Dropping off luggage at the port

[DisneyDudet]

We have always taken DCL transport to the port from the airport (stayed at the Hyatt). We are now looking into the whole rental car thing. This will be my 8th DCL cruise, but my first trying out this option (if we end up doing it). We will most likely be coming from the Swan or Dolphin (a free night stay with SPG points) to play a Disney a bit since the cheapest flight arrives at noon.

I hear it's a bit easier to drop someone off with the luggage, then return the car. My question is, does someone have to stay at the terminal after checking the bags? It will just be 2 of us going, and DH hates going into the unknown alone (social anxiety), plus isn't the best at navigating (even with a GPS). I was wondering if we can check in our bags, then both go and return the car, coming back together on the shuttle. If not, that's ok. We will just have to juggle bags.

Thanks in advance for your answers, tips, an suggestions! I feel so much like a newbie with this aspect of cruising lol!

 

[MouseMomx2]

No, you don't have to stay with the bags. You can drop them off and then return the car together. The porters whisk your bags away and have no idea where you go after that. Our friends dropped off their bags and then took their car to an off-site parking facility together without any issues.

 

[Tink3350]

Does anyone know what the earliest time is that you can drop your bags off?

 

[DisneyDudet]

No, you don't have to stay with the bags. You can drop them off and then return the car together. The porters whisk your bags away and have no idea where you go after that. Our friends dropped off their bags and then took their car to an off-site parking facility together without any issues.

Thanks! That will make my husband (and me) feel much better. How far are the rental companies? Is there a gas station along the way?

Does anyone know what the earliest time is that you can drop your bags off?

Good question! I would like to know as well!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Does anyone know what the earliest time is that you can drop your bags off?

The port opens at 10:30.

 

[MouseMomx2]

Thanks! That will make my husband (and me) feel much better. How far are the rental companies? Is there a gas station along the way?

They are all just a few miles down A1A from the port. There are several gas stations on the way.

 

[DisneyDudet]

Awesome! Thanks for all the help!!

 

[Beermam42]

We tried to drop bags around 9:15 and they were still handling departures. Nice man told just park on third floor of garage and they would start picking up bags about 10:15 in garage on third floor. He was dead on. So as has been said do not show up at drop point before 10. Make sure you have all papers with you, you cannot get to your bags. You can go drop car, come back take elevator to third floor of garage and this is were your jorney will begin. The first check is ID, passport or drivers licence and birth certificate, next is security check, then check in with DCL, then boarding. Good luck.

 

[MouseMomx2]

We tried to drop bags around 9:15 and they were still handling departures. Nice man told just park on third floor of garage and they would start picking up bags about 10:15 in garage on third floor. He was dead on. So as has been said do not show up at drop point before 10. Make sure you have all papers with you, you cannot get to your bags. You can go drop car, come back take elevator to third floor of garage and this is were your jorney will begin. The first check is ID, passport or drivers licence and birth certificate, next is security check, then check in with DCL, then boarding. Good luck.

OP - You do not need to go to the third floor of the garage. You will be able to enter the terminal right from the street, near where the shuttle drops you off.

 

[DisneyDudet]

Thanks everyone. We have pretty much decided on our plan. I guess we should plan on being at the port to drop off luggage at 1030. I hope the rental car return and shuttle process isn't too long. I will make sure I have a early PAT, so that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Beermam42]

OP - You do not need to go to the third floor of the garage. You will be able to enter the terminal right from the street, near where the shuttle drops you off.

Shuttle drop them at drop off area with bags, they turned in bags and were sent to elevators in grarage and told to go to third floor which is the bridge into the terminal. You just never know.

 

[Beermam42]

OP - You do not need to go to the third floor of the garage. You will be able to enter the terminal right from the street, near where the shuttle drops you off.

Shuttle drop them at drop off area with bags, they turned in bags and were sent to elevators in grarage and told to go to third floor which is the bridge into the terminal. You just never know.

 

[Minniedap]

Just cruised 2 weeks ago. We stood in the line outside terminal where we dropped off bags. They told us we could go to 3rd floor of the parking garage if we wanted shade. The part of our group (we had 25) that went to the 3rd floor got in before they opened the gate down below. Overall it was a very easy process.

 

[DisneyDudet]

Just cruised 2 weeks ago. We stood in the line outside terminal where we dropped off bags. They told us we could go to 3rd floor of the parking garage if we wanted shade. The part of our group (we had 25) that went to the 3rd floor got in before they opened the gate down below. Overall it was a very easy process.

What time were you able to get in to drop off luggage ? I anticipate the rental car return and shuttle back to the port to take quite a bit of time.

 

[Minniedap]

We were there by 10 AM and dropped off luggage as soon as we got there. Had to wait in line until 10:30 then they opened terminal. Our PAT was 11 AM but we were checked in by then and had a boarding #3.