questions about late night arrival the night before cruise

[Lavne]

We are flying in to MCO on the Friday night before our 7-day cruise. Our flight doesn't get in until midnight, at which point we are getting a car from Avis and driving to the Radisson at Port to spend the rest of the night. Has anyone else done a late night schedule like this? Although this schedule was the best fit for our needs, I do have a few concerns about arriving this late at night.

For one, I'm concerned about the Avis desk being open, and more importantly, the chance that they won't have the minivan we've reserved available. I gave all the flight info when I made the reservation on-line and received a confirmation, but since they don't take a credit card, what obligates them to have the car available?

Another concern is our room reservation at the Radisson. I am planning to call them when the date gets closer to let them know that we won't get there until around 1:30am. Since I've made the reservation and given them a credit card, I'm assuming this won't be a problem. Has anyone else not gotten there until after midnight? I'm assuming that someone is at the front desk 24 hours, is that correct?

My third concern is getting the shuttle to port Saturday. I've read that you reserve your time on the Radisson shuttle when you check in, so obviously this puts us at a disadvantage. But since we will also have the option of the Avis shuttle when we return our rental, is it reasonable for us to think that we will be able to get a shuttle (4 people and luggage) sometime between 11 and 12? Or would it be better to have DH drive us to port and drop off me and DSs, then return the car and try to catch a shuttle as a single person w/no luggage?

Any shared experiences or advice is appreciated!

 

[Michelle]

The AVIS at MCO is open 24 hours, so don't worry about that. I often arrive around midnight or later and even their Preferred Renter kiosk in the garage is still open.

I'm fairly certain the front desk at the Radisson is open 24 hours as well.

I would use your car in the morning to drop off all the bags and then have your husband drop off the car back at AVIS and take the shuttle. That's much simpler than trying to load all your bags on either shuttle.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Lavne]

Thanks Michelle! You've helped to put my mind at ease.

Anyone else out there with late night arrival experience, especially anyone that can share how it works at the Radisson?

Also, I think I read someone's post that they dropped off their luggage and then went to the store or something and came back later to check in and board. Is that correct - can you drop off your luggage and then leave port and come back later? It seems that in these days of heightened security that might look suspicious, so I'm not sure I read that right. If that is something you can do, how early can luggage be dropped off, and where?

 

[maryisme]

Hi,
We also arrive late the evening before the cruise. I went back and forth about staying at the Radisson for our upcoming cruise or staying near the airport like we did on our last cruise. I finally decided to stay near the airport again. It was very convenient. I don't think I'd want to drive at that hour. Just some food for thought.

Mary

 

[manatee96]

We arrived at the Radisson around 3:30 a.m. last Dec. There was someone at the front desk. We had no problem checking in or making shuttle arrangements.