Upgrade at Port Canaveral - overcoming parking deck disadvantage to DCL bus

[KevinFL]

We always drive to Port Canaveral and park at the parking deck and we are usually the first ones there parked to get into the terminal but the DCL bus riders always get into the terminal earlier. Does anyone know of anyway to get in with these bus folks at the earlier time when you have driven/parked so you are not last to have option to upgrade at the port terminal desk? Also if can't beat them join them is the only way then what is the location to get on the first bus that makes it to the port? But ideally, we always drive so would like to find a way to get drive and park and get into the terminal at the same time as the the first bus riders. Thank you!!!

 

[dcassetta]

With the current strict adherence to PATs and buses arriving earlier than they used to, especially from the resorts, I think you will continue to see this pattern.

I don't know that there is a way to predict where the first bus that arrives at the terminal comes from. In the past, I would have said it was the first bus from the airport. But, now some of the resorts are picking up so early, that they may beat the first airport bus.

 

[KevinFL]

With ... buses arriving earlier than they used to, especially from the resorts

Any idea what time the buses are currently arriving at Port Canaveral?

 

[lanejudy]

Any idea what time the buses are currently arriving at Port Canaveral?

I believe it isn't unusual -- now or pre-covid -- for the first bus or two to arrive at Port Canaveral prior to the earliest PAT. Agree with PP that interest past the first bus to arrive was from MCO, but now it could well be from a resort.

 

[dcassetta]

Any idea what time the buses are currently arriving at Port Canaveral?

The first bus from MCO usually left about 9:15 or so, and it's about 45 minutes to port. Some people are reporting pick-ups at the resorts earlier than 8am. Now, this may take longer as it is further from the cruise port and they may pick up at more than one resort. But, if they pick up from a resort at 8am, and that is the final stop they would likely be there before the first airport bus. I am not sure I have seen anyone report at PAT at PC earlier than 10:30, so parking your car would definitely put you behind at least the first buses.

 

[KevinFL]

What happens if you take private transportation to port and get dropped off do you still have to wait with parking deck people or can you get in early like bus?

 

[Husker Mike]

Pretty sure that this is a DCL incentive to pay extra for the bus.

 

[happycamper47]

What happens if you take private transportation to port and get dropped off do you still have to wait with parking deck people or can you get in early like bus?

You still have to arrive based on your PAT and walk to the tent for testing instead of testing in the garage which is what you do if you drive.

 

[lanejudy]

What happens if you take private transportation to port and get dropped off do you still have to wait with parking deck people or can you get in early like bus?

I've read reports that private transportation has been turned around and told to return at PAT if arriving too early.

 

[Akck]

As I pointed out in another thread, with the June change in testing, busses may be arriving on a different time schedule. There won’t be a need to schedule busses early as fewer passengers will be tested at port.

 

[randumb0]

Since you are not allowed to arrive before your PAT I am not sure why it matters at what time the buses arrive

 

[Kariyaffa]

Since you are not allowed to arrive before your PAT I am not sure why it matters at what time the buses arrive

Because the bus people are allowed to arrive before their PAT.

To answer the original question it seems like which resort bus is earliest varies by sailing based on how many people at each resort take transportation. So the only way to ensure being on one of the earlier buses would be to get the first bus from the airport. Not sure if the extra expense, inconvenience of not having your car is worth that for the OP.

 

[randumb0]

Because the bus people are allowed to arrive before their PAT.

To answer the original question it seems like which resort bus is earliest varies by sailing based on how many people at each resort take transportation. So the only way to ensure being on one of the earlier buses would be to get the first bus from the airport. Not sure if the extra expense, inconvenience of not having your car is worth that for the OP.

The OP said they drive to the port. Why does it matter what a bus does?

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

I think the OP, who is driving to the port, wants to see about getting a potential stateroom upgrade at the port. They would like to get into the terminal at the same time as the DCL bus passengers so that they don’t miss out on the upgrade opportunity by being behind those people who ride the DCL bus.

 

[Kwami]

I think the OP, who is driving to the port, wants to see about getting a potential stateroom upgrade at the port. They would like to get into the terminal at the same time as the DCL bus passengers so that they don’t miss out on the upgrade opportunity by being behind those people who ride the DCL bus.

Which is fine, but impossible. The buses start arriving before the earliest PAT and you'll be turned away by security if you arrive before your PAT. So, the OP can take the bus or accept not being first in line.