Transportation - Options?

[EvieBug]

Hi all! Our first DCL cruise is this December, and my long experience with WDW has me considering details WAY in advance, LOL!

After reading the boards I know to fly in the day before our cruise. I've used my Hilton points to reserve a room near-ish the port the day before.

I know DCL has a shuttle/bus from the airport and I think I read it's not free like Magical Express. My question is - where does that take you? Does it only take you to and from the Port/Airport?

If so, is something like Uber or a cab my best bet from the airport? There will be two adults and two kids (9 and 4) plus luggage. I've seen car service (limo/town car) suggestions as well - is that cost comparable to a cab?

Thanks in advance - just trying to make sure I'm accounting for all costs in our budget now, while I have lots of time!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

DCL does provide a shuttle the same day as your cruise from the airport to the port. However, it is not free and will cost about $35 per person each way.

I would not cab it. A private car service may be more economical than the DCL shuttle for 4 people.

 

[openwater]

Regular Uber is not a good option because only Uber Black (more expensive) can actually pick you at the airport transportation gates.

Your other options are limo companies, car rental (my suggestion) or shuttle companies. These are all private transfers because you are going to the Hilton and not the Port.

A one-way car rental will probably be your cheapest option and most convenient if you want to explore the port area the day before. More info here

Shuttle and limo services are the next best option. There are many to choose from and here is a list with links to the popular companies.

 

[EvieBug]

Thank you Openwater and Disneyfaninaz! We don't really have need of a car beyond getting to the hotel so I think a limo/car service is the way to go. Thanks so much for the list!

 

[RedSox68]

Thank you Openwater and Disneyfaninaz! We don't really have need of a car beyond getting to the hotel so I think a limo/car service is the way to go. Thanks so much for the list!

Price it out. For one way, a car rental may be your best bet. How are you getting back to the airport after the cruise?

Another option is stay at the Hilton at the airport, book the DCL transfers for the next day and just take a relaxing bus trip to the port with video, etc.

 

[EvieBug]

Price it out. For one way, a car rental may be your best bet. How are you getting back to the airport after the cruise?

Another option is stay at the Hilton at the airport, book the DCL transfers for the next day and just take a relaxing bus trip to the port with video, etc.

Well that is a fine question, we do in fact need to get back to the airport after the cruise. (Sadly!) But if I rent a car from the airport, I dont want to pay for it sitting in the hotel lot while I cruise, right? Or are we thinking that a week long rental might in fact be cheaper than two 'shuttle' or limo type service rides?

 

[RedSox68]

Well that is a fine question, we do in fact need to get back to the airport after the cruise. (Sadly!) But if I rent a car from the airport, I dont want to pay for it sitting in the hotel lot while I cruise, right? Or are we thinking that a week long rental might in fact be cheaper than two 'shuttle' or limo type service rides?

No, I was talking about a one-way rental. For ease of mind, book private car to meet you both ways.

 

[chik1987]

Regular Uber is not a good option because only Uber Black (more expensive) can actually pick you at the airport transportation gates.

Your other options are limo companies, car rental (my suggestion) or shuttle companies. These are all private transfers because you are going to the Hilton and not the Port.

A one-way car rental will probably be your cheapest option and most convenient if you want to explore the port area the day before. More info here

Shuttle and limo services are the next best option. There are many to choose from and here is a list with links to the popular companies.

Thank you for these links. I have been looking for a transportation link to post for our wedding group to look at

 

[EvieBug]

No, I was talking about a one-way rental. For ease of mind, book private car to meet you both ways.

That makes sense - and I think that is what we shall do. Thanks to all - so helpful!!

 

[clten]

Are you flying out right after the cruise? Are you using an airline that allows you to take advantage of Onboard Airline Check-in (can't think of them all off-hand, the big one that DOESN'T participate is Southwest). If so, even though it might be a bit more expensive, consider Disney transfers from the port to the airport. We love that service (they take your bags the night before and check them through to your home airport and give you your boarding passes. When you arrive at MCO, you just have to go through security and head to your gate -- less lines to wait in!)

You can still do car service (or rental car or whatever you decide) to get from the airport to the Hilton/port and do the transfers ($35 per person one way) from the port to the airport.

 

[openwater]

That makes sense - and I think that is what we shall do. Thanks to all - so helpful!!

On your return after the cruise it depends on your flight time. If, say before 1pm, then absolutely take the DCL bus or private transport. You will easily be at the airport before 9am if you must.

But if you fly later, then the one-way car rental makes more sense because you can store the luggage in the car while sightseeing a bit before going to the airport. Otherwise you will just be stuck at the airport many hours!