What would you do?

[lamby]

We will arrive on Thursday 1030pm into Orlando and plan to spend the whole day at Disney on Friday. I'm not sure if we should rent a car or use transfers. Should we stay in Disney for 2 nights, and leave to the port first thing Saturday, or stay one night at the airport and one night Disney, or one night airport and one night Radisson.

Although the above is COMPLETELY confusing, I suppose my question would be more simple if I just asked: Has anyone done this before, and what do you suggest!!! Thanks

 

[JimC]

The answer could be as confusing as the question but I will try.

When we arrive late we stay cheap near the airport the first night. I believe we use the airport Hampton Inn (I get points with them).

We use Cartier Towncar service for transfers to/from the airport. With only two it is a bit more expensive than the shuttle, but it is direct door to door, no waiting, they meet you in baggage claim and they provide great service. They can take you to/from the port as well. I don't think I will ever use Mears shuttle again.

The two times we have cruised we have rented a car once (it was part of a package with Premier -- pre Disney Cruise Line) and used Disney motor coach for the other on the Magic.

Others have rented a car and stayed the night before at the Radisson near the port. I believe they have one of the major rental agencies in the hotel. They turn the car in and use the hotel shuttle to the port.

If cost and Disney time were important, then I would not rent a car but get a one way town car to Disney. Get a reservation at one of the AS resorts for two nights. Use the Disney motor coach for getting to the port and then back to the airport. But I don't remember how far in advance you must request the motor coach. If you can not get the motor coach, get the towncar service to/from the port as well. It is more expensive than renting a car but a whole lot more fun and a great send off for the cruise.

 

[jilljill]

I would rent a car and stay at WDW for 2 nights. It would not be worth it to me to check out of 2 hotels and worry about storing your luggage when you are at the parks.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi lamby.

We will arrive on Thursday 1030pm into Orlando and plan to spend the whole day at Disney on Friday. I'm not sure if we should rent a car or use transfers. Should we stay in Disney for 2 nights, and leave to the port first thing Saturday, or stay one night at the airport and one night Disney, or one night airport and one night Radisson.

You can get a good rate from any of the "usual" towncar services recommended on these boards. On our first cruise we used Tiffany. You could hire a service MCO to WDW, WDW to port and port to MCO. Private transportation allows you the freedom to travel at times preferrable to your particular schedule.

Based on your planned itinerary, I'd suggest staying two nights at WDW. This way you can wake up friday morning on property and have the entire day at the parks.

Wishing you a terrific vacation...

 

[lamby]

Thank you for the excellent ideas! I think I was leaning towards the car rental, but only because of the cost. Would anyone know how much (approximately) would a car service charge for MCO-WDW-PORT-MCO? I'm sure that would be more comfortable.
Although I really wanted to meet with my fellow cruisers the night of Aug 22nd, I also think staying at WDW both nights would be a little more relaxed, rather than "hotel jumping". What is the drive time between WDW and the port?

Thanks again for the great options!!

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Good morning lamby.

What is the drive time between WDW and the port?

It depends upon many factors: the speed at which you drive, whether or not there is construction along the way, if you (or your driver) get lost, not having exact fare for the tolls, how much extra weight is in your luggage, motorcycle rallys, pedestrian traffic... about an hour.

Would anyone know how much (approximately) would a car service charge for MCO-WDW-PORT-MCO?

Last year Tiffany Towncar was $205 + tip...

 

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by lamby
Thank you for the excellent ideas! I think I was leaning towards the car rental, but only because of the cost. Would anyone know how much (approximately) would a car service charge for MCO-WDW-PORT-MCO? I'm sure that would be more comfortable.
Although I really wanted to meet with my fellow cruisers the night of Aug 22nd, I also think staying at WDW both nights would be a little more relaxed, rather than "hotel jumping". What is the drive time between WDW and the port?

Thanks again for the great options!!

Hi Lamby,

If you drive over from WDW to the port Saturday morning, allow yourself about an hour drive to be safe.

Sorry we won't get to meet you Friday night at the Radisson, but make sure you come to the DISmeet after the life jacket drill on deck 9 behind Topsiders, and have a MAGICal day at WDW.

See you on the ship, we sail two months from today!!!