Who has done cruise and then WDW?

[POLLY ANN]

We are contemplating doing this next year. I didn't think it was doable but if we use 3 years worth of points, our family of 5 can do a 3-day cruise and then another week at Disney!!

One concern is the transportation we will need. Airport to hotel the night before the cruise, hotel to cruise, and then after cruise back to WDW. I really don't want to get a car. Seems like such a waste.

I'd like to know what other people have done in these circumstances. Thanks!

 

[DisneyCrazy]

We did the cruise and then WDW last June. We did however pay cash for the cruise and then used points for a 2BR at BWV. We did the three day cruise - since there were seven (7) of us it was cheaper for me to rent a van, and just leave it parked at the port during the cruise. This was nice since we didn't have to wait for any transportation after getting off the ship. I think the extra three days of the van rental were about $100, plus $21 parking. For seven people this worked out to be only $17/person - everything else I looked at was about $30-$40/person. Sure the van was 'wasted' while we were on the cruise - but the cost made sense in our case.

Let me know if you need an expanded explaination...

 

[perdidobay]

DH and I did one night at BWV then the 4 day cruise and then 3 nights at vwl in Jan of this year. We got a rental car as we decided it was worth the little bit $$ extra not to have to wait for bus ride back to WDW or having to leave for port when someone else decides. We were able to make a grocery store stop on the way to port and also like our own transportation at WDW. We decided we like having our own car so we will do it again in Oct.
total rental cost : compact car 9 days $185 dollars
parking at port : $36
gas for car : $24

 

[crazyaboutdisney]

we have cruised and done disney twice. The first time we did disney and then the cruise, our transportation was included in the package price (this is when we bought dvc). The second time we did the 3-day first using tiffany town car for the transpotation from the airport to terminal, terminal to bw, bw to airport. It was very convienent, and cost about $200. We cruised on the weekend and then stayed 5 nights at the bw so as to save on the weekend points.

 

[AnnaS]

For our cruise last year we stayed at the Radisson the night before. I could not decide if I should have Disney transport us (I believe about $25. each one way we are five) or have Tiffany pick us up (around $80?) and take us to the hotel. We would of been without a car all day and evening. After reading the boards we decided to rent a car for 24 hours (Avis - at terminal and next door to hotel) - $45. Hotel has free shuttle to ship. This worked out great for us. After cruise we went straight to airport and had Tiffany pick us up.

 

[KCritter]

We did WDW and then the cruise a few years ago. We purchased transfers from the cruise line. At the time, it was about $30 per person, much cheaper than renting a car, especially when you consider you are leaving it parked at the pier AND paying for parking while on the cruise. I suggest you call the cruise line and see if you can purchase transfers from them.

 

[DVC-Don]

We are doing a 4 day cruise next February followed by 3 days at VWL. We are a family of 4 and paid cash for the kids on the cruise.

 

[Peter Johnson]

In May we stay at OKW, cruise, then stay at VWL. We have rented a car for the entire trip, and will leave it parked at the cruise terminal. It was less expensive than renting the car in Sanford, leaving it at Port Canaveral, and renting another after the cruise.

 

[EROS]

We're spending 4 nights at BWV followed by a 4-day cruise in April. Our preference is to cruise AFTER WDW............to relax........ and rest our weary feet . We'll be renting a car for the week, driving to WDW from the airport,then to the cruise terminal, then back to the airport. The cost of transfers is so high these days that it makes more financial sense to pick up a rental.We also use the car to go to the water-parks, off-site, Seaworld, etc.

Have a great trip,

 

[Towncrier]

We did the 7-day cruise in August 2000 followed by 4 nights at BoardWalk Villas. That pretty well exhausted our points. We opted to use Tiffany Towncar to drive us from airport to port to BWV to airport. Total cost was around $200 (without tip). We figured that it was the best deal for a group of 5.

 

[DisneyCrazy]

Originally posted by KCritter
We did WDW and then the cruise a few years ago. We purchased transfers from the cruise line. At the time, it was about $30 per person, much cheaper than renting a car, especially when you consider you are leaving it parked at the pier AND paying for parking while on the cruise. I suggest you call the cruise line and see if you can purchase transfers from them.

If you are ONLY renting a car to get to/from the port this is probably true. If we would be getting a car for your WDW stay anyway, then adding a few days is USUALLY cheaper than the Disney/Tiffany/Mears transfers (again, depends on group size). As I said before, I figured I SAVED $100 by renting the van and leaving it at the terminal while we were on the cruise.

As for cruise before or after, I liked it before - it would have been a BIG let down to go home after getting off the cruise - this way we 'eased' out of the Disney experience. Also we've done WDW so many times it is actually relaxing - the cruise was HECTIC, I don't think I got to sleep before 1AM any night!

 

[OKW Gram]

For the past 3 yrs we have the cruise with stays at VB and WDW (OKW). We usually go down a few days ahead of time and spend a couple of nights at VB. VB is only about an hours drive to the port so it's very convenient. We have done the 3 night cruise for the last 3 yrs as it works out well for spending the points as you spend the weekend on the ship when the points are highest at all of the resorts. We have opted to use points for the cruise, but even if you use cash for the cruise I still think it's a great way of getting out of paying those high point values for Friday and Saturday night. Plus on the ship all of your entertainment and meals are included.

As for renting a car, we also have done that each time and parked it in the lot at the port. It's only $21. for the 3 nights and then your vehicle is there for you as soon as you are ejected from the ship. It just kind of seems that way if you have early seating for evening dinners as that puts you at the early breakfast on the day of disembarkation. Last January we were on our way to WDW by 8:30 a.m.!

Then we spend several nights at OKW. It truly makes for a wonderful vacation. I wish I were going again tomorrow. Oh well, makes me think it must be time to start planning next winters trek to WDW.

Enjoy.

 

[Dads Dream]

We did the 4 day cruise last year. Spent 2 nights prior at All Star Movies ( paid cash $49 per night). After the cruise stayed at OKW 2BR for 4 nights. We rented a car for length of stay and used AMEX rewards points to get a Voucher towards rental fee. (cost after voucher 0) We were going to use AMEX points for airfare $204 ( 25,000 pts) Hertz $300 voucher (30,000 pts)the car turned out to be a much better deal.

Going on cruise again next year, planning on driving from Mass. Long but enjoyable ride.

OKW Gram, I know know what you mean about being ejected. My brother had a 10:30am flight we weren't sure he was going to make. He had time for coffee before boarding.