DCL bus arrival, departure questions

[littlejewel]

We will be flying to Orlando the day before boarding the Dream. Question 1: If we want to use DCL transportation to the port, is staying at a Disney resort our only option? If not, what are other accommodation options? (We will not have a car).
Question 2: what time does the bus typically arrive at port?
Question 3: on disembarkation day, we will be staying Friday night at a Disney resort before catching an early flight home on Saturday; what time will DCL transportation drop us off at Disney World?
Any other tips or comments for using DCL transportation is appreciated!

 

[apathetic]

You can catch the cruise buses at the airport. So if you stay away from a WDW resort, just go back to the airport.

Buses from the resorts start arriving approx 1230pm but can be much later. It is luck of the draw with resort pick-up.

DCL buses all leave at 0915 (not earlier even if full) from the port. You should get to WDW resort 1030-11am if you are on one of the first buses. Buses to the airport leave continuously.

 

[mmouse37]

On the return you can take the DCL bus back to a WDW resort. They leave around 9:15 and usually wait to fill up before they leave. They may go to more than one resort. When you leave the terminal (with your luggage) you will be directed to the correct bus for your resort. Transfers are $35 pp each way.

There is a hotel right in MCO called the Hyatt Regency and is very convenient but expensive. If you stay there and have DCL transfers booked your bags will be picked up from your room about 8:30 am and delivered to the ship. You would just board the bus with your carry ons.

You could also stay at anyone of the airport hotels in the area. You just have to get back to the airport with your luggage and drop it off at the Magical Express/DCL bus area. You will then board the bus with your carry ons. This area is located on Level 1 on the B side of the airport.

If you do decide to stay at a WDW resort the buses do not leave until later than the buses from the airport.

 

[Shanti]

We will be flying to Orlando the day before boarding the Dream. Question 1: If we want to use DCL transportation to the port, is staying at a Disney resort our only option? If not, what are other accommodation options? (We will not have a car).
Question 2: what time does the bus typically arrive at port?

We prefer to book the Orlando Airport Hyatt via DCL. There are many advantages to doing this:

• The Hyatt is inside the airport, so no additional transportation is needed once you arrive from your flight.
• It is a very nice hotel, spacious with modern, upscale furnishings, clean, quiet, has nice restaurants & room service that can accomodate gluten-free diets if needed.
• Booking via DCL (rather than independently) and using DCL transfers means that you will not be limited to a port arrival time at the port, and that your boarding number will be based on the time you arrive at the port, not your official "Port Arrival Time".
• They have an arrangement with DCL to get your bags on the ship for you. Sign up for this at check-in, then leave the bags just inside the door of your room on embarkation morning, and porters will get them onto the ship. Love the ease of this! Be sure to keep a shoulder bag with you carrying your travel docs, passports, swimsuits, & other items you'll need that morning & afternoon.
• DCL transfer buses depart from the Orlando airport continually beginning around 9am, and you just show up and board the next bus (like with WDW's Magical Express from the airport). No needing to hurry up & wait for a certain bus appointment time. Also, from WDW resort, the transfers get to the ship in the afternoon rather than morning, so coming from the Hyatt lets you get on the ship earlier.
• I've seen the MCO Hyatt described as "expensive", but its price is similar to or cheaper than a WDW moderate. However, its accomodations are as good as or better than a WDW deluxe. Staying there on arrival night is a better value than staying at a WDW resort.