DCL from Port Canaveral - housing & transportation

[MouseOfCards]

We are planning a DCL cruise out of Port Canaveral. We would arrive at MCO the evening before the cruise, and wanted some input from experienced cruisers:

1. We are DVC members. Should we book DVC at WDW for that one night, or stay an offsite hotel (such as the Hyatt at MCO)?
2. For our party of 8, should we take the DCL transfers, or rent a van?

Thanks for providing your suggestions!

 

[clten]

Where we stay usually depends on what time we arrive the day before. If it is early in the day and we will have time to do "Disney-stuff" (even if it is just hanging out at Disney Springs) we'd stay somewhere at WDW. If we are getting in later, we'll stay at the airport. Somewhere in between the two, you might consider making the drive to the port and staying somewhere in that area so you can sleep in the morning of the cruise.

As far as transportation, for a party of 8, skip DCL transportation and arrange your own.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

For a party of 8 DCL transfers are pricey compared to private transport.

 

[ajo]

The MCO Hyatt is convenient, but not the cheapest option. There are a number of hotels near MCO that offer free shuttle service to the hotel from the airport. We've stayed at various Marriott MCO properties and then arranged a private shuttle to take us from the hotel to the port.

The break-even point for a private transfer to be cheaper than the DCL shuttle is basically at 4 people. Any more than that and it is cheaper to arrange a private shuttle.

 

[mcrowder1978]

If you are arriving the evening before your cruise into MCO it is easiest to stay at the Hyatt Regency in the Airport. My daughter and I did that last February when we had a flight coming in at 10:30 at night. Depending on when you are going it could get pricey depending on how many rooms you will need, but for one night it's a great option.

I'd also agree with @clten above that for that many people you could find a transfer cheaper mode elsewhere. I have heard from other people that they have hired a private car/limo/party bus type of transfer for cheaper than the $78/person round trip it would cost to go through Disney.

 

[Sailor-Minnie]

Disney transportation will cost you more. If you decide not to stay on Disney property, another great option would be to rent an AirBnB near the port! My in-laws have a rental house in Cocoa Beach, a 2 minute walk to the beach and pier, and about a 5 minute drive to the port, and frequently get cruisers who stay at the beginning of their vacation. This option may run you less than a hotel for 8, and and would give you a more fun atmosphere to fill your day until you’re ready to go check in for your cruise. I’m sure there are lots of hotel/rental options available beachside very close to the port.

 

[starry_solo]

Stay at the airport hotel and transfer out the next day. there are shuttle companies that provide transportation to Port Canaveral that are based at MCO and charge $15-25/pp one way. Or a private shuttle for just your family would be cheaper.

are you returning directly to MCO or will you have time on Disney property after?

 

[spacecanada]

We always stay at a Disney resort to keep magic throughout the entire trip. For a group of 8, DCL offers private transportation from WDW in a van that is much cheaper than the Magical Express.

 

[DIS_MIKE]

I agree on private transportation or perhaps rent a van? Hertz is showing just under $100 for a 12-person van (with AAA discount) from MCO to the port. That’s a lot better than paying $600 for Disney transfers.

 

[MouseOfCards]

Stay at the airport hotel and transfer out the next day. there are shuttle companies that provide transportation to Port Canaveral that are based at MCO and charge $15-25/pp one way. Or a private shuttle for just your family would be cheaper.

are you returning directly to MCO or will you have time on Disney property after?

We will be staying at WDW after the cruise. Does this impact your suggestion?

 

[MouseOfCards]

Thanks for all the ideas!

Would love to do a rental near the beach, but probably won't have much time to enjoy it.

 

[MouseOfCards]

I agree on private transportation or perhaps rent a van? Hertz is showing just under $100 for a 12-person van (with AAA discount) from MCO to the port. That’s a lot better than paying $600 for Disney transfers.

How convenient/difficult it is to do a rental van with port drop-off?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

How convenient/difficult it is to do a rental van with port drop-off?

It's not difficult. The rental offices are nearby and offer shuttles. I'd drop most of your party and have one or two go to the car drop off.

 

[DIS_MIKE]

It's not difficult. The rental offices are nearby and offer shuttles. I'd drop most of your party and have one or two go to the car drop off.

I agree. Dropping everybody off at the terminal along with the luggage is definitely the most convenient and then catch the free courtesy shuttle.

 

[starry_solo]

We will be staying at WDW after the cruise. Does this impact your suggestion?

maybe....That just means you have plenty of time for WDW after. If you were going home immediately thereafter, I might have suggested going to WDW on your arrival day...