Who wants to help me plan my trip?

[lilsonicfan]

Hello all!

Looking for a bit of trip planning advice. The two of us are going down to Florida sometime after our wedding (July/05)... so excited! Anyway, my fiance has never been to WDW or anything before, and I've only been once. Here is what I'd like to see happen:
- have about 7 days available to see WDW (though seriously we might only hit the parks on 5 of those days, and shop/relax for the rest) - planning to stay in a condo for this first portion. (7 days.. too much?)
- stay at one of the Universal hotels (for FOTL) in order to play at Universal for at least 3 days (i've never been and i'm a coaster junkie!)
- go on either a 4-day cruise or 7-day cruise - both of these leave on Sundays (not Disney, I think I'll be Disney'ed out.)

Anyway, we want to leave the cruise for the end, and do Universal after WDW (don't want the FOTL to jade me from Disney!) Any tips on what day we should therefore leave Vancouver to maximize the fun? We can leave anytime after July 5, but cruises leave on July 10 and 17.

Thanks!

 

[Limmer]

I just want to make one little comment. We went on the Disney cruise (7 day) for our honeymoon and there is not as much "Disney" on the cruise as there are inthe parks. We did not do any character meals, character greetings etc. The only "Disney" factor we found was in the shows. There were ample adult only areas (Palo's was to die for) and we found them to be strictly enforced. My DH was leery of a Disney cruise but he says he would now cruise it again and again. Just a little observation.
Also there is so much to do at Disney, not just the parks but romantic fun things, that 7 days would definitely not be too much. Keep Downtown Disney in mind, boat rides, the Boardwalk and so much more.

 

[lilsonicfan]

Thanks Lynn! Unfortunately, what really stops me from the Disney cruise (aside from my initial "over-Disney" thought) is the cost... it just seems to be almost twice as much for a four-day cruise as one with Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Sigh.

 

[pkitty]

Hi there. I am sure we will all like to help. I will keep my ideas breif because I know my wife will like to add her 90 cents worth eventually. I think you will find that between all there is to do at Disney Shopping will be the primary thing you will be doing so you won't need a couple of days for that; shopping will naturally find its way in there somewhere. You know between the rides the food, the showes the food, the walking the food and oh yeah did I mention the food. Hey I do know that a good day spent at Splash Mountain water park is a day well spent and very relaxing. The food though, mostly hambergers and fries, sorry unless your like hambergers and fries. If your going for a week definatly heed the advice from this board. It will save you time and money for sure. For instance certain days of the week have been forcasted by WDW which parks are historically known for being busier. So you may want to go to those parks that have less line ups, that sort of thing. Have fun.

 

[Limmer]

Yes, the cost is considerably higher. On a 7 day cruise Disney was about $600 more in 2001. We (OK, I) thought it was worth it because we did not think that we would be able to go to WDW as well. I had never been to WDW and I was a little obsessed. DH was not as convinced it was worth it but as it was my 1st vacation he was willing to splurge. My Grandmother gave us 3 days at WDW as our wedding present so I got the best of both worlds. Grandmas are the best!
Congrats on your upcoming marriage!

 

[Mortlives]

If you're not locked into the condo, and you can afford it, I would strongly suggest one of the more romantic Disney resorts. Especially if you're going to be spending 5 days in the parks (cutting it a little close, really, but you'll have an excuse to go back), the convenience of being onsite is worth it.

Even if you're not staying onsite, there's still carriage rides at Port Orleans, cocktails and moonlit walks on the Poly Beach, Illuminations cruises, and other activities outside of the parks that are worth a look.

Kungaloosh!
Morticia.