DCL Transport

[DizOz]

We are heading to WDW then onto a Disney Cruise next year. I have been thinking about after the cruise that we might go out to the KSC for the day and then head back to Orlando (We have a few nights at Portofino at Universal).

Can anyone suggest how I can get from DCL to KSC and then back to the Portofino?

There will be 2 families of 4 so 8 people.

The only thinkg I can think of is getting a hire car and oay extra to have the drop off back in Orlando. Any suggestions of who we can use or alternatives to consider?

 

[stitchlovestink]

We are heading to WDW then onto a Disney Cruise next year. I have been thinking about after the cruise that we might go out to the KSC for the day and then head back to Orlando (We have a few nights at Portofino at Universal).

Can anyone suggest how I can get from DCL to KSC and then back to the Portofino?

There will be 2 families of 4 so 8 people.

The only thinkg I can think of is getting a hire car and oay extra to have the drop off back in Orlando. Any suggestions of who we can use or alternatives to consider?

Well when we go on DCL we always rent a car from Enterprise to get to the port and turn it in at the office in Cape Canaveral. Then after the cruise, we go back to the same office rent a car to drive back to WDW where we turn it in the next day. It doesn't cost more to turn it in to a different office, but it does cost a little more because it's only a 1 day rental. This works well for us as we take ME back to MCO so we don't have to handle the luggage at the airport. HTH

 

[NHdisneylover]

For what you are doing, I agree with the pp that a one day rental car is likely your best option. Budget, Avis, Thrifty and Herz all have offices near the port and allow one way rentals. They also all have free shuttles to/from the cruise terminal (though we find it worth the extra cost to avoid the hassle and take a taxi to the agency).
As a base of comparision, we have a mid sized car from Budget (they seem to consistently have the ebst one way rates) reserved for the Saturday we disembark next month--returning at MCO that night. Our total with all taxes and fees is $69. You will likely get hit with a higher rate for being non US residents, but it should still not be outrageous.
With your group size it will probably be much cheaper to rent two cars instead of trying for one large van.

 

[Edd]

You might coinsider car service for your group. A van would probably run you around $230.00 round trip. The van would hold the whole group and get you to the ship much faster. Upon disembarkation you would get to the airport straight from the ship, bypassing the procedure of going over and picking up a vehicle.

 

[NHdisneylover]

You might coinsider car service for your group. A van would probably run you around $230.00 round trip. The van would hold the whole group and get you to the ship much faster. Upon disembarkation you would get to the airport straight from the ship, bypassing the procedure of going over and picking up a vehicle.

This would be a great option if they wanted to go straight to the airport. Did you see that they want to go to the Space Center first? That really throws a kink in anything other than a rental car.

 

[Edd]

No, it does not as there are companies out there that a trip to KSC can be arranged. Of course, it might cost them a little bit more.

 

[NHdisneylover]

No, it does not as there are companies out there that a trip to KSC can be arranged. Of course, it might cost them a little bit more.

I stand corrrected. I have only ever found companies which will drop you at KSC but then another van may come later so you have to keep your belongings with you--which leaves you at KSC with luggage to tote around. Good to know that this option is now out there (I haven't been to KSC in about 5 years). Amazing that $230 will get you a van and a driver who will wait for a few hours while you tour the space center as well. Goes to show how tight the competition is!

 

[Edd]

A van will not wait around for the $230.00. There would be extra fees involved in the waiting at the port. There will be some visitors who will be happy to pay the extra amounts.

 

[goofy4tink]

You could use a car service (van or SUV) for the trip to port, but rent a car/van for the trip to KSC and then to Portofino. Only one person would have to go get the car, most car rental companies have a shuttle right there at the ship. That person can take the shuttle to the rental office, pick up the car and then head back to pickup the others and the luggage. I would recommend Budget.

 

[NHdisneylover]

A van will not wait around for the $230.00. There would be extra fees involved in the waiting at the port. There will be some visitors who will be happy to pay the extra amounts.

Okay, thanks for clarifying

You could use a car service (van or SUV) for the trip to port, but rent a car/van for the trip to KSC and then to Portofino. Only one person would have to go get the car, most car rental companies have a shuttle right there at the ship. That person can take the shuttle to the rental office, pick up the car and then head back to pickup the others and the luggage. I would recommend Budget.

That works well We have done it several times and will do is again next month. We are using the convience of a van (shared with friends) to go TO the ship, but renting a car so we will have transportation all day after our cruise (our flight is not until late evening). Actualy our share of the van cost (we divided the cost per person) will be about the same amount as the car rental plus gas and tolls.

 

[stitchlovestink]

For what you are doing, I agree with the pp that a one day rental car is likely your best option. Budget, Avis, Thrifty and Herz all have offices near the port and allow one way rentals. They also all have free shuttles to/from the cruise terminal (though we find it worth the extra cost to avoid the hassle and take a taxi to the agency).
As a base of comparision, we have a mid sized car from Budget (they seem to consistently have the ebst one way rates) reserved for the Saturday we disembark next month--returning at MCO that night. Our total with all taxes and fees is $69. You will likely get hit with a higher rate for being non US residents, but it should still not be outrageous.
With your group size it will probably be much cheaper to rent two cars instead of trying for one large van.

we got a GMC Yukon from Enterprise on 11/8/09 for $65. and change. On the way to port (11/4-5/09) we got a Ford Escape (or Edge whichever is the larger of the two) for $59 and change. The one thing I do like about enterprise is we have been given free upgrades many times and they give you a little leeway (about an hour or so) on a 24 hour rental. Not all other rental companies are flexible w/ their return times. Best of luck though w/ whatever you choose.

No, it does not as there are companies out there that a trip to KSC can be arranged. Of course, it might cost them a little bit more.

IMO it would not be a little bit more, but A LOT MORE. Esp when you are talking the larger vehicles or vans. But w/ a little research on the OP's part should yield them somewhat specific costs.

 

[DizOz]

Thanks so much for all your replies. I think we will get a hire car/van.

Can someone alos advise the following:

1. How long is the drive from DCL back to Orlando
2. How long is the drive from DCL to KSC.

Thanks again.

 

[NHdisneylover]

DCL to the airport is 45 minutes to an hour (closer to the 45 usually).
I want to say it took 15-20 minutes to get to KSC, but it has been a while so I am not sure on that one.

I speak Americaneese--does "hire a car/van" mean rent your own vehicle and do your own driving (I think it is this one) or using a company which will drive you (which we would tend to say is hiring a towncar/van)? I have no NEED to know--I am just nosey

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks so much for all your replies. I think we will get a hire car/van.

Can someone alos advise the following:

1. How long is the drive from DCL back to Orlando
2. How long is the drive from DCL to KSC.

Thanks again.

1. plan on about an hour...maybe a bit more if there is traffic.
2. It took us about 30 mins but that was from a bit down the road in Cocoa Beach.

 

[DizOz]

1. plan on about an hour...maybe a bit more if there is traffic.
2. It took us about 30 mins but that was from a bit down the road in Cocoa Beach.

Thanks Goofy4Tink