Transportation to/from Port Canaveral

[Beth06015]

What is your recommendation for getting to and from Port Canaveral? We are planning to fly into Orlando early in the day prior to the cruise, and stay one night after. I'd like to make it to the Kennedy Space Center after disembarking. However this is our first cruise so I welcome any advice! TIA!

 

[lanejudy]

Well, there are various options for transportation and which is "best" may depend on your plans as well as party size and personal preference.

To first address going to Kennedy Space Center post-cruise... I think a rental car would be best. There is no other transportation from Port Canaveral to Kennedy, unless you take a cab or uber which leaves you with the question of what to do with luggage. After debarkation, you can take a shuttle to the rental agency, rent your car, drive to Kennedy, drive to wherever you decide to stay that evening, the next day drive to MCO and return the rental there.

Pre-cruise you have options depending on your plans.

• If you stay at an MCO airport area hotel, you can opt for DCL transfers which cost $35 per person one way.
• You can also do DCL transfers from WDW, so you would take ME from MCO to WDW and the next day DCL transfers from WDW to the port. Same cost, $35 per person one way.
• Other options when staying at WDW include a private car service (depending on party size this may be less expensive than DCL transfers) or a one-way car rental (with option to pick-up the car at the WDW Car Care Center or Swan/Dolphin Resort if you use ME from the airport).
• Another alternative is rental car. This gives you freedom to stay anywhere in the greater Orlando area or Cocoa Beach, and you control timing of your arrival at the port on embarkation day. This is also likely less expensive than DCL transfers.
• And private car service can obviously take you from wherever you stay to the port. You'd need to figure out where you are staying and how to get there (ME if going to WDW, some hotels may have a shuttle from MCO).

So you might want to decide where you'd like to stay pre-cruise and then research your transportation options with that base in mind.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Beth06015]

Well, there are various options for transportation and which is "best" may depend on your plans as well as party size and personal preference.

To first address going to Kennedy Space Center post-cruise... I think a rental car would be best. There is no other transportation from Port Canaveral to Kennedy, unless you take a cab or uber which leaves you with the question of what to do with luggage. After debarkation, you can take a shuttle to the rental agency, rent your car, drive to Kennedy, drive to wherever you decide to stay that evening, the next day drive to MCO and return the rental there.

Pre-cruise you have options depending on your plans.

• If you stay at an MCO airport area hotel, you can opt for DCL transfers which cost $35 per person one way.
• You can also do DCL transfers from WDW, so you would take ME from MCO to WDW and the next day DCL transfers from WDW to the port. Same cost, $35 per person one way.
• Other options when staying at WDW include a private car service (depending on party size this may be less expensive than DCL transfers) or a one-way car rental (with option to pick-up the car at the WDW Car Care Center or Swan/Dolphin Resort if you use ME from the airport).
• Another alternative is rental car. This gives you freedom to stay anywhere in the greater Orlando area or Cocoa Beach, and you control timing of your arrival at the port on embarkation day. This is also likely less expensive than DCL transfers.
• And private car service can obviously take you from wherever you stay to the port. You'd need to figure out where you are staying and how to get there (ME if going to WDW, some hotels may have a shuttle from MCO).

So you might want to decide where you'd like to stay pre-cruise and then research your transportation options with that base in mind.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks so much for the information! You're right, I need to decide where to stay. Although the ME shuttles sound nice it seems pricey for 4 people considering we would then be locked into their schedule and route. I was looking last night at the hotels nearby Kennedy/Port Canaveral, and nothing seemed to really excite me. Maybe it would be better to stay one night at WDW beforehand or a beach hotel further away from the port. My children will be 5 and 10 and I think Kennedy is going to be a great experience for us, so I want to tack on an extra travel day for that! Our cruise ends over Memorial Day weekend so that helps (although also means I probably should get my reservations made!!)

 

[RedSox68]

Thanks so much for the information! You're right, I need to decide where to stay. Although the ME shuttles sound nice it seems pricey for 4 people considering we would then be locked into their schedule and route. I was looking last night at the hotels nearby Kennedy/Port Canaveral, and nothing seemed to really excite me. Maybe it would be better to stay one night at WDW beforehand or a beach hotel further away from the port. My children will be 5 and 10 and I think Kennedy is going to be a great experience for us, so I want to tack on an extra travel day for that! Our cruise ends over Memorial Day weekend so that helps (although also means I probably should get my reservations made!!)

We have used a private car service for our past 6 trips to Orlando. We can pick our own time, get a free grocery stop on the way to the ship and find it more relaxing and controllable. Plus for three of us, it is cheaper (not including the tips) than Disney.

 

[Beth06015]

We have used a private car service for our past 6 trips to Orlando. We can pick our own time, get a free grocery stop on the way to the ship and find it more relaxing and controllable. Plus for three of us, it is cheaper (not including the tips) than Disney.

About how much would the private car service cost? Is there room for 4?

 

[RedSox68]

About how much would the private car service cost? Is there room for 4?

Yes because you can book a sedan or a van. I'd have to look at my notes to see what we paid, but we use http://www.southernelegancelimousines.com/

 

[Beth06015]

Yes because you can book a sedan or a van. I'd have to look at my notes to see what we paid, but we use http://www.southernelegancelimousines.com/

Great, thanks! I emailed for a quote!!

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

To first address going to Kennedy Space Center post-cruise... I think a rental car would be best. There is no other transportation from Port Canaveral to Kennedy, unless you take a cab or uber which leaves you with the question of what to do with luggage. After debarkation, you can take a shuttle to the rental agency, rent your car, drive to Kennedy, drive to wherever you decide to stay that evening, the next day drive to MCO and return the rental there.

I agree with LaneJudy, given your plan to stay an extra day before and after, a rental car (or two) would give you the most flexibility. If you choose to go that way, price it out two ways, one way as a single rental for the whole trip, the other as two one-way rentals. This is what we did, and though it was an extra trip to the rental agency, it saved us money overall. Most agencies don't charge extra in Orlando for one-way rentals, we picked up the first car at MCO and returned it near the port (and then free shuttle to the port) and then caught the free shuttle from the port to the rental car place and then returned it the next day at MCO.

We loved being able to go to restaurants, stop at a grocery or liquor store, etc. My BIL's suitcase broke on the flight out, so he drove over to Target the morning of the cruise and bought a new one. That would have been harder without a rental car.

First thing you have to decide is what you want to do, activity-wise before and after the cruise. You mention Cape Canaveral on the back end, so maybe stay at a Coaco Beach hotel for that leg. So maybe stay at an Orlando hotel before the cruise. We stayed at Staybridge Suites Staybridge Suites Orlando Airport South before the cruise. It is near the airport, it has reasonably priced suites, so you have a bedroom and a living room with a closeable door (a big plus when traveling with kids). It was $121 last August when we went and had free Wi-Fi and a nice free hot-breakfast. (Make your own waffles!)

On the way back, we decided we didn't want to push ourselves with a day a one of the theme parks (plus 1 day is VERY expensive, compared to week-long prices), so we did the next best thing, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The hotel was a bit farther from the airport (like 10 miles) but we weren’t in a hurry. It had fantastic swimming pools, open 24 hours a day (exercise room open 24 hours too), some of them heated, plus a slide, and from 8AM to 7PM they had free bicycle (including 2 and 4 person Surry bikes), and free boating options (Canoes, Kayaks, paddle boats, Aquabikes, etc.) Plus, we got a room facing the pool on the 11th floor where we could even see the Disney Fireworks at 9 PM and 10 PM. They even let us check into our room at 11:00 AM when we arrived! It was such a relaxing alternative to trying to cram in a day that the theme parks. This one did cost more, $220, but still a lot less than the theme parks would have been.

Just giving these as examples. There are SO many choices in the Orlando area, they are bound to have something that appeals to you and your family!

 

[Lady's Slipper]

I highly recommend also pricing out a rental car on both or either sides of the cruise. For our cruise two years ago we did Kennedy Space Center on the front end of the cruise. I found a deal on a hotel that included free parking during the cruise and a shuttle to and from the cruise port. Believe it or not, even after taking into account the nominal fee for the shuttle and slightly higher hotel rate, it was cheaper for our family of four to rent a car and park it while we were on our cruise than to pay for transfers to and from the Orlando airport (and Kennedy Space Center).

For our cruise this year, after pricing everything out, we are flying in the day before our cruise and renting a car. We are returning the car in Port Canaveral when we head to the port. On the return trip, we are renting a car to drive to the airport. It is roughly the same price after you figure in tip for transfers, PLUS, it gives us more freedom to venture out of walking distance of the hotel to pick up snacks and our allotted beer/wine to bring onboard. DH and I really like the independence of having a car.

It might not be the most cost effective thing for you, but definitely price it out just to have a look.

 

[RedSox68]

Just an FYI -- many people like to rent cars because it gives more freedom. When in Florida, I don't -- just a personal preference. I drive enough at home for work. The car service we use can plan and book reservations for a multi-faceted trip. Of course, this would only work if it fits into your plans and budget. For instance, we have booked them for airport to Universal, Universal to port and port to a Disney resort. The costs were well within what we would have paid for Meers or Disney buses and the convenience was unbeatable.

 

[tlimbergsmith]

Hi everyone! There is some very helpful information here, thanks so much. I have contacted Southern Regal Limo for a quote but I would like to know more about the one way rental. If we are at ASMo the night before, can we just go pick up a one way rental from the Car Care Center near the Boardwalk? What happens when we get to the port? Do we drop the car off at an office & catch a shuttle? Do you book the one way rental online or do you call? Is there a particular website you like? Details on this process would be greatly appreciated!!

I have priced several options but so far the Disney shuttle is coming out cheapest for us. Our party is 2 adults, a 1 yr old & a 6 year old so we need a regular car seat & a booster. I want to get to the port as early as possible since this is such a short cruise & I have read that the Disney shuttle usually gets there around 1:30-2.

All thoughts, opinions & suggestions welcome! We sail 1/27/17 one the Dream.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi everyone! There is some very helpful information here, thanks so much. I have contacted Southern Regal Limo for a quote but I would like to know more about the one way rental. If we are at ASMo the night before, can we just go pick up a one way rental from the Car Care Center near the Boardwalk? What happens when we get to the port? Do we drop the car off at an office & catch a shuttle? Do you book the one way rental online or do you call? Is there a particular website you like? Details on this process would be greatly appreciated!!

I have priced several options but so far the Disney shuttle is coming out cheapest for us. Our party is 2 adults, a 1 yr old & a 6 year old so we need a regular car seat & a booster. I want to get to the port as early as possible since this is such a short cruise & I have read that the Disney shuttle usually gets there around 1:30-2.

All thoughts, opinions & suggestions welcome! We sail 1/27/17 one the Dream.

My experience with DCL transfers from WDW resort - one time picked up at 11:00, at the ship by 12:00. Second time picked up at 12:30 at the ship by 2:00. Can vary depending on how many stops your bus makes (maximum is 3) and if you're the first or last stop).

If you're only staying one night, have you looked into just staying at the Hyatt MCO? If you do that, you can be down at the DCL transfer desk when they open at 9:00. The first bus generally departs around 9:15 and arrives at the port by 10:30.

 

[Beth06015]

I agree with LaneJudy, given your plan to stay an extra day before and after, a rental car (or two) would give you the most flexibility. If you choose to go that way, price it out two ways, one way as a single rental for the whole trip, the other as two one-way rentals. This is what we did, and though it was an extra trip to the rental agency, it saved us money overall. Most agencies don't charge extra in Orlando for one-way rentals, we picked up the first car at MCO and returned it near the port (and then free shuttle to the port) and then caught the free shuttle from the port to the rental car place and then returned it the next day at MCO.

We loved being able to go to restaurants, stop at a grocery or liquor store, etc. My BIL's suitcase broke on the flight out, so he drove over to Target the morning of the cruise and bought a new one. That would have been harder without a rental car.

First thing you have to decide is what you want to do, activity-wise before and after the cruise. You mention Cape Canaveral on the back end, so maybe stay at a Coaco Beach hotel for that leg. So maybe stay at an Orlando hotel before the cruise. We stayed at Staybridge Suites Staybridge Suites Orlando Airport South before the cruise. It is near the airport, it has reasonably priced suites, so you have a bedroom and a living room with a closeable door (a big plus when traveling with kids). It was $121 last August when we went and had free Wi-Fi and a nice free hot-breakfast. (Make your own waffles!)

On the way back, we decided we didn't want to push ourselves with a day a one of the theme parks (plus 1 day is VERY expensive, compared to week-long prices), so we did the next best thing, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The hotel was a bit farther from the airport (like 10 miles) but we weren’t in a hurry. It had fantastic swimming pools, open 24 hours a day (exercise room open 24 hours too), some of them heated, plus a slide, and from 8AM to 7PM they had free bicycle (including 2 and 4 person Surry bikes), and free boating options (Canoes, Kayaks, paddle boats, Aquabikes, etc.) Plus, we got a room facing the pool on the 11th floor where we could even see the Disney Fireworks at 9 PM and 10 PM. They even let us check into our room at 11:00 AM when we arrived! It was such a relaxing alternative to trying to cram in a day that the theme parks. This one did cost more, $220, but still a lot less than the theme parks would have been.

Just giving these as examples. There are SO many choices in the Orlando area, they are bound to have something that appeals to you and your family!

Thanks for the input!! Those sound like great options!!!

 

[Beth06015]

Just an FYI -- many people like to rent cars because it gives more freedom. When in Florida, I don't -- just a personal preference. I drive enough at home for work. The car service we use can plan and book reservations for a multi-faceted trip. Of course, this would only work if it fits into your plans and budget. For instance, we have booked them for airport to Universal, Universal to port and port to a Disney resort. The costs were well within what we would have paid for Meers or Disney buses and the convenience was unbeatable.

One of our favorite things about WDW is ditching our cars!! It feels like a burden lifted--truly vacation for us!! Given the ability to stop for groceries on the way out does make a rental seem like a good option, though.

 

[lanejudy]

If we are at ASMo the night before, can we just go pick up a one way rental from the Car Care Center near the Boardwalk? What happens when we get to the port? Do we drop the car off at an office & catch a shuttle? Do you book the one way rental online or do you call? Is there a particular website you like? Details on this process would be greatly appreciated!!

One-way car rentals can be booked online or by phone though all the major rental agencies. Price them out as there can be considerable differences, though if you want to pick-up at WDW you may have more limited options. Once you arrive at Port Canaveral you can drop off passengers and bags, then have 1 person return the car and shuttle back, or the full family can return the car and take the shuttle.

I believe the Car Care Center is near the TTC. They will send a shuttle to your resort to pick you up (ask the front desk to call) or you can take a cab; last I knew it was National and Alamo. There is also a rental agency at the Swan/Dolphin (that may be what you are thinking near the Boardwalk?) and I think that is Alamo as well but I'm not positive; I don't know if this location provides a shuttle but you can take WDW transportation. I've also read there is a car rental at Shades of Green, it might be Hertz but I'm not sure; I believe you would need to take a cab to this location to pick up the rental.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[thornton0511]

Hi everyone! There is some very helpful information here, thanks so much. I have contacted Southern Regal Limo for a quote but I would like to know more about the one way rental. If we are at ASMo the night before, can we just go pick up a one way rental from the Car Care Center near the Boardwalk? What happens when we get to the port? Do we drop the car off at an office & catch a shuttle? Do you book the one way rental online or do you call? Is there a particular website you like? Details on this process would be greatly appreciated!!

I have priced several options but so far the Disney shuttle is coming out cheapest for us. Our party is 2 adults, a 1 yr old & a 6 year old so we need a regular car seat & a booster. I want to get to the port as early as possible since this is such a short cruise & I have read that the Disney shuttle usually gets there around 1:30-2.

All thoughts, opinions & suggestions welcome! We sail 1/27/17 one the Dream.

We are doing our first cruise in March and staying at AoA beforehand. We have decided that the day before we will go have lunch and take Disney transportation to the Dolphin (one way rental from National for $60) and pick up our rental and drive back to the resort. That way when we get up the next morning we can leave as early as we want and stop where we want along the way to the port. Then have DH drop us off at the terminal and take the car back, then shuttle back to the terminal to meet us. After the cruise we are staying at AKL and I think we are just going to suck it up and pay $35 each for DCL transport for our family of 4. Still this should run us around $200 and cheaper than another route I have found.

 

[tlimbergsmith]

My experience with DCL transfers from WDW resort - one time picked up at 11:00, at the ship by 12:00. Second time picked up at 12:30 at the ship by 2:00. Can vary depending on how many stops your bus makes (maximum is 3) and if you're the first or last stop).

If you're only staying one night, have you looked into just staying at the Hyatt MCO? If you do that, you can be down at the DCL transfer desk when they open at 9:00. The first bus generally departs around 9:15 and arrives at the port by 10:30.

The Hyatt in MCO would be so convenient but it's just too expensive for me.

 

[tlimbergsmith]

One-way car rentals can be booked online or by phone though all the major rental agencies. Price them out as there can be considerable differences, though if you want to pick-up at WDW you may have more limited options. Once you arrive at Port Canaveral you can drop off passengers and bags, then have 1 person return the car and shuttle back, or the full family can return the car and take the shuttle.

I believe the Car Care Center is near the TTC. They will send a shuttle to your resort to pick you up (ask the front desk to call) or you can take a cab; last I knew it was National and Alamo. There is also a rental agency at the Swan/Dolphin (that may be what you are thinking near the Boardwalk?) and I think that is Alamo as well but I'm not positive; I don't know if this location provides a shuttle but you can take WDW transportation. I've also read there is a car rental at Shades of Green, it might be Hertz but I'm not sure; I believe you would need to take a cab to this location to pick up the rental.

Enjoy your cruise!

Has anyone done the one way rental? It sounds like the best option for us but the reviews of the shuttle back to the port are not very good.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

I used a site like Kayak to get a feel for what was available from the different agencies and the (widely varied!) costs. Then I used the car companies website to reserve it. It was a reservation, but I didn't have to pay in advance, could have cancelled up to the same day of the trip. I requested the car be available an hour or two before I actually needed it to ensure it would be ready and available. I also happened to call the company on the phone (I forget what question prompted me to call). They assured me that everything was all set and that their policy was to hold onto all reserved cars for 15 hours after the requested time, so I would have no trouble.

Likewise, pickup at the airport was easy. Drop-off at the port was easy. Their free shuttle to the port had some line, and it can depend on the day, you might get more or less wait at any given time.

Personally, we thought having a rental car felt much more relaxed and vacation-like. When we looked into shuttles or car services, we had to commit to their time schedule or at least to a time we set. With the rental car it was like, "OK, are we ready? Then let's go. Want to stop along the way for something? No problem." Etc. The last thing I wanted to do on vacation is have ANOTHER deadline of having to be somewhere at some set time.

At one point, we were going to take a shuttle that left from the airport. Our hotel had a free shuttle to the airport, so no problem, but then our morning would have been, "get to the hotel lobby by X time, so that we can be at the airport by Y so we can get to the port by Z." That didn't feel at all like a vacation. Plus it meant, in order to make sure we didn't miss any of those connections, we'd have to be packed up and checked out of our hotel like 3 hours before we wanted to be at the port. So we just said, "forget this stress," we cancelled that and booked the rental car. Poof. Our schedule was our own again!

 

[RedSox68]

The Hyatt in MCO would be so convenient but it's just too expensive for me.

We book ours with the AAA (or AARP if appropriate) discounts -- the convenience is worth it.