Hiya, Sean!
I'm happy to welcome you to the most magical panel on Earth — planDisney! Thank you for stopping by with your question. It sounds like you're planning an unforgettable land and sea adventure next year, and I have to say...I love your style! These types of getaways are my absolute favorite because they blend the best of both worlds — the relaxation of a Disney Cruise Line sailing with the excitement of Walt Disney World Resort.
In fact, I had the joy of experiencing a land and sea vacation myself just this past February. We kicked things off with a magical sailing aboard the brand-new
Disney Treasure, and after disembarking, we extended the magic with a few pixie-dusted days at Walt Disney World. You're in for such a special adventure, and I'm so excited for you!
We did exactly what you're hoping to do, so I'm more than happy to share some firsthand experience to help guide your plans. We booked our
ground transportation directly through Disney Cruise Line, which made the transition from sea to land seamless.
Disembarkation usually begins fairly early in the morning, so you can expect to arrive at
Animal Kingdom Lodge well before check-in time. No need to worry, though...
Bell Services will gladly hold your luggage for you so you can hop on a
bus and start enjoying your day.
Since Disney's water parks typically open around 10:00 AM, you'll have more than enough time to make your way over and dive into the fun. Whether you're floating along a lazy river, zipping down a slide, or just soaking up the sunshine, it's really the perfect way to ease into the land portion of your vacation after your time at sea.
One more tip I'd love to share with you is to consider reserving a
Beachcomber Shack at Typhoon Lagoon or a
Polar Patio at Blizzard Beach. We did this during our visit, and I can't recommend it enough! Having a home base for the day made all the difference. It was the perfect place to relax between attractions, enjoy a snack, or simply take a break from the sun. These spaces are limited and do book up in advance, so I recommend securing your reservation as soon as your booking window opens, 60 days prior to your arrival.
Sean, I hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions throughout your planning, swim on over to us again!
Life is the bubbles,
Kami