Pre and Post cruise ideas

[cndmama05]

Thanks to everyone that responded to my previous question about WDW vs. DCL. Now the dilemma is what to do before and after the cruise. Since the cruise will only be a 4 nighter, we'd like to make it 7-10 days total for the whole trip as we are flying from Ontario and want to make the most out of it. Please keep in mind we will have a 5 year old and 15 month old at the time of the trip, so as much as we want to do and see things, we are sort of limited to what we can do. My initial thoughts were going to the beach (preferably clearwater as we have been there before and love the area but I know it's on the other coast), going to Disney springs and fort wilderness to walk around, shopping, etc). Any other thoughts? I am thinking we should do our exploring before the cruise and not after. So stay 3 nights before and 1 after the cruise?

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Have you checked out Vero Beach? Disney has a really nice resort there. Lovely theming like the BC I would say if you have visited or stayed there. Nice layed back feel. Charming staff. They sometimes have turtles on the beach depending on time of year.

Clearwater is nice!

Maybe with the 1 day just a local hotel near the airport maybe check out coco beach and the Kennedy Space centre if your children aren't too young?

 

[andrencau]

I recommend exploring pre-cruise. We had a hard time going from the relaxed atmosphere of the ship to actually having to drive to lunch, where are we going next, what's for supper, how much is that? Those things are all fine and good, but land A Disney cruise can spoil you quickly. Hope you enjoy either way b

 

[Sytrace]

If you are flying in, you might consider the St. Pete/Clearwater airport as it is smaller and might be less in regards to cost. You could rent a car and then head to a few of my personal favorites in Clearwater for a couple of days before your cruise.
1. Caladesi Island which is ferryboat ride from Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, FL This is a gorgeous stretch of land with great water and sandy beaches. It is also a state park and so there is a ferry boat fee (only way to get to the island is by boat) and an entrance fee to Honeymoon Island which is where you park
. https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Caladesi-Island
2. Clearwater Marine Center: Home of Winter the Dolphin. http://www.seewinter.com/
3. There are some great resorts on Clearwater Beach and Sand Key which is close by. I would recommend the Sheraton at Sand Key. It is a very large resort on Sand Key, off the beaten path of Gulf Blvd but close to Gulf Blvd too.
4. They have this great pirate ship tour boat in the Clearwater Marina which is a lot of fun and might get everyone in the mood for cruising! https://captainmemo.com/
They have been around forever.
5. The Florida Aquarium is in Tampa on the way out of town to Orlando. You might want to check that out too. http://www.flaquarium.org/

Of course, the Clearwater and St. Pete Beaches are very beautiful as well. Perhaps these suggestions will be helpful for you if you decide to visit Clearwater area before your cruise.

 

[Sytrace]

Favorites in Central Florida are as follows:
1. Bok Towers in Lake Wales (between Tampa and Orlando) is really gorgeous and sort of out of the way, but worth the drive.
https://boktowergardens.org/
2. In Orlando and around Disney, we like Disney Springs. Since its re-Imagineering it looks more like and outdoor shopping outlet, but a really nice one. Both parking garages are open and there is still surface parking down by the House of Blues. It has become super easy to get around though and even if the crowds are out of control, you can maneuver thru it.
3. Gatorland is always a fun time. http://www.gatorland.com/
4. There is a Crayola Experience at Fl Mall which is fairly close by off of Orange Blossom Trail and the Beachline (528) I have heard younger kids love this place. There is also a Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss), Disney Store, and a lot of other shops and restaraunts. If you have to shop and want to be indoors, this would be a good place to cover all those bases and have something for the kids to do.
5. International Drive is geared to tourists and have LOTS of options for entertainment ranging from mini golf to battling Zombies (not that I would, but my son loved this)
6. Disney water parks are fun, and we love the Disney Mini golf too.

There really is a lot to keep you busy a few days before your cruise and one day after before heading home. I am sure you will have a great time!