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Three Generations Aboard Ship; fireworks; night
  • On Oct 14, 2015
    Joy from CA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Thinking of going to Animal Kingdom after the cruise. Our flight is 7p so I'm thinking, if we get out of the ship by 8:30am, get a rental car, drive to animal kingdom, then leave there by 3:30p, we'll have enough time to catch our flight. Is this worth it?

    Hi again, Joy!

    I really wish you had more time to spend in Orlando before or after your cruise vacation. I don't want to spoil any plans that you've plotted in your mind so far, but since I've made this same exact trek in the past, I feel the need to warn you. In my opinion, it will be a stretch on disembarkation day to accomplish a day trip to Animal Kingdom and be back in time for your flight back to California. I'm afraid you'll be rushed all day and you might not end up enjoying your time at the park at all. I'm sure it's do-able (I do know some Disney expert Moms who can speed walk through the parks, pronto!), but you will want to consider travel time from the Port to Animal Kingdom (about an hour or so), parking, admissions lines, standby lines on rides and then going back to return your car to make it in time for your evening flight. Don't forget this is the MCO airport, and there is almost always a long line at the security gate. I would hate to have you miss your flight, with a little one in tow. 

    In the past though, my family has made a successful day visit to the Kennedy Space Center, which is much closer to the port. Once you've picked up a rental car, it's a very quick ride to get there from Port Canaveral. Your luggage can be kept in the car, while you spend the day checking out the visitor center and exhibits. You can plan to have lunch there and even get a chance to join one of their tours. In the mid afternoon, you can still leisurely return your rental car at the MCO airport and make it in time for boarding your flight back to California. 

    Getting your sea legs back on land might also take some getting used to again. You don't want to be stressed and rushed all over the place once you are back on land. Though I love spending the day at Animal Kingdom, I think there are other travel parameters that might be a challenge for your schedule.

    That's my two cents, Joy. Hope it's helpful.
    ~ Dolly

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Meet the Panelist: Dolly, California

I'm a full-time working mom anchored by an active family who shares the passion for travel, food and music! Our 2 teens have grown up sailing on the Disney Cruise Line and sharing the magic with other working families brings us so much pride and Pixie Dust! Learn More About Dolly

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