Hotels, rental cars. transportation

[Stephieann]

Ok, I am planning WAY in advance. I guess that is my nature.. haha. Anyway i was wondering if there are any affordable hotels close to the port? I am also wondering Taxi vs Car Rental. Can someone help!!!
Stephanie

 

[ivanova]

which port? taxi from where to where? if you're talking Orlando to Port Canaveral, I'd recommend a rental car.

 

[Buddy Bear]

The Port Canaveral website has some great resources.

Also look at Dave's DCL Tribute site which has information about hotels, car rentals and much more.

If you give specifics you will get back more exact information. The Orlando - Port Canaveral area has many taxis, car services, and hotels so ask away.

 

[Stephieann]

i guess that info was important

 

[Buddy Bear]

Orlando to Port:

In our case we are flying in the day before the cruise (recommended) and renting a minivan (party of 5 - 3 adults, 1 teen, and a infant) from Budget and driving to a local hotel - Port Radisson - and then using the minivan for the rest of the day to shop locally (saves on packing) and some sightseeing.

The Budget rental car place is just down the road from the Radisson so dropping off the car is no problem and the hotel (2.8 miles from the ship) provides a free shuttle service to the port.

Rental car with Sam's Club Membership: $44.05
Suite at hotel: $109.00

Hope this helps,

 

[glindamood]

We usually don't get in the day before our cruises early enuogh to get to Cocoa Beach so we opt to rent a vehicle and stay at one of the airport hotels. I used Priceline for our last two cruises and would not hesitate to use them again. We are flying out early the day before our Thanksgiving cruise and we are going to stay at Old Key West (WDW resort) and spending the day there. I got our airline tickets for December but have not done anything else yet.

 

[Stephieann]

What is the traffic like between Orlando and the port.

 

[Buddy Bear]

The airport is 45 miles from the Radisson driving on the "Bee Line" Route 528 eastbound. The speed limit is 65 (I think) and most cars drive closer to 75 or 80 so the actual travel time is about 40 - 45 minutes.

It is a toll road so if you drive yourself have some pocket change. I have only driven the road on Saturday mornings around 9:00 AM and there hasn't been any traffic at all. It is nothing like Route 4 so I wouldn't worry about traffic.

 

[chasbos]

Buddy Bear - where did you get the amazing prices??

Buddy Bear - Rental car with Sam's Club Membership: $44.05 (does a Canadian Sam's Club membership get you the same deals?) When we went in January I was quoted over $100 for a one day car rental - went with the $280 limo service that brought us too and from the port to the airport!

Buddy Bear - Suite at hotel: $109.00 (when we went in Janaury the suite cost me $199/night!)

Maybe it is time of year, but you got some good deals!

 

[imlazar]

Orlando to Port:

In our case we are flying in the day before the cruise (recommended) and renting a minivan (party of 5 - 3 adults, 1 teen, and a infant) from Budget and driving to a local hotel -
Hope this helps,

If you don't mind me asking, how are you going to fit 5 adults plus their luggage into a mini-van? We're looking at the same but figured we need an 8 passenger van, assuming around 6 suitcases plus stroller, plus all the other junk.

 

[mmouse37]

If you don't mind me asking, how are you going to fit 5 adults plus their luggage into a mini-van? We're looking at the same but figured we need an 8 passenger van, assuming around 6 suitcases plus stroller, plus all the other junk.

We have done the minivan with 6 adults plus all our luggage but it was a very tight squeeze. Next few times we rented an SUV and found that it fit 5 adults plus luggage much better than the minivan. We rented the Trailblazer.

 

[pewing]

Okay...I have taken your advice (especially you...Buddy Bear )

I have the car reserved from Budget.

I have the room reserved at Port Radisson (I did get the $109 rate, but that was b/c I'm a AAA member)

My question is this....

What do we do when we disembark I mean besides cry b/c it's over! We will likely be heading back to MCO for an afternoon flight.