DCL transfers

[WINTER]

what are some pros and cons of using DCL transfers?

 

[Adventurelawyer]

Con expense.
Pro: worry free they take tour baggage from the airport carrousel, fairly comfortable, really don’t have to worry about being late, once you are checked in with the bus.

 

[bakerworld]

Are the DCL transfers from the airport the same cost as from the WDW resorts?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Are the DCL transfers from the airport the same cost as from the WDW resorts?

Yes.

 

[anjuan]

We stay at the MCO Hyatt the night before so we can leave our bags in the hotel room and the next time we see them is on the ship. There are just two of us so the price really isn't that different than using other transportation. I know it's more for a larger group.

We also enjoy it because it starts to get us in the Disney mood on the way to the ship. It is so easy to take.

 

[jdb in AZ]

what are some pros and cons of using DCL transfers?

How many people are in your group? If you have more than four people it's cheaper to hire a limo service which will pick you up sooner than the transfer bus, and it's more private. Some of the drivers will also make a stop along the way to pick up snacks for your cruise.

The transfer bus has a cutesy Disney video enroute, and the windows of the bus make it look like windows on a ship. It arrives at the port after boarding has started so the terminal isn't as crowded, but you lose an hour or two of ship time.

 

[Adventurelawyer]

We also enjoy it because it starts to get us in the Disney mood on the way to the ship. It is so easy to take.

This right here!

 

[WINTER]

We stay at the MCO Hyatt the night before so we can leave our bags in the hotel room and the next time we see them is on the ship. There are just two of us so the price really isn't that different than using other transportation. I know it's more for a larger group.

We also enjoy it because it starts to get us in the Disney mood on the way to the ship. It is so easy to take.

You feel confident that by leaving the bags in the room they will appear in your stateroom?? I would be leary I think. We are staying at the Hyatt in July and didn't know about this.

 

[Quellman]

You feel confident that by leaving the bags in the room they will appear in your stateroom?? I would be leary I think. We are staying at the Hyatt in July and didn't know about this.

There's a process/program that the Hyatt uses for this. You'll need to coordinate further with them about it. I personally would just as soon take my own bags to the bus if i have a couple. Less to worry about.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

You feel confident that by leaving the bags in the room they will appear in your stateroom?? I would be leary I think. We are staying at the Hyatt in July and didn't know about this.

We've done it several times. As noted, there is a "procedure". You'll get a letter telling you the process, but, basically, you leave your bags in your room, head down to the transfer location, and hand the CM there the slip you remove from the letter telling them your information (how many bags, what room #).



Also, I believe, there's now a charge for this, and you have to let DCL know in advance that you'll be using this.

 

[Starwind]

You feel confident that by leaving the bags in the room they will appear in your stateroom?? I would be leary I think. We are staying at the Hyatt in July and didn't know about this.

WHen we have done the transfers from the Hyatt, we would go to their restaurant for breakfast early, then come back to the room before the stated luggage pickup time. We would wait until they picked up the luggage and then head down to the DCL transfers area in the airport. That way we at least knew the bags had been picked up.

SW

 

[Brett Wyman]

Are these the standard DCL buses?

 

[lanejudy]

Are these the standard DCL buses?

They are coach buses, like DME uses between MCO and WDW resorts. Not the WDW buses between resorts and parks.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Are these the standard DCL buses?

As opposed to......?

They have DCL specific buses:



And, sometimes they use some of the Magical Express buses


With plush seats

 

[Brett Wyman]

As opposed to......?

As opposed to generic 3rd party charter buses. Thanks for the verification.

We will be staying at the Polynesian for three days before our cruise and we will have our very comfortable van with us. But our kids LOVE to ride the bus. Outside of fun for the kids is it crazy to not drive if you have your own car?

 

[Geomom]

As opposed to generic 3rd party charter buses. Thanks for the verification.

We will be staying at the Polynesian for three days before our cruise and we will have our very comfortable van with us. But our kids LOVE to ride the bus. Outside of fun for the kids is it crazy to not drive if you have your own car?

If I had my car with me, I'd drive. The DCL bus is $39/person each way...so $78/person roundtrip. I did a quick search, looks like the parking garage rates are $17/day--so it would definitely be cheaper for you to drive/park vs. taking the bus. You can also get to the port earlier driving than if you take the Disney bus.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

As opposed to generic 3rd party charter buses. Thanks for the verification.

We will be staying at the Polynesian for three days before our cruise and we will have our very comfortable van with us. But our kids LOVE to ride the bus. Outside of fun for the kids is it crazy to not drive if you have your own car?

Well, I believe you have to pay for parking at the resort anyway, so driving to the port would probably save you money.

 

[miss0033]

We bring Wine and/or Beer on board depending on our trip. If taking transfers direct from airport, be aware it would be difficult to transfer luggage from a checked bag to a carry on, as DCL's policy is all beverages must be carried on.

Our friends keep one checked bag without the DCL tag on it, just the airport tag, pick it up at baggage claim, transfer what they need to, and give the checked bag to the bus driver.

 

[Brett Wyman]

Well, I believe you have to pay for parking at the resort anyway, so driving to the port would probably save you money.

We are DVC so we dont pay parking, but I'm not sure about leaving it there while on a cruise. Ill have to inquirer.

 

[Adventurelawyer]

We bring Wine and/or Beer on board depending on our trip. If taking transfers direct from airport, be aware it would be difficult to transfer luggage from a checked bag to a carry on, as DCL's policy is all beverages must be carried on.

Our friends keep one checked bag without the DCL tag on it, just the airport tag, pick it up at baggage claim, transfer what they need to, and give the checked bag to the bus driver.

Its not that big of a deal.

rather than tagging your bag (the one containing your adult beverages) pick it up at the carousel and then transfer your goodies. Zip up and tag the bag. Drag it to the transpo desk and they will just put it underneath the bus taking you to the ship. Note that you would have to follow this same process if you stay the night prior in Orlando, whether at MCO Hyatt or another hotel.
DH and I like our drinks, so the extra 15 or ao minutes didn’t bother us one bit the last time we did it. That being said, watch the weight on your luggage. The wine bottles put us over and it ended up being a whole “thing” at check it when were leaving out home airport. I should have checked before we left the house.