WWYD? Need help with precruise plans - MCO/Orlando.

[dcassetta]

I could use some advice!
We arrive at MCO at 2pm one day before our cruise (January), and we have 2 young kids, ages 2.5 and 6. We do not want to rent a car, and want to keep the logistics as simple as possible.
The original plan was to book one night at the Hyatt inside the airport, and take the Disney shuttle to the port first thing in the morning (we like to board early).

I saw a good rate at the Hyatt, booked the flight, and ... the rate is GONE! It's almost as if I imagined it - I'm not sure how it could change so drastically in one hour. The current rate is 415 Dollars!

So now I'm wondering, if there are better, but still stress free alternatives...
I'm considering:
-Finding a hotel that has complimentary and reliable airport shuttle service. Disadvantage: dragging kids and luggage back and forth from the airport, at mercy of walkable restaurant, which might not exist near airport hotels?
-Possibly looking into a hotel that has airport shuttle service AND is walking distance to Sea World?
Does such a hotel exist? Our kids haven't been to Sea World (which they would love!), and I haven't been in 20 years either - not sure if it's feasible to do one afternoon at Sea World and shuttle back and forth to the airport. Advantage: We could take the early Disney shuttle to the port from MCO.
-Booking a WDW hotel for one night - advantage: They will take care of our luggage both ways, disadvantage: We are at their 'mercy' regarding the pick up time and length of trip to the port the next day from the resort...
and maybe I should add that we will have a few days post-cruise planned at WDW already.

What would you do in our situation? TIA!!!

We have used both Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites near the airport. Easy shuttle pick-up and both hotels give you room to spread out and include breakfast.

I am not aware of a hotel in the Sea World area that offers a complimentary shuttle. Also, arriving at 2 would get you to Sea World no earlier than 3. The park is likely to close at 6 on most days in January.

The beach day in Cocoa Beach is a nice thought, but it will take you a while to get there, it will get dark early and the water will probably be too cold to enjoy.

Unless you really want to stay on site, I would choose the Hyatt or a close airport hotel to make things easiest.

 

[tee11]

We have used both Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites near the airport. Easy shuttle pick-up and both hotels give you room to spread out and include breakfast.

I am not aware of a hotel in the Sea World area that offers a complimentary shuttle. Also, arriving at 2 would get you to Sea World no earlier than 3. The park is likely to close at 6 on most days in January.

The beach day in Cocoa Beach is a nice thought, but it will take you a while to get there, it will get dark early and the water will probably be too cold to enjoy.

Unless you really want to stay on site, I would choose the Hyatt or a close airport hotel to make things easiest.

Thank you! This is really good advice and information!

 

[grantclaire]

Hi, I like staying at the Hyatt as well precruise but I could not find a decent rate. So for our upcoming Feb cruise we are staying at the Residence Inn by the airport and we will shuttle back to the airport to get on the DCL bus to the port. It means an extra step but much cheaper then the Hyatt. Good luck with your planning!

 

[sdjen]

We stayed at the Hampton inn and suites by the airport and enjoyed it. Free shuttle to and from the airport for DCL transport to port. We stayed on points but the cash rate was very reasonable IMO. Walking distance to several restaurants and a free local shuttle too.

 

[Minnie368]

We’re taking our first cruise in April 2018. I’d like to make it as stress free as possible for DH who can get a little flustered when doing things for the first time and worrying about how, when, and where... I am a pretty frugal traveler, but would it be the simplest for us just to book Hyatt the night before through Disney and use DCL transfers to and from the airport? And next time around maybe look for some cheaper options?

 

[dcassetta]

We’re taking our first cruise in April 2018. I’d like to make it as stress free as possible for DH who can get a little flustered when doing things for the first time and worrying about how, when, and where... I am a pretty frugal traveler, but would it be the simplest for us just to book Hyatt the night before through Disney and use DCL transfers to and from the airport? And next time around maybe look for some cheaper options?

Disney transfers are $35 per person each way. So depending on how many people are traveling with you, it can actually make economic sense to go with Disney transfers. The Hyatt is fine, but is often expensive. It really is not an issue to catch a shuttle to one of the local hotels.