What time to get to Port Canaveral?

[Maryrachel713]

Just booked our first cruise and it says we leave at 3:45. What time do we need to be at Port Canaveral? Haven't booked flights yet and are trying to figure out when we should leave. We'll fly into MCO and then need to get to Port Canaveral (planning on Uber/Lyft). We live in Chicago so a lot of flights and it doesn't take too long. Any advice when to get there? Do we *need* to get there the day before (flights are more expensive that day).

 

[mmouse37]

Just booked our first cruise and it says we leave at 3:45. What time do we need to be at Port Canaveral? Haven't booked flights yet and are trying to figure out when we should leave. We'll fly into MCO and then need to get to Port Canaveral (planning on Uber/Lyft). We live in Chicago so a lot of flights and it doesn't take too long. Any advice when to get there? Do we *need* to get there the day before (flights are more expensive that day).

Well, thousands of people each week fly in the day of their cruise so it could be fine. But, if you are flying during winter or hurricane season you may want to fly in the day before. This year especially with all the flight cancellations and strikes and staff issues I would definitely fly in the day before. We never fly day of because there are so many things that could delay your flight or you getting to the airport.

You will arrive at the Port according to your Port Arrival Time (PAT) that you will pick when you do your online check in 30 days before your cruise. Boarding usually starts between 11:00 am and 11:30.

The port is about an hour from MCO so an Uber may be costly. Depending on how many people you are you can price out DCL transportation to the port from the airport or a Towncar service. DCL transfers are $39 pp each way. Another option is renting a car.

MJ

 

[lklgoodman]

Yes, you should most definitely get there the day before. Too many flights being canceled and it's going to continue for quite a long time. You live too far away to drive to PC if your flight gets canceled the morning of and you can't get on a new one. We live in Ohio and always take the first flight out the day before. We're sailing put of Seattle next summer on another cruise line and plan on flying out 2 days ahead of the cruise.

 

[tink1970]

We live about 6 1/2 hours from Port Canaveral and when we fly still fly in the day before. I remember before our first cruise a young woman sobbing in the airport (it was foggy and every flight was significantly delayed) because she was likely missing her honeymoon cruise-that made an impact on my travel planning as you can imagine. DH and I stay at the MCO Hyatt and take DCL transportation so from the minute we board the plane, the vacation begins-no stress, no responsibilities!

 

[Capt_BJ]

The port is about an hour from MCO so an Uber may be costly. Depending on how many people you are you can price out DCL transportation to the port from the airport or a Towncar service. DCL transfers are $39 pp each way.

UBERX typically runs in the $65 to 70 range so if you are two, it is cheaper then the DCL bus . . . even XL is typically under $90 . .

They DO check your PAT unless you arrive by DCL bus or are conc' or suites ..... you can arrive LATER with no problem. I dropped son off for WISH maiden voyage with 1:30 PAT hitting the time on the head. He was checked in and on board by 2 ... virtually no wait.

I suspect 3:45 is 'all aboard' as boarding usually must end ~1 hour b4 they start moving. I watch the departures semi regularly at https://www.portcanaveralwebcam.com/ ... I'm pretty sure they are after 4 ....

 

[Maryrachel713]

The port is about an hour from MCO so an Uber may be costly. Depending on how many people you are you can price out DCL transportation to the port from the airport or a Towncar service. DCL transfers are $39 pp each way.

UBERX typically runs in the $65 to 70 range so if you are two, it is cheaper then the DCL bus . . . even XL is typically under $80 . .

We are a family of 4–good to know!

 

[Weedy]

When your booking window opens you will be able to book a Port Arrival Time (PAT). If you are taking Disney Transportation for the airport or from a Disney Resort you don’t need to pick one.
Boarding usually starts about 11:15. They board in groups calling the next group about every 5 minutes.
Restaurants, bars and pools are open as soon as boarding starts.
Cabins are not available until 2ish so if you want to swim pack a swimsuit in your carry on but keep it light because there is no place to store your luggage.

 

[Capt_BJ]

good to know!
yep, frankly for a group of 4 the DCL transport makes little sense .....

if not familiar with UBER/LYFT ..... load the apps on your phone <which does mean entering a CC> ..... you can put in any From/To and get the 'now price' ... nothing is booked until you CONFIRM the trip ..... it is hard to accidentally book!

 

[Capt_BJ]

for what it's worth, I'm checking the webcam ... it is 1601 local in Canaveral.

CARN' FREEDOM departed between 3:30 and 3:45 and has cleared the channel. (still missing the 'tail' off her stack)

MARINER of the SEAS began to move promptly at 4

DISNEY has yet to show signs of moving but at this time would wait for MARINER to 'get out of the way' .....



I see DISNEY beginning to take in lines at 1638 ..... MARINER has cleared the channel . . .

1645 they are moving away from the pier ...... <one hour after closing the doors>

 

[lanejudy]

it says we leave at 3:45

I agree with PP this is most likely the "all aboard" time and not actual departure. But that really a moot point for your question because you need to be onboard before that.

There are options for transportation to port, pros and cons to each. You'll probably want to price some out to decide what works best for your family.

• Uber/Lyft - consider your party size and number of bags, time of day can make a difference as well with surge pricing. It's about an hour drive so you don't want to be crammed in or holding luggage on your laps.
• Car rental - probably least expensive but can be more effort on your part. Pretty on your time frame.
• Shared shuttle - some folks have used Gosport with mixed reviews.
• Private car service - with party of 4 may be similar cost to DCL transfers, but many will make a stop on the way to the port if you need to buy anything last minute (wine/beer, etc.). You can usually set the time to coordinate with your PAT.
• DCL Transfers - $39 per person each way so may be the most expensive option, but very convenient. No PAT if coming from a WDW resort ot the Hyatt MCO. DCL will hold the ship if delayed along the route (traffic accident, road work, etc.)

I strongly recommend flying at least the day prior. Various options of where to stay that night.

 

[Maryrachel713]

Thanks for all the feedback--if we fly in and go to Port Canaveral the day before, will we just need another Uber to get to the port that day? We depart 12/31 so not being totally overtired would probably be nice (not that we're the type to make it to midnight). We'll probably try to find something Marriott to see if DH can use his points. We've never been on a Disney cruise (and I've only been on one as an adult and BIL handled everything) so I have no idea what I'm doing and when things should be scheduled.

 

[Cruising Girl]

You can also check the flights into Sanford Airport--SFB. For us it is a lot cheaper than flying into MCO. We usually fly into Sanford and use Sunrise Florida Transportation to take us to the port. Have a great cruise! You will love it.

 

[auntlynne]

Since you are flying during the holidays, try for a cushion to cover oversold flights or cancellations due to staffing shortages.

You will need a way to get to the port for boarding if you stay in Port Canaveral. Be it hotel shuttle or rideshare. Hotels to the cruise terminal Are not walking distance / conditions.

The Hyatt would be the easiest plan for arriving and staying overnight; it would only involve one mode of transportation in the morning.

There are also hotels near MCO that have airport shuttles and hotel + port shuttle bundles.

 

[cubgirl78]

Thanks for all the feedback--if we fly in and go to Port Canaveral the day before, will we just need another Uber to get to the port that day? We depart 12/31 so not being totally overtired would probably be nice (not that we're the type to make it to midnight). We'll probably try to find something Marriott to see if DH can use his points. We've never been on a Disney cruise (and I've only been on one as an adult and BIL handled everything) so I have no idea what I'm doing and when things should be scheduled.

Same cruise! We're from Naperville and coming in night before, staying at Grand Floridian, then driving to Cruise. We drive. Hope to see you on the cruise!!

 

[Maryrachel713]

Same cruise! We're from Naperville and coming in night before, staying at Grand Floridian, then driving to Cruise. We drive. Hope to see you on the cruise!!

Hey there! We’re from oak park. Hopefully we’ll meet up!

 

[MrsScooby]

Thanks for all the feedback--if we fly in and go to Port Canaveral the day before, will we just need another Uber to get to the port that day? We depart 12/31 so not being totally overtired would probably be nice (not that we're the type to make it to midnight). We'll probably try to find something Marriott to see if DH can use his points. We've never been on a Disney cruise (and I've only been on one as an adult and BIL handled everything) so I have no idea what I'm doing and when things should be scheduled.

You have a number of options.
You can uber to a hotel in the Port Canaveral area and then take a hotel shuttle or a taxi to the port the next day (best if you have an early flight and a tight budget),
or you can stay at a hotel airport and uber to the port the next day (best for a late flight),
or you can uber to a hotel (WDW or one nearby) and then uber (or transfer depending on your hotel choice) to the port the next day (best for an early flight and interest in visiting the parks).

I would say that since your trip is during holiday season you want this hotel booked asap.

Good Luck!

 

[loislane]

As someone else mentioned, you can check flights into Sanford if you aren't using the DCL transportation.

I would definitely recommend getting in the day before. Our original flight we booked got changed a few months later to one with a layover and plane change in Baltimore. The first AND the second flight were both delayed and we ended up on the ground in Orlando a good hour later than we were supposed to be. Doesn't seem like much, but the day of the cruise, that hour can be the difference between being on board and watching from shore as the ship sails off. Add the drive from the airport to the port on top of that where it has its own host of things that can go wrong - traffic, accidents, bad weather, etc. I just don't like to risk it.

That's also part of why we use the DCL transportation - if something does go wrong during the ride from the airport to the port. at least Disney is going to know about it and can do something about it.