We have stayed in Orlando and Cocoa Beach. If we get in early in the day, we prefer Orlando. There's more to do that we enjoy. Outside of the parks, we've done a swamp tour, pool day at the hotel, Disney springs and dinner at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium near Universal. This time we're staying at the Swan so we can walk down to the boardwalk for dinner and catch Illuminations. However, Orlando is in the opposite direction from the airport to the Port.
The time we spent in Cocoa Beach, we were not overly impressed. The beaches are ok, but compared to what you'll see in the Caribbean on the cruise, they're not great. There are some waterfront restaurants near the port that many like, but you're paying for the view. Many people stay there pre-cruise so the wait is long and the price is high, similar to the restaurants on property at Disney. We typically stay at Hilton properties and thought the Homewood Suites was pretty run-down. You can tell they cater to people that are only staying one night pre-cruise.