Space Center before cruise....

[MeliMel702]

Going on a 4night on the Dream next year. I really, really want to stay at AoA (little mermaid room) two nights before the cruise so I can take the kiddos to the Space Center and then have dinner at Ohana. My group and I will probably be staying at different resorts and doing different activities throughout the trip. I already have Happy Limo on my list for transportation from resort to port.

1. I was wondering if it would be cheaper to get a cab, Uber or use the same limo service from AoA to Space Center?
2. What would be the best time to make a reservation a Ohana? We most likely will be going back to the room to change and catch the resort buses.
3.Resort buses....anyone have a schedule or something telling you which buses connect you to Disney Springs, Polynesian and AoA? We might get an early flight and explore the resorts on the day we arrive.
4. Do we have to take our luggage to the port with us since we are not taking the DCL bus or do they take the luggage for you since you are staying on property?

 

[KristiMc]

1. I would think a cab would be very expensive. This seems like a lot of traveling to me. Have you thought of staying at AOA just the one day and then at a hotel near the port for the night after you do Kennedy?

2. It is an hour drive from Kennedy to AoA. I have never been to Kennedy but have read that it is a full day experience. I would make Ohana for at least 7:00 or later.

3. The buses will have a sign on them telling you where they are going. To get to the Poly from AoA, your could take the bus to Magic Kingdom and then hop on the resort Monorail. Disney Springs will have a direct bus.

4. You will have to take your own luggage.

 

[MeliMel702]

I was trying to take advantage of the Magical Express bus from airport to Hotel, didn't know it was that far. Maybe I can book AoA and Ohanas the night before the cruise and Space Center the day we disembark and stay near the port. I was considering Country Inn and Suites anyway. Then again I was just looking on google maps and AoA is an hour away from the port too.

Thank you @KristiMc!

 

[MeliMel702]

Another question what about renting a car from the airport for the two days? Maybe do Ohanas on the arrival day, the earliest flight arrives around 2p from Las Vegas. Return the car the night before the cruise after the Space center. Take the shuttle from hotel to port (I think it was like $5 per person) then use the limo service for the whole group from port to airport. I would skip Disney Springs entirely.

I recently read a report from another person who decided to drop off everybody at the port, drop off the rental car and they were very late checking into the port. Then again they were staying on WDW property and had to return the rental car somewhere around there.

If you have any other suggestions I'll gladly take them. If it's still a hassle I just might as well forget about Ohana too and stick to Country Inn and Space Center. I don't want to be rushing before the cruise either and I do plan to go to WDW sometime around end of 2018 or beginning of 2019!

 

[KristiMc]

We have done the rental car option and it is very easy. Dropping everyone and luggage off at the port is what we did. It made it easier for the person dropping off the car because it was just one person hopping on the shuttle. You could enjoy your arrival day at the beach and then do the Space Center the next day.

 

[MeliMel702]

That sounds like an awesome plan! Do you mind me asking what rental service did you use and how far was it from the port after you dropped off everyone? Did you get the shuttle from the rental place and did they charge you extra? My Friend is in another stateroom and I know for sure she is going to be the one doing the driving, pick-up and drop-off.

 

[MeliMel702]

Ok I just saw a map with the nearest car rentals around port canaveral. Looks like the closest are Alamo and Hertz.

 

[MeliMel702]

By the way I really appreciate the information @KristiMc!

 

[KristiMc]

We used Budget but there are many right near the port. It was about 3 miles from the terminal. They did not charge for the shuttle.

Glad I could be of assistance. Enjoy your cruise!

 

[FigmentSpark]

If it matters, the drop off at the port, when you've picked up at MCO will probably be more expensive than just returning the vehicle to MCO. If you're staying in Cocoa Beach until the cruise, then you don't have a choice, and you are saving on the limo charge. But you might price out returning it to MCO and taking the bus or limo, just to see which is cheaper.

We're using Alamo because they happen to be cheapest when we are going. On any given day, however, the car rates change, so make your reservation and keep checking for deals. Also, if you have a Costco card, try their website for rentals. They give a free driver.

 

[MeliMel702]

Thank You!! So far the rates were at $149 a day if I drop of at the port. Will check into dropping off at airport and parking at the port for the week. Thanks everyone for the good advice.