Need shuttle advice!

[Ptarmigan6]

My family is starting to look at shuttle/transport options from the Orlando airport to Port Canaveral. We are meeting up with another family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids in carseats). DCL is $70 pp roundtrip, but we wonder if there's a better option that is reliable for a group of 7. We'd rather not have to rent a car and drive because of the hassle, but if it's much cheaper, we'd consider it.

Advice, please! Also, it looks like DCL transport drops you off fairly late on embarkation day. If you arrive at the port earlier, can you board right away, or do you have to wait for an assigned boarding time?

Many thanks from this novice!

 

[JMHDisney]

Check happy limo or FL tours. Both are reputable and likely have a vehicle that can accommodate you all for cheaper than Disney transfers.

You cannot just board early if you arrive early. Your boarding time is based on the port arrival time you choose when you do your online checkin.

 

[lanejudy]

Just a note... DCL transfers from MCO start running shortly after 9:00am and typically drop-off the first passengers allowed into the port terminal. Buses continue to run from MCO approximately every 20 minutes or when full. It's DCL transfers from WDW resorts that don't usually arrive at port until after noon.

As PP stated, your boarding number will be directly tied to your PAT (port arrival time) that you select during online check-in. Arriving earlier than that will not necessarily get you onboard any sooner. The exception is those with afternoon PATs because "open boarding" is typically called around 12:30pm or so, at which time anyone may board.

Is your family a group of 7? Or are you 3 and meeting up with a party of 4? Other than a rental car, there may not be a less expensive option for 3. A limo/van service may be less expensive if it's for the full group of 7, but that may depend how you split the cost between the families.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[TestingH2O]

We found that 4 people was the break point in terms of cost when comparing Disney transport and private tours. We were a group of 7 including 1 car seat this summer. We used a van with FL tours and were very happy. This spring I think we will try Disney transport since we will be 4 people this time.

 

[raven0855]

We use Park Ave Limos- they are amazing! Charlie has been a wonder to deal with and has even stopped to pick things up for us prior to our arrivals o we didn't have to stop at the store and could be right on our way to port!!!

 

[openwater]

Some of the shuttle companies are insanely expensive! You should not pay more than about $120 plus 20% tip for a private van.

I suggest to start with Mears because they have a desk near the cruise lines at the airport - peace of mind! Then look at Cocoa Beach Shuttle and Cortrans for rate comparisons.
Why not take a limousine for $150 or so plus 20% tip? Try Executive VIP.

Any of these will work:
Uber- Getting more popular and the feedback continues to be positive. UberBLACK can do curbside pickups at the airport. Probably not for a larger group though.
Cocoa Beach Shuttle– based near Port Canaveral. The “go to” shuttle for many cruisers. Also offer scheduled shared shuttles. Preferred by many Canaveral hotels for port and airport transfers.
Executive VIP Limousine– based near Port Canaveral. Many good reviews on the internet.
Happy Limousine – Recommended by some Disney travel agencies
Mears Shuttle – With a desk at Orlando Airport ensuring personal service. Operates the Disney and Carnival transfer buses.
Groundlink – A nation-wide service trusted by many travelers. Also has exclusive agreements with some cruise lines. Often more expensive but you can trust the service.
Travelynx Stylus – A large company with a good reputation. The preferred transfer company for many Canaveral hotels. Parent company is based in Orlando.
888-Transportation– based in Cape Canaveral with an exclusive agreement with Port Canaveral, allowing hail services. They have taxis waiting at the cruise terminals.
Cortrans Shuttle– Consistently one of the cheaper shuttles with good reviews. Also offer scheduled shared shuttles. Based in Orlando.
AA Access Transport– One of the most popular shuttles with shared scheduled services and vans of all sizes. Based in Orlando.
FL Tours- Recommended by several Disney Travel Agencies. Based in Orlando

 

[Patricia1]

Great info Openwater!! Thank you!!

 

[sdjen]

We use Park Ave Limos- they are amazing! Charlie has been a wonder to deal with and has even stopped to pick things up for us prior to our arrivals o we didn't have to stop at the store and could be right on our way to port!!!

Another vote for Charlie. We've used him twice -most recently last month. Great customer service and easy to work with. We had a group of 4 adults and 2 kids most recently and it went great.