MCO to Port Canaveral Transportation

[LeggoMyMeggo87]

Hey Cruisers! We are flying in the day before our cruise and staying at the MCO hotel. With the strict PAT, I'm debating on what type of transport to use the day of sailing. I know everyone has a preference so I'm hoping I can get some insight on the pros and cons of each. There will be 4 of us, 2 adults/2 kids (age 8 and 10). It would be a plus to be able to stop and pick up wine before arriving at port, but worst case scenario we can Uber/Lyft to a grocery store the day before. My options are: 1) Disney Cruise Shuttle 2) Private Shuttle Service 3) Private Car/SUV or 4) Uber/ Lyft.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. TIA

 

[CaseyCruiser]

I plan on using the DCL shuttle. I will enjoy some drinks at the hotel bar the night before and Disney has an outstanding selection of wine on the ship. Whatever you chose, I know you will have a magical trip!

 

[Husker Mike]

When you have four or more people, the DCL shuttle typically becomes the most expensive option. Pre-COVID, rental cars were a decent option, but shortages have made those even more expensive than the DCL bus. Lyft XL is about $90 one way, which will allow you to have 5 passengers. I personally would do three Lyft trips: one each way to a wine shop/grocery store (instead of making the driver wait while you shop), and then one Lyft XL to take the family to the port. That allows you to save time (doing everything on YOUR schedule) and money (for more/better wine).

 

[lanejudy]

Will your kids need car seats? If so, that will need to be taken into consideration with the options available. A limo service may be your best option, and I believe some of the popular ones will make a short stop on the way to port.

 

[RedHead0186]

I've always done rental cars (two one-way rentals) and it's worked out well. Of course, that was before availability plummeted and prices skyrocketed. Depending on when your cruise is you might still find good deals though, I've already booked for our May 2022 cruise and it was a very reasonable $100 one way. Most rental places I know don't make you pay until you take the car, so there's no downside to reserving now and canceling if/when you know you don't need the rental.

There's a Publix in Cocoa Commons about 15 minutes out from port that we usually stop at-they've got a good wine selection. It's clearly a popular option, because last time we sailed the cashier looked at the four of us (all women), each holding two bottles of wine, and asked, "which cruise line are you on?"

 

[mevelandry]

Hey Cruisers! We are flying in the day before our cruise and staying at the MCO hotel. With the strict PAT, I'm debating on what type of transport to use the day of sailing. I know everyone has a preference so I'm hoping I can get some insight on the pros and cons of each. There will be 4 of us, 2 adults/2 kids (age 8 and 10). It would be a plus to be able to stop and pick up wine before arriving at port, but worst case scenario we can Uber/Lyft to a grocery store the day before. My options are: 1) Disney Cruise Shuttle 2) Private Shuttle Service 3) Private Car/SUV or 4) Uber/ Lyft.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. TIA

Sunshine Limo!

 

[mmouse37]

We are renting a car and parking it at the port.....it was less expensive than doing 2 on-way rental even with port parking fee. We will be at WDW for 2 days and then drive out to the port....love having a car to make stops we need to.

Costco has consistently great rental rates.

 

[LeggoMyMeggo87]

Will your kids need car seats? If so, that will need to be taken into consideration with the options available. A limo service may be your best option, and I believe some of the popular ones will make a short stop on the way to port.

They will be 8 and 10 so that's one less thing to factor.

 

[LeggoMyMeggo87]

Sunshine Limo!

Their pricing for an SUV is great! I'm leaning towards private transport and put them at the top of my list. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[RedHead0186]

but worst case scenario we can Uber/Lyft to a grocery store the day before.

Depending on where you're staying, you also might be able to do Instacart or something similar and have them deliver the night before (if you end up using a transportation option that doesn't easily allow for a stop on the way to the port.

 

[LeggoMyMeggo87]

Depending on where you're staying, you also might be able to do Instacart or something similar and have them deliver the night before (if you end up using a transportation option that doesn't easily allow for a stop on the way to the port.

We will be at the MCO Hyatt Regency

 

[Carolc]

I've always done rental cars (two one-way rentals) and it's worked out well. Of course, that was before availability plummeted and prices skyrocketed. Depending on when your cruise is you might still find good deals though, I've already booked for our May 2022 cruise and it was a very reasonable $100 one way. Most rental places I know don't make you pay until you take the car, so there's no downside to reserving now and canceling if/when you know you don't need the rental.

I've done this as well, but it has been a decade. Do the rental car companies still offer free pick up / drop off from the Disney Cruise terminal? I currently have a reservation with Alamo after disembarkation and totally forget how I arranged a ride to the agency.

 

[RedHead0186]

Do the rental car companies still offer free pick up / drop off from the Disney Cruise terminal? I currently have a reservation with Alamo after disembarkation and totally forget how I arranged a ride to the agency.

Yes, the rental car companies have shuttles to/from the DCL terminal. Can't speak specifically to Alamo, but in general I know there are shuttles.