DCL ground transfer from MCO to Port- Full busses?

[GoneWDWCrazy]

Hi there! I was hoping someone who has used Disney ground transportation from the airport to Port Canaveral could answer this question. We are using it to get to the port, and I'm just wondering if it's difficult to get on the first bus that leaves the airport? DCL said the first bus leaves at 9:30, but does this fill up fast? We have a pretty early check in time for the ship, so I'm wanting to get there at a good time. Do we need to get to the Disney transportation area in the airport early to get on the first bus? This is our first cruise ever, so I'd love to hear what others have experienced.

FYI- I decided against renting a car to get to the port. It's just me and my son, so I just want the ease of Disney service.

Thank you so much for your help! I'm a dis boards newbie, so please be gentle

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi there! I was hoping someone who has used Disney ground transportation from the airport to Port Canaveral could answer this question. We are using it to get to the port, and I'm just wondering if it's difficult to get on the first bus that leaves the airport? DCL said the first bus leaves at 9:30, but does this fill up fast? We have a pretty early check in time for the ship, so I'm wanting to get there at a good time. Do we need to get to the Disney transportation area in the airport early to get on the first bus? This is our first cruise ever, so I'd love to hear what others have experienced.

FYI- I decided against renting a car to get to the port. It's just me and my son, so I just want the ease of Disney service.

Thank you so much for your help! I'm a dis boards newbie, so please be gentle

The first bus leave as soon as it's full. In my experience this has been by 9:10. The transfer desk opens at 9:00. Then the buses leave every 20 minutes or when full, whichever happens first.

It's not "difficult" to be on the first bus. If you get there early and wait. I'm saying like by 8:00.

There's not a whole lot of reason to be on that first bus, even with the earliest Port Arrival Time. When you arrive at the port via DCL transfers, you will be allowed to enter the terminal, regardless of what your actual PAT is. And you'll get the same boarding number (based on your PAT), regardless of when you check in. Actual boarding doesn't begin until (at the earliest) 11:15-11:30.

 

[GoneWDWCrazy]

Ok thank you so much, that's very helpful. I think I'm just expecting the worst since this is our first time. In my head, I'm thinking if I don't get on an early bus, we won't leave the airport for an hour or two. But you said they leave every 20 minutes or so? That's a relief. Thanks again!

 

[My2litteprincesses]

Ok thank you so much, that's very helpful. I think I'm just expecting the worst since this is our first time. In my head, I'm thinking if I don't get on an early bus, we won't leave the airport for an hour or two. But you said they leave every 20 minutes or so? That's a relief. Thanks again!

Have a great time!!!

 

[DIS_Ag]

So if we get there at 8:45, will we be a few busses back? Only reason I care about getting there early is I have a little budget for a port upgrade that in hoping to use.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

So if we get there at 8:45, will we be a few busses back? Only reason I care about getting there early is I have a little budget for a port upgrade that in hoping to use.

I'd say you'd be on one of the first 3 or 4 buses. And arrive at the port around 10:30-10:45. Since check in doesn't begin until 10:30 (11:00 for the classic ships), you'll probably be fine.