Driving to Port...

[chefmb]

Hi. DH and I are taking our first cruise this month. Our port arrival time is 11:15-11:30. We've rented a car for a week since we are doing 4 nights at BWV before the cruise, and we want the car to do something before our flight after debarkation. We will park at the cruise terminal (planning on level 3 based on what I've read on the Dis). I don't want to stress about getting there on time, and I've Google mapped the drive at just over 1 hour. But, for those of you who have actually done the drive and parked at the terminal garage, what time should I really plan to leave BWV? I don't know how long to plan for parking and getting from the car to where we need to be to check in. I guess my thought is to leave right around 10, but what would those of you with experience recommend? Thanks!!

 

[Weedy]

It's an easy drive. Just about 1 hour.
FYI there are tolls.
Once you get to the Port you will pull up to the curb and drop off your bags. Make sure you have the luggage tags on the bags and that you have a day bag separate with the papers, bathing suits, RX's and anything else you might need.
You then will pull into the parking garage.
We've never had much luck with the 3rd floor entrance. The line has always moved slowly. So we've walked downstairs and entered though the ground floor entrance.

 

[truck1]

I would leave around 930ish. For a couple of reasons. One is the occasional traffic snafu, and the occasional I missed a turn, or need a snack.

With that siad, no.matter which way you go, when you get on the Beachline, get in the right lane and STAY THERE. The simple reason is that the Beach line will split. The right lane will go to the port but the left lane goes to the KSC. If you make the mistake of heading toward the KSC, there no easy way back. It's thru back roads that you end up heading back to the port. There's no easy bound reentry.

 

[Whodedo]

I agree about leaving around 9:30. It isn't just the drive, but dropping the luggage off as well and then parking in the garage, gathering items and for us, it was standing in a long line to go through security. All of that takes time.

 

[mickey0624]

Hi. DH and I are taking our first cruise this month. Our port arrival time is 11:15-11:30. We've rented a car for a week since we are doing 4 nights at BWV before the cruise, and we want the car to do something before our flight after debarkation. We will park at the cruise terminal (planning on level 3 based on what I've read on the Dis). I don't want to stress about getting there on time, and I've Google mapped the drive at just over 1 hour. But, for those of you who have actually done the drive and parked at the terminal garage, what time should I really plan to leave BWV? I don't know how long to plan for parking and getting from the car to where we need to be to check in. I guess my thought is to leave right around 10, but what would those of you with experience recommend? Thanks!!

It's very easy to park. Have done it twice and just done it two weeks ago. When pulling up to port, you tell them you are parking at pier. They let you pull right up, drop of your bags with a porter then go park. You then can go right into terminal and check in and get on ship. Your bags will appear at your room later in the day. Just make sure you know your room number to give to the porter when dropping off bags.

 

[OKW Lover]

Hi. DH and I are taking our first cruise this month. Our port arrival time is 11:15-11:30. We've rented a car for a week since we are doing 4 nights at BWV before the cruise, and we want the car to do something before our flight after debarkation. We will park at the cruise terminal (planning on level 3 based on what I've read on the Dis). I don't want to stress about getting there on time, and I've Google mapped the drive at just over 1 hour. But, for those of you who have actually done the drive and parked at the terminal garage, what time should I really plan to leave BWV? I don't know how long to plan for parking and getting from the car to where we need to be to check in. I guess my thought is to leave right around 10, but what would those of you with experience recommend? Thanks!!

We've done the drive from WDW several times. Agree with the results of google maps that its just about an hour drive. If you take 417 to 528 there is seldom any issues with traffic. Its really an easy drive. OTOH, if you go I-4 to 528 you can run into traffic issues, especially on I-4.

Once at the port you will be directed to a spot to drop off your luggage with the porters (typical tip is $2-3 per bag) and then you go park your car. From there you walk back to the terminal and do your checkin. Be sure to keep your passport/ID and cruise documents in a small carryon since you'll need them at checkin. Your PAT is the time you should arrive, no need to pad it for dropping off bags and parking. If they are busy, they may not let you in until your PAT.

Your plan to leave about 10 am is a good one.

 

[chefmb]

Thank you for all the replies. I'm making some notes