Arriving at Port Canaveral with the hopes to upgrade

[coloradocutie]

We are thinking about a potential upgrade at port, and it seems that the earlier you get to the port the better chance you have to upgrade. I have read that it is best to take Disney transportation from MCO to the port in order to get there early (i.e. 10 am). I also read that if you arrive on your own you may be allowed to enter before 10:30, and enter with the buses arriving from MCO. If we are not staying at MCO the night prior, but arrange our own private transportation to port to arrive by 10, will we be held outside or allowed in with the buses arriving from MCO? If we want to stay at WDW the night prior, how do we best go about this? (without an early morning ME back to MCO to take DCL transportation to MCO)

Thanks in advance!!! We wouldn't even know about the option to upgrade at port if it weren't for this wonderful board!!!

 

[Donna M]

We have waited in line in the garage till around 10:00, then allowed into the terminal. The people I travel with would have gotten us in earlier if there was a way so, no, I highly doubt you can get in with the buses if you aren't on the bus. Your car can get into the garage before 10 if that's what you mean.

 

[mmouse37]

The cars and buses pull into different areas of the port so I doubt you would be able to be let in earlier than 10:30. I think the port opens at 11:00 and they don't usually let you in (unless you get there on the bus) much earlier than that.

You also HAVE to check in first at the terminal and then head down to the Supervisor's desk to inquire about an upgrade.

MJ

 

[kathi]

Taking the first DCL bus out of MCO is you best bet. They are the ones who generally enter first. Also, take a look at your cruise and see how many cabins are still available in the category you are interested in. If it's sold out or close to, you should set your expectations accordingly.

 

[Happy100]

We have done both Disney buses and private. You will be waiting in line outside the gates with private transportation to be let in. On DCL buses you are let in as soon as you arrive and are always the first let in if you are on the first bus.

Before you decide I would look to see if there are any upgrades available in the category you want. You can call disney or you TA to find out just days before you go.

 

[Weedy]

a week before your cruise your cruise you may want to log on the Disney Cruise website and see if there are any cabins available. Many cruises are sold out. This will give you an idea before you go if there is even a chance of an upgrade.

 

[coloradocutie]

Thank you, everyone! We will definitely be following availability, and set expectations accordingly (really, we will be on a cruise and we will be together- so life will be grand with or without an upgrade ) . I really appreciate understanding how the entry into the port works. It sounds like in order to maximize the opportunity to be there early, check in and be able to purchase an potential upgrade, transportation through DCL from MCO is the way to go.