed the ship, we would have had to meet the ship at it's next port (because we had made air/sea arrangements through the cruise line they would have helped us - back then if we had made our own air arrangements we would have been stuck), and would have missed two days out of the cruise since that sailing had the first two days at sea. And if we didn't meet the ship at all, all 9 of us would have lost 100% of our $$$.....

Now, getting home was another story since we had cars at both airports - it's been a while, but I think 2 of the guys flew into Lexington after the cruise to get the van and the rest of us went back to Dayton and picked up the cars. Or we might have all flown back to Dayton, and a couple went back to pick up the van. Whatever, it was a big mess, but at least we made it!

The only good thing about the Lexington portion of the flight was that some of the seats were in first class and there was a big group of college cheerleaders on the flight so my DH had some pleasant scenery to look at!

Tell your dad they REALLY need to go at least one day ahead - and we always buy insurance now too, just in case!

 

[Kimmielee]

We are flying in on 10/25 for 2 nights at the Poly before our October Cruise.

That first day (we'll arrive at the Poly at about 2 -2:30) we are going to relax by the pool and after dinner at Chef Mickey's go to DTD for some shopping! On 11/26 we'll hit MK in the morning...back to the hotel to wait for another person in our cruise party to join us ... get in our Halloween gear and head back to MK for MNSSHP!!

I can't imagine flying in the morning of!

 

[Holly&Joesmommy]

It is so scary to think about what could VERY possibley happen if you wait until the day of to fly in.

We always like to go down at LEAST 1 day early, we like to stay at Port Orleans FQ.
Like others have posted, it is so nice to get there and have the peace of mind that you do not have to worry about missing the boat!

Just this year, we left a day early and we were sched to leave Indpls at about 6am,..and arrive Orlando about 9ish...THAT DID NOT HAPPEN!!!!

I was TOTALLY stressed we did not arrive in Orlando until after 11:00 and we had reservations for lunch,...I was so worried that we would miss out on eating at Whispering Canyon Cafe'...We did however get to eat at WCC, BUT ONLY because we were given a Magical moment. (if you want to know more about that just check out my trip report "A spooktacular Magical Cruise".)
I can not imagine how it would have been had we been trying to get to the ship.

Also, If i could add one more opinion.
There is SO MUCH to see and do just as soon as you board the ship,...if you wait and leave the day of, and your flight arrangements, and transportaion goes just as planned, you still could be missing out on ALOT!

The sooner you step foot on that ship the sooner your vacation starts, and that is what it's all about.

Dear DISNEYOKW'S DAD,.. If you are readig this,...PLEASE listen to the wise words of your daughter,She has done her homework on this topic.Do not risk missing out on the peace of mind that arriving a day early will ensure, and allow yourself and your lovely wife the ooppertunity to enjoy the ship ASAP!

 

[disneyokw]

Thanks everyone. My dad promises (fingers crossed) that he will call Disney tomorrow morning to book to be there the day before. We are vacation club members and he hates the idea of using the high points that a Saturday would cost. But I and your e-mails reminded him what it would really cost if my parents missed the ship.

Seahunt: I hope you and your family got to enjoy your trip. You need a vacation after what you all went through.

Holly&Joesmommy: My dad says thanks. He said he knows he has a smart daughter and he finally said he knows he is hard headed. No kidding. Thanks a bunch. My parents booked the DVC Member cruise that is suppose to set sail in October 2007.

 

[GaDisneyFan]

Hello everyone .. my family and I are cruising on the Wonder on New years eve..sailing from Dec. 31-Jan 4 and we are driving down to port canaveral the day before then driving to Disney after the cruise on the 4th and staying 3 nights until the 7th at POP..It should be a little bit of everything