how long does it ACTUALLY take when using DCL transfers?

[lodgelady]

Hi all! We are arriving late Fri night for a Sat. cruise departure, so we booked at the airport Hyatt.
We were told that you can get transfers from the airport starting at 10:30 am.
Would you say that buying the transfers for the DCL bus is worth it, or will we waste time sitting on the bus waiting for others to dribble in for hours?
Let me also say that by that time I will want what is the least hassle over saving a buck.....my vacation will have started as far as I am concerned! Thanks!

 

[Señor Ferrari]

If you're staying at the Hyatt, you'll probably be able to leave before 10:30. DCL puts up all their west coast travelers at the Hyatt, so there will be a bunch of people there and you won't have to wait for the bus to fill up on Saturday morning. We always do the Hyatt/Bus transfer, and are usually at the port before 11:30. The actual trip is about 45 minutes or so.

Is it worth it? For 2 people, I think so. For 4 people, it may be cheaper to rent a car and drop it off at Avis.

 

[prymsu]

We stayed at the Hyatt, and I remember that it was about forty five to fifty minutes drive. It sure went by fast!

 

[inkkognito]

I would compare the cost of the bus to the cost of a towncar. Early in the morning, you will probably get to leave right away rather than have to wait a long time for the bus to fill. It's also enjoyable to watch the video. But it's still a cattle call situation, whereas a towncar is more relaxing. We used to do the bus, but switched to Happy Limo (of course, we pretty much knew the DCL video by heart anyway). Since we don't have kids, we prefer the quiet of our own vehicle to the chance of being seated in front of kickers, which happened to us a couple of times. And of course a rental car gives you total control of the time!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[lodgelady]

Thanks everyone for the input. I was considering a towncar until I heard so many mixed reviews on reliability about all of them...I cannot see taking the chance of being stressed over transportation!
I want to plan ahead, then relax!
We have driven to Cape Canaveral from Orlando before, however, so renting may be the way we go...

 

[kmgl78]

We were very happy with the Disney transportation to and from the ship. We only waited about 10 minutes to get the bus loaded and it was so nice not to have to worry about renting a car, getting directions, driving, parking etc. If you want to be less stressed you might enjoy the Disney transportation.

 

[bweppner]

Hey lodgelady,

If you have kids, I feel that the Disney Transfer is the way to go. Is this your first cruise? The anticipation for the cruise on the bus is great fun for the kids. The other nice feature traveling with children (I have four) is that your luggage is taken from the airport for you and it is delivered right to your stateroom. It's great to check in for your flight and not have to deal with your luggage until you leave the ship. You are free to hop right on the Disney bus with your carry ons.

Good luck!

 

[NCRedding]

What is the earliest the buses start running on debarkation (sp) day? Our flight times keep getting moved earlier and earlier, and I'm getting a little worried about getting there in time.

 

[Señor Ferrari]

The buses will be ready outside the port terminal when the ship is cleared by Customs and Immigration, usually between 7:30 and 8:00. We're almost always to the airport and through security before 10:00am. With baggage check resumed at the port, the transfer should be pretty quick.

 

[disvaclub92]

hi lodgelady,

I originally booked a night at the Hyatt - ($129.00). We are flying in late on Sept. 27. After thinking about it, and being concerned about what time and how crowded the DCL bus would be I did a little research.

I could rent a car from Avis to the Radisson - Grand Am for $43.00 - AWD Code - K163324. Booked a room at the Radisson using FALL as the code - $59.00=tax. Use the car to purchase soda and beer for the cruise.

The following morning drive the DH and DD's to the port and drop of the luggage. Then return the vehicle to the Avis center at the Radisson and catch the shuttle back to the port.

When we return, I will get the shuttle back to the Radisson and get my rental for the next part of my trip (week in Disney). Therefore, not having to worry about the crowded DCL bus.

Considering the fact that transfers were costing me $46.00 pp for 4 ($184.00) and the Hyatt stay would have cost me $129.00+tax (total 313.00+tax). After my research, my total cost before getting on the ship will be $102.00+tax.

Its a thought - I have to admit I am driving DH crazy with my changes.

Good Luck

 

[lodgelady]

disvaclub92,
You are brillant! Great shopping! I would love to do the same, but our flight does not arrive until 11:30 PM, so we really don't want to drive out to PC that late. Thanks for the code, I'll give it a try!