Where to Stay the Night Before

[CurtS]

I really appreciate all of the wonderful feedback on this forum. I've gleaned some great ideas to make this first DCL cruise successful. Have any of you had the opportunity to try staying at a motel near the airport and near the Port the night before? I've heard wonderful things about the Radisson near the Port but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be easier to stay near the airport the night before then grab a limo service the next morning around 9 a.m. on cruise day. Our flight arrives about 5:30 p.m. in Orlando.

 

[bakmmo]

2 years ago we stayed at Radisson, it was very nice and clean. Breakfast buffet was wonderful as was the pool. Next year my girls wanted to try Ron Jon's (new resort) with a pool like a water park.

 

[scottygirl]

We are staying at the Hyatt at MCO. Our flight arrives at 6:40 p.m. We chose to stay at the airport for the convenience. We get off the plane, go right to the hotel, grab a bite to eat, and get a good nights sleep. We are taking the DCL buses to the port. It's a little pricey, but I will be starting my vacation as soon as I step off the plane!! Also, I know the kidlets will be hungry and not in the mood for renting a car and then driving to the port that night.

You can try Priceline or Hotwire for a less expensive hotel by the airport or by the port.

 

[musicgirl]

The last 2 years, we stayed at the Marriott and the Hampton at Cocoa Beach. Both were nice, basically right on the beach but about 4 miles down the road from the port.

Marriott was a little disorganized but nothing wrong with the hotel. We used Art's shuttle, at the time it was apart of the cruise package at the hotel. They will not pick up until 12.

We stayed at the Hampton this year. Nice hotel and a continental breakfast (a very nice one!!!)included in the price of $89. You could arrange for Art's Shuttle but not until after 12. We arranged for a taxi to pick us up at 10 for $15 for the 3 of us.

Next time (hopefully!) I would stay closer to the port. It seemed like a lot of disers stayed at the Radisson and I think it would be fun to get together at the hotel.

We did like the beach access at the Marriott and Hampton. However, because of the arrival time of the flights, we really didn't have that much time at the beach.

Staying at the airport hotel will eliminate at least one transportation leg. One trip straight to the port the next morning verses going to a hotel at Cocoa Beach and then taking a shuttle/taxi to the port the next day.

Lorie

 

[herrbeeb]

we just returned from the 6/26 eastern. this year we flew to orlando on friday night and stayed at the hyatt. the price was only slightly more than i would spend in hartford and getting to the room could not have been easier. upon request the hyatt moved us to a larger room to acommodate a rollaway bed. we got to sleep late and the disney reps are in the hotel lobby to sign you in and escort you to the bus. hyatt tranfers your luggage to disney transportation. we took a 10 am (or so) bus and boarded the ship around 12ish.

our flight arrived around 11 so i was not inclined to go any farther than the airport but if you are arriving early there are nice hotels closer to the pier. the family we traveled with stayed in cocoa beach and were very pleased. i definitely recommend leaving the night before. we were less stressed and more ready to enjoy our fist day on board.

 

[DaddioTN]

I am searching for a hotel near the port as well. I've heard about the Raddisson and it sounds great. Wondering how far it is to the port and if the hotel shuttle is free? Does anyone know this info?

I haven't been able to find many other hotels nearby. Not really inclined to stay near airport. Wifey wants to get as close as we can the night before.

I'd really appreciate more info on the raddisson shuttle. Thanks!

 

[magic cruiser]

We leave tomorrow for our cruise, and will be staying at the Raddison. This will be our 3rd time. The shuttle is FREE. When I made my res I asked to be put on the shuttle list for the 10:30 shuttle.They said unless I was on the "cruise pkg" I'd have to wait and sign up when I checked in.The pkg was only $10 more and it included buffet breakfast Sat am. So I said ok, sign me up ! The pool is really nice with a jacuzzi and a nice bar. Next door is a family owned Greek resturant, across the street is the dreaded McDonalds, and on the other side is a cool place for kids with gocarts, mini golf and I think batting cages,etc. The rooms were clean...although one year we had ants in the bathroom, but they came right away and sprayed. Have fun planning !!!

 

[DaddioTN]

Thanks so much Magic Cruiser! The info about the cruise special is good. We won't have our car so knowing about all the businesses around the hotel is good. Have a great time on your cruise! I'd love to hear more when you return -- especially about the hotel. We sail Dec. 12.

 

[cotomom]

Hyatt, hyatt, hyatt would be my vote. Just can't beat the ease and convenience when dragging kids in tow.

We've done both the DCL bus as well as a limo. Next time, we'll do whatever works out cheapest... Save those $$$'s for room charges onboard

 

[julie junebug]

The airport Hyatt worked great for our family, since we arrived late at night with two young children. It seemed like a long walk with a luggage cart, but it was better than having to catch a hotel shuttle or rent a car. It was expensive, but was worth it in the morning when they took our luggage for us and the reps nearly took us by the hand and put us to the bus to the port.

Have fun!

 

[CM_Mom]

We chose the Hyatt for our 5/1 cruise because we were to get there at 12:30. Long story short...weather delay, we arrived in MCO at 3:30 AM. Was I ever glad we only had to get a porter and follow the luggage to the Hyatt. But ask for softer pillows.

 

[rcdisneyfam]

Stayed at the Radisson twice and enjoyed it very much. Even had a DIS board meeting there once. Great location. Close to port,shopping,food. Would stay there again.

 

[april riddle]

we have reservations at the Raddison - although we do not plan on using the shuttle since we will be heading straight back to NC once we disembark. I feel we got a pretty good deal and I am glad there is a McDonald's across the street since my kids aren't into breakfast buffet I can pay $2 for hotcakes and they are happy!

 

[bassoongirl]

For our cruise last February, we stayed at the Hyatt. It was great! We were even able to get a decent rate ($112 through Travelocity). It was so nice to pick up our luggage, go up the escalator and be at the hotel!

We are cruising again this February and unfortunately room prices at the Hyatt are steep! The best rate I could find was $164 with our AAA discount. That's a little expensive for a lot of convenience! I took a gamble and tried Hotwire for a room near MCO. I have checked the site several times, but never had the nerve to actually book a room. Well, last week I took a chance! Unfortunately, I didn't get the Hyatt. I got a room at the Crowne Plaza for $72 including taxes. So, we will have to take a shuttle from the airport to the hotel, but saving $92 will be worth it!

Good Luck!

Gayl

 

[ImNarek]

bassoongirl, what were the ammenities Hotwire listed for what turned out to be the Crowne Plaza? I've been looking at a 3 1/2 star in the airport area that lists food, fitness center and pool, but no shuttle. I'm thinking that the Hyatt would be the only hotel in that area which wouldn't have a shuttle, but I'm a little worried.

My DH sooo wants the Hyatt, but I'm a bit reluctant to spend $150 for a single night. We'll be getting in around
6:30pm, and will have been traveling since about 6;30 am, so I don't want to go too far afield. Seattle - Orlando is a looonnnnggg haul (but at least we don't have to do it by covered wagon!)

Karen

 

[mousecrazy]

Check out www.betterbidding.com. This site tracks winning hotwire hotels. If I remember correctly, there was a thread there about the Hyatt (and lack of shuttle).

Good Luck.

 

[krhardy]

We are staying at the LaQuinta Airport north...it's about 30 minutes from the port, $55, and a full breakfast included. Some friends stayed there before their last cruise, and gave it a major thumbs up. It's a few minutes more to get to the port, but for the price it can't be beat.

 

[Houzer]

We have booked the Hyatt for our January 15, 2005 cruise. My husband and I are feeling better about flying in the day prior to the cruise just in case!! Heaven forbid! I am sure flying in the day before is much better and from everything I hear about the Hyatt its about the best place to go if coming in late or whenever. Very convenient! Pauline

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Yet another vote for the Hyatt! Every trip to Orlando it has become some sort of tradition with my family. The kids (me too) love to watch the planes land and take off. The on-site resturants are very good as well. It's a great way to start, or even end, a vacation. Good luck!