I like the idea of taking Bonine the night before to sleep off any possible drowsiness. The question is, does it still work effectively for the next day?
Yes, one Bonine is effective for 24 hours. IF you think you'll be having an issue you can take 2, or take the second part way through the day. Bonine is the brand name for meclizine; dosage is 25mg once or twice a day. Dramamine is a completely different formulation, although the new "non-drowsy" Dramamine II is meclizine.
I get motion sick at the drop of a hat. I can get motion sick in the bathtub, a swimming pool, standing in the ocean, riding in the front seat of the car, etc. Even with the Bonine, I don't do "dizzy" rides, including tea cups, star tours, primeval whirl. Thanks to the Bonine, I can do Dumbo, Aladdin's carpets, Test Trak (just barely), Soarin. I don't like roller coasters or things that drop, so don't do RnRC, ToT, or Space mountain. I have done Splash half-a-dozen times and done. Oddly, Big Thunder is my favorite ride at Disney. 7DMT killed me with motion sickness, even with the Bonine. There is no way I'd ever consider cruising.
Sea bands don't work for me, and neither does ginger. Dramamine knocks me out cold. Bonine will put me to sleep, but only if I sit, close my eyes, and try to sleep. I sleep on the plane and sometimes on the bus, but have no problems while at Disney. I take it either at midnight or first thing in the morning, at least an hour before getting on the bus. I have also used a scopolamine patch, and they are amazing... but you have to be careful not to touch them; if you get the drug on your fingers and transfer it to your eye, your pupil will dilate to an incredible degree. BTDT, even though I was being 100% totally careful not to touch the patch.