Trying to work DL into a cruise vacation.

[ToyStory3]

My husband and I are taking a 7 night California coastal cruise for our anniversary in September. We can't wait! I've been to DL once and loved it. My husband has never been to California. We can't add many more days onto our trip - it will be hard being away from the kids for a week as it is. But, I'm thinking if we flew in the day before maybe we could spend one day at DL. It wouldn't give us lots of time but I'd rather have one day than nothing.

I'm thinking we would fly into John Wayne, go to DL, stay at a local hotel for he night, then would need to get over to the Port of Los Angeles. Not sure if this is feasible.

Our other option is to change to a 5 day cruise and spend a couple days at DL first. I like this idea but I am really excited about the 7 day itinerary. And, the 5 night cruise is almost the same price as the 7. So, debating this. Would love thoughts and opinions!! I know it's subjective but I'd like to hear others opinions on it. Thanks!

 

[smilezlie]

Completely do-able.

John Wayne to Disney is about 30mins depending on traffic. Disney to Port of Los Angeles is a bit farther (30 miles?). As long as you don't go during rush hour it will take less than an hour.

There are plenty of hotels within walking distance of the parks. Just drop off your luggage and enjoy the park. The only difficult thing is transportation. Uber/Lyft are probably the best options. Or you can rent a car.

I say do the 7 day cruise and spend the day at Disney.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I agree on keeping the 7 night itinerary since that's really what you're coming for. DL isn't going anywhere but cruise itinerarys do change over time Before you book a hotel near DL for the day you fly in check the park hours. They are usually out about 6 weeks ahead of your visit. If the parks close early that night you might not have enough time at DL to make the hassle worth it to you.

 

[egritz]

I agree on keeping the 7 day itinerary. I'm assuming the destinations are Puerta Vallarta, Mazatland, and Cabo San Lucas, versus the 5-day is usually Catalina, San Diego, & Ensenada? If so hands-down keep the 7 day cruise since that is the priority for your trip and just add the extra day in the beginning for DL.

 

[KateDrake]

We just added on two Disney days to our 7-day cruise in October, and it was FANTASTIC! Depending on what day your cruise arrives/departs, you may want to consider adding the parks to your trip after your cruise. We cruised Saturday-Saturday, and I had a tough time trying to get it to work to hit the parks on the way there. So instead, we were the first ones off the ship and went right to the parks!

Here's what we did: we were off the ship by about 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Grabbed our car from the parking garage, and drove straight to Portofino (our first time staying there, but I'd do it again). We checked in, dropped our stuff, and walked over to the parks. We did one park per day (which was hard for us, we normally hop and do longer trips). But we were in DCA with FPs for RSR, Anna & Elsa and WOC in hand by 10 a.m.! I was worried we wouldn't get there in time to make the day worthwhile, but it totally worked out. We spent the whole day in DCA, and then hit Disneyland on Sunday all day. It made for two VERY long days, but it was so worth it! We were able to accomplish everything we wanted to, and had two fantastic days. I'd totally recommend doing it if you can!