Suggestions for Albatross Cruise (for parents)

[Mariposa]

Inspired by the suggestions for what to do while kids are on the Pirate Cruise.. I need suggestions for DFiance and I while DD is on the Albatross Cruise..

Add more or vote on these?

1. Hang around Yacht and Beach club, just looking about.
2. Try to get a bite at Beaches and Cream (we were kinda planning this for after she got back and doing the Kitchen Sink, though.)
3. Head over to the Boardwalk and look about/people watch.
4. Wander into Epcot and take a peak at some of the WS (since DD isn't too keen on this), ride the FriendShips, shop.
5. Head to MGM and wander about.
6. Pick up lunch somewhere (if we're going to try Beaches and Cream after her cruise it would have to be something light.)

My only concern about trying Beaches and Cream after her cruise is that it'll be right at lunch time and there might be a rush? I mean, we're going in September (slow time) but I hear this place can get packed.

Any thoughts?

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

We had the Albatross booked but had to change to the Grand Floridian since we added 2 kids and there was only room for 1 more kid Anyway, the moms were going to have breakfast at Spoodles while the kids were on the cruise, now we are going to have breakfast at the GF The crusie starts at 9;30 you should have time to eat somewhere

ENJOY

 

[LBKMAMA]

what's the albatross cruise vs. Pirates cruise?

 

[Mariposa]

I think the cruises are actually very similar, with the only real difference I've heard about being that (sometimes) the kids actually get off the boat at different treasure hunting ports on one of the cruises (I don't remember which one) and stay on board the entire time on the other. Also, the Albatross leaves from the Yacht and Beach Club Marina and the Pirate Cruise leaves from the Grand Floridian Marina.

 

[bethbuchall]

I have ds booked for the Albatross cruise. We still haven't decided what we are doing that day. I think that dd and I will either walk around BC/YC or the Boardwalk, and we'll leave dh and older ds back at the room. I think we're making that day a non-park day, so Epcot and MGM are out.

By the way, WS doesn't open until 11:00, so I don't think you'd be able to wander there much during the cruise that starts at 9:30.

Beth

 

[erikthewise]

This is a tough one. I was doing the Segway Tour in Epcot while DW took DS to the cruise, then we were both there when he got off.

Beaches & Cream doesn't open until 11:00, so it could be a "close call" if you try to eat there and then hurry to the dock to meet your child.

One option that hasn't been mentioned is going across the street to Fantasia Gardens miniature golf and play a round while waiting. But I think basically your choices are hanging around the Epcot resorts or taking a short stroll into Epcot itself. Although WS is not open until 11:00, the segment from the International Gate through UK and Canada to Future World is open to the public from 9:00 on -- just nothing going on there. The best solution would be to be staying at an Epcot resort and head to the resort pool.

MGM is perhaps not a good choice unless you're an avid hiker. The round trip on the boats wouldn't leave you much time inside the park, and you wouldn't want to depend on the boat to get you back in time unless you leave 30 minutes or more for the return trip.

The children do get some kind of snack during the cruise.
In September, if you head over to Beaches & Cream immediately after the cruise, it shouldn't be too bad. At worst a short wait I would think. If you're willing to sit at the counter if necessary I'd almost guarantee no wait.

 

[shyjade]

This is a tough decision for me too. I'll be traveling to WDW alone with my DD and while she's on the Albatross Cruise I'll be TOTALLY ALONE for the first time in my life at Disney! What's a gal to do alone?!?!

I think I may hang by the pool at the Beach or Yacht club. I know pool-hopping is a no-no, and I'm staying at the CSR, so will there be a problem if I hang at one of the pools while I wait for her to return from her cruise?

When I made the reservation the CM suggested having a spa service done while she's cruising. Then I checked out the prices and decided $250 for a body wrap is a little too steep for my budget!!

 

[DisneyArk]

My sons just went on this cruise a few weeks ago. DH and I ate a late breakfast at Spoodles. After that we walked around the Boardwalk and watched the kids come back on the boat.

The time went by very quickly. So unless the parks are empty, it would be difficult to get to a park and ride many rides before you had to turn around and go back.

My sons were not hungry at the end of the cruise. They ate peanut butter sandwiches, crackers and a snack near the very end of the cruise. So I wouldn't plan to go to Beaches and Cream right away.

As far as the pool goes, no one was allowed into that area without a room key. But there are benches in the shade near the marina, you could bring a book and read. We enjoyed walking around the Boardwalk.

 

[banks37]

Our oldest son went on the cruise back in January. First let me tell you that he absolutely loved it. He still talks about it and even wears the bandana all the little pirates were given.
We had the luxury of staying at the BCV so my wife and I decided to take our youngest for a leisurely walk through Epcot. We took our time waking through UK and then a little through Canada and made it all the way to the fountains to catch some of the show. This early in the morning the park was very empty. We managed to make it back to the dock with plenty of time. We even saw our little pirate 'sailing' through the world showcase lagoon.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

As far as the pool goes, no one was allowed into that area without a room key. But there are benches in the shade near the marina, you could bring a book and read. We enjoyed walking around the Boardwalk.

Just remember, there are TWO Quiet pools at the Yacht & beach Club, and you can surely sit be either one of these. It is the main (sandy bottom pool) that has the restrictions.

 

[shyjade]

Thanks Mike, problem solved!!

 

[Raevyn_Wolfe]

first op, let me say "hi fellow panhandler!" lol
we are going to have our son do the Albatross in September.
He did the GF in January and we had breakfast at Kona that time. Since it was such a hit having a nice quite meal last time we have decided to go to Spoodles for breakfast this time.