FREE Parking at the Port (short term)?

[GenieDana]

I read recently there is a free short term parking lot at the Disney terminal.

<b>MFan</b> suggested the following:

Another option after dropping off luggages is for you to park the rental car at the free short-term lot across the main street. You can then check-in, board the ship, and have lunch first all together. When you're settled into your cabin, you can send the driver back to return the rental car at his/her leisure.

Can anyone confirm if there is a FREE short term lot available, and is it only for rentals, or can you use it for your personal vehicle?

Thanks!

 

[Michelle]

Hmm, not that I know of. As of last December that lot was used for Wonder guests and the lot closest to the terminal was for Magic guests. BOTH lots charged for parking.

I'd be interested to hear if anything has changed.

 

[MFan]

Since I was quoted, I figured I better speak up...

I can confirm the FREE short-term lot because I did exactly as I suggested on both our 5/10/03 Western and our 2001 Eastern trips.

The short-term lot is located across the street from the terminal area and the long-term fee lots. If you been there before, it's the lot on your right as you approach the left turn lane leading into the terminal area. It's also where the terminal workers park their cars and where DCL erected a tent to serve as the waiting area for all hotel and rental car shuttles.

The lot is open without a gate or an attendent. So, they would have no idea if you are driving a rental car or not. However, I'm sure overnight parking is not allowed there.

 

[GenieDana]

<b>MFan</b>

Please point out which lot it is. I'm planning to do just as you suggested. Attached is a link to Dave's site of the terminal parking area.

Is it the lot just south of the pond?

See: http://www.dcltribute.com/directions/terminal_map.htm

Thanks <b>MFan</b>!

 

[ThreeCircles]

I've sailed on the Magic three times and have thus parked at the port on those three occasions. I don't think I've ever seen a "Short Term Parking lot" as stated. Of course, that doesn't mean that they absolutely don't exist.

Here is the FAQ on available parking from the Canaveral Port Authority:

Parking at Port Canaveral's Cruise Terminals is paved, gated, and under 24-hour surveillance. Parking fee is $10.00 per day for vehicles up to 20 feet in length and $20.00 per day for vehicles over 20 feet. The total amount for the time the vehicle is to be parked must be paid in full upon entering the parking area. Visa, MasterCard, Traveler's Checks issued in U.S. dollars and Cash are accepted in payment of fees. All fees stated above are subject to change without notice by Canaveral Port Authority.

Limited free parking is available in "Daytime Only" parking lots at each Cruise Terminal for persons having business at the Terminal or aboard the Cruise Ship only during the hours the ship is docked at the Terminal. No overnight parking is permitted in "Daytime Only" parking lots without the express permission of Canaveral Port Authority.

Parking for SunCruz Casino is free and located in The Cove near the bulkhead between Rusty's and Morgan's Seafood Restaurants. There also is free parking at Cruise Terminal 2 for Sterling Casino Lines.

You may want to attempt to call the authority directly and address your parking concerns to those whoe should know for certain.

The address/number:

Canaveral Port Authority
P.O. Box 267
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Phone: 321.783.7831
Fax: 321.784.6223

And finally, on the web: http://www.portcanaveral.org/

 

[CarolAnnC]

You can then check-in, board the ship, and have lunch first all together. When you're settled into your cabin, you can send the driver back to return the rental car at his/her leisure.

Once you have boarded the ship at the Port, how do you disembark? Customs closes up after the disembarkation of the previous guests, and I do not think you are allowed to leave the ship at will once you have boarded.

 

[MFan]

GenieDana:

From Dave's map, it's the 3 connected lots under the pond (they may not all be open to public though). I always park at the last lot - the one noted with "Parking lot exit" (you can enter from there as well.) So, instead of making a left turn to go to the terminal, you can just make a right turn into the short-term lot. You might want to drive to the middle lot to be closer to the crosswalk to the terminal. We used to just walk cross the street at the lot exit. But, with the added security, I think they only let you cross at the crosswalk.

The new waiting tent for shuttles taht I mentioned is located just under the phrase "These parking lots are still open".


CarolAnnK:

Yes, you can disembark. I did it for all 3 of my DCL cruises, both pre and post 9/11. If security asks, just tell them you're returning your rental car. Of course, you'll have to pass thru the security again when reboarding the ship. So, be sure to have your KTTW card and photo ID with you.