Getting to the #@& port

[tuliene]

Cruising with only my 5 yr old son in march. Made reservations at cocoa beach for the friday night (coming in day early). Everybody says 'rent a car' which will cost $39 + $9 for car seat + $9 in various sucharges + gas = $55 plus having to drive for an hour after a full day in the sky (we start at 6 am) and the hassle of returning the car the next morning. Somehow this doesn't really add up for me. (our disney transport back to airport is $60. Ideas options for transportation (I don't think meads goes to port canaveral that may be cheaper) - anyone had experience with a small party? (Does this sound whiny? sorry) Thanks in advance

 

[DaGrumpy]

I'd check into cost of shuttle fare to your hotel in Cocoa, because most hotels offer shuttle service to and from the port . This way you can take some stress off yourself and enjoy your vaction with your son.

 

[bushmaster]

We just returned from Jan 6 Eastern cruise. We rented a car from budget. I dropped my wife and 2 sons and luggage off at 10:50 am at the cruise terminal and took car back to budget. Since I had no luggage I was put on first shuttle back to the terminal. I arrived at port at 11:20 am. We stayed at the country inn suites near the port. On return, we were off the ship by 7:50 am and on the budget shuttle. We arrived at MCO before 9:00 am. No problems.

 

[tjeagle]

We debated and have finally decided to bite the bullet and go all out! Our kids have never rode in a Limo and are fascinated by them! So..we have a Limo from MCO to Cocoa Beach and then a Town car back to the airport after the trip!

 

[iankh]

Our last cruise there was only the 2 of us. I got a hotel near MCO on Hotwire (it turned out to be the Winngate Inn, was $47 and included breakfast), and did the DCL transfers.

The hotel had an airport shuttle. It was all relatively easy. It just depends on what's important to you, saving money or the "schlepp factor."

Actually, the shuttle and DCL transfers were relatively easy and best of all, I didn't have to think. We arrived at the port at about 10:00 AM.

If you do the math, the car rental would come out, with taxes and everything about at least $50 each way. Then factor in the cost of a hotel near the port.

If it's money, then look at what a hotel near the port will cost vs one near MCO. Also, factor in having to find your way to the port and hotel.

This next trip, there will be 5 of us, so the picture is quite a bit different. For us the DCL airport to port and port to resort cost would be $350 and a limo/van about $220, so the probably $100 spent on a rental car to the port and back starts to look good.

Think about what you want and what will work best for you.

 

[m4travel]

The size of the group really affects your choices. We're usually a party of two, so the DCL transfers are fine. We stay in the Hyatt in the airport (Hotwire usually has rooms available here), leave our luggage outside the door when we walk downstairs to breakfast, then walk further downstairs to the DCL desk. Chat with the other folks waiting for the first bus to the Port. Check-in/board/lunch. Luggage is waiting for us in our cabin. No muss, no fuss.

But Ian is correct, with a larger party other options can be more economical.

 

[IrishCowboy]

I normally prefer to rent a car, but I don't think if would be worth the hassle for you.

If there are only 2 in your party, I would just stay at airport and use DCL transfers. It would be less hectic for you.

 

[pershing]

I would also vote for the one option not listed.

Stay at MCO using priceline and rent a car to port. Cheapest way I can think.

 

[MOMMYMOUSEOF2]

What time does the first bus for the port depart?

 

[birkner]

Cruising with only my 5 yr old son in march. Made reservations at cocoa beach for the friday night (coming in day early). Everybody says 'rent a car' which will cost $39 + $9 for car seat + $9 in various sucharges + gas = $55 plus having to drive for an hour after a full day in the sky (we start at 6 am) and the hassle of returning the car the next morning. Somehow this doesn't really add up for me. (our disney transport back to airport is $60. Ideas options for transportation (I don't think meads goes to port canaveral that may be cheaper) - anyone had experience with a small party? (Does this sound whiny? sorry) Thanks in advance

If you are flying from say California, you are going to be exhausted by the time you get to Florida, I voted to stay at the Hyatt at the MCO. After an early dinner and a good night's sleep, you and your son will be ready to take the Disney Express early in the morning to the ship.

 

[kcashner]

We usually try to fly in the night before and get a Priceline room for about $35. Don't go below a 2.5*. At 2.5* and above, you will get either a shuttle to/from MCO or free breakfast, or both! Then just take the shuttle back to MCO and catch the DCL bus. Unfortunately, with 2 people, a car rental is about the same price as the shuttle but more hassle, a limo costs more.

We do the rental car IF we have a delay at the airport on the way home. That way, we can do Downtown Disney or whatever...without being stuck at MCO for hours.

 

[crzy4dsny]

I would go with a car service. It is not the cheapest way but it is the easiest and most convient. When I"m on vacation I don't like to drive at all.The driver will meet you at baggage claim and assist you with your luggage. He will then bring the car up to the door to pick you up. It is very quick and painless. We have used Tiffany Towncar many times and they have been great. Their price would be $180 round trip. To that you would have to add 20% for a tip. You don't have to worry about getting to your rental car, lugging your luggage around, getting lost, dealing with traffic or getting gas. You can just sit and relax.

I would stick with your CoCoa Beach reservation for the day before. It is much nicer to stay there than at the airport hotel.

The car service will also provide a car seat for free most times.

 

[tuliene]

I think the extra money I would spend on a car service would make up for the expensive airport hotel. I am willing to pay for convenience and i don't think i can do the airport area hotels (shuttle to and from airport) with little kid, looking for breakfast etc. The only shuttle to cocoa beach is DCL on day of cruise right? Thanks for opinions.

 

[tvguy]

I would go with a car service. It is not the cheapest way but it is the easiest and most convient. When I"m on vacation I don't like to drive at all..

That's the exact reason we took the Disney Bus!!! No driving involved. No looking for my car service, worrying they won't be there. We stayed at the Sheraton, one of the 6 or 8 hotels right off the hotel property. Grabbed the hotel shuttle at the airport to the hotel when I arrived. Grabbed the shuttle back the next day, they dropped us right off at the Disney bus.
I checked my brain the minute I got on the plane at home......and didn't have to turn it back on until I got off the plane when I got back home. Disney pampered me the entire time./