wdw to PC

[RENThead09]

I know there are many threads and ideas on this. Sorry for the repeat.

Original plan was to take WDW transportation from POP Century to PC for our cruise in January. Now my friend has it in his head that he doesn't want to do that because of the crowds and we should just take an Uber.

Any thoughts. Trying to be open to his idea but really haven't read about much positive about that option. Even though it is just the 2 of us, will have 4 suitcases and a couple backpacks since we have a 2 week stay at WDW before the cruise to run the marathon weekend.

Trying to get him to compromise to a towncar and he refuses to even discuss. Just want a drama free morning heading to the ship.

Thanks for your help and thoughts.

Happy Sailing.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I know there are many threads and ideas on this. Sorry for the repeat.

Original plan was to take WDW transportation from POP Century to PC for our cruise in January. Now my friend has it in his head that he doesn't want to do that because of the crowds and we should just take an Uber.

Any thoughts. Trying to be open to his idea but really haven't read about much positive about that option. Even though it is just the 2 of us, will have 4 suitcases and a couple backpacks since we have a 2 week stay at WDW before the cruise to run the marathon weekend.

Trying to get him to compromise to a towncar and he refuses to even discuss. Just want a drama free morning heading to the ship.

Thanks for your help and thoughts.

Happy Sailing.

We've not had any drama taking the DCL transfers from resort to port. What sort of drama are you expecting?

With that number of bags, I'd think DCL transfers would be preferable (checked bags go directly from your resort room to stateroom onboard - you don't have to wrangle them at all).

 

[RENThead09]

We've not had any drama taking the DCL transfers from resort to port. What sort of drama are you expecting?

With that number of bags, I'd think DCL transfers would be preferable (checked bags go directly from your resort room to stateroom onboard - you don't have to wrangle them at all).

I was more thinking drama with Uber, as it is not pre-arranged and if it doesn't go well he will be stressed and crabby and not how I want to start a nice, relaxing cruise.

And I agree, with the number of large suitcases, most cars wouldn't have room. so would need to be Uber XL, wish is about $50 more than using Disney to transfer. But he is all focused on the whole " we will get there with all the other buses and have to wait in lines for hours".

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I was more thinking drama with Uber, as it is not pre-arranged and if it doesn't go well he will be stressed and crabby and not how I want to start a nice, relaxing cruise.

And I agree, with the number of large suitcases, most cars wouldn't have room. so would need to be Uber XL, wish is about $50 more than using Disney to transfer. But he is all focused on the whole " we will get there with all the other buses and have to wait in lines for hours".

Well, you don't get there "with all the other buses". Since each bus is on a different line of travel, with different pick up times at the various resorts. Yes, the buses usually begin arriving at the port around 12:30, but continue to do so for a couple of hours, not all at one time.

In reality, I find the lines earlier (when the terminal first opens) up until when the buses start arriving are maddening. You have everyone checking in and just waiting around for boarding to begin (usually around 11:30). Most people are onboard (out of the terminal) by 12:30 = much less frenzied feeling. IMO.

 

[mkh531]

After arriving at 1030 for our cruise and waiting around a crowded terminal I think it's much better t get an earLy PAT but just show up whenever, preferably closer to 1, when everyone is already on the boat and the buffet lines have died down as everyone moves to the pool or to look around the ship. I hate crowds. Anyhow. The Disney bus should be fine. Also if your friend is really being a jerk you can take the Disney transport and he can take the uber and you won't have to deal with him.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

After arriving at 1030 for our cruise and waiting around a crowded terminal I think it's much better t get an earLy PAT but just show up whenever, preferably closer to 1, when everyone is already on the boat and the buffet lines have died down as everyone moves to the pool or to look around the ship. I hate crowds. Anyhow. The Disney bus should be fine. Also if your friend is really being a jerk you can take the Disney transport and he can take the uber and you won't have to deal with him.

Great idea.

 

[mmouse37]

Have you thought of a one-way rental from WDW to the port? It will take a bit of planning and you will have to drop off the car at the rental office in PC but you can then leave WDW at your leisure and have a car to fit all your luggage. The easiest would be to drop friend and luggage at the port curb for porters to take, drive back to rental office to drop off car and hop the rental shuttle bus back to port.

But honestly, taking the DCL bus is SO MUCH more convenient. Another option is to take ME back to airport to pick up the DCL transfer from there which would get you to the port earlier.

Are Uber drivers allowed to drop off at port? I know some place Uber is not allowed. Don't know about the port.

MJ

 

[KristiMc]

After arriving at 1030 for our cruise and waiting around a crowded terminal I think it's much better t get an earLy PAT but just show up whenever, preferably closer to 1, when everyone is already on the boat and the buffet lines have died down as everyone moves to the pool or to look around the ship. I hate crowds. Anyhow. The Disney bus should be fine. Also if your friend is really being a jerk you can take the Disney transport and he can take the uber and you won't have to deal with him.

If you are not going to show up till closer to 1:00, don't take a early PAT away from someone that will actually show up at that time. When showing up at 1:00, they are in open boarding mode so you don't really need to have that early PAT boarding number because you will be able to walk right on.

 

[Dug720]

Have you thought of a one-way rental from WDW to the port? It will take a bit of planning and you will have to drop off the car at the rental office in PC but you can then leave WDW at your leisure and have a car to fit all your luggage. The easiest would be to drop friend and luggage at the port curb for porters to take, drive back to rental office to drop off car and hop the rental shuttle bus back to port.

But honestly, taking the DCL bus is SO MUCH more convenient. Another option is to take ME back to airport to pick up the DCL transfer from there which would get you to the port earlier.

Are Uber drivers allowed to drop off at port? I know some place Uber is not allowed. Don't know about the port.

MJ

Not everyone drives or wants to rent a car. Personally, I *can* drive, but have not in 11 years, so I hardly want my first time driving in that long to be in a rental car - especially when I am already excited about vacation.

As far as Uber or Lyft, I do not believe there are restrictions on them dropping off, but I have read numerous places that getting a driver to pick up a ride from Orlando to Port Canaveral can be hard because that is a long way for them to go with no guarantee of a fare back.

 

[mmouse37]

Not everyone drives or wants to rent a car. Personally, I *can* drive, but have not in 11 years, so I hardly want my first time driving in that long to be in a rental car - especially when I am already excited about vacation.

As far as Uber or Lyft, I do not believe there are restrictions on them dropping off, but I have read numerous places that getting a driver to pick up a ride from Orlando to Port Canaveral can be hard because that is a long way for them to go with no guarantee of a fare back.

Of course not everyone wants to drive a car....it was just another alternative. I honestly can't understand the rationale of the friend who does not want to go the most stress free (IMO) means of transport. I really believe at the time they will arrive many people will already be onboard and they won't have long to wait.

We usually travel in a larger group and DCL transfers tend to be more expensive. We love renting a minivan and heading to the port from WDW (but I always use a car at WDW as well) but I can certainly understand how some people don't like or prefer to drive on vacation.

MJ

 

[Dug720]

Of course not everyone wants to drive a car....it was just another alternative. I honestly can't understand the rationale of the friend who does not want to go the most stress free (IMO) means of transport. I really believe at the time they will arrive many people will already be onboard and they won't have long to wait.

We usually travel in a larger group and DCL transfers tend to be more expensive. We love renting a minivan and heading to the port from WDW (but I always use a car at WDW as well) but I can certainly understand how some people don't like or prefer to drive on vacation.

MJ

I agree about stress-free. Because I'm solo, the DCL bus is usually my best option - at least for cruises out of Port Canaveral! No stress at all!

 

[lanejudy]

OP -- does your friend realize the distance between WDW and Port Canaveral? It's approximately 60 miles and about an hour ride. Pick a location one hour from your home (or your friend's home) and have him check to see how easy it would be to get an Uber or Lyft for a one-way ride. I'm guessing probably not as easy as he thinks.

There shouldn't be massive crowds to board your bus. And the port terminal is huge and mostly empty by the time the buses from WDW arrive. So even if your bus arrives at the same time as another, it won't feel crowded and you'll check-in and board fairly quickly. If his main issue is crowds, definitely tell him to avoid early arrival at the port.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[kiford]

Now my friend has it in his head that he doesn't want to do that because of the crowds

Crowds? Where - at the port? That's why we normally get a later PAT and take DCL transportation from WDW. When the bus gets there, you whip though security, up the stairs, right to the counter to check in, walk right onto the ship and up to your room. No standing in line waiting to check in, waiting to board, waiting for your room to be ready. Waiting for the bus at the hotel is in comfort - no standing outside the hotel waiting for a taxi or Uber. You know when you have to be there, where you have to be, someone checks you off a list, leads you to the bus when it's ready to go and then you just have to relax until it reaches the port. Simple, no stress.

Last year we cruised with friends who picked us up at the MCO Hyatt (they live in Florida). Normally we come a few days before and stay at WDW but we were going there after the cruise and our schedule didn't allow for more than one night before. They wanted to be there right when the terminal opened because they hadn't yet got their room assignment (turns out they got it the night before but when we made arrangements, they didn't yet know). So we got there a little after 10 am, had to drive around the parking garage looking for space and then had to wait in line in the parking garage for about 20-ish minutes to be let in. We got checked in pretty quickly but then had to wait until boarding started (we had boarding number 2 right after Concierge - the wait is much longer if you're not Platinum or Concierge). We had managed to find a seat but spent about 45 minutes with tons of people practically crammed up against us waiting to board (I don't even want to tell you about how close and personal I got with some people's midsections both front and back). When they called for our boarding number we had to push (literally push) our way through the crowd to get to the entrance. We then had to camp out with our bags jammed under the table in the MDR at lunch waiting for our rooms to be ready. Ugh. I prefer our usual method. Crowds are early - later is calmer and empty.