Parking at the port

[carol1231]

I am in the process of planning our first Disney Cruise. We are going to drive down to WDW prior to the cruise. My question is.... Can we drive to the port or do we need to take the Disney transportation from the resort? If we can drive, is there parking availiable?

Thanks for your knowledge!!

 

[Mmketeer]

Hi,

There is definitly parking at the port (for a fee). In the good old days we would get there as early as we could so we could park in the first parking lot right next to the terminal and in front of the ship. We got some great shots with us putting or taking our bags to or from our cars with the DCL ship in the background. Now days after 9-11 everyone parks across the way in the second parking lot. But, don't worry you still pull up directly at the terminal for the porters to take your luggage when you go on the cruise (llike bellservice in the valet area at the resorts). Then you pay and park across the street and your only have to drag your carrry on bags with you. After your cruise however, you'll have "all" your luggage, so depending how much you bring you may need to plan on having porter help you with your luggage (they have carts to put them on).
I just usually roll both my bags with my carry-on on top. It takes both hands and can be a bit of a struggle, but I always seem to manage.
Here's a tip...since you'll be driving make sure all your DCL luggage tags are on your bags before you set off for the port and all your documents are filled out. It will save you loads of time when you get there. Plus, be prepared when you do get to the port have your picture ID and tickets/reservation booklet ready for them to see. They'll want to make darn sure your suppose to be on this ship before you'll get to pull up to the terminal. By the way, DCL is the nicest cruise ship terminal I been in to this day and I have been to a few in Tampa and in Ft. Lauderdale as well.
PS
Staying at a Disney resort is aN awesome way to get you in the Disney spirit and to start off your first Disney cruise!

Have fun and bewarned...DCL will spoil you!LOL!

Mmketeer
Sailing DCL again 2/2/05

 

[carol1231]

Thank you for the great information!!

 

[inkkognito]

We've used the parking lot a couple of times. I've seen the line get pretty long later in the day, but we always arrive early and have always gotten in promptly and have gotten a good, conveniently located spot. But don't leave any food in your car or it might be invaded by ANTS!
Barb

 

[jghra]

I'd like to add a question on this same subject.

Can you park in the lot the day before the cruise?
The reason I ask is because we have 2 people in our group driving down to WDW the night before cruise (the rest of us are flying in). They would rather leave from the port after the cruise is over instead of having to ride back to the airport with the rest of us, (if we leave their car there). We are a big group, so we were thinking of getting a service to take us all in a van, so we could be together for the ride to/from the port. This is still in the planning stages, but wondered if there was even a possiblilty to park the car the day before.

Thanks.
"G"

 

[krhardy]

on our most recent cruise (07/04) we were able to park in the lot right next to the ship...provided you get there in time!
It was actually a bit odd to be eating lunch in Parrot Cay, look out the porthole, and see our car...
Definitely do-able.
However, you can only get into the parking lot with your ticket, and only on the day of your sailing, or picking somebody up. Unless I'm mistaken, nobody in or out of the lots on the days when no ship is in port. SOmebody correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[my3kids]

It was very convenient and much easier getting off the ship and walking quickly to the car than having to shuttle to free parking off site. It was worth the daily fee. Cars looked to be secure. I have no complaints.