Staying around Port Canaveral after the cruise

[drjackal31]

We are cruising in a few months, yay! Our flight home doesn't leave until late at night so we are thinking of staying around Port Canaveral for a bit, perhaps go to the Space Center. Has anyone done this? I am thinking the best way to do this is to rent a car when we get off the ship and return it at MCO. I did see there are luggage storage places, though I have not researched how good they are. Any thoughts from seasoned cruisers? This is our third cruise but our last one was out of NYC.

 

[yowcruiser]

The car rental option may be the best one. Now, depending on the agency, the amount of time you actually wait to get a car that you book for a specific time may vary, as is some cases, the bookings are based on one-way inbounds from Orlando. At least with the car, you can leave the luggage in the car and not have to worry about that

 

[ladyofthetramp]

We have done this more times than I can count. We rent National. Never had an issue. We have gone to Kennedy. We have gone to the beach. We have gone to Disney Springs. We have played mini-golf. Lots to do. Just remember that security at MCO can be a nightmare, so leave yourself plenty of time to check bags, and go through the line. Have fun!

 

[Sharkyjess]

After my cruise from Port Canaveral I was planning on using Disney transport to the airport and then renting a car from the airport and returning the car the following day when I fly back home.

But how easy is it to rent a car from the port? Are the car rental companies very close by?

 

[Mommb]

After my cruise from Port Canaveral I was planning on using Disney transport to the airport and then renting a car from the airport and returning the car the following day when I fly back home.

But how easy is it to rent a car from the port? Are the car rental companies very close by?

There are several car rental companies near the port, with shuttles that will take you to them. You may need to wait for a shuttle (and possible for another shuttle if the first one fills up) and wait again to pick up the car, but it should still be quicker to rent a car near the port than to go back to the airport and rent from there. Make sure there isn't an additional fee for a one-way rental -- when I've rented from Budget there hasn't been, but that could change.

 

[RedHead0186]

After my cruise from Port Canaveral I was planning on using Disney transport to the airport and then renting a car from the airport and returning the car the following day when I fly back home.

But how easy is it to rent a car from the port? Are the car rental companies very close by?

Enterprise/National/Alamo are very close (not walkable, but like a 5 minute drive). We've picked up cars from National several times after a cruise and it's always been easy. You might have to wait a bit for a shuttle, but they have them running pretty regularly on disembarkation morning.

 

[drjackal31]

I haven't been around in a little bit but wanted to say thank you! We have decided to rent a car for the day.

 

[Travel60]

Kennedy Space Flight Center is wonderful. Check their website to see if there are launches, astronaut talks or other special events.