driving to port/drop off/parking questions

[mog]

Last time we went, we flew down, rented from Avis and took a shuttle to the port. This time we are driving and parking at the port.
Can someone explain the details of how this works? Can we drive right up and drop luggage off with porters before we park? Will it be obvious where to go when we get to the port? What time will they let us drop off luggage and arrive? If we drop off luggage, do we walk with our carryons from the parking lot, or is it far away and we ride a shuttle? Any other details would be appreciated!
thanks

 

[ruvidu]

You will drive up and a porter will assist you with your luggage. You may also elect to leave everyone but the driver at this time as well. I believe the terminal now opens at 10:30 AM.
You will then drive your car a short distance to the pay parking lot and then walk back to the terminal. You will be checked by CMs against a list of guests to insure you are OK and then proceed through a checkpoint.

NOTE: Be sure not to leave any food, gum or open beverages in your car while you are gone. The ants will invade your car.

Have a great trip,

Russ

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

I have a map of the terminal property that shows the traffic flow that ruvidu described...

www.dcltribute.com/directions/terminal_map.htm

 

[Cassi]

And I can't stress enough to listen to Dave's directions when he says the highway splits and stay to the right. In case anyone passed a car stuck in the median for the 1/19 Wonder and saw a stressed looking woman trying to push her car out of the mud, that was me. I panicked, stayed to the right, DH called Disney and they told him to go to the left, so I did a U-turn on the grass median (shame on me, I know), and promptly stuck our car in the mud. With the weight of all the luggage in the trunk and DH's wheelchair on the back of the car, we got stuck all the way to the bumper. An hour after I called AAA, one of the police officers told me I shouldn't expect them for 3-4 hours, and I thought for sure we were going to miss the ship. But then this man (angel!) with an old military truck stopped with a chain and pulled us out! So, to make a long story short, listen to Dave, and never make a U-turn on the median, no matter how far away the next exit is! In my defense, I'm not used to soft ground. Everything here is frozen solid.

Dave, your directions were perfect. Thank you.

 

[ruvidu]

One of the rules is not to worry if you become stuck in mud or snow. Presently at least one 4 wheel drive truck with chain and or rope will stop to assist you. Do not attempt to pay these people. They live for this and it makes their day.
This rule is especially true in SC where we live.
Glad you made the ship.

Russ