Ground Transfers

[Flg8tr97]

Hello All! have a 2014 summer cruise booked and just wondering who do you use for ground transfers if you do not use DCL? I am sure there are cheaper options out there. Thank you!

 

[Blanche_Neige]

We used Happy Limo to get to the port, was cheaper than DCL.

On the return we chose DCL transportation just because we could do the online check-in (got our boarding passes) and they took care of our suitcases. We did not need to look for them after them cruise, it was great. Just went to the airport.

 

[kshark1958]

We are staying at WDW the night before and originally booked ME for both ways. We canceled from WDW to port then rented car from airport to drop off the next day at Budget in PC. It was definitely cheaper and you get to port earlier. We kept ME for port to airport. It depends on when you are getting into airport.

 

[lanejudy]

We are staying at WDW the night before and originally booked ME for both ways. We canceled from WDW to port then rented car from airport to drop off the next day at Budget in PC. It was definitely cheaper and you get to port earlier. We kept ME for port to airport. It depends on when you are getting into airport.

Just to clarify the above...ME (Magical Express) is a free service offered between MCO and WDW resorts and back. Only. DCL transfers can be purchased for $35 per person each way and run between MCO and Port Canaveral or a WDW resort and Port Canaveral (and back again).

To the OP: depending on your party's size, there are definitely less expensive options than DCL transfers. Car rental is likely the least expensive, also car services may be a cost saver.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[kshark1958]

Sorry every time I think of those buses I think of ME. Another thing with the car rental is you can find discount codes on line to make it even cheaper. But be careful some of the car rental companies will charge an extra fee about 50 dollars because the rental is not being dropped off back at the airport.

 

[Flg8tr97]

Thank you everyone! there will be 12 of us.. so I was thinking maybe find another service to get to the port and then spend the $35 to get back..

so if we use the DCL ground transfers back, they will take out luggage to the airport for us?

what about when we arrive? will they pick up our bags like ME does or do we have to go retrieve them?

Thank you!

 

[kshark1958]

In case you go the car rental way. Saw this Budget car rental code on another thread. U204720 I used a code like this and got about 50% off the original price for my rental.

 

[mydisneydream]

Seriously, my family can't imagine doing it any other way than the Disney transfer! We flew in from OKC to MCO, got picked up at the airport, never had to worry about luggage (it "magically" appeared in our room at the resort), then the next day, the luggage "magically" appeared in our stateroom on the Dream! When disembarking, never had to deal with luggage until we arrived back home! We had a good time riding the bus and watching old Disney cartoons. Totally WORRY FREE! And totally worth the $$ spent!

 

[kcashner]

Thank you everyone! there will be 12 of us.. so I was thinking maybe find another service to get to the port and then spend the $35 to get back..

so if we use the DCL ground transfers back, they will take out luggage to the airport for us?

what about when we arrive? will they pick up our bags like ME does or do we have to go retrieve them?

Thank you!

For 12 of you, you'll save a small fortune using a towncar/limo service. There are many reputable services reported by people on the boards.

Yes, if you use DCL transfers to get TO the port, DCL will claim your tagged luggage and you will see it outside your cabin on the ship--no need to stop at baggage claim at the airport. If you use a car service, you will claim your bags and proceed to your driver.

On the way back, how the system works depends on whether you are on a participating airline or not. On a participating airline, you place your bags outside your cabin at night, having already placed the airline tags on them (these were supplied to you by DCL, along with your boarding passes). In the morning, you exit the ship and get on the bus; you will next see your bags at your home airport.

If not on a participating airline or on a flight that doesn't qualify due to departure time, being international, etc. you can still place your bags out the night before, but you will claim them in the terminal and take them to the bus (or towncar service). There are porters available to help if desired. You'll get your bags off the bus at the airport and check them in with the airline.

 

[Blanche_Neige]

If you use DCL transportation and you stay at WDW resorts after the cruise, you will have to get your suitcases in the terminal and put them on the bus yourself and take them off once you are at your resort. They will NOT magically appear in your hotel room We found that out the last morning of our cruise. If I would of known before I would not have used DCL transportation.

If your room is not ready when you check in you can have them stored until it's ready, that way you can go enjoy the parks right away.

 

[jacobsmommy]

Is there a list of which airlines participate?

 

[kcashner]

If you use DCL transportation and you stay at WDW resorts after the cruise, you will have to get your suitcases in the terminal and put them on the bus yourself and take them off once you are at your resort. They will NOT magically appear in your hotel room We found that out the last morning of our cruise. If I would of known before I would not have used DCL transportation.

If your room is not ready when you check in you can have them stored until it's ready, that way you can go enjoy the parks right away.

We had one cruise where the bus driver didn't even give the bags to the bellman at AKL. He literally left our 2 bags on the lower bus level (where there are maybe 5 steps up to the entrance level and no ramp) and left us standing there. Yup, grab the bags and lug them up ourselves. Fortunately, I had a young adult with me who hoisted my suitcase up those stairs--I was fine with rolling and a curb, but up a staircase was beyond my ability.

And no, there is nothing magical about the transfer from port to a WDW resort. We've had more than a few horror stories.

The list of participating airlines is on DCL's web site and in the sticky at the top of these boards.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Is there a list of which airlines participate?

Available to Guests flying out of Orlando International Airport on domestic flights (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) on AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Northwest Airlines, United/Ted Airlines and US Airways  it's the perfect ending to a magical cruise vacation! Pre-registration is required and scheduled flights must be after 11:25 a.m. on the day your cruise ends. Guests are limited to two bags per person and each piece must not exceed 50 lbs. Additionally, some Guests may be selected to check in at the airport and unable to use this service.

I sure wish Southwest participated!

 

[kshark1958]

Seriously, my family can't imagine doing it any other way than the Disney transfer! We flew in from OKC to MCO, got picked up at the airport, never had to worry about luggage (it "magically" appeared in our room at the resort), then the next day, the luggage "magically" appeared in our stateroom on the Dream! When disembarking, never had to deal with luggage until we arrived back home! We had a good time riding the bus and watching old Disney cartoons. Totally WORRY FREE! And totally worth the $$ spent!

I was originally going to do this from WDW to port but from several posts I read pick up at the resorts is anywhere from 11-1 which could mean getting to port and on the ship a little late in the day. I wanted to get to port before noon.In your experience is this true. We are first time cruisers.

 

[DJinPA]

We use Ace LuxuryTransportation, and they have been excellent and know the routine (getting on and off the ship, timing, etc.). Excellent, highly recommended and a lot less expensive than the Disney Transportation. When we got to the port, the driver unloaded the bags and there was someone from Disney right there to help, so there was no awkward shuffling with bags.

 

[lanejudy]

I was originally going to do this from WDW to port but from several posts I read pick up at the resorts is anywhere from 11-1 which could mean getting to port and on the ship a little late in the day. I wanted to get to port before noon.In your experience is this true. We are first time cruisers.

Correct. Pick-up at WDW resorts is typically between 11:30 and 12:30, with arrival expected at the port around 1:30pm. If you wish to board earlier, you would want to arrange for different transportation.

 

[kshark1958]

Available to Guests flying out of Orlando International Airport on domestic flights (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) on AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Northwest Airlines, United/Ted Airlines and US Airways  it's the perfect ending to a magical cruise vacation! Pre-registration is required and scheduled flights must be after 11:25 a.m. on the day your cruise ends. Guests are limited to two bags per person and each piece must not exceed 50 lbs. Additionally, some Guests may be selected to check in at the airport and unable to use this service.

I sure wish Southwest participated!

I wonder why Southwest doesn't participate. Does anyone know.

 

[kcashner]

I wonder why Southwest doesn't participate. Does anyone know.

Suspect it may have something to do with their check in procedures--obtaining boarding numbers 24 hours in advance. On participating airlines, DCL prints the boarding passes and supplies them to guests in their rooms the day before the cruise. These are printed well before the 24 hour mark.

Southwest does participate at WDW, but there the guest can go to the concierge desk at the 24 hour point and check in...or do it by wifi. You don't get your boarding pass at the ME desk at the resorts.

 

[Mrs Green]

If I take the Disney transfer from Mco to port, what time do you get to port?

 

[kcashner]

If I take the Disney transfer from Mco to port, what time do you get to port?

It depends on which bus you get on. The first departure is about 9:30. Each following bus departs when full or every 30 minutes, whichever comes first.

If the bus fills in 20 minutes, it leaves. If by 10:00 it only has 10 people on board, it still departs.