How Do I Add a Hotel to my DCL Reservation?

[Stephanie711]

TBH, if in your situation I would book the hotel from Disney despite the higher price, just to avoid the transportation hassle. We sailed the Magic out of Miami over New Year's. No hotel, just had a very early flight into MIA followed by a DCL transfer to the ship, which worked like a charm.

Our departure was another story. Since we'd booked our outgoing flight via SWA, which doesn't fly into MIA, we had to fly from nearby FLL, which DCL doesn't service. I researched & found a shuttle company (sorry- forgot the name) with good reviews, but I had an unpleasant experience with them. Then, the FLL airport itself was a major cluster. The whole thing tainted the last day of a wonderful vacation.

After that experience, I vowed to only use DCL transfers, & to only fly via airports/airlines they work with. YMMV.

Oh that sounds terrible! We were initially flying in and out of FLL but due to a schedule change with the airline, they changed the flights from FLL to MIA at their expense. I really want to use the DCL transfers for the reasons you said but the rate through the hotel directly is in the low $200s and the rate from Disney more than double. The cheapness in me cannot stomach $500 for a standard room at the Marriott! haha.

 

[egesicki]

Have you actually booked the ME? I also booked one of the hotels directly since Disney's rate was more than double. It was one of the two hotels that Disney offers a pre or post-cruise stay at. However, I am being told that the ME is only available if you book the hotel through Disney.

Yes we did add transfers, PIF last week.

 

[egesicki]

I agree, it seems odd. I just called again to make sure I wasn't given bad information but the second agent also confirmed that it is their policy for the Miami cruise departures. I was so hoping to take DCL transfers as I did not want to bring a car seat for alternate transportation but it appears that we will have to bring it after all since we will need to book a cab or shuttle now.

You might try asking for a supervisor? I added transfers in Miami without booking a hotel thru dcl, PIF last week, so I know it can be done. Some agents are more thoroughly trained than others so you might try one more time. Good luck!

 

[Shanti]

Oh that sounds terrible! We were initially flying in and out of FLL but due to a schedule change with the airline, they changed the flights from FLL to MIA at their expense. I really want to use the DCL transfers for the reasons you said but the rate through the hotel directly is in the low $200s and the rate from Disney more than double. The cheapness in me cannot stomach $500 for a standard room at the Marriott! haha.

Yikes. That's unfortunate as at the two hotels I've booked for pre-cruise stays, it was a substantial discount to book via DCL.

 

[Stephanie711]

You might try asking for a supervisor? I added transfers in Miami without booking a hotel thru dcl, PIF last week, so I know it can be done. Some agents are more thoroughly trained than others so you might try one more time. Good luck!

Maybe I will call again tomorrow and ask for a supervisor. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Maybe I will call again tomorrow and ask for a supervisor. Thanks for the suggestion!

Maybe mention that you have a friend who was able to do it (well, we're all friends here, right?), and ask why you can't?

 

[ASchwa]

You might try asking for a supervisor? I added transfers in Miami without booking a hotel thru dcl, PIF last week, so I know it can be done. Some agents are more thoroughly trained than others so you might try one more time. Good luck!

Since I booked with a TA, I had my agent book DCL transfers about 3 weeks before my cruise. I did the Norwegian Fjords and booked the hotel through Expedia. It was a hotel that DCL had transfers. There was no problem.

 

[Stephanie711]

You might try asking for a supervisor? I added transfers in Miami without booking a hotel thru dcl, PIF last week, so I know it can be done. Some agents are more thoroughly trained than others so you might try one more time. Good luck!

I spoke with a supervisor and she said that as long as I was staying at the Disney recommended hotel, regardless of how it was booked, we could add the DCL transfers. And, she added them for me! Thanks all!!

 

[Shanti]

I spoke with a supervisor and she said that as long as I was staying at the Disney recommended hotel, regardless of how it was booked, we could add the DCL transfers. And, she added them for me! Thanks all!!

 

[jrabbit]

Thank you. Yes, I meant the DCL transfer. (Can you tell it's our first cruise? ) They are telling me that even though we are booked at one of the two hotels they service in Miami, we can not book the DCL transfer (even for a fee) since we did not book the hotel through Disney. Of course Disney's rate for the hotel is more than twice the rate the hotel is willing to charge directly.

You should just book any airport area hotel that you are comfortable with (and less expensive than the DCL rates like you've noticed) and take their shuttle between the airport, hotel and back to the airport (day you fly in and return to airport the day of cruise). Hotel shuttles are normally free. You can book Airport to Port transfers online regardless of where you stay (you just meet DCL at the airport). when you get to the airport you take your luggage to the DCL waiting area (in baggage claim in the "north" terminal), and give your luggage to them (keep your carryon). They will direct you to a waiting area and then when its time to board the shuttle they will walk you up to the bus, you will verify that they have all of your luggage and then they will take you to the port.

 

[egesicki]

I spoke with a supervisor and she said that as long as I was staying at the Disney recommended hotel, regardless of how it was booked, we could add the DCL transfers. And, she added them for me! Thanks all!!

Yay!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

You should just book any airport area hotel that you are comfortable with (and less expensive than the DCL rates like you've noticed) and take their shuttle between the airport, hotel and back to the airport (day you fly in and return to airport the day of cruise). Hotel shuttles are normally free. You can book Airport to Port transfers online regardless of where you stay (you just meet DCL at the airport). when you get to the airport you take your luggage to the DCL waiting area (in baggage claim in the "north" terminal), and give your luggage to them (keep your carryon). They will direct you to a waiting area and then when its time to board the shuttle they will walk you up to the bus, you will verify that they have all of your luggage and then they will take you to the port.

Did you see that OP reported back she was able to add the transfers? Post #28.

 

[ChicosWife]

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Thanks! I found the 3 options!!
Are you planning on arriving before or staying a few days after your cruise?

Disney Cruise Line offers convenient packages that include hotel accommodations before and after your cruise. If you have not yet confirmed your hotel stay, please be sure to check if rooms are still available by calling (800) 951-3532. Guests under age 18 must have a parent or guardian permission to call. Don't forget to add a hotel transfer option and leave the driving to us!

The following hotels may be arranged through Disney Cruise Line:

Conrad Miami – The Conrad is located on Brickell Avenue in the heart of Miami's financial district downtown.

Marriott Stanton South Beach – The Stanton is located on the oceanfront of Miami's South Beach.

Traveling from Your Hotel to the Cruise Ship – If you arrange a hotel stay through Disney Cruise Line, you may add optional ground transfers from the hotel to the Port.

About one month before your sail date, you will receive a Guest Travel Booklet that has important transfer instructions.

Upon check-in at your hotel, you will be given an information letter with luggage pick-up instructions and the departure time to the Port. Your luggage will be picked up from the hotel and delivered directly to your stateroom. We advise you carry a day bag with any items that you need prior to arriving in your stateroom, including all your check-in documentation.