Off site parking vs. park at port--help!

[byumomof2]

In the past, we have used off site parking for our cruises out of Port Canaveral due to the cheaper cost. We will be taking our first cruise in April since Covid started. Some of the off site parking companies we used previously no longer will service the Disney terminal due to "increased traffic." I also read somewhere (?) that if using a non-Disney shuttle to get to port, if anyone on that shuttle tests positive, you could possibly be denied boarding due to your proximity??? Is this true? Would it just be easier because of Covid rules to park at port, despite the extra $$$?
Also, do you have to make reservations to park directly at the port, or is it first come, first served?
I know this is a lot of questions, but I'm super nervous for our first "Covid era" cruise and want to get everything right!

 

[Freeman867]

There was a lot of parking left in the parking at the port when we went and did it. Not sure how it is with full cruises, though. I'd weigh the cost difference with the convenience, especially leaving, since typically shuttles back to those off-site parking places can be hard to schedule and leave you waiting for a long time.

As far as if they'll deny you boarding because another person on the shuttle tested positive, I don't believe that's the case. Typically the shuttles are different than arriving in the same car because you're masked and they don't have an easy way of saying "Who did you sit by on the shuttle?" The thought is if you arrive by car with someone, you were probably with them for a lot longer than the short shuttle ride over.

 

[onesam319]

There will always be plenty of parking in the garage at Port Canaveral and you do not need to make reservations. We stayed at the Radison which is less than a 5 minute drive from the port (you can see the ships from the hall windows above the tree line). They have cruise parking there, although we didn't use it this time. We probably will next time. You'll have to call them to find out the details and choose your port arrival time based on what time they shuttle you to the port.

 

[happycamper47]

Definitely check the hotel pricing. Just looked at Home2Suites where my son is staying and they charge $25 per night so $75 plus tax for a 3 day cruise. The Port parking is $17 and even when paying for the 4 days that is only $68.

 

[mmouse37]

Honestly, the extra money for the port parking is so worth it. We had a rental and kept it while we were on the cruise and parked it at the garage. It was so convenient, especially with the port testing. We pulled into the garage and were tested on the first floor and then we were told to park on another level and wait for results. We had comfy seats, climate control, radio, snacks/drinks....everything we needed to wait the 45 minutes for our results. After the cruise we were in our car on our way within 5 minutes of leaving the ship.

You will pay for the port parking as you enter, not at the end.

MJ

 

[holula]

Honestly, the extra money for the port parking is so worth it. We had a rental and kept it while we were on the cruise and parked it at the garage. It was so convenient, especially with the port testing. We pulled into the garage and were tested on the first floor and then we were told to park on another level and wait for results. We had comfy seats, climate control, radio, snacks/drinks....everything we needed to wait the 45 minutes for our results. After the cruise we were in our car on our way within 5 minutes of leaving the ship.

You will pay for the port parking as you enter, not at the end.

MJ

I absolutely agree with this while the COVID testing is happening. It was great to be able to sit in our rental!

 

[byumomof2]

Thank you so much, everyone

 

[StlZNF]

I absolutely agree with this while the COVID testing is happening. It was great to be able to sit in our rental!

Did you drop off luggage with the porters before parking or after you were cleared? Thanks!

 

[holula]

Did you drop off luggage with the porters before parking or after you were cleared? Thanks!

Before parking.

 

[DisneyDar]

No Brainer, park at port.

 

[Rosetta48]

To Quote DisneyDar "No Brainer" except don't park at the terminal. If coming in the night before stay at the Radison then take the bus over.They are the greatest. On time for your port arrival, the test took about 15 minnets at the tents unlike the port parking 45. As for pickup the wait was about 15-20 and they had a list of who was to be picked up and agent checked you in. If your driving right to the parking you can save more by making a on reservation. The cost alone to park at the port or off site is enough for us to use them for all our cruises.

 

[Freeman867]

Before parking.

In theory, you could've held on to all your luggage, gotten tested, parked the car, and carried it all in. Personal preference though.

 

[CamColt]

Honestly, the extra money for the port parking is so worth it. We had a rental and kept it while we were on the cruise and parked it at the garage. It was so convenient, especially with the port testing. We pulled into the garage and were tested on the first floor and then we were told to park on another level and wait for results. We had comfy seats, climate control, radio, snacks/drinks....everything we needed to wait the 45 minutes for our results. After the cruise we were in our car on our way within 5 minutes of leaving the ship.

You will pay for the port parking as you enter, not at the end.

MJ

I totally agree! We have had a car for both our post covid cruises and it the convenience was well worth it, even though the first time we didn't need to be tested.