Disney Cruise - Western Caribbean
DISNEY CRUISE - WESTERN CARIBBEAN - Continued
embarkation
 Morning
came early with hardly any sleep, and we were off to the Port
and our big adventure. As you come into Port Canaveral, there
are a couple bridges that you can snap shots of the Disney Magic
as she comes into view. Here's a nice shot of the ship and the
Cruise Terminal as we headed in to drop off our luggage and
headed out to return our car.
| TIP: When they quote you a Disney
Cruise, they automatically quote you WITH the transport fees -
and this can easily add a couple hundred dollars. If budget
is a consideration, ask them to break out the transportation
fees so you can decide if it is better for your family to price
one of the many town car companies offering transport, or to
rent a car and drive yourself. |
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We were going to split up, but our son was pretty wound up
and insisting we stay together for our adventure. We decided to
bow to family harmony - and were glad we did as Budget Rental
was a bit of a zoo when we arrived about 10:15 AM. They were
understaffed and only had one shuttle running - and no cars to
give out. As a 'returnee' - we were ushered to the head of the
line... but the wait was a little long for the shuttle back to
the port - enhanced I'm sure by our nerves! It was 11:30 AM
before we were heading back to the ship... a little longer than
we planned, but not a big deal overall. Total cost for the car
to the port was $28.49 plus taxes and fees which all totaled to
about $36. The larger your family, the more this will save you
on the Disney transport costs.
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TIP: If you do rent a car, remember to drop most of your luggage
off with the porters before turning in your car... and if you
have a large family and can separate for awhile, an option is to
leave most behind at the Terminal and have only one or two
return the car. Space in the rental car shuttles is limited and
the less you have, the quicker you move! |
 We
finally headed back to the terminal and into the line through security. Up
the escalators, into the terminal and into another line to check
in. (Make sure your paperwork is made out and ripped out of
the book... they move fast at check-in.) This is where we
were told our room assignment was Room 8500...all the way
forward - in fact, it's the last room before the bridge... and I
experienced shock, fear and elation all at the same time -- only
anal-obsessive trip planners with a husband who gets very motion
sick, and who had their way around the ship memorized based on
their room assignment can completely understand this. Elation
won out and by the time I was standing in line - yes ... another
line - this is DISNEY - remember?? ... waiting to board the
ship, I was practically jumping up and down with excitement.
This wait seemed the longest - and it was a long line... with no
place to sit. Characters arrive sporadically to keep the kids
amused. And there's a model of the ship to look at. The line
moves slowly as there's another check-in at the gangway to the
ship. (Have your identification and Disney Cruise Line card
ready to show. A lot of people use lanyards with badge ID
holders for easy access... they even make waterproof ones for
shore excursions.)
One more stop for the obligatory embarkation photo which you can
later find and purchase at Shutters... and you are finally
making your way onto the gangplank and hearing your name
announced to a smattering of applause from Cruise Line
employees. It is very exciting to step on to the ship and
realize that the moment has finally arrived! You are on a Disney
Cruise Line Vacation and destined to make some family vacation
memories to last a lifetime!
Sail Away!
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