Couple of Questions from a First Timer

[gone2disney]

These answers may be somewhere, but honestly, I am so overwhelmed reading so much cruise info. If someone could help, I'd be so appreciative.

1. We are staying offsite in Orlando for a sports tournament prior to the cruise. We are renting a car for the week we are in Orlando. I was hoping to return the car at the airport on the day of the cruise-can we get transportaion from MCO to the port. Wasn't sure as we will have our luggage with us since we aren't coming in on a plane. If possible, what time should we expect to be at the airport to leave.

2. On our return day, would be able to make a 4:00 flight? I assume we can arrange transfer back to airport.

3. When do we choose the time to see shows? I don't see that option on the website.

Thanks!!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

These answers may be somewhere, but honestly, I am so overwhelmed reading so much cruise info. If someone could help, I'd be so appreciative.

1. We are staying offsite in Orlando for a sports tournament prior to the cruise. We are renting a car for the week we are in Orlando. I was hoping to return the car at the airport on the day of the cruise-can we get transportaion from MCO to the port. Wasn't sure as we will have our luggage with us since we aren't coming in on a plane. If possible, what time should we expect to be at the airport to leave.

2. On our return day, would be able to make a 4:00 flight? I assume we can arrange transfer back to airport.

3. When do we choose the time to see shows? I don't see that option on the website.

Thanks!!

1. Yes, you can purchase DCL transfers from MCO to port. They cost $35 per person each way. You'll turn in your bags at the desk when you show up for the bus. The DCL transfer desk opens about 8:30 am (sometimes earlier). You are assigned to a bus in first-come, first-served order. The first bus to the port generally leaves about 9:30 am.

2. As DCL suggest flights after 12:00, a 4:00 flight will be fine.

3. You don't choose the time for the shows, you just go. First show is about 6:00, second show about 8:30. If you have main (early) seating for dinner, you go to the later show, and if your have late seating, you go to the earlier show.

 

[lovetotraveltx]

If your rental car company is at the port. I would just leave your rental car there in port canevaral. This way you pack the car up once and drive to the port.

 

[kcashner]

I would look at the price for a one way car rental (pick up at MCO when you fly in, drop off at Port Canaveral) and compare this to the cost or a rental and return at MCO. This might save you the $70 that two of you will spend on DCL transfers and might also save a need to return to MCO before heading to port.

 

[gone2disney]

Thanks for the responses. Great idea about the rental car. I am going to check on that-Are the rental car places right at the port and we wouldn't need any transportation after turning in the car?

 

[lovetotraveltx]

Your rental company will transport you in a free shuttle like at the airport.

 

[manateesmom]

The rental car agencies in Cape Canaveral have free shuttles to the cruise port, so you return the vehicle and they take you to the ship for free (and the same in reverse, if you book a one-way in the other direction).

As a tip, check out the Mousesavers website for discount codes for rental cars, and be sure to check if Costco or similar discount club has rental car discounts.

 

[scrapbookmomma74]

If you do wind up doing the rental car to the port, you might want to drop the other passenger off at the cruise terminal with the luggage while you return the car, sometimes those shuttles are really packed with all the people with luggage!
We have used Budget to do the one way rental about 5 times and had no trouble.

 

[kcashner]

Hertz and Budget are closest to the port, but you'll still ride their shuttle back. Avis, Thrifty/Dollar, Enterprise, etc. are farther away. Budget runs 2 shuttles on most cruise days (assuming both vehicles are operational and both drivers are working!) Check for discount codes at rentalcodes.com and mousesavers.com

We've never had issues with the shuttle being too full on the way TO the terminal, but it can be on the way back (after you get off the ship). Still, it is often more convenient to drop the luggage (and passengers if desired) at the terminal on the way to the car place. It means you only move the luggage once (rental to porters) rather than rental to shuttle to porters.