Overnight in Orlando(as itinerary change).

[olya1972]

We have been just informed that our mid-January, 2019 cruise will spend an extra day with overnight stay in Orlando, Fl. The ship will be in port from Monday, 12 pm till Tuesday, 8 pm (originally the ship was supposed to be in port on Tuesday only, 7 am to 7 pm). We have been to Orlando as a part of cruise stop few times. We did KSC when with all the kids and went to Animal Kingdom last February when our son was with us on a cruise. The first time we did tour of the canals where we saw dolphins and manatees and beautiful private homes facing the canals (or rather away from them). Come to think of it, I believe we have been to Orlando once more and took shuttle to the beach and surf shop area. Now, with practically two full days with a luxury of overnight stay Monday into Tuesday night, what should we look into doing? We can rent a car (for two days? or return back prior to boarding the ship on day one and rent again on day two? Is there even a place in port to park rented car overnight?) I would like to go see Downtown Disney just to browse the area shops and restaurants and I would want to do an attraction park but very worried about crowds, lines, etc. Originally I was considering SeaWorld because ship provides transportation there (for longer duration of time then their transport to Universal) and the park doesn't seem as overwhelming as some others.  Any advise on how to best structure the two days is appreciated. ( We are two adults travelling without kids, late 40's/early 50's, enjoy sightseeing, walking, nature/animals, good food and historical and cultural aspects of travel; don't enjoy crowds and active pursuits). Thank You all who respond.

Edited December 24, 2018 by olya1972
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[hrhdhd]

I have a couple of thoughts.

 

1. Lines at the parks in mid-January will be at their shortest, except perhaps over MLK birthday weekend (which includes the Monday).

2. Downtown Disney is now called Disney Springs--just in case you're trying to search.

3. If you plan to spend both days in Orlando, you'd save time by staying overnight at a cheap-ish hotel in Orlando. Then you'd have a place to park the car and if you wanted to hit a park on day 2, you could certainly be there at opening. You should let the ship know you won't be returning to the ship that night to alleviate concerns.

[olya1972]

Thank you for your tips and thoughts. We are thinking to go to some park on day one. If we dock at 12 pm we should be in a park by 2-2:30 pm. We can stay till closing time. I need to do research how late parks are open and whether we can see fireworks at any of the parks in the evening. I made a mistake with dates. Day one is Sunday, 1/20/19. Day two is a holiday, MLK Day, Monday, 1/21/18. On day two we can go to Disney Springs. I wonder if there are any swimmable beaches this time of the year in Orlando area? Well, I guess lots of research needs to be done. Thank you, again.

Edited December 27, 2018 by olya1972
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[iahawkfan21]

11 hours ago, olya1972 said:

Thank you for your tips and thoughts. We are thinking to go to some park on day one. If we dock at 12 pm we should be in a park by 2-2:30 pm. We can stay till closing time. I need to do research how late parks are open and whether we can see fireworks at any of the parks in the evening. I made a mistake with dates. Day one is Sunday, 1/20/19. Day two is a holiday, MLK Day, Monday, 1/21/18. On day two we can go to Disney Springs. I wonder if there are any swimmable beaches this time of the year in Orlando area? Well, I guess lots of research needs to be done. Thank you, again.

 

The closest swimmable beaches to Orlando are right in Cocoa Beach near the port.  Although this time of year water temperature isn’t ideal for swimming which is why you often don’t see many beyond surfers in the water right now.