Originally Posted by
GNRMatt
Right now I'm looking at a Cruise on the Disney Magic for 7 nights to the Eastern Caribbean in January 2012. It's to be a surprise Christmas present for my girlfriend.
We've actually been to Disney World twice this year already, so I'm thinking of trying to skip the parks this time around.
My current plan based on some of the feedback here is to fly in the day before on the earliest flight, rent a car from Hertz (I have a free rental coming to me from them) and spend that first day at the Kennedy Space Center. Then spend a night at a hotel near the port and drop off the car rental at the Hertz by the port in the morning. After the cruise itself, it seems it would be easiest to use the Disney transportation back to MCO and head home.
I was also considering the MLB airport since it is a bit closer, but they don't have any direct flights from Philly, and I always prefer to fly direct as there's less chances of issues.
This sounds like a good plan.
You will love the Magic. By cruise standards, the ship is smaller, but it is a great ship. I have not done the Eastern, but rather the Western, so I cannot speak to the specific ports of call. Disney usually offers some excellent shore excursions.
Bring your pirate attire for Pirates night and the fireworks.
If you are a true Disney geek, take the ship tours during the days at sea.
As far as hotels near the port, the Hampton and Doubletree are nice. The Hilton is a little dated. I am Hilton biased, but I know there are some MARYROT properties there as well
Have fun.