Tranportation to port

[kate6336]

We are leaving from port Canaveral for our cruise in September. We are flying into Orlando airport. We have 2 small girls (1,3). We are flying in the day before around lunch time. Then, we are flying out the day after we return. We are wondering if we should go with a package at a hotel in port Canaveral that includes transportation everywhere and hotels for both nights. Or, use the magic express and stay at Disney then have the disney bus take us in the morning to the ship. Costs are similar. I think the hotel in port Canaveral has a pool so they can stay somewhat entertained, although staying with Disney would be more fun. What have other people done? Also, if we do Disney, can we choose the time that we leave on th bus, or do that hey decide that for you?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are leaving from port Canaveral for our cruise in September. We are flying into Orlando airport. We have 2 small girls (1,3). We are flying in the day before around lunch time. Then, we are flying out the day after we return. We are wondering if we should go with a package at a hotel in port Canaveral that includes transportation everywhere and hotels for both nights. Or, use the magic express and stay at Disney then have the disney bus take us in the morning to the ship. Costs are similar. I think the hotel in port Canaveral has a pool so they can stay somewhat entertained, although staying with Disney would be more fun. What have other people done? Also, if we do Disney, can we choose the time that we leave on th bus, or do that hey decide that for you?

Are you counting in the $35.00 per person each way for the DCL transfer? From MCO to WDW is the Magical Express (no charge). From WDW to port/port to MCO is the DCL transfer bus. I believe there is no charge for the 1 year old.

If you do DCL transfers from WDW, you will get the information at checkin (or a letter in your room) about the procedure for the next day. Basically, you will have your checked bags ready to go inside your room by 8:00 am with the DCL luggage tags on them. They will be picked up and transported separately from you to the ship and will show up at your room onboard in the late afternoon. You keep your carry on bags with you.

DCL transfers depart from the WDW resorts in the 11:30-12:30 window. Each bus may make up to 3 resort stops, depending on how may people from each resort are using the transfers. It's possible that a bus may just pick up at one resort. The DCL transfers arrive at the terminal around 12:30-1:00.

 

[kate6336]

Has anyone had experience flying into Orlando and not using Disney to get to port canveral? There are several hotels that offer everything you would need to get from the airport to a boat and an overnight stay. I'd love to hear if that worked out or not.

 

[carissa1970]

We booked a private car to get us from the airport to the cruise, and then back again. Cheaper for 6 of us than the Disney bus would be. Hopefully it works out. They include a grocery stop both directions, too.

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[kate6336]

We have 2 kids still in car seats, so we wanted to stay away from cars because we don't want to have to bring those. Does anyone know the age where kids start paying for the dcl bus?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We have 2 kids still in car seats, so we wanted to stay away from cars because we don't want to have to bring those. Does anyone know the age where kids start paying for the dcl bus?

I believe it's 3.

 

[jockotaco]

We are staying by the Orlando airport and using private transfers. The money saved on the hotel paid for the transfers and the transfer company includes car seats so no need to travel with them. They will also take us to a liquor store on the way.

 

[jockotaco]

I should point at that we only needed one way transfers so round trip might not totally offset the cost. If you want contact info of the company we are using PM me.

 

[mordecai]

We have 2 kids still in car seats, so we wanted to stay away from cars because we don't want to have to bring those. Does anyone know the age where kids start paying for the dcl bus?

I've pointed this out in other threads as well. We have 4 kids aged 2 through 9 and we always use Bond Motor Inc (bondmotorco.com). They provide car seats so you don't need to bring them along. Just make sure you tell them the ages and number of kids. Round trip from the airport to port is around $250 for an SUV. You can see the rates on their site if you just want a regular car service.

We have a condo in Orlando so we are always needing transportation back and forth from the airport to the condo. We've used them numerous times and they're a great family owned business.

 

[PoohbearMama]

We booked a hotel in Cocoa Beach and it included transfers from the airport and back as well as transfers to and from the port.

 

[twentytoez]

We booked a hotel in Cocoa Beach and it included transfers from the airport and back as well as transfers to and from the port.

What is that hotel?

 

[mmouse37]

What is that hotel?

These hotels provide shuttle service from MCO to their port area hotel.

http://www.parkingstay.com/p/port-canaveral-area-hotels-view-port.html#FLY

Scroll down to "Cruise and Fly Packages".

MJ

 

[Texas lady]

Question: If one stays at a WDW resort one night before their cruise, when do you let the resort know you are taking the DCL bus to port? Or do they know because you already booked transportation with DCL.

 

[bigbronco]

I just got off the dream on Thursday. We rented a car for our family of four to go from the port to MCo (2pm). Got off the ship, and was guided to the avis waiting area by a disney cast member. Took the avis shuttle and jumped in the rental car. When we learned the flight was delayed by nearly 4 hours, we stopped and had lunch at downtown disney. The cost for the car rental, including gas was 43.00. I would definately recomend the car rental option on both sides of the cruise - was cheaper than disney transfers, private transfers and we had the ability to move about

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Question: If one stays at a WDW resort one night before their cruise, when do you let the resort know you are taking the DCL bus to port? Or do they know because you already booked transportation with DCL.

Well, they'll most likely already be aware of it. But you could mention it when you check in at the resort.

 

[LOUTED76]

Question: If one stays at a WDW resort one night before their cruise, when do you let the resort know you are taking the DCL bus to port? Or do they know because you already booked transportation with DCL.

I did this for my last cruise and when I asked they told me to see the person at the DCL desk they have at the resort. They pick up your bags from your room, you leave them right next to your door inside your room, the morning of the cruise.

I am actually staying the night before for my cruise in August.

 

[Texas lady]

I did this for my last cruise and when I asked they told me to see the person at the DCL desk they have at the resort. They pick up your bags from your room, you leave them right next to your door inside your room, the morning of the cruise.

I am actually staying the night before for my cruise in August.

Thank you for answering, its nice when someone has experience what they answer, and not just answering to answer!!

 

[PoohbearMama]

What is that hotel?

It was the Comfort Inn and Suites. We added an extra day as well so that we do not have to rush to the airport after the cruise.

 

[kate6336]

It was the Comfort Inn and Suites. We added an extra day as well so that we do not have to rush to the airport after the cruise.

That is the one we are considering. Is it the one in port canveral? Did everything work out well?would you do it that way again? What age are your kids?

 

[jennyjinx3]

Could I ask a question too? If we do a one way car rental from MCO to Port Canaveral with Budget, can we drop the car off and get a shuttle from Budget to our hotel or to the Port the next morning? And then can we do a one way DCL cruise transfer from the Port to WDW after? Thanks for any info!