OK, so we decided to drive to the port from Fort Worth! We had already booked a night at the Bay Lake Towers that we couldn't cancel since we borrowed DVC points from next year and had to use them this year - not a big deal since we wanted to get in a night early anyway. I don't know if we will have the energy for Very Merry Christmas Party after the drive, but worst case - we watch the fireworks from our balcony on Friday- so not a bad deal.
I wanted to let anyone driving know about parking options at the port! Since this is an 11 nighter, daily rates can add up so here is what we are doing! We are parking our RV at the Raddison in Cape Canaveral for free and getting a free shuttle to the ship. Raddison will do this if you book one night there. Since we already are staying at WDW we are adding a night when we get off the ship on Wednesday. I was able to get a shuttle and two tickets to Kennedy Space Center with a two room suite for less than the cost of parking for the 11 days! Kennedy Space Tickets are $41/adult and $31/child.
Anyway, we stayed and parked at the Raddison in the past and it was a good experience and you can't beat the price with parking and shuttle included. You do not have to book a cruise special to get the parking and shuttle either. If there is a package you like better - we have never been to the Space Center and thought that would be fun - they will still let you park and ride for free!
Just to let you know price comparrisons:
Disney Transportation - would not work since they will not take you back to Disney unless you have reservations on both sides of your cruise - but even if they would work with you on that and let you keep your car/RV there - which they will not - that would cost $280 for a family of four for the ground transfers.
Parking at the Port - $15/night for car and $26/night RV. So for 11 days a car costs $165 and an RV is $286.
Raddison Room Rates: Right now they have rooms starting at $107. $139 cruise rate includes hot breakfast buffet for two, so if you are planning on driving to the port, this is a great way to go!
I think Country Inn offers a similar deal. From what I understand the rooms are cheaper, but they charge per person for the shuttle and it is not as nice a hotel.
Hope that helps someone else!