Disney Transport from Resort to Port Canaveral

[Stratus22]

I was wondering if anyone can provide information on utilizing Disney cruise Transportation from WDW resort to Port Canaveral? We usually just grab it at the airport but this October, we plan on staying at the resort pre-cruise and was wondering how easy it is to use the Transportation from the resorts. is there anything I need to do? I know at the airport we just jump on but will I need to notify Disney that we'll need to be picked up at the resort? Thanks in advance!!

 

[jdb in AZ]

I was wondering if anyone can provide information on utilizing Disney cruise Transportation from WDW resort to Port Canaveral? We usually just grab it at the airport but this October, we plan on staying at the resort pre-cruise and was wondering how easy it is to use the Transportation from the resorts. is there anything I need to do? I know at the airport we just jump on but will I need to notify Disney that we'll need to be picked up at the resort? Thanks in advance!!

When you book the transfers you'll need to specify which hotel you're staying at so they have an idea how many guests need transportation from each hotel. The main difference in taking the bus transfers from the hotels is that there's only one pick-up per resort. The night before your cruise you'll receive a sheet of instructions in your room, detailing what time to have your luggage ready for pickup -- usually 8 a.m. The instructions will also include what time to expect the bus, and where to meet.

 

[Stratus22]

Thanks for the Information!!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

The main difference in taking the bus transfers from the hotels is that there's only one pick-up per resort.

and that's a biggie, if you're used to taking it from the airport.

The instructions will also include what time to expect the bus, and where to meet.

Which you can expect at the earliest to be 11. Leaving later. Stopping at a couple/few more resorts before hitting the road.

 

[mevelandry]

Some don't like this transfer because it brings you to the cruiseship a little bit later in the day. We love it.

We did not like arriving earlier because we had to wait in long lines for check-in and then wait for them to call our groupe for boarding (standing up because there were not enough seats), and then there's a long line for Guest Services, and chaos in Cabanas and the room is not ready. We never relax 100% until the fire drill is done.

We loved arriving later with the resort shuttle (We arrived around 1:30) no line for check-in, we embarked right away, there was a smaller line at Guest Services, more seats at Cabanas and our room was ready. After we were done eating, unpacking, visiting the ship and having a drink and ice cream, then we have done the fire drill. No rush, it felt natural. We prefer that option. This is the one we chose for our next cruise.

 

[diznymom]

We also prefer taking DCL the bus from the resorts, and the later arrivals.

We get up, get dressed, make sure our luggage is all ready and sitting by the door w/ the DCL tags. Then we go eat a light b'fast and explore the resort some (very non-stressed time). We then go to where we are supposed to meet.....look for a CM w/ a nautical outfit on (different from the resort CMs). There is a little bit of a wait - waiting on everyone to arrive and the buses. The CM will check off your names on her list and that you have all your paperwork. The CM will let you know when it is time to board the bus. You go as a group and get on the bus and enjoy your trip.

 

[Quellman]

I will also add that unlike the Disney Magical Express which takes you to the airport for free, transfers to the cruiseline terminal are at a cost of $35 per person, each direction.

 

[scrappinginontario]

The night before your cruise you'll receive a sheet of instructions in your room, detailing what time to have your luggage ready for pickup -- usually 8 a.m. The instructions will also include what time to expect the bus, and where to meet.

We've found that the luggage pickup begins promptly at 8:00am so you would want to be fully packed by then and have your luggage waiting with cruise tags on it.

 

[Stratus22]

I will also add that unlike the Disney Magical Express which takes you to the airport for free, transfers to the cruiseline terminal are at a cost of $35 per person, each direction.

What time do you think I'd be able to catch the Magical Express to get us back to the airport so we can catch the Disney Cruise Line transportation there?

 

[tinkerone]

What time do you think I'd be able to catch the Magical Express to get us back to the airport so we can catch the Disney Cruise Line transportation there?

You should be able to get Magical Express back to the airport at just about any time you wish however why would you want to? Your looking at probably an hour bus ride to get to the airport and needing to take your own luggage, then once at the airport waiting to get a bus to the port which would be another hour bus ride. Seems like a lot of travel and wasted time. Of course while that's how I see it you could have a completely different thought in mind so I'm just wondering what the thinking is.

 

[Quellman]

What time do you think I'd be able to catch the Magical Express to get us back to the airport so we can catch the Disney Cruise Line transportation there?

Sorry, I do not know the answer to your question with regards to the hours of the Magical Express.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What time do you think I'd be able to catch the Magical Express to get us back to the airport so we can catch the Disney Cruise Line transportation there?

As noted taking Magical Express back to the airport, just to catch the DCL transport bus is a bit more involved than just taking it from the resort.

You'd have to tell the Magical Express people when you want to be at the airport. That's usually done by supplying them with a flight time. They will then schedule you for a pick up around 3 hours prior to that time to allow time to get to the airport and allow time for you to check in prior to your "flight".

DCL transfers open at MCO at 9:00. If you want to be on that first bus, you'd have to be out of your resort room an on the bus by 7:30. For me, that's just too early to be bothered with getting up, eating breakfast (you won't be eating until you board the ship sometime after 11:30 later that morning), and handling my own bags from resort on to ME bus, to the DCL transfer desk. Plus the 2+ hour I'd be traveling by bus that morning is not attractive.

And, even if you do take the very first bus out of MCO, and arrive by 10:30 to the port, your actual boarding number is tied to the Port Arrival Time you select during your online check in process. You'll get the same number regardless if you check in 30 minutes earlier, or 3 hours later than your PAT.

 

[bumbershoot]

Magical Express works 24 hours a day. You would just want to work out what time to leave the resort to be at MCO to catch the Disney bus back.

Even though I'm not a fan of getting to the port later, I still wouldn't do that. Such a waste of time and effort for me.

The ONLY difference (besides a bit of extra time on the road) between resort and MCO pickup is that you arrive later with resort pickup. If you can get your brain settled with that, then it's OK. For us, we were getting messages from my Daytona Beach family who had driven in and were on the ship exploring while we had just gotten on the bus. It was frustrating and irritating, and I felt like I never got that "missed" time back.

On the other hand, we happily arrived half an hour before rooms opened on our recent Royal cruise, knowing that we didn't want to be in the scrum. Made the day more relaxing. But we didn't have anyone onboard telling us about how awesome the ship was. (and theship didn't leave until 8pm LOL) So I can do it either way. Knowledge of what to expect is key!

 

[lanejudy]

What time do you think I'd be able to catch the Magical Express to get us back to the airport so we can catch the Disney Cruise Line transportation there?

If you want to get to the port earlier than the buses from WDW, I'd suggest looking into other transportation options. By going back to MCO, you'd end up spending a minimum of 2+ hours traveling that morning for what should be a 45-60 minute trip but the hassle of lugging bags and waiting and riding 2 separate buses. Depending on your party size, a private car service may be similar price (or less) compared to DCL transfers to go from WDW to the port.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Donna M]

My friend and I did the resort to MCO to port buses route last time and were fine with it. Here's why it worked for us:

• we get up early and didn't want to hang around the resort, we each have DVC, so have plenty of resort time
• it isn't like it's a two hour bus ride, you get off at MCO, but yes, it is more time traveling
• we used carry on only
• we were excited to get to the ship
• we were the first ones in Cabanas, no crowd at all, number 1 PAT
• it was only the two of us. I wouldn't do it with my family of kids.
• just way too excited and wouldn't want to wait til 1pm when we didn't have too, cheaper than other options too.
• we would do it again for sure. My dh wouldn't want to though.

 

[Stratus22]

For us, we have always had an early PAT time with a number 4 boarding. We always get on the ship at Noon, head to grab lunch, have a little fun in the Oceaneers club, run to our room and do meet and greets on the ship, all before the Muster Drill. We usually just stay at the Hyatt but we have recently become DVC members and are staying at the Polynesian Resort. Hyatt made it really easy. So this is why I am asking about the transportation from the resorts.

 

[lahobbs4]

I'm interested in all of these options, as well! It's our first DCL and it's always been so nice to have free Magical Express taking us to and from MCO, so I was a bit surprised to find out DCL isn't included in that!

Would renting a car from MCO to our resort stay, driving it to Port Canaveral and paying to park during the cruise be a good option? Newbies oner here! Family of 5.

 

[Quellman]

I'm interested in all of these options, as well! It's our first DCL and it's always been so nice to have free Magical Express taking us to and from MCO, so I was a bit surprised to find out DCL isn't included in that!

Would renting a car from MCO to our resort stay, driving it to Port Canaveral and paying to park during the cruise be a good option? Newbies oner here! Family of 5.

Price it out, include your tolls, gas, and parking at the port. Then price out a private limo/van transport from wherever to the port and back. You might find the private transport comparable, and then they will travel at the time YOU need and you won't have to drive!

 

[lanejudy]

For us, we have always had an early PAT time with a number 4 boarding. We always get on the ship at Noon, head to grab lunch, have a little fun in the Oceaneers club, run to our room and do meet and greets on the ship, all before the Muster Drill. We usually just stay at the Hyatt but we have recently become DVC members and are staying at the Polynesian Resort. Hyatt made it really easy. So this is why I am asking about the transportation from the resorts.

The main difference will be arrival time at the port. Coming from WDW you won't be onboard as early. But other than that it's basically the same as staying at the Hyatt and taking DCL transfers from MCO. Luggage will be handled for you around 8am. Plan a leisurely breakfast and maybe some time by the pool, depending on what pick-up time you are told. Maybe grab a snack at the resort before leaving because you'll be eating lunch a little later onboard.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

I'm interested in all of these options, as well! It's our first DCL and it's always been so nice to have free Magical Express taking us to and from MCO, so I was a bit surprised to find out DCL isn't included in that!

Would renting a car from MCO to our resort stay, driving it to Port Canaveral and paying to park during the cruise be a good option? Newbies oner here! Family of 5.

The reason that they don't offer free transport to the port is that unlike WDW, the port is about an hour from the airport.

As for which option would be best for you, it depends a lot on what you want to do. 5 people means Disney transfers will be one of the most expensive options ($35/person each way.)

How long are you staying at the resort? Do you want to be able to go anywhere other than to WDW and the port? Do you want to stop anywhere to pick up supplies or beer/wine for the ship? Is it important to you to get to the ship early? Do you hate to drive? How long is your cruise?

Depending on your answers to these questions, Disney Transfers, a car service, a rental car for the whole time or two one-way rental cars all could be good options.