Embarkation at Port Canaveral - Fantasy

[SeaSpray]

We've been on 3 Disney cruises so far, all on the Magic, and just booked our first Fantasy cruise for 2014.

We've embarked at Port Canaveral only twice, and debarked there only once.

I was just reading a few reviews of the Fantasy and a few people mentioned how jam-packed the port terminal is while waiting to board. Is this because there are so many more people waiting to get onto the Fantasy, as compared to less people on the classic ships?

Also, these days, what is the best way to get to the port that day? I'm trying to decide whether to take a towncar or DCL transfers. Any pros or cons to either one?

The price difference doesn't matter, we're looking for easiest/quickest option. We've always liked being on our own timetable when using a limo; I've heard that you don't have much control over what time your DCL transfer would be. If it makes any difference, we'd be taking DCL transfers from MCO (as opposed to from one of the WDW resorts).

On our two previous Port Canaveral embarkations (the last one was in 2006) we've flown in the day before and stayed at a hotel in Cocoa Beach, then taken the hotel's shuttle over to the port. Very easy.

This time we're considering flying in to MCO the day before but staying at the Hyatt there, then taking DCL transfers the next day to get to the port.

We'll decide based on flight times/rates, unless there's a big advantage to one or the other in regards to ease of getting to the port/embarking.

I don't want to get to the port (too) late, and I'm wondering how late the DCL transfers typically get you there.

I appreciate any current info. Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We've been on 3 Disney cruises so far, all on the Magic, and just booked our first Fantasy cruise for 2014.

We've embarked at Port Canaveral only twice, and debarked there only once.

I was just reading a few reviews of the Fantasy and a few people mentioned how jam-packed the port terminal is while waiting to board. Is this because there are so many more people waiting to get onto the Fantasy, as compared to less people on the classic ships?

Also, these days, what is the best way to get to the port that day? I'm trying to decide whether to take a towncar or DCL transfers. Any pros or cons to either one?

The price difference doesn't matter, we're looking for easiest/quickest option. We've always liked being on our own timetable when using a limo; I've heard that you don't have much control over what time your DCL transfer would be. If it makes any difference, we'd be taking DCL transfers from MCO (as opposed to from one of the WDW resorts).

On our two previous Port Canaveral embarkations (the last one was in 2006) we've flown in the day before and stayed at a hotel in Cocoa Beach, then taken the hotel's shuttle over to the port. Very easy.

This time we're considering flying in to MCO the day before but staying at the Hyatt there, then taking DCL transfers the next day to get to the port.

We'll decide based on flight times/rates, unless there's a big advantage to one or the other in regards to ease of getting to the port/embarking.

I don't want to get to the port (too) late, and I'm wondering how late the DCL transfers typically get you there.

I appreciate any current info. Thanks!

If you take DCL transfers from a WDW resort the busses depart between 11:30-12:30, arriving at the port about 1:30. This isn't the case with DCL transfers from MCO.

At MCO, the DCL transfer desk opens about 8:30 (sometimes earlier). As people checkin they are given a bus number starting with #1. The busses start departing about 9:30 (from what I understand), and depart every 20 minutes or when full, whichever is first. Taking DCL transfers from MCO gets you to the port anytime after 10:45.

With DCL transfers (and staying at MCO Hyatt), your checkec bags will be taken directly from your room at the hotel to the transfer bus, to the ship, to your room.
With private transfers, you will handle your bags to your transportation and hand them over to the porter at the terminal for delivery onboard.

DCL transfers cost $35 per person each way (MCO to port, port to MCO).

 

[Iceman09201]

Disney transfers are easier to time from MCO then the resorts. The desk opens around 830 at MCO and you can check in there for a bus. You can no longer check in for the cruise at the airport and must do that at port. Resorts pick up between 11-1. When doing your online checkin you will pick a port arrival time. These times are in half hour increments to help with crowds in the terminal. If using Disney transfers you will be allowed in the terminal when ever the bus gets there even if its before your arrival time. However your arrival time is tied to your boarding number. For instance you may get port arrival time of 12-1230 and take Disney transfers and get there at 11 but your boarding number will be later to co inside with your arrival time. If using other transportation you should arrive earlier then your arrival time as they may turn you away until your time or until the terminal is less crowded

 

[wendyoconnor]

You can no longer check in for the cruise at the airport and must do that at port.

You can check in for your cruise at the airport.

Arriving at the port between 12 and 1 is a great time, the early birds are on board and those being picked up at the resorts haven't started arriving yet.

 

[mmouse37]

You can check in for your cruise at the airport.

Arriving at the port between 12 and 1 is a great time, the early birds are on board and those being picked up at the resorts haven't started arriving yet.

We know they used to let you check in but discontinued the service about 2 months (or less) ago. Do you have a recent experience of being able to check in at the airport for the cruise (not the bus but the cruise itself with KTTW card and everything)?

It would not surprise me if they did reinstate this service (it made sense) but have heard nothing except your post about being able to do cruise check in at MCO since they discontinued it.

MJ

 

[Lorelei528]

We've only cruised twice. Both times out of PC. Both times coming from a Disney resort.
The first time we went with the Disney transportation. It worked out well enough, but we got to the Port so late, everything was a madhouse once we were able to get on the boat. I felt we were some of the last people to board. And that was our first cruise and it made me sad cause I do all the planning for me and DH and I wanted it to be special and I felt we were off to a bad start.
Last cruise (Oct 2012) we sucked it up and got a car (Tiffany Towncar) from the resort. It was pricey for just the two of us, but the car picked us up at like 9:30 and we got to the Port nice and early, the terminal was empty, we had time to relax and take it all in.
No matter what, we'll always do it that way going forward for any trip leaving from PC.