Transportation from Port to MCO after Cruise

[dtuleya]

We are a party of 6 adults and a 4 year old. I was wondering what is the best way to get back to MCO from the port. What's the best time for pickup? Flight isn't book yet, but I am hoping it won't be before 2:00.

 

[openwater]

What is "best" for my family may not be best for yours so there cannot be a definite answer, but here are some considerations:

Worry-free: Take the Disney bus but at $35 per person the costs will be $245 plus tip.
Most Freedom but you have to shuttle to car building: Normally a compact rental car is the cheapest but in your case you will need at least a large minivan (often < $100 but depending on your luggage a minivan may be too small) or most probably a full size van which will cost between $180 and $300 (but who knows for your date - rates vary often).
Cheapest (if a regular minivan is too small to rent): A private van from a shuttle company at about $150 plus 20% tip will be the cheapest I believe if you want to save money. Try Cortrans or Cocoa Beach Shuttle

Timing depends on your flight. Disney buses first supported flight is 11:30am so do not book anything earlier! If 2pm I would take my time and enjoy a nice breakfast on-board and step off just before 9am, clear immigration and meet my ride at 10am. It is an hour to the airport.

 

[ajo]

I agree that "best" really depends on your particular family. Here is our most recent experience.

We rented a mini van when we returned to port for less than $80. But I will say it was a royal pain waiting for the shuttle. We ended up sending just DH to pick up the car sans luggage to make it quicker. We were waiting quite a while by the curb for him to get back and he was lucky that he got a car. The lot had only 20 cars and there were WAY more people than that waiting to pick up cars.

We weren't flying out until the next morning, so the rental car was really the only option since we were going sightseeing for the day. If I was just going to the airport for a return flight I would have opted for the Disney bus hands down! You walk right off the ship and get on the bus. Plus if you do the airline check-in program, you don't have to worry about bags.

 

[MonoMan]

We have been using FL Tours. You have to be off the ship by 9am, so we usually schedule them to pick us up at 9:00am.

 

[mamabear4]

I just had the same scenario as you last month. We had a private car pick us up. Escalade with room for 7 plus they brought a booster seat for kids. Less expensive than disney transportation and more flexibility to make stops along the way!

 

[dtuleya]

I just had the same scenario as you last month. We had a private car pick us up. Escalade with room for 7 plus they brought a booster seat for kids. Less expensive than disney transportation and more flexibility to make stops along the way!

Was there enough room for luggage also?

Thanks for all the ideas!

 

[mamabear4]

Was there enough room for luggage also?

Thanks for all the ideas!

Yes, there was enough room for our family who each had one piece of luggage. There are a lot of options for this type of transport. I spent quite a bit of time researching it and really found that a private car was the best for us. We had them pick us up from MCO and take to the port. Had Disney shuttle after the cruise since we were going to WDW and wanted to extend the Disney magic!
Btw, which cruise are you taking?

 

[dtuleya]

We will be on the September 10 Fantasy sailing.

The personal vehicle sounds great, I'm just worried about us having too much luggage. The WDW bus is tempting as they will check our luggage on the boat from what I understand.

 

[lanejudy]

The WDW bus is tempting as they will check our luggage on the boat from what I understand.

From Port Canaveral to MCO -- yes, IF your flight qualifies. There are some restrictions (mainly airline and flight time). If your flight doesn't qualify, you can still take DCL Transfers to MCO but you'll collect your luggage before going through Customs and it will be placed under the bus for the ride to the airport.

Onboard Airline Check-in:

*This service is available to Guests flying out of Orlando International Airport on domestic flights (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Jet Blue Airways and United Airlines.

Pre-registration is required and scheduled flights must be after 11:30 AM on the day your cruise ends. Airline-specific baggage fee may apply and can vary by airline. Each luggage piece can weigh no more than 50 lbs. In addition, some Guests may be selected to check in at the airport and will be unable to use this service.​

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[dtuleya]

Thanks for the clarification. Since we will be using Southwest, I guess I'm back to a private vehicle. I am usually an over planner, but I've been super busy and haven't had a time to dig in.

 

[mamabear4]

We will be on the September 10 Fantasy sailing.

The personal vehicle sounds great, I'm just worried about us having too much luggage.

The WDW bus is tempting as they will check our luggage on the boat from what I understand.

The Fantasy was great! First time we sailed on it for the NYE cruise last month we used Orlando City Limo. Customer service was top notch and the driver and vehicle was very nice. They have a large fleet of everything from Towncars, limos, party buses and vans. Pretty sure you can find something to meet your large group needs. I spent a lot of time comparing too. It ended up being more convenient and economical than DCL transportation. Have a great trip and tell O'neill or Josh hello if you are lucky enough to have them as your waitstaff!

 

[dtuleya]

The Fantasy was great! First time we sailed on it for the NYE cruise last month we used Orlando City Limo. Customer service was top notch and the driver and vehicle was very nice. They have a large fleet of everything from Towncars, limos, party buses and vans. Pretty sure you can find something to meet your large group needs. I spent a lot of time comparing too. It ended up being more convenient and economical than DCL transportation. Have a great trip and tell O'neill or Josh hello if you are lucky enough to have them as your waitstaff!

Thanks so much for the information. I'm thinking service with a large vehicle will be the best option for our group. I'll make sure to look out for O'Neill and Josh!