Car Rental or Disney Transport?

[pmurph]

I have reserved Disney transport to Port Canaveral from AKL Jambo House for our Dream cruise in July. But should I have a private car pick us up and take us as to get to the port earlier? And if so who do I use?
At what point in this process will I know when I am supposed to arrive at the ship?

TIA

 

[pmurph]

I should also mention that there are 6 of us

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I have reserved Disney transport to Port Canaveral from AKL Jambo House for our Dream cruise in July. But should I have a private car pick us up and take us as to get to the port earlier? And if so who do I use?
At what point in this process will I know when I am supposed to arrive at the ship?

TIA

You won't know until the night before the cruise what time your pick up is at the hotel. You'll receive a letter in your room telling you to have your checked bags ready for pick up (inside your room) by 8:00 (usually), and where/what time to check for the bus. Most buses depart sometime (once) during the 10:45-12:30 window. Each bus may stop at up to 3 resorts to pick up people. The trip from WDW to port takes about an hour.

What's your PAT? Arriving via DCL transfers will typically get you to the port around 12:00-12:45. There's usually no line for check in at that time and Open Boarding has been announced (so you can board immediately).

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I have reserved Disney transport to Port Canaveral from AKL Jambo House for our Dream cruise in July. But should I have a private car pick us up and take us as to get to the port earlier? And if so who do I use?
At what point in this process will I know when I am supposed to arrive at the ship?

TIA

We used DCL transport 3 times back to WDW and were at the resort, checked in and at Magic Kingdom by about 11:00. It goes pretty fast, they have lots of buses heading that way and was really easy.

With that in mind, we've used HappyLimo several times going to the port and they are fantastic. If you call them, they'll probably recommend a pick up time because they do this all the time.

There are pros and cons to each. DCL transfers are expensive and no brainers, they do all the work for you. Private transfers are cheaper but you'll just have to put in a little more effort.

 

[Shanti]

We used DCL transport 3 times back to WDW and were at the resort, checked in and at Magic Kingdom by about 11:00. It goes pretty fast, they have lots of buses heading that way and was really easy.

With that in mind, we've used HappyLimo several times going to the port and they are fantastic. If you call them, they'll probably recommend a pick up time because they do this all the time.

There are pros and cons to each. DCL transfers are expensive and no brainers, they do all the work for you. Private transfers are cheaper but you'll just have to put in a little more effort.

If you have a late PAT, using a Disney transfer should get you in earlier. If you already have an early PAT or are concierge, a private car is probably a better route if money is no issue.

 

[pmurph]

when will I know my PAT?

 

[lanejudy]

when will I know my PAT?

You will choose a PAT (port arrival time) when you do online check-in. For new cruisers, that is 75 days prior to embarkation.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

when will I know my PAT?

I'm assuming this is your first cruise so you'll be able to check in for your cruise 90 days out. That is when you'll get your PAT. You'll also be able to sign up for shore excursions, spa treatments, etc.

You'll get an email about a week before this time, saying it's almost here. Check in will begin at 12:00 AM, east coast time, on the date they give you.

 

[pmurph]

Thanks to all for the info!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'm assuming this is your first cruise so you'll be able to check in for your cruise 90 days out.

First time cruisers window opens at 75 days out.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

First time cruisers window opens at 75 days out.

Oops, thx @PrincessShmoo, we can always count on you to give the correct info. Would you like to move to AZ to keep my restaurant organized??

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Would you like to move to AZ to keep my restaurant organized??

While I might move to AZ (when we retire), I don't think I'd want to take on a restaurant at that point.

 

[DIS_Ag]

Would ya'll feel safe booking a flight leaving MCO at noon while using DCL transport?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Would ya'll feel safe booking a flight leaving MCO at noon while using DCL transport?

Yes. DCL recommends flights after 11:30 for their onboard airline check in program, so noon would be fine.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Would ya'll feel safe booking a flight leaving MCO at noon while using DCL transport?

Absolutely!

 

[KelBel96]

I have reserved Disney transport to Port Canaveral from AKL Jambo House for our Dream cruise in July. But should I have a private car pick us up and take us as to get to the port earlier? And if so who do I use?
At what point in this process will I know when I am supposed to arrive at the ship?

I booked thru Mears, which I have used around the Orlando area several times before . We were able to request a pick up time based on our PAT. We prefer Mears over DCL bus , as it is quieter and less hectic. Of course, you do have to keep up with your luggage which is what you miss by not going with Disney transportation.

 

[pmurph]

All good to know! Thanks. It is actually my second cruise but can't remember stuff from 3 years ago.

 

[1stDCL]

I booked a limo with Happy Limo for a one way trip it came out to $238 for resort to the port. They also offer a free grocery stop in case you need to grab water bottles, food, etc. We have used them in the past for MCO to the resorts, but this is the first time for a cruise. We have always had a wonderful experience!

 

[pmurph]

Great! Thanks! Do I pick reservations and Port Adventures, and then check in online? Or does online check in have to be done first?

 

[Billinaz]

I think you would be better off with a rental car. You can get a minivan from Budget or Avis for $100 or so and with 6 that is definitely cheaper... and you have the flexibility to stop somewhere for last minute supplies.