DCL transportation: will I regret this?

[lanejudy]

Is it still true (treading conflicting reports on the boards) that the Hyatt DCL bus is first arrive and enter the terminal.

If a DCL transfer bus arrives at the terminal prior to terminal opening, then yes those guests will be allowed into the terminal first before it opens to guests arriving by other means. It's not guaranteed that the first bus from MCO will arrive prior to terminal opening but it does seem to occur often.

Guests arriving by any other other means, and arriving prior to the terminal opening, will be held outside. Who actually manages to be first in that line and how they arrived -- my bet is on someone arriving by car and parking it in the garage. There are several reports that many limo services and hotel or rental shuttles will not pick-up with intent to arrive earlier than 11am, though some have been successful.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[cariann77]

we are flying into MCO the day before our cruise on April 24 and staying at a Disney resor(ASMusic). We are scheduled for DCL transportation. I really like the aspect of not worrying about anything and just letting Disney take us. However, I've read where people don't get to the cruise until 4! I don't mind getting there later (1-2), but 4 is a little late. We really want to eat lunch onboard but if we have dinner at 5:45, it might get too late. Any advice or experience about this process? Thanks!!

We are here now and got our letter last night. They start picking up luggage at 8am. Our departure time for port is 12:15pm. Later than I'd hoped for. Hopefully, we're the last resort for pick up.

 

[RedSox68]

Is there a reason you're staying at a Disney resort? That is, are you enjoying the parks before hand? Otherwise, if you want to get to the port earlier, you might consider just staying at the Hyatt MCO, then you can get up and head down to the buses first thing.

We loved this option and were at the port by 10:30 a.m. the two times we did it.

 

[mmouse37]

didnt know they will claim your luggage for you, is there a form we have to fill out? or just put our luggage tag? sorry, dont mean to hijack the thread, but saw this and wondered.. thanks.

Baggage retrieval is an extra fee, not included in price of the room. You can arrange this with the hotel directly.

Hotel Features

• 445 spacious guestrooms with plush Grand Beds™
• Day use rooms
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Baggage retrieval upon arrival (fee)
• Airline ticket counter
• Boarding Pass printing available
• On-site ATM
• Award-winning Hemisphere Restaurant

It is very convenient to leave on one of buses from MCO. You don't have to stay at the Hyatt. You can stay at any of the less expensive airport hotels and catch their shuttle back to MCO to meet the DCL bus. Yes, staying at the Hyatt is the most convenient but sometimes can be pricey for the room.



MJ

 

[RedSox68]

It is very convenient to leave on one of buses from MCO. You don't have to stay at the Hyatt. You can stay at any of the less expensive airport hotels and catch their shuttle back to MCO to meet the DCL bus. Yes, staying at the Hyatt is the most convenient but sometimes can be pricey for the room.

MJ

We got a AAA discount both times and it was a very reasonable price. Of course, that was a few years ago now.

 

[mmouse37]

We got a AAA discount both times and it was a very reasonable price. Of course, that was a few years ago now.

Definitely can find deals at times. I was able to stay on a state gov't rate before my husband retired which was great. I have also found the Hyatt on Lastminutetravel.com for a really good rate. I knew it was the Hyatt by the photos (the site does not give you the name of hotel until you book).

MJ

 

[nenglim]

when you arrive at the port before your PAT, will they let you in? Our PAT is 12:00pm, i am planning to get there by 11 to 1130am. will i be made to wait outside?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

when you arrive at the port before your PAT, will they let you in? Our PAT is 12:00pm, i am planning to get there by 11 to 1130am. will i be made to wait outside?

It depends. If the terminal is busy, as it well may be before boarding begins, you might be asked to wait until either the terminal is less busy or your selected Port Arrival Time.

Once boarding begins (usually around 11:30) the terminal does start to free up, and early arrivals may be allowed to enter.

I will point out, however, regardless of when you actually arrive and check in, the boarding number you get at check in is tied to your PAT. And remains the same, whether you arrive early or late.

 

[nenglim]

It depends. If the terminal is busy, as it well may be before boarding begins, you might be asked to wait until either the terminal is less busy or your selected Port Arrival Time.

Once boarding begins (usually around 11:30) the terminal does start to free up, and early arrivals may be allowed to enter.

I will point out, however, regardless of when you actually arrive and check in, the boarding number you get at check in is tied to your PAT. And remains the same, whether you arrive early or late.

thank you. when we cruised last year, we had an early flight into MCO and got on the first DCL bus out. Arrived earlier than out PAT but were let in. I remembered we did not board until later but we were ok hanging out at the terminal. Just didnt want to wait outside in the July heat.