Jewel, Florida, Bahamas - WDW Question...

We are considering The Jewel FL, Bahamas Itineary and as a result are NOT doing our semi-annual WDW Pilgrimidge. The kids are a little bummed, but since we decided to put the trip together last minute we could not get the WDW resort we wanted and dining choices will be slim. That being said, we are very excited to be going on NCL.

As a surprise I want to consider the WDW excursion and run over to WDW for a day at Magic Kingdon. Here are my questions, concernes: (BTW, the kids will be so excited when/if we surprise them with this, it will make the vacation!) Good old dad is always looking to blow their minds!

We are going during Thanksgiving week so that means we'd be in PC on Tuesday Nov 23rd.

From those who have done this, what time do you arrive at the parks?

I'm concerned that we'd get to Magic Kingdom and they will have shut the gates to overcrowding and we will be out of luck. Has anyone ever had this happen? The NCL website lists, April & December as times this is likely to happen. How about Thanksgiving week?

I don't think the NCL excursion tickets will guarantee entry will they?

Has anyone ever been denied entry and had the excursion ruined? The kids favorite park is MK. I could see this turning into a complete afternoon of frustration. Just to travel from park to park will chew up lots of time and then the whole excursion becomes worthless (and it's not cheap).

So,

Any valuable information you may have is welcomed. I'm not even mentioning this to our kids right now in case I decide to bag it all together if it's too complicated. Otherwise I'd think it could be a great surprise. Especially to the little one who walks around the house talking about the dumbo ride all year long.

Thanks,

Roveer

For the amount of time you would get at the park (maybe 5 hours), I think you are crazy to go. You will get to go on about four rides. Not worth it for the hundreds of dollars you would spend on the excursion.

For the amount of time you would get at the park (maybe 5 hours), I think you are crazy to go. You will get to go on about four rides. Not worth it for the hundreds of dollars you would spend on the excursion.

I whole heartedly agree, but there's a thing called the Disney effect in our household. It's not the number of rides you go on, it's just being there and enjoying as a family that counts the most. Even the 12YO will insist that "It's a small world" is the first ride we go on and the whole family has to go. That's just the way it is. We don't look at Disney as dollars and cents. Most think we're nuts but it works for us.

My only concern is NOT getting in because of the time of year we are going.

Roveer

Did the tour through NCL a few years back(was afraid of missing ship) Not enough time at all to enjoy the park. By the time they loaded the bus ( alwys latecomers) drove there and we got in, only had a couple of hours. Your kids would probably be more disappointed they had to leave then they will if they dont go at all

We just did this excursion last week on our surprise trip to Florida and the Bahamas due to the hurricane in Bermuda. We have a park pass which we purchased in advance for five days , and it's good forever. I think we bought it about 5 years ago. We took the bus to Disney and had our own tickets to get in. The transport was $65, and the cruise line's Disney excursion was about $150. If you know you are going to go to WDW in the future, these passes are the way to go. Then just bring them on the cruise!

We just did this excursion last week on our surprise trip to Florida and the Bahamas due to the hurricane in Bermuda. We have a park pass which we purchased in advance for five days , and it's good forever. I think we bought it about 5 years ago. We took the bus to Disney and had our own tickets to get in. The transport was $65, and the cruise line's Disney excursion was about $150. If you know you are going to go to WDW in the future, these passes are the way to go. Then just bring them on the cruise!

Where does the bus drop you off at Walt Disney World?

The bus dropped us off at the ticketing center, and then people could take the tram, boat or bus to whichever park they wanted to attend. By the way, we were stunned at the number of kids there on a Monday in September. it was much more crowded than we had anticipated.

Try touringplans.com to get an idea of how crowded the parks will be. I live by it.

For the amount of time you would get at the park (maybe 5 hours), I think you are crazy to go. You will get to go on about four rides. Not worth it for the hundreds of dollars you would spend on the excursion.

I did a little research (pricing) on this last night, and I think I'm seeing your perspective a little better. It's going to cost us (family of 6) almost 800 dollars if we were to try this, and that was pricing the tickets through WDW. I don't think this is a good use of our funds. Now if I could make something happen in the casino and have a little crazy money, that would change things :cool:

Roveer

I did a little research (pricing) on this last night, and I think I'm seeing your perspective a little better. It's going to cost us (family of 6) almost 800 dollars if we were to try this, and that was pricing the tickets through WDW. I don't think this is a good use of our funds. Now if I could make something happen in the casino and have a little crazy money, that would change things :cool:

 

Roveer

We did this with our 4 children on our first cruise 5 years ago. Up until that point the only REAL vacation the children had been on was WDW each year! DO NOT DO IT! Not sure how old your children are or how often you take buses but the trip was simply not worth it. The kids (they were 13, 11, 9 and 8 at the time) love Disney but really did not enjoy that day. We know HOW to do Disney if you know what I mean and wound up being frustrated by the long drive there and the short amount of time in the park.

It was an absolute fortune to spend for such an unrewarding day.

First, you are an AWESOME dad. I lost my dad 10 years ago and when I read things like this I think of him.

I am a person who splurges on vacation, so I get ya! But this one just looks like the cost vs. payoff are not even close. Plan a WDW vacation when you can get what you want. Then when your cruise is over you will have that to look forward to, just MHO.

But, you still rock.

We did this with our 4 children on our first cruise 5 years ago. Up until that point the only REAL vacation the children had been on was WDW each year! DO NOT DO IT! Not sure how old your children are or how often you take buses but the trip was simply not worth it. The kids (they were 13, 11, 9 and 8 at the time) love Disney but really did not enjoy that day. We know HOW to do Disney if you know what I mean and wound up being frustrated by the long drive there and the short amount of time in the park.

 

It was an absolute fortune to spend for such an unrewarding day.

You had me at hello :D

For whatever reason, I totally click with this post. We know how to do disney, and we do it well. The kids are 12,9,6 & 4 and have been going pretty much since they were 6 months old. My biggest concern was weather or not we would get shut out, but I also had a nagging concern that it would just not be a Disney day because of the very limited time. Then when I looked at the actual cost for my family it made even less sense. Your post finished it off. Your comments confirmed my concernes and I just don't want a downer day, especially at WDW. I think I'm going to keep my mouth shut and we'll do something different in Orlando. We'll be back to WDW in the springtime for our annual pilgrimidge. One of the reasons we decided to do this cruise was to give Disney a break so we could keep it fresh. twice a year was starting to dull things a little, especially with the 2 day drive on each end of the trip. Flying ends up costing almost 3 grand. Mom really liked the idea of hopping over to NYC and the vacation is ON!

So, suggestions for Orlando? Now I'm open to something totally different!

Thanks to everyone for their input and suggestions on this topic. I'm sure it will help folks in the future that were thinking along the same lines, trying to sneak in a Disney day.

Roveer

First, you are an AWESOME dad. I lost my dad 10 years ago and when I read things like this I think of him.

 

I am a person who splurges on vacation, so I get ya! But this one just looks like the cost vs. payoff are not even close. Plan a WDW vacation when you can get what you want. Then when your cruise is over you will have that to look forward to, just MHO.

 

But, you still rock.

Thanks for the nice note. I never went to WDW as kids, our family wasn't much on vacationing. No complaints here, I had a great childhood. My wife on the other hand went all over the place. They piled into the station wagon and drove just about everywhere. I think she told me she had been to WDW 13 or 14 times as a kid. Her aunt had a house in FL so they were down there all the time. Now, some may say I'm overcompensating with my WDW fixation, but I genuinely enjoy everything about it. Once I get there I peel off my regular life and become one of the kids. For whatever reason my kids just love being there, love talking about it, love planning it and just love when we return. It's not about rides, its about being at Disney. Not sure I fully understand it, but I know it helps to bring us together as a family and for us that's a good thing in our busy lives.

I know someday the kids won't want to go any more, but for now it's what they like to do, mom and I like it too (even know it's hard work), but I make suggestions about going other places and get voted down every time. And for whatever reason, I don't mind losing that vote because I know I'm going to have fun to.

Roveer

I would avoid Orlando altogether. The looong bus ride makes it uncomfortable and short no matter how you look at it. Stick with either Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach. I don't know exactly what excursions are available for Canaveral, but look for something hands-on or somewhat interactive for the kids. In Cocoa Beach you could get the kids surfing lessons, or just relax on the beach and have a relaxing lunch beachside.

I completely understand your Disney obsession. We had annual passes from the time my oldest was two until the youngest was 18' visiting at least four times yearly (one year we went 11 times), and we have spent every major holiday there. (We actually invented the "Epcot Fireworks Birthday Cruise" on a special request). We have been to almost all the world parks (except the two latest opened), and we still do Disney at least annually with our adult kids, younger relatives or alone.. Disney magic is really something special... I would never consider a day trip from Canaveral, and less than a full day is just crazy.. I think you made a very wise decision...

Robin

I would avoid Orlando altogether. The looong bus ride makes it uncomfortable and short no matter how you look at it. Stick with either Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach. I don't know exactly what excursions are available for Canaveral, but look for something hands-on or somewhat interactive for the kids. In Cocoa Beach you could get the kids surfing lessons, or just relax on the beach and have a relaxing lunch beachside.

 

I completely understand your Disney obsession. We had annual passes from the time my oldest was two until the youngest was 18' visiting at least four times yearly (one year we went 11 times), and we have spent every major holiday there. (We actually invented the "Epcot Fireworks Birthday Cruise" on a special request). We have been to almost all the world parks (except the two latest opened), and we still do Disney at least annually with our adult kids, younger relatives or alone.. Disney magic is really something special... I would never consider a day trip from Canaveral, and less than a full day is just crazy.. I think you made a very wise decision...

 

Robin

Not sure why I said Orlando. I'm definetly going to look at something local or possibly stay on the ship and enjoy ourselves in preparation for Nassau/ Atlantis. That will end up being expensive enough, staying on ship in PC might just help save some $$$

We've been on DCL twice and were fortunate enough to sail in the Walt Disney suite both times. Those were both very special vacations for us and we even spoke with the kids about how this cruise will not be the same. Something about having almost a thousand sq ft of stateroom with a living room, dining room and library was absolutly fabulous. We ate breakfast in our dining room every morning while watching our next port of call unfold outside our windows. Granted I paid a fortune for these cruises, but when I get my mind set on something, I save, save save until I can do it.

I'm actually relieved that I'm not going to "force" the WDW excursion. I just had a feeling that it would end up unfulfilling. Our last visit to Nassau (4 night DCL wonder) was a joke. We got taxied to some beach where you had to pay cash for towels, chairs unbrella's. Lesson learned. This time we will spend the bucks (maybe comfort suites, have to research), and just go do Atlantis. This will also allow us to see if it's a place that Mom and I might want to vist by ourselves some time.

What's funny about our Disney obsession, is that the others in our family, wifes sisters, and my brother and sister (all grown with families), dont' get it. They look at WDW as an amusement park, a day trip. They go, they get frustrated, they whine and complain. One year we found my Sister and her kids at the park and they were just about to leave they were so frustrated. They hung with us for the rest of the day and had a great time. All depends on how you look at it. For us, we do a lot of planning, then just go and have fun. If someone melts down, then we change our plans. Sometimes its an adult that has the meltdown (guilty), but since we stay on property, we usually just a boat or monorail from our resort. Makes all the difference in the world. I love planning them as much as I love going on them.

Roveer

You had me at hello :D

 

For whatever reason, I totally click with this post. We know how to do disney, and we do it well. The kids are 12,9,6 & 4 and have been going pretty much since they were 6 months old. My biggest concern was weather or not we would get shut out, but I also had a nagging concern that it would just not be a Disney day because of the very limited time. Then when I looked at the actual cost for my family it made even less sense. Your post finished it off. Your comments confirmed my concernes and I just don't want a downer day, especially at WDW. I think I'm going to keep my mouth shut and we'll do something different in Orlando. We'll be back to WDW in the springtime for our annual pilgrimidge. One of the reasons we decided to do this cruise was to give Disney a break so we could keep it fresh. twice a year was starting to dull things a little, especially with the 2 day drive on each end of the trip. Flying ends up costing almost 3 grand. Mom really liked the idea of hopping over to NYC and the vacation is ON!

 

So, suggestions for Orlando? Now I'm open to something totally different!

 

Thanks to everyone for their input and suggestions on this topic. I'm sure it will help folks in the future that were thinking along the same lines, trying to sneak in a Disney day.

 

Roveer

Yes sounds like you are where we were about 7 years ago (you just spaced them better!)..Similar reasoning for why we did our first cruise too! We were driving from NY so I know where you are coming from! BTW you should really try out the Holiday Inn Nickleodean suites next time you go to Disney. 1.1 mile from Main entrance and separate bedroom for kids and parents with a living room and fridge..privacy, safety and REALLY reasonably priced...no trams to deal with.. drive right in and have all the flexibility you want-the kind of place with enough kid friendly amenities that my kids WANTED a few hotel days too! look it up!

If you can stand another suggestion to think about for your next cruise--we booked a cheaper suite (AC) for us and another room for the kids (again cost and privacy). When they were little (that first time where they were 8 through 13...) I brought a baby monitor so I could hear them. Worked like a CHARM- I could hear everything -and the butler treated them as gold (obviously they were in our suite with the flat screen every evening-and yes we tipped him super for the extra work he was not obligated to do!.

Now that they are older we book adjoining balconies with our girls(DH is super duper protective of them!) and our boys across the hall in an inside with the understanding that we WILL check on them whenever we want (have room key to their room)--teens- easier in some ways, more worrisome in others. Allows us to cruise each year even as we started the college phase if our life this year!

Good luck and ENJOY your trip!

Yes sounds like you are where we were about 7 years ago (you just spaced them better!)..Similar reasoning for why we did our first cruise too! We were driving from NY so I know where you are coming from! BTW you should really try out the Holiday Inn Nickleodean suites next time you go to Disney. 1.1 mile from Main entrance and separate bedroom for kids and parents with a living room and fridge..privacy, safety and REALLY reasonably priced...no trams to deal with.. drive right in and have all the flexibility you want-the kind of place with enough kid friendly amenities that my kids WANTED a few hotel days too! look it up!

 

If you can stand another suggestion to think about for your next cruise--we booked a cheaper suite (AC) for us and another room for the kids (again cost and privacy). When they were little (that first time where they were 8 through 13...) I brought a baby monitor so I could hear them. Worked like a CHARM- I could hear everything -and the butler treated them as gold (obviously they were in our suite with the flat screen every evening-and yes we tipped him super for the extra work he was not obligated to do!.

 

Now that they are older we book adjoining balconies with our girls(DH is super duper protective of them!) and our boys across the hall in an inside with the understanding that we WILL check on them whenever we want (have room key to their room)--teens- easier in some ways, more worrisome in others. Allows us to cruise each year even as we started the college phase if our life this year!

 

Good luck and ENJOY your trip!

Thanks for the suggestions. Have done the NIC suites twice. Only for a night at a time, but wanted to try something different. Kids love it, not so much more me and mom. Were spoiled. Our family just loves the whole Disney resorts concept. You do pay more, but I really enjoy the convienence especially when we drive. I take the money we save by driving and put it into better accomodations that bring us more enjoyment. Nothing better than watching the Magic Kindom fireworks from the Pool at the Polynesian.

Still getting suites that fit us all. Don't really feel comfortable letting the kids stay in a seperate room that has it's own balcony or exit. That'll chance some day, but for now we really enjoy the bigger suites. Was considering an AC as it's the same size, but the reasonable cost difference going up to the A3 and all the A3 perks got me. TA said their current rate for A3 is pretty darn good, espcially for the 6 of us. I know we will enjoy the villa and I'm really looking forward to the Cagney's breakfast and lunch. Priority em/dem/ten is always nice. I dont' go crazy with the butler concierge thing, but if there is something we want we will ask. Some people go hot wild. Not our thing.

Roveer

I whole heartedly agree, but there's a thing called the Disney effect in our household. It's not the number of rides you go on, it's just being there and enjoying as a family that counts the most. Even the 12YO will insist that "It's a small world" is the first ride we go on and the whole family has to go. That's just the way it is. We don't look at Disney as dollars and cents. Most think we're nuts but it works for us.

 

My only concern is NOT getting in because of the time of year we are going.

 

Roveer

I agree with you my son will be 17 and my daughter 12 when we do this and they are just as excited to go to Disney as they are to go on the cruise. It is always fun to see my 5'9" 200 lb son walking around with a Goofy hat on and a goofy smile makes it worth all the money! :D

Jennifer

We're doing the same itinerary. We're thinking of renting a car & doing Sea World. The drive looks to be about an hour - would that be doable for a non-holiday week?

We do a relaxed Disney - stay on site and enjoy the magic, so that wasn't an option for us! It's so nice to be able to hop transportation back to the room when the crowds get annoying. We usually do Fort Wilderness (love the cabins) but may do Polynesian for the next one. Our kids are all adults now, but a Disney vacation brings them all into the car like a pack of dogs!