Welcome aboard, Amy!
My family and I love staying at one of the Walt Disney World resorts before we sail with Disney, and one of our all time favorites in the
Beach Club Resort. If you've never stayed there before, you are in for a big treat! In my opinion, the Beach Club has the best pool of all the resorts. My kids love the sunken ship slide and the sandy bottom pool along with the lazy river! But, the whole feel of the resort is so laid back and relaxing. It's a great way to begin your vacation!
If you use
Disney Cruise Line's ground transfers, you won't get your exact pick up time until the night before you set sail, as they wait to determine how many guests at which of the different resorts are sailing. You'll receive a note in your resort room that night letting you know to have your bags ready to be sent ahead by 8:00 a.m., and also giving you your motor coach pick up time, which is usually between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. However, if I were you, I'd schedule an early breakfast at Cape May, so that you are not having to rush at all, if you find out that your pick up time is earlier than anticipated. I'd think an 8:30 or 9:00 breakfast would be plenty of time. I tend to err on the earlier side, just in case though. You'll have to have your bags ready by 8:00 anyway, (except day bags that you keep with you), so why not book early and enjoy a leisurely, un-rushed breakfast, with time to wander the resort a bit one last time before your motor coach. That way, in case breakfast runs long or you want to wait for one extra character to visit your table, you're not running to catch your transfer. Plus, a huge lunch awaits you at Cabanas onboard the Dream once you arrive, so save some room!
Have fun planning, Amy!
Marcy