I think we were picked up at ~ 12:30, got to the port ~ 1:30 and were on the ship by ~2:00. Again, this was on a classic, so a lower crowd level than the Dream class ships, but definitely not a 3 hour difference, and probably not even a two hour difference, since boarding doesn't normally even start until after 12 and your PAT usually determines your boarding time. Plus, you have to handle your luggage more, first taking the ME, then retrieving it at the airport to go to the
DCL counter to check-in. Add in the fact that you need to grab some breakfast somewhere before your ME leaves. Definitely a personal preference, but for us, especially travelling with children, the gain is not worth the extra rush and hassle.
I always prefer to handle my own luggage for peace of mind and don't send it with ME anyway, so just normal luggage handling for me, and breakfast is a breakfast bar packed in luggage with first real meal of the day being on the ship. I actually like being at the port terminal for a short while before the first boarding group is called and consider that as if I'm already on the ship, especially at the nice Port Canaveral location where you can go outside and view the ship. The anticipation of boarding and visiting with others around me who are also excited to board is part of the vacation experience for me. If I wasn't at the port for my Platinum boarding group, I'd feel that I'd missed out. I know that 2 bus rides instead of just 1 isn't for everyone but it's good for newbies know of all the options!
