Best Transportation Option - WDW to Port Canaveral?

[cforsythe]

I know there are tons of threads about transportation but I just cannot find my answer. My DH and I are going on a 4 day on the Dream after 3 nights at Wilderness Lodge. We will be returning to MCO after the cruise but our flight is not until 2:30pm. My questions are: 1) Should we rent a car to get to port?
2) If we do a rental, do we check it back in and then get another once we return or should be pay to park? 3) Should we rent a town car? 4) If taking town car, what do we do at the airport for over 4 hours?

Thanks in advance for everyone's help!!

 

[openwater]

I do not see much benefit in private transportation on the last day. You can do a leisurely breakfast on board, then pick up your rental car shuttle to the car rental building under 10 minutes away. If you can leave Canaveral by 9am you can be at Disney Springs by 10am when the shops open. With your luggage safely stored in your car you have two hours until you start driving to the airport at noon.

On arrival/embark day, it is a toss-up. The private car will be most convenient from WDW to the port. But at $120-$150 plus tip it will cost more than one-way rental.

You are not in a rush in either direction so I suggest one-way car rentals both ways if you want to save money rather than the convenience! No need to park at the Port during your cruise.

Also, to save time it is crucial to drive the correct route to/from the Port! You do not want to end up on I-4 which is both unnecessary and busy at any given time! Here is a map on the best route to/from WDW, MCO and the Port - http://cruiseportcanaveral.us/disney-cruise-shore-trip/