1st Time Cruiser -- Town Car or DCL Bus

[PaMomofOne]

Hi all,

We're taking our first cruise in a few months. We're trying to choose between a private town car (FL Tours) or the DCL for transportation from a WDW resort to the Port.

There are 3 of us, so we're certainly not saving anything by taking the town car, but I like the fact that we can get to the terminal, and hopefully on the cruise earlier than if we waited to take the DCL bus since it is only a 3 day cruise. Also, our DD has food allergies, so I want to be sure to get to the MDR to discuss them with the dining staff before lunch is over.

Are there any advantages (other than the savings) to taking the DCL bus?

TIA

 

[gismo1554]

I would go with Town Car if you want to try and get an early Port Arrival time and be there as soon as possible. The DCL bus however I think you get a video giving you info on the cruise (or you used to) and builds up the excitement a bit but it just depends on what you want to do aka maximise the time you spend on the ship (or in the terminal for character photos etc if you get a late port time) or get the excitement of travelling with fellow excited people. I would go town car because I like to maximise my time in the cruise environment!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I would take DCL transfers as a first time cruiser, they walk you through everything and it is effortless, it just gives you the chance to soak everything in and not be stressed or hurried. When you arrive a little later on the bus, the terminal will be a lot less crowded and way less overwhelming. As far as food allergies go, if you have them noted in your cruise reservation and take DCL transfers you will be fine, Disney handles this issue better than anyone. Just my $.02

 

[jrabbit]

as a first time cruise my ASSUMPTION is that you will not / cannot get an early PAT (Port Arrival Time). Arriving by DCL bus eliminates that issue.

WDW buses will arrive before lunch is over.

Food Allergies: Make sure you fill out the appropriate forms online during check in. You probably will not have lunch with your dinner serving team - they are the best to work out your allergy issues with. However, EVERY serving team knows the drill and can handle it. We have been tablemates with some people that have food allergies and they mostly tried to follow their serving team around the ship for lunches and sometimes breakfast. The chefs, cooks, Head Waiter, Server and Assistant servers will take good care of you - even if you are not their customers. No Worries here.

Have cruised DCL 15 times. I don't remember how many out of Port Canaveral and Miami - but most of those times I have used DCL transportation to the port (we also usually travel with 3 people - sometimes more, sometimes less). I LIKE the DCL bus and the movie of Mickey and the Gang going on a cruise. Our first time EVER in Miami I found myself watching the video vs. looking out the windows at new to me sights . I've even had a rental car that I returned to the airport to catch the DCL bus. Yep, go ahead and call me a freak -- I don't mind

 

[LookingforRoo]

Hubby & I took DCL transportation on our last cruise (1st time cruisers). It was a very easy process from the pickup at AOA , and delivery to the front door of the cruise ship terminal. There was absolutely no line for us at check in. However, the pickup from the resort was so late (your pickup time is assigned per resort) we missed the lunch buffet & sit down meal and had very little time to get our bearings before dropping our things in our room and reporting to the muster drill. We were so caught up with trying to explore the ship, that we almost missed our dinner (1st seating)
We rented a car upon our return to PC and used Budget - they picked us up and delivered us to their office to pickup a vehicle . Very simple process.
Our next cruise , in just a few weeks, we will be driving ourself to the port - using Budget for their pickup/drop off service for a rental car.

 

[Patsydust]

Guess it's you're preference. Each person will like this or that and each have their own benefits, and sometimes you have conflicts, sometimes you don't.

Benefits of taking DCL Bus
-They take care of your luggage right away and take it right to ship so you don't have to worry about it.
-Get the early cruise-y feel right at the bus because its an exclusive fun DCL bus with porthole windows! Fun!
-Been awhile since I took the bus, but I think they give you intel etc
-The crowds will be smaller at Port when you arrive.
-If anything was to happen via the DCL bus (breakdown etc, they are held liable and will most likely hold ship or work something out).
Con
Later arrival on ship

Benefits of taking your own vehicle
-Get there early! DCL bus only leaves at ten.
-Have more flexibility and freedom!
-More time on ship!
Con
-If your car broke down or something happened, ship wont wait for you. Better have travel insurance! (I highly recommend!)

Anywhoo, just my thoughts on the whole process! I love getting there early and getting on the ship for brunch at Cabanas! I don't mind a crowd. In fact we get so excited, last time we were first people to arrive! Super fun though! Also get to see family of the day go in etc! But either way you'll have a blast! So do what feels right, what your comfortable with and whats in budget!

 

[egesicki]

Kiddos liked the Disney videos they played on the bus.

 

[mischief32]

I thought I read recently that transportation(not driving yourself or DCL bus) was not being allowed to drop people off before 11:00 am

 

[Bdunn]

We have done both private transfer and the bus. We like the bus. Boarding at MCO, we are on one of the first ones out, get to the port, and board right away (sailing concierge).

 

[afyoung]

We were first time cruisers last November with a PAT of 10:45...we booked 8 weeks before the sail date and sailed on a full ship. We drove our own car, spent the night near the port the night before and had the hotel shuttle us to the port. This time, we are traveling from a Disney resort via a private car. We chose this for a few reasons- cost effective- with 4 people it is slightly less expensive than Disney transport, one last little bit of quiet time before a bustling afternoon of buffets and muster drills, and they will make a grocery stop for us (wine, sunscreen, etc). But I have spoke with people who only ever ride the bus, and they love it. I think you should decide what is best for your family's vacation style. Either way- in the end you are vacationing with Disney so it will be awesome.

 

[DCLDVC1]

Use the car service and don't think twice. You'll be glad you did. You are at DCL's mercy regarding arrival time if you take the bus.

 

[Weedy]

If this is your 1st cruise you can pick your PAT (Port Arrival Time) 75 days prior to your cruise. Log on to the Disney web site put in your reservation information and pick your PAT. You can also book excursions at this time. You can log onto the website at 12:01am eastern time when your booking window opens.
I don't think you should have a problem getting an early PAT.
Enjoy your cruise. Be careful they are addicting.