Help Re: Post-Cruise Transport: Port Canaveral -> MCO

[xdriv3]

Hi all,

I've looked at some tips and tricks on this site and others. Most say that non DCL ground transport is usually the best bet for larger parties. I just want to make sure I'm thinking through this correctly.

We're a party of 4 adults and 2 toddlers. To us convenience will trump cost (up to a reasonable amount).

DCL transport is $45/person one-way. Total cost for us is $270 (one-way) or $540 (round-trip)

I've priced out a one-way trip for private car service -> it's $275 (excluding tip).

With that said: DCL shuttle wins for a few reason--> (1) No rush to check in online as I don't have to scramble for a boarding/check-in time. (2) I don't have to worry about missing my scheduled ride. (3) Final total cost will be less. I've done the DCL shuttles before and they were pretty comfortable.

Am I missing anything? $540 is pretty steep, but I don't think I can get any cheaper than that right?

Thanks!

 

[sponica]

Honestly with toddlers I prefer the DCL transfers, with a private service you're going to either have to pay extra to use their car seats or fly down with yours and install them in the car. I think when I priced the transfers out, they ended up about the same as a service for my party of 4 because we needed at least one 5 point restraint.

 

[auntlynne]

You found the better deal - being Disney in this case. Often, it’s not the case.

Perhaps a sweet spot for using private is >2 but <6 ?

Glad to see you did some research!

 

[Mommb]

My guess for why Disney is less expensive in this case is that with 6 people you need at least a minivan, which is more expensive than a sedan.

I agree that for your group, the Disney bus makes sense.

 

[ljhayes]

If you're getting Disney transport from MCO you will still need to select a PAT. While the PAT technically won't matter, the boarding group associated with it will, as you won't be allowed on the ship until that time.

 

[lscrivan18]

Which company did you get that private transfer quote from? I use Gear Fusion and for a 7 passenger SUV from WDW to Port Canaveral is $190, $180 if it's MCO to Port Canaveral. In this case, private comes to much less roundtrip compared to Disney transfers for your group. Car seats are $5 which is what I do as I don't fly with one.

It's funny what's convenient for one person versus another. I think being on a bus and making multiple pickup stops is inconvenient (if catching it from WDW). I prefer private because I set the pickup time and go straight to the ship. Being onboard an hour early isn't worth it for us for the inconvenience of a shared shuttle and not choosing our departure time.

 

[sponica]

I think being on a bus and making multiple pickup stops is inconvenient (if catching it from WDW)

Maybe this is dependent on where you stay? I'm 99% sure the bus I was on pulled up empty to POR and went straight to the port, maybe it went to FQ first, but there were A LOT of people who boarded at POR so I'm not entirely convinced. Post cruise, we were the only people who got off at WL before it went to CR/BLT.

 

[Mom2Anna&Elsa]

I'm booking DCL transfers because I know my 8 year old and her bladder, and a bathroom on the bus is a necessity for a two hour drive. You won't get that in private transport. The girl can't go on a non-stop 2 hour flight without using the bathroom at least once.

 

[lscrivan18]

I'm booking DCL transfers because I know my 8 year old and her bladder, and a bathroom on the bus is a necessity for a two hour drive. You won't get that in private transport. The girl can't go on a non-stop 2 hour flight without using the bathroom at least once.

It's not a two hour drive if you use private transport

 

[lanejudy]

Am I missing anything?

I'm confused... are you asking about PRE-cruise transfers (which your post implies) or POST-cruise transfers which the title states?

Anyway, some thoughts...

How old are the toddlers? I was under the impression that under a certain age, DCL doesn't charge. So it could be less. I might be wrong and I know someone here will set me straight if that's the case.

As a PP mentions, pre-cruise transfers from MCO will still require you to select a PAT. It's only transfers from MCO Hyatt or a WDW resort that automatically assigns the PAT.

Are you (or the children's parents) OK with no car seat on the DCL bus? No judgement, just knowing that it's a big deal for some. If use of a car seat is important you'll need to plan other transfers (probably car service or rental).

 

[lanejudy]

Maybe this is dependent on where you stay? I'm 99% sure the bus I was on pulled up empty to POR and went straight to the port, maybe it went to FQ first, but there were A LOT of people who boarded at POR so I'm not entirely convinced. Post cruise, we were the only people who got off at WL before it went to CR/BLT.

Bus routes to/from the WDW resorts depend on how many guests are registered for transfers that date and that resort. It can vary. The bus may be full with just the 1 resort, or it may stop at up to 3 resorts. Same for post-cruise -- your resort may be the first stop or the third.

 

[sponica]

How old are the toddlers? I was under the impression that under a certain age, DCL doesn't charge. So it could be less. I might be wrong and I know someone here will set me straight if that's the case

I can't find anything on the website that says that but that doesn't mean it's not true. Mears Connect doesn't charge for the under 3s on their resort transfers.

 

[ljhayes]

I can't find anything on the website that says that but that doesn't mean it's not true. Mears Connect doesn't charge for the under 3s on their resort transfers.

Under 3s are free with Disney, too.