disney cruise line transportation from disney resort

Should You Take Disney Cruise Line Transportation? What You Need to Know.

by Jenn Marrazzo | Nov 9, 2023 | Disney Cruise Line

Heading on a Disney Cruise soon? Here’s why you should consider taking Disney Cruise transportation to the port.

Guests headed onboard a Disney Cruise from Port Canaveral in Florida are probably facing some exciting decisions as they get ready to sail. From what excursions they should book to any onboard extras, there are so many ways to personalize your Disney Cruise Line vacation. 

One thing that most people don’t consider is transportation to the port. How are you getting from Orlando International Airport or Walt Disney World to Port Canaveral and back? Well, one option to consider is to utilize official Disney transportation services.  We’re going to break down whether you should take Disney Cruise Transportation on your next sailing and what the alternatives are. 

Distance to Port Canaveral from Orlando

Port Canaveral is located on the East Coast of Florida and is parallel with Orlando. With that said, it is a little bit of a hike from the port to the Greater Orlando Area, so keep that in mind when visiting. 

Photo by Bill Ryan

Orlando International to Port Canaveral 

Orlando International and Port Canaveral are about 47 miles apart. Therefore, you can expect a ride of about 45 minutes back and forth. That is assuming there is no traffic, so always add on some extra time to account for Orlando traffic. 

Walt Disney World to Port Canaveral 

The Walt Disney World Resort and Port Canaveral are about 59 miles apart. The ride between the two is approximately one hour back and forth. Again, the closer you get to Disney, you could face some extensive traffic, so always prepare ahead of time if you are leaving for your cruise. 

Transportation Options to Port Canaveral 

There are a few ways to travel from Port Canaveral to Orlando. We’ll break down these different ways for you. 

Whether you are headed to Port Canaveral from Orlando International or decided to stay at Disney World for a few days before, one option is taking an Uber or Lyft to the Port. As we previously mentioned, Port Canaveral is a hike from both the airport and the parks, so the cost will reflect that. You can expect an Uber or Lyft to cost you around $100 or more given the distance. 

Official Disney Cruise Line Transportation 

The other option that guests can consider when embarking on a Disney Cruise is official Disney Cruise Line Transportation. This transportation will have you picked up at either the airport or at your Disney Resort and brought to the terminal in Port Canaveral. The transportation cost is $39/per person. To discuss specific options for your cruise and travel itinerary, call Disney Cruise Line at (800) 951-3532. 

Benefits of Disney Cruise Line Transportation

Earlier boarding group/port arrival.

One of the best parts about using Disney Cruise Line Transportation is that you arrive at the port early and therefore, are given an earlier boarding group to get onto your ship. That means your vacation starts early! These boarding groups are usually highly coveted and people will start their check-in exactly on the date it opens. But if you use a Disney Transfer, they will take care of that for you so you aren’t waiting around. 

Photo by Danny Shuster

Easy to Book and Guaranteed Pick Up

Booking a Disney Transfer is quite easy. Once you make your final payment for your cruise, you are able to book on the Disney Cruise Line app or website. You’ll be prompted to add transportation at either the beginning of your cruise, the end of your cruise, or both. 

Luggage Transfer

You are on vacation so don’t stress about carrying your luggage around. By simply adding your Disney Cruise Line luggage tag onto your luggage prior to pickup, you won’t have to worry about luggage at all. If you are staying at a Disney World resort hotel or at the Hyatt at Orlando International, a representative from Disney Cruise Line will come early in the morning to pick up your bags. It’s as simple as that… you’ll find them onboard in your room. 

If you are flying on the day of your cruise, Disney Cruise Line will pick up your luggage from baggage claim and bring it to the Port so that once again, you’ll find your luggage onboard. We love this perk and think this is totally worth the process.  

Entertainment on Board

When being picked up by Disney Cruise Line Transportation, you’ll have access to Disney entertainment onboard your bus. If you remember Disney’s Magical Express Service , you’ll receive similar entertainment to that. From Disney cartoons to information about the port, it’s a great way to keep the magic flowing right into your Disney Cruise. 

Downsides of Disney Cruise Line Transportation

As we mentioned, the Disney Transfer costs $39/per person. If you are a family of 4, you are looking at a cost of over $150 to use the service. While that might not be intriguing for some, it’s something to think about before you click that book button. 

Multiple Stops 

If you are being picked up at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, keep in mind that you will most likely be stopping at multiple resorts around WDW. Since there’s probably many guests who are being picked up, they will try to get as many people as possible onto the transfer. That means you’ll spend more time onboard the bus. 

You Have No Say in Pick-Up Time

If you are someone who doesn’t like the idea of being told when it’s time to leave, this service might not be for you. That’s because you have no say in the pick-up time for the bus. Disney will schedule this for you according to where you are being picked up and when they have the most demand. 

Should You Take It? 

While we broke down both the pros and cons of Disney Transportation, we highly recommend that you take the Disney Transportation. From not worrying about luggage to receiving an earlier boarding group, the pros outweigh the few cons we can find. 

FAQs of Disney Cruise Line Transportation

What’s the cost of disney cruise line transportation .

Disney Cruise Line Transportation costs $39 per person per way. 

Can you book Disney Cruise Line Transportation if you are flying into Orlando Airport the day of?

Absolutely! That’s one of the best parts! You’ll find a Disney Curise Line representative in the terminal ready to take you over to the port. But, remember, you must book this ahead of time. 

Will they pick you up at a Disney World Resort or at the Hyatt at Orlando Airport? 

Guests love the fact that Disney Cruise Line Transportation can whisk you from the parks to the ship. Sometimes people even stay at the Hyatt at Orlando Airport and you can also receive the service if you are staying there too. 

What happens if you get to the port before your port arrival time? 

By booking a Disney Cruise Line transfer, you’ll receive an earlier port time and boarding group to accommodate you if you arrive early. You won’t have to wait around outside if you get there earlier than expected. 

Is it easy to book? 

It sure is! Just visit the Disney Cruise Line app or use the Disney Cruise Line website after your final payment is submitted to purchase this add-on. 

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Disney Cruise Line Transportation Options

Whether you arrive by airplane, train, or automobile, guests must still consider transportation options when planning a cruise. Drivers will need to park for the duration of the voyage. Those flying or taking a train will need to get to the cruise port. Depending on the port your cruise sails from, there can be several Disney Cruise Line transportation options available.

Listed below are options for Disney Cruise Line Transportation Options for Port Canaveral .

Auto Rental Companies Driving/Parking at Port Canaveral Shuttles   Minnie Vans   Public Transportation Limousine and Towncar Services Taxi Companies Ride Share

Auto Rental

Guests may choose to rent a car from the airport and drop it at a location at the port. Car rental gives lots of options for side trips or staying at a hotel before or after the cruise. Keep in mind that there may be parking fees at hotels and will be fees at the port if you choose this option.

Automobile Rental Companies at Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral

Driving/Parking at Port Canaveral

Driving to Port Canaveral

From the Walt Disney World Resort: Take I-4 east or 417 east to State Road 528 east (Beeline Expressway). Continue on State Road 528 over the Indian River and the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road 401, which will loop and head north over the channel locks. Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the signs to Cruise Terminal 8.

From Orlando International Airport: Take State Road 528 east (Beeline Expressway). Continue on State Road 528 over the Indian River and the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road 401, which will loop and head north over the channel locks. Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the signs to Cruise Terminal 8.

Parking at Port Canaveral

The Canaveral Port Authority operates the parking facility. Cash, MasterCard, and Visa are the only acceptable forms of payment. Personal checks will not be accepted.

Outdoor and garage parking at the pier for vehicles up to 20 feet in length is available for cruises as follows:

• 3-day cruise, $64
• 4-day cruise, $80
• 5-day cruise, $96
• 7-day cruise, $128

For vehicles longer than 20 feet, the rates are:

• 3-day cruise, $112
• 4-day cruise, $140
• 5-day cruise, $168
• 7-day cruise, $224

Some local hotels may also offer packages which include parking and/or transportation to the Port. If you are interested in this option, please contact your travel counselor for more details.

Shuttle Companies

Many shuttle companies service the Port Canaveral Area. Consult the airport or yellow pages for other shuttle companies in the area.

Minnie Vans

Walt Disney World’s Minnie Van Service is now available for those looking to travel in between Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line’s Port Canaveral terminal. The service is currently only available to book directly with Disney Cruise Line via Embarkation Services. It is a one way Minnie Van Service between Port Canaveral and Walt Disney World and it costs $240. The Minnie Vans can accommodate up to 6 guests plus luggage. The Minnie Vans to Port Canaveral are typically stocked with bottled water, chocolates, books, and will show movies.

Drop off at Port Canaveral will take place through security right at the curb.

Limousine and Towncar Services

Several reputable limousine/town car service companies operate between the Orlando area and Port Canaveral.  This is often a better value than shuttle service if you are traveling in a party of 4 or more.  Check with the town car service company to be sure you know what is included or not included.  Some companies include a short stop at a location of your choice for you to pick up necessities before you reach your destination, while other companies offer the service at an additional charge.  Same goes with infant/toddler car seats, etc.  Some companies automatically charge gratuity while others leave it to you to decide how much to tip the driver.  Check and compare different companies before you decide who to hire.

Public Transportation

Below is public transportation information for service in the Port Canaveral Area. Public Transportation will not get a guest from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral, but if guests are staying the area, there is public transportation. The transit website gives detailed information regarding available options.

321-633-1878

Space Coast Commuter Assistance

321-952-4563

Taxi Companies

Several taxi companies service the Port Canaveral area. While it may be possible to take a taxi from outside of the Port Canaveral area, it may not be the most cost-effective.

Both Uber and Lift drivers are available near the ports, as well as in Orlando, and many other nearby cities. Utilizing a ride share option does allow you to get to the port at the time you’re wanting to arrive, however depending on what size car you need, it might be just as cost effective to rent a car and drive it yourself. Pricing tends to range from $70 for a basic rideshare vehicle (add about $5 for a vehicle with a car seat) up to about $150 for a more deluxe ride.

Make sure you download the respective app of the rideshare service you are looking to use before arriving for your vacation and go through the registration process, so you’ll be ready to go when it’s time to go.

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Disney Cruise Line – Pre/Post Cruise Hotels and Ground Transportation

LAST UPDATE: 2/22/24

On this page we’ve collected some useful hints about Disney Cruise hotels and where to stay before or after your cruise, ground transportation (limo or rental car) and other pre/post cruise information.

• Where to Stay the Night Before Your Cruise

What to Do If Your Return Flight Leaves Late in the Day

Transportation and parking at the cruise ports, disney cruise hotels: where to stay the night before your cruise, port canaveral hotel options, fort lauderdale hotel options, galveston hotel options, miami hotel options, san diego hotel options, vancouver hotel options.

For those who want to spend the night at Cape Canaveral before their Disney Cruise, there are four hotels very close (5 miles or less) to the port:  Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral ,  Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach , Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral  and the  Radisson Resort at the Port .

These hotels are also good places to stay if you also want to visit the Kennedy Space Center .

If you will be arriving at the Orlando airport the day before your cruise (and we highly recommend this, so you don’t have to worry about missing your sailing), you might want to consider spending the night before your cruise at Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport . It is located inside the Orlando International Airport (MCO), so this can be a nice option if you are arriving later in the day. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral is an all-suite hotel about 2 miles from the Disney cruise terminal.  It’s the newest hotel in the group nearest the port, and has a pleasant modern feel with a few Florida-inspired touches here and there. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet every morning. On Monday – Thursday evenings from 5:00-7:00 pm, the hotel offers a FREE evening social with snacks, beer and wine. Rooms feature FREE high-speed internet access .

There are two room types: studios (bedroom with one king or two queen beds, living room area with full-size sofabed but not separated by a wall) and  1-bedroom suites (one bedroom with one king or two queen beds, separate living room with full-size sofabed). All sleep at least 4, but the two-queen 1-bedroom suites can sleep 6.

All room types include a full kitchen with two-burner cooktop (no oven), microwave, dishwasher and full-size refrigerator. Bathrooms have granite countertops.

This hotel does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast and evening social is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

The Homewood Suites offers “Park and Go” cruise packages that allow you to park your car in their lot during your cruise. The packages include two vouchers for the shuttle to Port Canaveral. If you are not on such a package, the hotel offers a shuttle to Port Canaveral for $5 per person each way. If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. 

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach is an all-suite hotel with a nice Florida-style ambiance and a heated pool and whirlpool. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet . Rooms feature FREE high-speed Internet access .

There are three room types: studios (bedroom with king bed, living room area with sofa bed but not separated by a wall), 1-bedroom suites (one bedroom with two queen beds, one bath, separate living room with sofa bed) and 2-bedroom suites (two bedrooms, each with a king bed, two baths, separate living room with sofa bed).

All room types include a full kitchen with stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator. Beds at the Residence Inn are equipped with high-quality mattresses and bedding. Bathrooms have granite countertops.

This hotel does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

The Residence Inn offers “Park and Cruise” packages that allow you to park your car in their lot during your cruise. The packages include a certain number of vouchers for the shuttle to Port Canaveral. If you are not on such a package, you can pay separately for parking ($6/day) and the hotel offers a shuttle to Port Canaveral for $6 per person round trip. If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. Thanks to Jamie D for additional info.

Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral

Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral is located virtually next door to the Residence Inn, so they are about the same distance from the port. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet every morning. The hotel has a fitness center, FREE high-speed Internet access , outdoor heated pool, a waterfall hot tub, and a gas grill and fire pit. Shuttle service is offered to the port (for a fee).

There are five room types: standard rooms with one King bed or two Queen beds; family  suites with one Queen bed and a separate kid’s room area with two twin beds; one-bedroom suites with one King or two Queen beds and a separate living room area with a queen sleeper sofa; whirlpool suites featuring one King bed with a whirlpool tub; and Captain’s Quarter suites with King bed, queen sleeper sofa, separate living and dining areas and a larger kitchenette with a toaster oven. All room types include a microwave, small refrigerator (except Captain’s Quarter suites, which have full-size refrigerators) and coffee maker.

The Country Inn & Suites does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

This hotel offers Park & Cruise packages that allow you to leave your car at the hotel while you are on your cruise and take a shuttle to and from the port. If you don’t book a Park & Cruise package, you can still take the shuttle for a fee (currently $5/person). If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. 

Radisson Resort at the Port

Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral is also close to the port. It gets mixed reviews. It’s an older property than the Residence Inn or Country Inn & Suites. Most rooms include Sleep Number beds and FREE high-speed Internet access .

There are three room types: standard rooms with one King bed or two double beds; King Jacuzzi suites , which include one room with a King bed, a whirlpool Jacuzzi, a separate full bathroom and one room with a comfortable living room area and a pull-out sofa sleeper; and Two King Jacuzzi suites , which are the same as the regular Jacuzzi suites except that they have two King beds in the bedroom. Suites include a microwave and mini refrigerator; regular rooms do not.

The Radisson has an elaborate waterfall pool, a koi pond and beautifully landscaped grounds. There are tennis courts and a fitness room. There is a buffet-style restaurant (extra charge) that has a nice atmosphere, with lots of windows, white-washed walls and high ceilings. The hotel lobby/restaurant entrance has a small lounge for evening drinks.

The Radisson offers some packages that including parking for your car at the hotel while you are on your cruise and a shuttle to and from the port. Alternatively, the hotel will charge you a fee to park your car in its lot while you are on your cruise, and provides a shuttle to the port for $5 per person, or you can take a cab for $10-12.

Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport

The Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport  is an upscale hotel that is actually located in the Orlando International (MCO) airport terminal , so you don’t have to worry about traveling any further. Just collect your bags, take them up on the elevator, check in and you’re ready to start enjoying your vacation! Or, if you prefer, take advantage of their luggage retrieval service; for a small flat fee ($10, last we checked, plus tips for the bell staff at your discretion), Hyatt staff will retrieve your luggage from baggage claim and deliver it to your room. (The rooms are well insulated from the airport noise, by the way — we have stayed there several times and did not hear the planes.)

If you stay at the airport Hyatt instead of going all the way out to Walt Disney World, you are much closer to Port Canaveral. That means you can sleep in a little longer before heading off to the ship in the morning. You can choose from multiple dining options within the airport, or take a swim at the hotel. It’s great way to start relaxing right away.

The Hyatt has a relationship with Disney, so you can arrange Disney bus transportation to the ship from the hotel (or you can book a private car transfer or rental car if you prefer). If you arrange your transportation through Disney, your luggage is transported directly to your stateroom on the ship. Talk about convenient!

The Fort Lauderdale hotel below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Pre/post-cruise stays can be added up until 31 days prior to check-in date (after that time, you can be waitlisted). If you stay both before and after the cruise, both portions must be booked at the same hotel. Pre/post-cruise stays that are added to a cruise reservation must be purchased for ALL guests in the same stateroom.

Alternatively, you can book directly with this hotel  through the links below, which may be less expensive and offer more flexibility:

• Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is about 5 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport and about a 1/2 mile from the cruise terminal. They offer a shuttle to the beach. There is also a Water Taxi stop just a short walk away, which will take you to shops, restaurants and the beach, or just use it to take a tour of Fort Lauderdale’s waterways.
• Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is about 5 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport and about 5 miles from the cruise terminal. The high-end hotel is on a private beach and has multiple restaurants at the hotel, a full-service spa, an activity center for kids age 5-12 and more. 

We would strongly recommend staying in Galveston rather than Houston pre-cruise unless you book Disney’s Houston hotel (the Marriott listed below) and Disney’s hotel-cruise transportation. It’s an hour or more drive to the cruise terminal from Houston, and traffic can double that, especially on holiday weekends. It’s best to fly in the day before the cruise, take a cab or shuttle to Galveston, and stay overnight at a hotel there. You don’t want to be sitting in traffic at 2 pm on the day of your cruise wondering if you’ll make it on time.

The Galveston hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels  through the links below, which may be less expensive:

• The Houston Airport Marriott at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport is right in the Houston airport complex, and is connected by tram to the terminal. If you arrange your own transportation, be aware that G. W. Bush International is a good 75-90 minute drive from the Galveston cruise terminal.
• San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center is a lovely resort right on the beach in central Galveston. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive to the cruise terminal.
• Hilton Galveston Island Resort is a beautiful hotel with extensive amenities, located a very short walk away from the beach. It’s about a 12-16 minute drive to the cruise terminal.

The best deal going in Miami seems to be Comfort Suites Miami Airport North . While it’s not fancy, this well-reviewed hotel offers reasonable rates along with some great benefits:

• FREE transfers between Miami airport and the hotel and FREE transfers between the hotel and the Port of Miami! As far as we know, this is the only hotel in Miami offering both transfers for free, which can save you a substantial amount in taxi or shuttle fares.
• FREE hot breakfast.
• FREE Wi-Fi.

Comfort Suites Miami Airport North  is a non-smoking hotel and rooms include high-definition flat-screen television with cable, microwave, refrigerator, pillow-top mattress, safe, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.

Official Disney Cruise Hotels

If you prefer something more upscale, the Miami-area hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a  travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can  book directly with these hotels  through the links below, which may be less expensive and offer more flexibility:

• EB Hotel Miami is a 4-diamond boutique hotel near the airport. It’s literally across the street from the airport property, but is about 2.5 miles by road from the entrance (7 minutes or so). It’s about 8.5 miles from the cruise terminal (about 15 minutes).
• Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami is a tower hotel located in the heart of downtown Miami, roughly 2 miles from the cruise terminals. Downtown Miami has a wealth of shopping, restaurants and things to do and see, and the hotel has great views of Biscayne Bay from the rooftop pool deck and many rooms.

The San Diego hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels  through the link below, which may be less expensive:

• The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is on San Diego Bay between the San Diego Convention Center and the Seaport Village. It is approximately 3 miles from San Diego International Airport and just a few blocks from the San Diego Cruise Terminal.
• The Intercontinental San Diego is a modern 4-diamond tower hotel just across the street from the cruise terminal, with sweeping views of San Diego Bay. It’s about 3 miles from San Diego International Airport.

The Vancouver hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels through the links below, which may be less expensive:

• Fairmont Waterfront boasts a spectacular location across from the Convention Centre and Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, within walking distance of the city’s many restaurants, shops and galleries. All rooms are elegantly appointed with contemporary, airy deco and feature floor to ceiling windows to highlight the beautiful scenery. If you decide to stay here, be sure to sign up for the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program (free) in advance, which will give you FREE internet during your stay.
• Fairmont Vancouver Airport is the only luxury hotel and spa within Vancouver’s International Airport, located in the suburb of Richmond (20 minutes south of Vancouver). The beautifully appointed guest rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows offering soundproof views, revealing the serenity of mountain views and plane spotting opportunities. If you decide to stay here, be sure to sign up for the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program (free) in advance, which will give you FREE internet during your stay.
• Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown is an upscale tower hotel in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. High floor rooms have a great view of the harbor and/or downtown. It’s about a half-mile from the cruise terminal, which would be an easy 5 minute cab or Lyft ride.

A hotel that isn’t part of the Disney cruise add-on program, but is well worth considering, is the Pan-Pacific Vancouver , since it is literally in the same building as the Cruise Ship Terminal, and they offer free transfer of your checked bags to the ship, which is a huge convenience. You should tip the bell staff a dollar or two per bag (they’ll take US dollars happily if you don’t have Canadian).

You’ll be getting off the cruise ship early in the morning on the last day. If your flight doesn’t leave for hours, and you don’t know what to do with your day, here are some suggestions.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Los angeles international airport (lax).

• Get a “day room” at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport . For a modest charge (typically less than an overnight rate) you can use a hotel room from 10:00 am until as late as 6:00 pm and watch TV, use the hotel pool, etc. When flight time rolls around, you’re already in the terminal! Call the hotel directly at (407) 825-1234 to book a day room. The Hyatt has a relationship with Disney, so you can arrange Disney transportation to the hotel from the ship, or you can book a private car transfer or rental car if you prefer.
• If you have loads of time, you can rent a car for the day and visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center to explore the NASA exhibits, or play in the sand at Cocoa Beach . Allow at least an hour to drive back to the airport.
• Los Angeles Airport Marriott – Day room rates vary by date. They are available from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Call the hotel directly at (310) 641-5700 and ask for the front desk to book a day room.
• Embassy Suites Los Angeles – International Airport South – Day rooms can be booked an “as-available” basis on the day of check-in (no advance bookings). Rooms can be used from morning through 6:00 pm. Call the hotel directly at (310) 640-3600 and press 0 for the front desk. (Do not select “reservations,” as that will send you to a call center that knows nothing about the day rooms.)
• If you have loads of time, you can rent a car for the day and either drive to Hollywood (check out Disney’s El Capitan Theatre  or play in the sand at one of the many beautiful local beaches ( Manhattan Beach and Venice Beach are two great, close-by options, each with its own unique vibe). Allow at least an hour to drive back to the airport.

Disney’s bus transfers to and from the port are convenient, but also pretty expensive, especially for a family:

• In Florida, Disney offers bus transfers between any of the Walt Disney World resort hotels and Port Canaveral, or between the Orlando (MCO) airport or the Hyatt MCO and Port Canaveral. You can also do a multi-part transfer (for example airport-resort-port-airport). The cost is $78 per person round trip or $39 per person one-way for Disney’s bus transfers.
• Only hotels that are offered as pre- or post-cruise options by Disney Cruise Line have transportation available from Disney Cruise Line. If you stay in a different hotel, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.
• The cost depends on the prevailing transportation rates in that city and the distances between the airport, hotel and cruise port. Remember taxis and car services charge per car , whereas Disney charges per person .
• With a party of two, the total cost for a private car or taxi will usually be similar to the total cost of Disney’s transportation. Lyft will almost always be cheaper, if it is offered in the city in question. A party of three or more people will almost always save money using independent transportation.
• The primary appeal of using Disney’s transportation is that it’s easy; you follow the signs to the bus and it takes you where you need to be. That said, it’s not faster, it usually involves more waiting, not less, and it’s not flexible. If you want to get where you are going as fast as possible, either a taxi, car service (Lyft) or pre-booked private car is always going to beat the buses.

Disney’s transfers must be booked a minimum of 3 days before the start of the trip through your travel agent (or Disney if you booked direct). At the airports, a Disney rep will be at the baggage claim area to help direct guests to the bus. Your luggage will go directly to your stateroom; you just need take your day bag with you to the cruise terminal.

One down side of using the Disney bus system is that you will arrive at the port with a big group of people and at a time dictated by Disney. The result is often a long wait in the check-in lines. You may also miss lunch on the ship, since the buses tend to arrive in the afternoon.

Below are alternate options that may be cheaper and/or more convenient.

• Port Canaveral – Shuttle by Happy Limo

Port Canaveral – Rental Car

Port canaveral – luxury sedan, limo or private van/suv service, port canaveral – cruise port parking.

• Port of San Diego – Rental Car
• Port of San Diego – Luxury Sedan, Limo or Private Van/SUV Service

Port of San Diego – Shuttle

• Port of San Diego – Parking
• Port of Vancouver – Transportation

Port of Vancouver – Parking

Port canaveral – shuttle by happy limo.

Happy Limo , a private car and limo service we have recommended for years, offers a great shared-shuttle option for trips between Orlando International Airport and the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Port Canaveral. The base price per person is $30/person each way ($60 round trip), plus a $20 port fee (each way, per booking, not per person). The minimum booking is 4 people. Tips are at customer’s discretion (conventional tips these days for shuttle drivers seem to be about 15%-20%, or about $4.50-$6/person each way). For shared service for a family of 4+ to Port Canaveral, this is a better deal than Disney, and gives you more control over when you want to travel.

Airport to Port Canaveral

Shuttles leave Orlando International from Terminal B, level 1 (ground transportation), shuttle spaces B-5 through B-9. You must reserve a spot in advance for one of the available times: 9:00 am, 10:00 am or 11:00 am. Your party must have a minimum of 4 passengers to book a shuttle. When you arrive at the shuttle spaces, you will need to check in via phone at (407) 856-1280 . Expect arrival at the cruise terminal roughly 45-60 minutes from the shuttle departure time, depending on traffic.

Port Canaveral to Airport

Shuttles leave Port Canaveral from shuttle space #4, right in front of the terminal. You must reserve a spot in advance for one of the available times: 8:00 am, 9:00 am or 10:00 am. When you arrive at the shuttle space, you will need to check in via phone at (407) 856-1280 . Expect arrival at the airport roughly 45-60 minutes from the shuttle departure time, depending on traffic.

• To reserve your shuttle time , you can book online here: Happy Limo Rates & Reservations , or call Happy Limo at (877) 642-7791 or (407) 856-1280 .
• MouseSavers readers get $10 off per booking each way! That’s $20 off a round-trip booking. Just mention MouseSavers when booking over the phone, or put “referred by MouseSavers” in the comments section when booking online.
• Note: To book a shuttle, your party must have a minimum of 4 passengers. If there are less than 4 passengers, a towncar, limo or van  must be booked.
• Note : when booking online, for one-way trips from the airport or round-trips, use one of the three pickup times listed above as your pickup time, select “Airport Pickup” as your trip type, “Orlando International Airport” as your pickup location, “Port Canaveral” as your dropoff location and select “Shuttle” as your vehicle type (it’s the last one in the vehicle list). For one-way trips from Port Canaveral, reverse the pickup and dropoff locations and pick one of the Port Canaveral pickup times listed above.

Your most economical option may be to rent a car one-way between the airport and Port Canaveral. None of the rental car companies listed below have a one-way or drop-off charge except as noted. Depending on the rental car company, you can either take a shuttle or a cab to the port.

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to stop and grab some groceries or last-minute items, and you can arrive at the ship earlier than the bus passengers, which allows you to board ahead of the crowd and get yourself settled, make Palo and spa reservations, etc.

• See our Rental Car Discounts page for many discount codes, coupons and tricks to help you save on your rental car!

All the  major rental car companies have offices near Port Canaveral. When searching for a location, use “Cape Canaveral, FL” as the location. Alamo, National, Enterprise and Budget are very close to the Port Canaveral cruise terminal (but not close enough to walk). The others aren’t too far away. Keep in mind that between about 11 am and 3 pm on days when a cruise is leaving, all of these locations will be busy, and check-in may be slow. The shuttles to the cruise terminal will fill up fast, so it might take several shuttles before you can get one. Taxis and Lyft will also be super busy, so it may take some time to get one to the rental location. Allow plenty of time to get back to the ship, or get there before 11 am.

• Budget is usually the best bet for transfers to and from the port. For one thing, Budget often has the best prices on one-day rentals. It also has on-site facilities at the Orlando International (MCO) and its office in Cape Canaveral (location code ZC5) is fairly close to the cruise terminal. Budget offers free shuttle service between its office and the port, though several people have reported that they find it easier and faster to take a taxi or Lyft to and from the terminal instead, which costs about $6-$8 each way.
• Avis has a location on-site at MCO and an office in Cape Canaveral (location code P3F), a bit further away than Budget. Avis has free shuttle service between its office and the cruise terminal, or you can take a cab for around $7-$10 each way.
• Alamo , National and Enterprise (all owned by the same company) share the Enterprise office in Cape Canaveral very near the port. They offer a free shuttle from their office to the port, or you can take a cab for $5-$6 each way.

If you want to gas up your rental car on the way back to the airport , exit Florida 528 at Narcoosee Road, which is two exits before the airport exit, and turn right. There is a BP station about a block up on the right, with normal gas prices. Note that this exit is tolled, so you’ll want to bring your own windshield toll pass to avoid exhorbitant rental car toll fees.

The nearest gas station to the airport (“Landing Strip” aka “Suncoast Energy” on Semoran Boulevard, just north of the airport) is a complete rip-off . This station habitually charges nearly TWICE the normal price for gas and does not have signs to let people know the prices before they pull in. You won’t realize you’re paying a ridiculous price unless you look closely at the pump!

A fun, relaxing (and surprisingly economical) way to get from Walt Disney World or the Orlando Airport to the cruise terminal at Port Canaveral is to use luxury sedan, limo or private van/SUV service.

The great thing is, you can schedule the vehicle to get you to the ship earlier than the bus passengers, which allows you to board ahead of the crowd and get yourself settled, make Palo and spa reservations, etc.

A luxury sedan is generally cheaper than Disney’s bus transfers if you are transporting a family. For larger groups, a private van, SUV or limo is definitely the way to go. You’ll save money and time.

• Learn more about towncar, limo or private van service to/from Port Canaveral and a discount code that will help you save money!

Parking at the port is $17 per day (not per night). You are charged for your arrival and departure days, even though they are partial days. The upshot is, this is what you’ll pay:

• 3-night cruise – $68 ($17 x 4 days)
• 4-night cruise – $85 ($17 x 5 days)
• 5-night cruise – $102 ($17 x 6 days)
• 7-night cruise – $136 ($17 x 8 days)

Check the Port Canaveral website for more information about parking and directions.

Be sure to check on deals at the hotels near the port . You can usually pay for one night and get a week of free parking in the hotel lot and often a complimentary shuttle ride to/from the cruise terminal. Usually there’s a special cruise hotel package you need to book to get the “free” parking, which will cost somewhat more than booking their lowest rate, but it’s nearly always going to be cheaper than parking at the port. Some hotels include the parking in the package cost, but charge extra for the shuttle. Even if the shuttle fee is included, the shuttle drivers are not shy about asking for tips, and the wait for the shuttle can be long, so we usually take a taxi or Lyft even if there’s an ostensibly “free” shuttle. From most of the Canaveral hotels to the cruise terminal is about a $5-7 taxi fare.

Port of San Diego – Rental Car

If you will be taking a West Coast Disney cruise and you are also planning to make a “grand tour” of Southern California, with a visit to Disneyland as well as other Southern California tourist destinations , a rental car is definitely your best bet. Taking taxis, limos or shuttles between the major attractions would cost a fortune because the distances are significant. For instance, it’s a 1.5 hour drive between SeaWorld San Diego and Disneyland. Southern California is a very car-oriented culture, with relatively poor public transportation. Trying to get between a number of different attractions without a car can be an exercise in frustration.

If you are flying in or out of San Diego International Airport (SAN) , all of the major rental car companies have locations there. See the Rental Cars page and check the company that interests you for more information.

It is never cost-effective to rent a car at SAN and leave it at the port during your cruise. Parking near the port is expensive. The airport is very close to the cruise port, so it’s better to rent the car at the airport either pre- or post-cruise and return it to the airport so you’re not accruing both rental fees and parking charges during the cruise.

Port of San Diego – Lyft, Taxi, Luxury Sedan, Limo or Private Van/SUV Service

The cruise terminal is very close to the airport as the crow flies, but because of the road layout and potential traffic, it’s about a 5 mile trip and takes about 15-20 minutes. Disney offers bus service, but the quickest and sometimes the least expensive way to accomplish your transfer will be Lyft , a taxi or a private limo service.

• Learn more about towncar, limo or private van service to/from the Port of San Diego .

If you need to transfer between the San Diego Airport (SAN) and the Port of San Diego, your least expensive option is usually  a shared van service . The shuttle will make multiple stops, so allow plenty of time.

However, for the ultimate in convenience and luxury, consider using a private towncar or limo transfer . It may cost a bit more than a shuttle, but it is much more comfortable and efficient.

Port of San Diego – Parking

Parking for a San Diego cruise, is, in a word, messy. There is no official parking lot, just a lot of independent lots nearby that also handle other parking business and can fill up. If you can get a reservation, the parking at the Wyndham across the street  from the cruise terminal is convenient. If not, most of the long-term parking in the area (including many of the airport long-term lots) offer a shuttle to the cruise terminal, or you can get a cab from the parking lot.

Port of Vancouver – Transportation

The simplest way to get to Vancouver, BC is to fly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). However, there are more flight options available to Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA), which is just 3-4 hours away from Vancouver by train or bus. Airfares to Seattle are often much cheaper, even when you factor in the cost of the extra train or bus ticket and other costs, and the trip from Seattle to Vancouver is quite scenic. Traveling via Seattle can add 5-6 hours to your trip, however. To make the Seattle option work well, it’s really best to stay in Seattle at least overnight, then take the train or bus up on another date. It is possible to fly into Seattle and get onto a ship in Vancouver the same day, but the connections are super tight — there’s not a lot of room for error and we wouldn’t recommend it.

Flying To Vancouver Directly

The closest airport is Vancouver International (YVR). You can get a taxi to the Canada Place cruise terminal for about $45-$60 CAD (plus tip), which takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Vancouver now has Lyft service, and that’s going to run $30-40 CAD.

You can also book a limo or town car. The official town car company for the airport is Aerocar , which charges a flat $64 CAD (plus tip) for a sedan from YVR to the cruise terminal.

The cheapest and usually easiest way to go is the SkyTrain Canada Line , a light rail train that goes directly from the airport to Waterfront Station. The SkyTrain station is right across from the airport entrance – ask someone to direct you if needed; the signs are not as clear as one would like. Get on any train; the track begins at the airport and all trains head to Waterfront, so you can’t get on the wrong train or the wrong direction. When you reach Waterfront station, take the Cordova Street exit from the station, turn right and walk down about a block and a half to Howe. Turn right and the cruise terminal and Pan Pacific hotel is right there. The cash fare is only $7-9 CAD per person (depending on whether you’re going peak or off-peak). You do not need cash; the ticket kiosks take credit cards. It takes about 25-35 minutes. Keep in mind that the trains don’t have any luggage racks, so if you have a lot of luggage, SkyTrain may be a bit of a hassle.

Flying to Seattle Then Train To Vancouver

You’ll want to fly to Seattle-Tacoma airport (SEA). If you want to make it on your cruise ship that same day, you’ll need to arrive very early, probably before 6:15 am, as the morning train leaves at 7:45 am and there isn’t another until 7:00 pm. If you plan to arrive a day or more early, obviously you can take the later train or the early one the next day.

There are two Amtrak trains per day from Seattle to Vancouver, which you can book in advance on the Amtrak website . Prices start at $34 per person, each way, and the trip takes 4 hours (though allow extra time, as it often takes longer). As seats sell out, only the higher fares remain available, and they go as high as $86, so book early. Be sure you book the Amtrak Cascades  train trip ; Amtrak also books their own “Thruway” bus service which is not usually the best bus option.

You will also need to get from the SeaTac airport to the King Street train station in downtown Seattle, and from the Vancouver Pacific Central train station to the Canada Place cruise terminal.

In Seattle, the taxi ride is $40 (flat rate, plus tip) from the airport to anywhere in downtown Seattle, including the train station. Allow 30 minutes for the trip, longer on weekdays at rush hour. You can also take the Link light rail for $3/person from the airport to the International District station, which is 3 blocks from the King Street Station, but there are no luggage racks, so it can be a hassle if you have multiple bags. Seattle also has Lyft service available.

In Vancouver, a taxi from the train station to the cruise terminal is about $12-$15 CAD (plus tip) and takes about 15 minutes, or you can walk a couple blocks from the train station and take the Expo Line from SkyTrain Main Street station to the Waterfront station for around $2.75 CAD. When you reach Waterfront Station, use the Howe Street exit and you come out right in front of the cruise terminal. Again, there are no luggage racks on SkyTrain, so not a great option for those with many big or unwieldy bags. Vancouver also has Lyft service available.

Flying to Seattle Then Bus To Vancouver

The closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma airport (SEA). To make it onto your cruise that same day, you’ll want to get in before 9:00 am in order to make it on a 10:00 am bus. If you plan to arrive a day or more early, obviously you can take a later bus.

The Quick Coach bus service is the most convenient, since it drops off directly at the Canada Place cruise terminal in Vancouver. If you book at least 24 hours in advance, you can have them drop you directly at any downtown Vancouver hotel. Fares start at $50 one way or $95 round trip for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors. There are significant charges for baggage over and above one purse-sized personal item. The trip takes about 4.5 hours.

The Seattle-Vancouver FlixBus (owned by Greyhound) goes from several Seattle locations (including SeaTac Airport) to the Vancouver Pacific Central train station, with advance fares as low as $30 each way, including one large bag and one personal item (purse-sized). The trip takes about 4.5 hours from SeaTac or 4 hours from downtown Seattle. You still need to get from the Vancouver train station to the cruise terminal or your hotel. See the section above on train travel to see the various options on each end.

Flying to Bellingham Then Bus or Train to Vancouver

An often-overlooked option that can work for some people is to fly to Bellingham, WA which is the closest major city in Washington to Vancouver, BC. Sometimes it’s only a little more expensive to fly to Bellingham than to Seattle, and a bus or train from Bellingham takes less than half the time (just under two hours) and has a much lower fare than the same bus or train from Seattle. The connections aren’t as tight, and it’s more reasonable to try to fly into Bellingham and get on your cruise ship the same day, though given the vagaries of modern air travel, we still suggest getting in a day early if you can. All of the options from Seattle, including Quick Coach , FlixBus and Amtrak can also be taken from Bellingham. For Amtrak you have to get to the Bellingham train station, and FlixBus picks up at Western Washington University or near the ferry terminal, but Bellingham is so small that the cab to any location is unlikely to be more than 5 minutes and about $10.

If you end up staying in Bellingham, or driving through at lunch time, our favorite fish & chips joint there is the Web Locker ( map link ). Whether it’s a good idea to have a lot of fried fish before getting on a cruise is a judgment call you’ll have to make for yourself. We can never seem to skip it. We also are very fond of the Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro  ( map link ), which is closer to the freeway. It has a bit of a brewpub feeling, but is family-friendly and serves a lot of comfort food like burgers and sandwiches.

Not all cities have good, reasonably-priced flights to Bellingham, but it can be worth checking out. The primary airlines that service Bellingham are Allegiant, Alaska and Horizon.

Parking is available for roughly $27 CAD per day (tax included) at the Port of Vancouver Cruise Terminal (Canada Place). Indigo Neo operates the parking garage, and requires guests parking at Canada Place Parking Garage for anything longer than one day to make a reservation online via their website , or by calling them at (800) 469-4169 . The garage is right there in the cruise terminal; to get to the ship you just take an elevator to the embarkation level and walk a few hundred feet.

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Travel and Fun Things To Do

Taking Disney Cruise Line Transportation

Updated December 29, 2023.

A popular question is how to get to the port for your Disney Cruise. You have a bunch of options. You can take your car and park at the port if you live within driving distance. Renting a car is another popular option. Some people opt to Hire a driver and car to get there or use Lyft/Uber. In Europe, it can be easy to take public transportation to the port. You can also use Disney Cruise Transportation to get us to the port.

In the past, we have taken a taxi and used a car rental to get to the port. The easiest way to get to the port is to take the Disney Cruise transportation. We have used the transfers a few times in Port Canaveral and London . Disney usually offers transfers from the airport or hotel (Disney Resort hotels or pre- and post-cruise hotels).

Port Canaveral

We decided to make things easy for our last cruise and take Disney Transportation to and from the port. If you are sailing from Port Canaveral, you have two choices if you take Disney Transportation. You can catch the bus at the airport or at Walt Disney World. Transfers are $39 per person in each direction to and from Port Canaveral, prices are current for August 2022.

Prices are increasing in 2024 to $45 per person in each direction.

We arrived in Orlando two days before our cruise and stayed at Coronado Springs. The day before the cruise, and spent the day at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. When we returned to our room, we had a letter explaining what we needed to do for our bus ride the next day.

Dear Family We hope you’ve enjoyed your Walt Disney World® Resort stay. Below are a few important things to remember as you get ready to embark on an unforgettable voyage with Disney Cruise Line. Bell Services will begin luggage pick-up at 7:00 AM (EST) on the morning of your sailing. Please place the luggage you wish transferred to the ship inside your resort room (with Disney Cruise Line luggage tags attached) near the entrance door. You do not need to be present for your luggage to be collected. Should you need additional Disney Cruise Line luggage tags, they may be obtained at the Bell Services Desk. All Guests with Disney Cruise Line ground transfers are invited to meet with a Disney Cruise Line representative in the Barcelona Lounge located in the lower level of Gran Destino Tower at CoronadoSpring at 8:15 AM (EST) for an 8:45 AM (EST) motorcoach departure. Photo identification for all Guests 16 years of age and older is required to board the motorcoach. Upon check-in at Port Canaveral, if you have completed Online Check-in at www.disneycruise.com, please be prepared to provide proof of citizenship for all members of your party. If you have not completed Online Check-In, you will have until 11:59 PM (EST) the day before embarkation to complete. In order to sail, every Guest must individually create an account associated with their reservations) on the Safe Passage website by Inspire Diagnostics and upload their proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result. Inspire Diagnostics is Disney Cruise Line’s third-party partner for COVID-19 testing and vaccination verification. A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors. On the morning of embarkation all Guests will receive an email with a link to complete a health questionnaire prior to arriving at the port. Face coverings are optional for all Guests (ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19) on the motorcoach and in the terminal. It is recommended you bring a day bag to carry with you to Port Canaveral that includes: Port Arrival Form Proof of citizenship and photo identification Valuables, medication, and anything else you may need on the first day of your cruise Any alcohol you plan to bring onboard in accordance with our alcohol policy and must be packed in your carry-on luggage Should you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-395-9374, option 1. Again, we hope you have enjoyed your stay. Bon Voyage and enjoy your cruise!

They came to pick up our luggage around 7:10am. We were told anytime after 7:00am. We met in the Barcelona lounge at 8:15am. At the lounge, a Disney Cruise Line representative approached each party. She checked that we were on the transfer list and checked our passports.

Around 8:45, we headed to the bus and were on the bus by 8:50. We stopped to pick up a couple of people at Caribbean Beach at 9:15. Our driver entertained the bus by playing the Teenage Mutant NinjaTurtles movie from 1990. The bus was not a DCL-themed bus and was missing the usual Disney bus entertainment videos.

Arriving at Port

By 10:10, we had our first glimpse of the Disney Fantasy. When we arrived at the terminal, they separated the guests that still needed to test from those who had uploaded their results. (Note we travelled in August 2022, and the covid rules have since changed, check the know before you go on the DCL website for the latest rules.).

We were at the terminal and off the bus by 10:16. From there, we went into a nearly empty security line. It took only a few minutes to go through. My sister had a cinnamon roll from Magic Kingdom that she had to throw out because it was open (you can’t bring fresh or unsealed packaged foods on the ship). I think we must have been on one of the first buses to arrive at the terminal.

Checking In

After leaving the security area, we headed to the terminal waiting area at 10:30. Our boarding group was #3. The B2B passengers were waiting in the terminal, we were even asked if we were part of the B2B group. You can see how empty the terminal was.

The family sitting next to us was chosen as the family of the day—a bonus for arriving so early. We boarded at 11:50, so it was a bit of a wait, but we were comfortable, and the time went by quickly. While we waited to board, we had a chance to look at the navigator and see what activities were available. You can also find out your dining rotation and when the staterooms will be available.

Transfers Port to Airport

We also booked transfers back to the airport at the end of the cruise. Our flights were not until after 1pm, so we didn’t need to rush off the ship. They will want you off the ship by 9:30. Usually, they will call you to disembark based on the luggage tag you were given last night. On this cruise, they called open disembarkation before we finished breakfast.

We picked up our luggage and went through border control. Once we were through the secure area, we followed the signs to Disney Transfers. There are lots of Castmembers along the way to ask for directions. We boarded to bus around 9:15, and the bus was on its way by 9:30.

Pros of Taking DCL Transfers

• Disney takes care of your luggage
• You arrive at the port early
• You are dropped off inside the secure port area
• Disney knows you are on the bus and will wait for the bus to arrive
• It feels like you have already started your vacation once you are on the bus

Cons of taking DCL Transfers

• The cost, if you are a larger family, the price of the transfers can really add to the cost of the cruise, there may be cheaper options
• It was an early start when they came to get our luggage at the resort. We were excited to get going, so it may not be a con for everyone.

Hopefully, this has given you an idea of what to expect if you take Disney transfers from Port Canaveral. You can read about our experience taking transfers from London and learn more about the current cost of transfers at each port.

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6 Best Ways to Get to Disney Cruises in Port Canaveral

If you’re planning a Disney cruise, you have several options for traveling between Orlando and Port Canaveral. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 45 miles from Disney’s Port Canaveral Cruise terminal, so you will need a travel plan before arriving in Florida. This guide covers the best ways to get to Disney cruises in Port Canaveral , including detailed information on:

• Disney shuttle service between MCO and the DCL terminal
• Non-Disney transportation between Orlando and Port Canaveral
• Ridesharing and taxi services
• Car rentals and driving your own car
• Most practical and affordable transportation options

Here are the six best ways to travel from Orlando to Port Canaveral, whether you seek the fastest route, the most budget-friendly option, or something else.

1. Uber and Lyft

In the age of rideshare apps, more and more people are choosing private transportation over shuttles.

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft are the best way to travel between Orlando International Airport and the Disney Cruise Line terminal. They provide direct transportation to Port Canaveral and are usually the least expensive option for groups between 3 to 5 people. Additionally, you don’t need advance reservations for Uber and Lyft .

The cost of Uber is usually less than half that of a taxi. For instance, the trip from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral costs approximately $60 each way for an Uber Connect or $90 for an UberXL. As a result, the ride costs $15 to $22.50 per person round trip for a group of four. This price is competitive with the cheapest shuttle service, but it’s much more convenient (no need to book in advance), you have the vehicle all to yourself, and you won’t have to worry about late shuttles.

Uber ridesharing app | Image © Uber

Here’s what you can expect to pay for a one-way Uber fare from MCO to Disney Cruise Line Terminal – Port Canaveral:

• Connect – $57.15
• UberX – $65.95
• Uber Green – $65.95
• Uber Pet – $69.82
• Comfort – $75.08
• UberX Car Seat – $75.95
• UberXL – $89.40
• UberXL Car Seat – $99.40
• Black – $149.40
• Black Car Seat – $159.40
• Black SUV Car Seat – $186.29
• Black Hourly – $158.08
• MT Connect – $201.40

Price estimates are subject to change. Check the Uber Price Estimator for the latest fares.

Uber and Lyft are the best ways to get to Disney cruises in Port Canaveral. Once you’ve downloaded the app, Uber and Lyft are very affordable and extremely easy to use. They will take you directly to Disney’s Port Canaveral terminal and return you after your cruise. Plus, you won’t need reservations!

The only major drawback of Uber vs. a shuttle service is that prices can change depending on traffic and surge volume. The Uber app predicts those factors before you hail a ride, but it may be too late to change your plans if you don’t have shuttle reservations.

Another downside could potentially be the type (size) of vehicle you request. A smaller Uber or Lyft may not be sufficient if you have a lot of luggage. Consider your options carefully when ordering a car.

Despite these downside risks, ridesharing is the best way to get to Disney cruises in Port Canaveral .

2. Independent Shuttle Companies

Many shuttle companies provide transport between Orlando and Port Canaveral. After all, the port’s ferry terminal is the second busiest in the world (right behind the Port of Miami ), and the Florida Disney cruise terminal is a busy place. There’s plenty of business to go around!

Like Disney’s own shuttle service, independent shuttle services are usually shared (ie, you share the bus with other guests). However, unlike Disney, independent shuttle companies provide a wide range of vehicle options. These range from sedans and limos to minivans and large motor coaches.

Listed below are the shuttle companies providing service between Orlando International Airport and the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Port Canaveral. Click on any link to visit the company’s website.

• Ace Luxury – Ace provides  “VIP Meet and Greet hospitality service” in the form of sedans, vans, and motorcoach transportation. Contact them for rates.
• Cocoa Beach Shuttle – Cocoa provides sedans, vans ($45 for two people, $85 for 4), a Private 10-passenger Van Service ($150), and motor coaches at various rates.
• Cortrans Shuttle Service – Contrans offers one-way shuttle transportation between MCO and Port Canaveral for $25 one-way and $50 roundtrip.
• Go Port Canaveral – The shuttle bus from MCO to Port Canaveral is $29.99 per person ($59.98 RT).
• Mears Transportation – Mears provides a chauffeured vehicle service to Port Canaveral via their Mears Global Chauffeured Car Service. Contact for price quotes.
• Space Port Transport – Space Port rates are $98 for one to four people, one way, and $10.00 for each additional person.
• Star Trans-VIP – Star Trans-VIP offers a wide selection of luxe and corporate sedans, vans, and motorcoach transportation. Contact them for a quote.
• Tropicana Transport – Tropicana provides shuttle van transportation between MCO and the Disney Cruise Port. Rates are $20 to $27.50 per person, depending on how many people are in the van.

In general, shuttle services outside of Disney are cheaper than Disney’s own ground transportation . Additionally, independent shuttles can be less costly for singles and couples than Uber rates (which start at $60 and go up from there). The same goes for large groups: even though this may seem more luxurious, an entire private van (or even a bus) can be pretty economical if you have a large group.

You will also find that non-Disney providers offer a much wider variety of vehicle types and sizes than ridesharing services and Disney ground transportation.

Despite these advantages, Uber is likely more cost-effective for groups of three to five people. Furthermore, if you don’t mind paying a little extra per person, and all of these options seem overwhelming, you might just consider Disney Cruise Line’s official ground transportation shuttle service. It might be the peace of mind you’re after, and it’s the one way to ensure your experience is as Disney as possible.

Do you still have questions? Let DCL experts at The Vacationeer handle your Disney Cruise Line arrangements. Their services are free to you, and their assistance can be oh-so-helpful. They offer a generous Disney onboard credit program that will save you money when booking a Disney cruise with them. Contact The Vacationeer today to receive a free, no-obligation quote !

3. Disney Ground Transportation from Orlando International Airport or WDW

For those cruising with Disney to The Bahamas or the Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line offers a ground transfer option between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Disney’s Port Canaveral terminal. Transfers are not included in the cost of a Disney cruise and are available on embarkation and debarkation days only.

The cost from MCO to the Disney terminal is $39 per Guest each way, or $78 roundtrip.

DCL provides special luggage tags that streamline getting your luggage onto the ship; be sure to follow the instructions that come with the tags so that the crew members at the airport, port, and ship get your bags to your stateroom.

DCL will pick you up at Orlando International Airport and take you to the Disney Cruise Port. A DCL representative will assist you with your carry-on bags if necessary.

The Disney Ground Transportation experience is pleasant and seamless from start to finish. You can watch a complimentary Disney movie on the shuttle, and you’ll be dropped off right near the the terminal upon arrival.

You can add flights, ground transportation, or hotel accommodations by calling DCL (800) 951-3532. Or, better yet, let The Vacationeer book your Disney cruise and handle the transportation.

DCL handles all arrangements, so there is no worry of being late for the cruise, and you can sit back and let Disney take care of everything for you.

Disney’s shuttle transportation is not the most cost-effective way to get to Disney Cruises in Port Canaveral. Suppose you have a large family or group. Round trip fares to Port Canaveral are $78 per person, meaning the total price will be over $300 for a family of four or five. A private van for up to ten people would cost less than that.

Disney’s cruise shuttle only picks people up from MCO airport and the Walt Disney World resort hotels.  If you’re flying into the SFB or MLB airports near Orlando and going directly to the ship from the airport, you won’t be able to use the service.

4. Taxi Cabs

Taxis are known to be among the most expensive options for travelers. But how much does a taxi cost from Orlando to Port Canaveral?

According to TaxiFareFinder.com , a taxi ride from Orlando International Airport to Disney Cruise Line Terminal – Port Canaveral will cost you $123 without the tip.

Remember that taxi fares do not take the number of passengers into consideration, so if you have 1 or 4 people, the fare will be the same. So, even if you split the fare between four passengers, your taxi fare still comes to about $35 per person when you include a decent tip. Compare this to the least expensive ridesharing options from Uber and Lyft (starting at $60), and you soon realize that a standard taxi is almost double that of a basic Uber or Lyft.

Mears, a central Florida taxi provider | Image © Mears

Taxis are the most convenient transportation option between Orlando International Airport and the Disney Cruise Line terminal in Port Canaveral . You simply exit the building and find taxi cabs lined up to take passengers to their destination: no reservations, no apps, and no sharing the ride. Just hop right in and go directly to Port Canaveral!

Taxis will cost more than most Uber and Lyft vehicle options, especially the Uber Connect and UberX tiers. Taxis are also more expensive than most shared shuttle options provided by independent (non-Disney) transportation companies.

Disney Cruise Line’s shuttle option is more nuanced. At $39 per person each way, Disney’s option is cheaper for 1, 2, or 3 passengers, but a taxi is cheaper for four people on a per-person basis.

5. Drive your Car to the Cruise Terminal at Port Canaveral

Several parking options are available near the terminal if you drive to Port Canaveral.

The Port Canaveral Port Authority operates a parking garage adjacent to the DCL terminal. It opens at 10:15 am and does not accept cash payments.

The Disney Cruise Line – Port Canaveral Terminal address is:

9155 Charles M. Rowland Dr. Port Canaveral, FL 32920

How much does parking at Disney’s Port Canaveral Terminal cost?

• $68 for a 3-night cruise
• $85 for a 4-night cruise
• $102 for a 5-night cruise
• $119 for a 6-night cruise
• $136 for a 7-night cruise

Preferred parking is available for an extra charge; it allows you to park closer to the ships in an area that is first-come, first-served.

The Port Authority requires full payment for parking at the start of your cruise, but you can also prepay through the Port Canaveral website . Remember, cash is not accepted at the parking lot.

Many hotels in the Port Canaveral area provide shuttles to the port of embarkation. You may consider arriving the day before the cruise and parking at your hotel until it is over. Even after considering the hotel stay, this may save you money, so make sure you check with your hotel for details. It’s always a good idea to arrive a day early anyway so you won’t have to worry about missing your Disney cruise departure.

Having your car means you can plan your own schedule, and you won’t have to depend on anyone else. When you disembark the cruise, your vehicle will be ready for you. You won’t need to share transportation with anyone but your family.

You must navigate through the port and load and unload luggage on your own. Many people find shuttles, Uber, and taxis less stressful and more convenient. Additionally, the cost of a Disney cruise is already high enough without additional fuel costs and daily parking expenses.

6. Rent a Car prior to Cruising

Car rentals are perhaps the least practical option for getting to Disney cruises departing from Florida .

From Orlando International Airport, it will take approximately 43 minutes to reach Disney Cruise Line’s Port Canaveral terminal. The drive is 46 minutes from Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB),  61 minutes from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), and 60 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort.

Rental cars usually cost $105 per day from Orlando International Airport . There are plenty of car rental companies to choose from at MCO with flexible terms, including the possibility of one-way car rental.

In some situations, renting a car from Orlando to Port Canaveral can be beneficial. If you plan to tour Florida before or after your cruise, renting a vehicle may be a practical and affordable option. It will allow you to explore the area on your own terms if you don’t own a car.

Parking fees must be considered if you decide to keep your car during your cruise. These can add up easily during longer cruises. With this in mind, car rentals are among the most expensive and least practical ways to get to Disney cruises in Port Canaveral .

There are so many ways to get to Port Canaveral without the need to rent a car.

Unless you want to explore the surrounding area before or after your cruise (and don’t have your own car), it’s best to stick with a cheaper and more convenient option.

Final Thoughts on Getting to Your Port Canaveral Cruise

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of transportation options for getting to the Port Canaveral terminal, including driving yourself, taking a shuttle, hailing an Uber or taxi, and renting a car. While each option has its own set of pros and cons, we think that ridesharing from Uber or Lyft provided the best in affordability and convenience. However, Disney’s option is great if you want to keep it all Disney, and independent companies might be a better option depending on the size of your party. Whatever option you choose, we are sure you will have a magical time at sea!

Ready to Book your Disney Cruise?

If you have questions about the best ways to get to Disney cruises in Port Canaveral, we encourage you to contact The Vacationeer .

They can also provide you with up to $1,000 in FREE onboard credit, Disney’s best available pricing, and expert planning advice and assistance (including the Castaway Cay tips and how to choose the best Disney cruise ship ). Contact The Vacationeer today for a free, no-obligation price quote. You won’t regret it!

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Transportation Options for Getting to Port Canaveral for your Disney Cruise

You’ve booked your Disney Cruise and are looking forward to your vacation. Now, how are you going to get to the port? Listed below are different methods of transportation for passengers headed to Port Canaveral.

FLYING INTO ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Disney Cruise Line Air Program offers two convenient options to suit your vacation plans.

• Flexible Fares  provide the convenience of customizing your flight schedule, with an extended payment and cancellation option.
• Restricted Fares  let you confirm the best available non-refundable, airline-published airfare offered by Disney Cruise Line at the time of booking, while still receiving the peace of mind of booking your flights with the Disney Cruise Line Air Program.

Depending on your point of origin, we recommend flying in the day prior to your cruise departure. This removes the worry of missing the ship’s sailing if there are flight delays.

There are a number of sites for checking airline fares, including Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline, Kayak, and Yapta. On most travel sites, you can sign up to be alerted when discount fares are available. You should also check the official airline website because you might get better pricing and flight times by booking directly with the airline.

Keep checking on your flight even after it’s booked. Airlines are known to change flight numbers and times. They are supposed to contact you when they make changes, but you need to be proactive in case they don’t. The sooner you notice a change the sooner you can contact the airline if this change doesn’t work for you. Before calling, check the airline’s website to see what your new options for flights might be. Don’t wait for them to suggest something. Tell them the option that works best for you. In addition, you might find that your fare has decreased.

If you’re flying in on embarkation day, you need to make sure that you leave enough time to get to the ship. Final boarding is at 4:00 p.m. and no one is allowed to board after that time. The port is approximately an hour’s drive from the Orlando airport, but you’ll also need to factor in the time it will take to get your luggage and to get to your transportation. Morning flight arrivals are recommended.

Disney recommends on departure day that you not book a flight before 11:30 a.m. There are times when the ship is delayed at the port and you run the risk of missing your flight. Rushing to get to the airport is not the way to end your Disney cruise vacation.

DRIVING YOUR OWN VEHICLE

If you are driving, you’ll need to park your vehicle near or at the port. One option is to arrive a day early and park at your hotel for the duration of the cruise. Most of the hotels in the area will provide shuttles to the port. Even factoring in the cost of the hotel stay, you may be able to save money this way, as opposed to parking at the port. As we noted above, we recommend flying in a day early so you’re not worried about making it to the ship on time. Rushing to the terminal is no way to start a relaxing cruise vacation.

Parking at Port Canaveral currently runs between $68 for a 3-night cruise and $136 for a 7-night cruise, but prices are subject to change at any time and updated details can be found on the  Port Canaveral website . You are required to pay as you enter the lot.

There are also off-site parking lots available, which offer shuttles back to the port. One thing to consider with any option that requires a shuttle is the additional cost of tips, plus the additional time that will add to your embarkation/debarkation process. Since you will have your own car, you may not be on as tight of a schedule as if you were flying, so that option may work out well for you.

The second option for getting to Port Canaveral would be to rent a car. You might want to make some stops between the airport and the port, or maybe you’ve had a rental car during the Disney World portion of your vacation. No matter the reason, a rental car can be a great option. If you will be keeping the car to use again at the end of your cruise, you can look into the various parking options mentioned above. Or, you can return the car to one of the rental car agencies near the port and take a shuttle back to the terminal. If you need a car after your cruise, the car rental agencies have shuttles near customs that you can take to their office to rent your car.

LIMO/TOWN CAR SERVICES

While this might seem like more of a luxury, if you have a bigger group it can actually be a really economical option. We recommend  FL Tours , a sponsor on our sister site, wdwinfo.com . We have found them to be reliable and very convenient.

In addition to limos (seat 6-8) and town cars (seat 4), vans (seat 10) are also available. We recommend using a van when traveling with more than one family. The vans have plenty of room and by the time you split the cost between everyone in the group, it’s fairly inexpensive. One thing to remember when choosing the type of vehicle is the amount of luggage you will be bringing. One other great thing about using a town car company instead of renting a car is that car seats are often free of charge. With a rental car, you can pay up to $50 per car seat, so this can be a large savings for a family with multiple children needing car seats.

The convenience of a town car service can’t be beat. The car will pick you up right at the door of your hotel, cruise ship, or airport. The driver will help you with your luggage and with some companies, you may even be able to schedule a grocery store stop for supplies.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE TRANSFERS

Ground transfers between Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral are available for purchase. Airport transfers are available on embarkation and debarkation days only, for the cost of $39 per guest (subject to change at any time) . Guests can call (800) 951-3532 to add ground transfers in advance, as only a limited number may be available for purchase upon arrival. You can also reach out to your Dreams Unlimited Travel agent. Private transportation options are also available.

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Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, disney cruise line transfers, happy limousine.

There are several options to get you to Port Canaveral to begin your Disney Cruise . AllEars® recommends our preferred ground transportation service, Happy Limo . Happy Limousine provides reliable and convenient transportation to or from the Port Canaveral pier and Orlando airport, and even a hotel room. Happy Limo offers the following transportation options to the Disney Cruise Line from Orlando International Airport.

Happy Limo offers the following transportation options to the Disney Cruise Line from Orlando International Airport.

Shuttle Service:

The Cost is $30 per person one-way which is less than one-way rate charged by Disney Cruise Line shuttle. All shuttle bookings require a minimum of 4 passengers — if you have less than four passengers then you must book private transfers only. Be sure to check their website or call them directly (407-856-1280) for the current deals and price packages.

Shuttle is currently only offered from Orlando International Airport to the Disney Cruise Line Terminal at Port Canaveral and back. Shuttle departure times from Orlando Airport are: 10AM, 11AM, and 12:30PM. Shuttle departure times from Disney Cruise Line are: 8AM, 9AM and 10AM.

Private Service:       

Happy Limousine also offers private transfers. You may choose from several different types of vehicles, including Lincoln MKT’s, Minivans, 10-14 passenger vans, full-size Suburbans, 8-18 passengers stretch limousines, and 24-56 passenger buses. Please contact Happy Limousine to inquire about their current rates.

Click here to read MORE about Happy Limo!

Transfers through disney.

Another option for getting to Port Canaveral is to arrange for transfers directly with Disney. As part of your cruise package, you can purchase transfer tickets via Disney for transport to the Port from either the Orlando airport or your Disney hotel. The buses are luxury motor coaches which are accessable (must specific this when making your reservation) and have a bathroom onboard. (Please note not all buses are exactly like the one pictured).

Tickets via Disney Cruise Line are per person: $39 per person one way from either WDW to the Port, or Port to WDW or the Airport. Transfers should be arranged prior to arrival in Orlando. We recommend calling (800) 951-3532 to add ground transfers in advance, as only a limited number may be available for purchase upon arrival.

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DCL & Other Ground Transportation

Official DCL Link to Air and Ground Transportation:  https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/air-ground-transportation/

Orlando Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:45 p.m.

For Guests departing from Orlando International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 11:30 a.m.

For Guests with pre- or post-night stays, transfers to/from the airport, the Walt Disney World® Resort and Port Canaveral can also be purchased.

(Available with most Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.)

Motor coach transfer cost, per person 3 years and older:

Private transportation arrangements (limousines, vans, town cars or private motor coach) can be requested up to two weeks prior to vacation commencement.

Barcelona Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Barcelona International Airport to the Port of Barcelona are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:15 p.m.

For Guests departing from Barcelona International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 12:30 p.m..

Transfers from the airport to one of the select Barcelona hotels are only available to Guests who purchase post-nights through Disney Cruise Line.

Copenhagen Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Copenhagen Airport to the Port of Copenhagen are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:00 p.m. For Guests departing from Copenhagen Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 12:30 p.m.

Dover Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from the London Gatwick or Heathrow International Airport to the Port of Dover are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 11:15 a.m.

For Guests departing from London Gatwick or Heathrow International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 3:15 p.m.

Houston Ground Transfers

Transfers from Bush Intercontinental Airport to one of the select Houston hotels are only available to Guests who purchase pre- or post-nights through Disney Cruise Line.

For Guests departing from the Bush Intercontinental Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 1:30 p.m.

Motor coach transfer cost per person 3 years and older:

Los Angeles Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Los Angeles International Airport to the World Cruise Terminal are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 12:00 p.m.

Transfers to the cruise terminal from the three official hotels of the Disneyland® Resort or the Los Angeles Airport Marriott are available.

Note: At this time, pre- or post-nights at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort must be arranged independently and cannot be purchased through Disney Cruise Line. Guests are also responsible for arranging the transportation to/from their hotel and the Los Angeles Airport at their own expense.

For Guests departing from the Los Angeles International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 1:00 p.m.

*Guests must make independent arrangements for their transportation from the airport to their Disneyland Resort Hotel. **Guests will take a courtesy shuttle between the hotel and the airport. Private transportation arrangements (limousines, vans, town cars or private motor coach) can be requested up to two weeks prior to vacation commencement.

Miami Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Miami International Airport to the Port of Miami are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:45 p.m.

For Guests departing from Miami International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 12:00 p.m.

San Diego Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from San Diego International Airport to the Port of San Diego are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 2:00 p.m.

For Guests departing from San Diego International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 11:30 a.m.

San Juan Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport to the Port of San Juan are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 6:30 p.m.

For Guests departing from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 11:30 a.m.

Vancouver Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Vancouver International Airport to the Port of Vancouver are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:00 p.m.

For Guests departing from Vancouver International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 12:00 p.m.

Transfers from the airport to one of the select Vancouver hotels are only available to Guests who purchase post-nights through Disney Cruise Line.

*For Guests staying at the Fairmont Waterfront hotel, the Resort to Port transfer is a luggage only transfer, due to the close proximity of the hotel to the port. Private transportation arrangements (limousines, vans, town cars or private motor coach) can be requested up to two weeks prior to vacation commencement.

Venice Ground Transfers

Direct motor coach transfers from Marco Polo International Airport to the Port of Venice are available to purchase for Guests who arranged independent flights. The recommended flight arrival time is before 1:30 p.m.

For Guests departing from Marco Polo International Airport following their cruise, the recommended flight departure time is on or after 10:45 a.m.

OTHER Transportation Services

Note: The services below are DCG Admin -approved and -used.

Private Orlando Airport (MCO) to PC transportation services Black Diamond (mention Mark Kechula’s your agent for a discount) Happy Limo Mears Global Note: Also serves most Continental US, San Juan, Vancouver, etc. TownCarNow.com

Miami and Ft Lauderdale Tours, KSA Tours Shuttle and Transportation Services http://ksatours.com/index.php Mears Global Note: Also serves most Continental US, San Juan, Vancouver, etc.

Spain Airport Shuttle Services http://www.aerocity.com/en/airport-shuttle Blacklane (https://www.blacklane.com/en/) Note: Also serves much of Europe

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DCL Transport from Disney resort - pick-up times

• Thread starter Dani W
• Start date Aug 27, 2022

Earning My Ears

• Aug 27, 2022

I've always avoided taking DCL Transport from a Disney resort because I felt like the pick-up times at the resort were too late and you would arrive at the port quite late. Arranging our own transportation to the port would be much better when I had an early port arrival time. I've noticed a few comments that the pick-up times at the Disney resorts seem to be much earlier now and that you would arrive at the port prior to 11am. Has that been everyone's experience lately when taking DCL transport from a Disney resort? Anyone arriving later than 11am at the port when using DCL transport? Thank you!  

We used DCL transportation from the Yacht Club earlier this month. We were told to meet at 8:45am for a 9:15am departure. While the bus was a few minutes late, we still arrived well before 11am. We were concierge and still arrived well before concierge boarding started. Hope that helps!  

goterps1986

Mouseketeer.

• Aug 28, 2022

That’s good to know. We are getting picked up at Boardwalk on Friday. I was wondering the same thing. Thanks!  

DIS Veteran

Remind me, is there a cost for this service, and if so, how much? Thanks  

Cruising Engineer

TigerLaw said: Remind me, is there a cost for this service, and if so, how much? Thanks Click to expand...

• Dec 10, 2022

Bump. Is this still true, or are the times getting later again TIA  

• Dec 11, 2022

In April we got there before concierge boarding and were bg 2. Talking bus from WL Saturday and are bg2 again and hoping to upgrade at port so hoping we get an early pick up.  

Wosmama6 said: In April we got there before concierge boarding and were bg 2. Talking bus from WL Saturday and are bg2 again and hoping to upgrade at port so hoping we get an early pick up. Click to expand...

They wanted us in poly lobby at 745 but we had a few pick ups after that  

• Dec 12, 2022

Bumping to see if there are any more recent experiences? Trying to decide whether to take Disney transportation from WL in early February or schedule another transportation company  

I’d love to hear more recent info too. 7:45 is unacceptable to me. That’s just a hurry up and wait at the port to me. I doubt there’s even a place to wait if the terminal isnt open. So we wait on the bus when we could be sleepying. In a bed…with pillows…and blankets.  

DisneyBelle_x

Back in September our luggage was collected at 7am, had to meet at 8.15 and was picked up at 8.45 then had 2 more picks ups and arrived at PC at 10.30, this was from Grand Floridian  

SleepyDeb said: I’d love to hear more recent info too. 7:45 is unacceptable to me. That’s just a hurry up and wait at the port to me. I doubt there’s even a place to wait if the terminal isnt open. So we wait on the bus when we could be sleepying. In a bed…with pillows…and blankets. Click to expand...

The Mommy Fairy

in June I had a 9.15 pick up from Coronado, met in lobby at 8.45. We arrived at PC around 10.20 and boarding didn’t start until 11.50 so it was a long wait. Honestly for me the buses are too early now.  

holula said: in June I had a 9.15 pick up from Coronado, met in lobby at 8.45. We arrived at PC around 10.20 and boarding didn’t start until 11.50 so it was a long wait. Honestly for me the buses are too early now. Click to expand...

I already booked DCL transport and am now rethinking because they are so early. Anyone know if we can cancel the transport. Cruise in late Jan.  

The "twisty" part of the 60 is called the Badlands

We were picked up from the Grand Floridian last week. Luggage out by 7 am (we took it ourselves) and pick up at 8:30 am. No time for breakfast. We stopped at the Polynesian and then off to the port. In my opinion it was way too early. But we are from CA and had not adjusted to the time change yet. Boarding group #2 so on the ship and eating lunch by noon!  

Courtney924

• Dec 14, 2022

DisneyBelle_x said: Back in September our luggage was collected at 7am, had to meet at 8.15 and was picked up at 8.45 then had 2 more picks ups and arrived at PC at 10.30, this was from Grand Floridian Click to expand...

Chipmunkmaniac

any recent experience with pick up at Pop century?  

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Transportation Options for your Disney Cruise to Port Canaveral

Transportation To and From Port Canaveral for Disney Cruise Line

There are many options when getting to and from Port Canaveral for your Disney Cruise vacation . I don’t think that any of them are necessarily the best, as they all have pros and cons. And it will really depend on your family and their preferences. Let’s take a look at all of the transportation options to Port Canaveral. 

Disney Cruise Line Bus to Port Canaveral

The Disney Cruise Line bus is probably one of the more convenient options when it comes to transportation to and from Port Canaveral.  The Disney Cruise Line bus can pick you up at either the airport or at your Disney resort.  If you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency at Orlando Airport, you can also arrange your Disney bus transportation through them. 

The cost for the Disney Cruise Line bus is $39 per person, per way. This can be either a great deal or a terrible one, depending on how many people are in your party. As I mentioned earlier though, it is pretty convenient.  This method of transportation takes care of your luggage for you when you arrive at port. And if you are staying at the Hyatt or a Disney Resort, they will even take your luggage out of your room for you. It’s a very magical experience overall and I do think the cost is worth the convenience alone. 

The downside to the Disney Cruise Line bus, though, is that you aren’t really in control of your own time. You have a little control, but basically, you leave when the bus is ready to leave.  The trip from the airport takes about an hour, but plan to be waiting for at least another hour between waiting for your bus, boarding, and waiting for other guests. 

Ride Shares Like Uber or Lyft

A ride-share service like Lyft or Uber is probably going to be the most flexible of all of the transportation options. Since you don’t even need to reserve it ahead of time (although we recommend that you do), you can basically leave whenever you like. In the past, we’ve paid anywhere from $90-$150 for one way using a ride-share service; but this will depend largely on the size of vehicle, time of day, and day of the week. 

With a ride-share service, you basically get the minimum, which is getting dropped off at Port Canaveral. They obviously don’t help you with your luggage, but there are plenty of porters at the port that can help you get your bags to where they need to go. If you use a porter, though, keep in mind they are usually working for tips. 

Drive a Car

If you’re not coming from out of town, or if you have a rental car for your trip, you can always drive a car to Port Canaveral. This can get expensive, especially if you’re parking directly at port, or if you’re also paying for a rental. We’ve done this once, and not only do you pay the price per day of the car, but also the price per day to park it.  Parking is $17 per day at port. You can read all about parking at Port Canaveral here . 

In addition to parking at the terminal, there are many other parking options nearby. They usually offer lower rates and take away from some of the hassle of traffic at the port.  Essentially, you park your car at their lot, and they shuttle you over to the terminal. You can do a quick Google search and you’ll be able to see what option works best for you. 

We’ve done this before and had a pretty good experience. 

Private Transportation to Port Canaveral for your Disney Cruise

There are quite a few private transportation options when it comes to getting to your Disney Cruise. Whether you want a traditional shuttle or something more upscale like a limo, there are plenty of choices to choose from.  Prices will vary based on what you need to fit your party and luggage. But rates generally tend to run as low as $95 per one way to over $500 for larger vehicles. 

Hotel Shuttle Transportation to Port Canaveral

Another option is using a hotel shuttle service. This really only works if you are staying at a Port Canaveral area hotel. But if you are, you’re in luck because most of the hotels there offer them. Some even offer cruise and park packages. These allow you to park your car at the hotel at a discounted rate during the length of your cruise and take the shuttle to the terminal. We used a similar service when we took a Disney Cruise from New York City , and while we did experience a few hiccups, it was pretty convenient and affordable. 

GoPort actually offers shuttle service to a variety of Port Canaveral area hotels; so if your hotel doesn’t specifically offer the service, you can check to see if you can book a shuttle through GoPort . 

Other Shuttles from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral

Outside of the Disney Cruise Line bus, there are also other shuttle options that run between the Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral. Some of these companies also fall under the Private Transportation category. We found the Shuttles at Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral List very helpful and comprehensive for finding a shuttle to take you to Port Canaveral.

What is the Cheapest Way to get from Disney World to Port Canaveral?

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort heading to Port Canaveral for your cruise, the Cheapest Way to Get from Disney World to Port Canaveral is to Drive. At about 71 miles, and depending on your car mileage rate, this way generally costs between $12- 20 for the fuel. Note that this doesn’t include any parking fees that you may have to pay once you arrive at Port Canaveral. As such, if you don’t have a car at Disney World, the second cheapest option is to Uber, which helps you skip the parking fees and the per person cost of a shuttle.

What is the Most Affordable Way to Get to Port Canaveral for a Disney Cruise?

That is really going to depend! Your party size, how much luggage you have, and where you are coming from prior to the cruise are all factors that will determine the cost. We recommend comparing the cost of a few different types before making a decision if budget is important to you. 

How long does it take to get to Port Canaveral from Orlando International Airport? 

It depends on where you are coming from! From Orlando International Airport (MCO), it will take you about 45 minutes to get to the terminal. This of course will be dependent upon traffic too. If you’re coming from Walt Disney World, Port Canaveral is about an hour’s drive. 

Hopefully, this post has helped you decide which Disney Cruise transportation option is best for you! Have you taken transportation to Port Canaveral? Do you have a favorite way of getting there?

Melanie Renee

Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .

• Melanie Renee https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/melanniee/ French Quarter Lounge on the Disney Wonder
• Melanie Renee https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/melanniee/ New Disneyland Pixar Fest Snacks 2024
• Melanie Renee https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/melanniee/ How a Disney Cruise to Europe is different
• Melanie Renee https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/melanniee/ 11-night Disney Cruise to Northern Europe on the Disney Dream

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Cruise Transportation

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From the airport, home, hotels and resorts, to your cruise port, Mears cruise transportation services help you start your vacation right. No need to worry about driving, traffic, running late, parking, parking fees and walking. Our black car service will drop you off nearest to your ship every time.

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New Jersey - Bayonne, Cape Liberty

Port Canaveral Shuttle Service

From greater orlando to port canaveral.

Port Canaveral shuttle service is available as a black car service through Mears Luxe Car Service. Explore our luxury services or call 866-435-5686 . You can also utilize our Port Canaveral taxi service by calling Mears Taxi at 407-422-2222 . Please note: luxury and taxi chauffeurs will only pick up at Port Canaveral if you pre-arrange your ride in advance with your driver during your drop-off.

Disney Cruise Transportation:

Guests traveling on Disney Cruise Line should contact Disney’s ground transportation services at 800-395-9374 for information on the Disney Cruise Line bus service and to arrange their transfers to and from the airport.

Mears is the trusted transportation service that can take you from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral where your Disney cruise awaits.

Our highly professional chauffeurs and vehicle operators deliver prompt, comfortable service.

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We offer car service and taxi service to all cruise lines at Port Canaveral.

For other ports, you can book car service online or call us today at 866-435-5686 so we can help you plan ahead.

In addition to our cruise transportation services, we provide airport transportation , attraction transportation , and hotel and resort transportation services in select U.S. cities through Mears Luxe Chauffeured Car Services.

Resort Transportation

Get directions with the mobile app, special travel options for resort guests.

Save time and money—and the hassle of driving and parking—with these fun transportation options.

Guests at select Disney Resort hotels can travel to and from all 4 theme parks and more—by bus, boat or monorail—wherever your imagination leads you!

How It Works Stop by one of the convenient, well-marked pick-up points at your hotel and throughout Walt Disney World Resort, and your ride will arrive ready to transport you throughout the Resort—often within minutes. Keep in mind that certain destinations are not direct, and that you may be required to take a connecting mode of transport to reach your required stop.

Complimentary Resort transportation begins 45 minutes prior to Disney theme park opening time and up to 1 hour after Disney theme park closing time. Additionally, buses operate until 11:00 PM from the Disney Springs area. Certain areas of Walt Disney World Resort are also connected by well-lit, paved, low-grade walking paths.

Learn about the many other benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel .

Bus Transportation

Take in the sights as you travel to and from all Disney theme parks via air-conditioned bus!

Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can take advantage of complimentary bus service to and from all 4 theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and the Disney Springs Area.

Learn more about bus transportation at Walt Disney World Resort.

Water Transportation

Feel the wind in your hair as you embark on a relaxing boat ride to your Resort destination—by ferryboat or water taxi!

Guests of select Disney Resort hotels can enjoy complimentary boat service to and from Magic Kingdom park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Learn more about water transportation at Walt Disney World Resort.

Monorail Transportation

Soar high in the sky aboard our world-famous monorail—originally conceived as a public transport for the future!

The Walt Disney World Monorail System has 3 separate beams that travel throughout Walt Disney World Resort and make the following stops:

• Magic Kingdom park
• Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Transportation and Ticket Center

Additionally, there are express round-trip services from the Transportation and Ticket Center to 2 theme parks: EPCOT and Magic Kingdom park .

Learn more about monorail transportation at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Skyliner Transportation

Cruise around Walt Disney World Resort in style—riding incredible, new aerial gondolas!

Glide across the sky on this grand, state-of-the-art gondola system, conveniently connecting Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at EPCOT  to the following Disney Resort hotels:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

The Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at EPCOT is located just a short stroll away from Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort , Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Learn more about Disney Skyliner transportation at Walt Disney World Resort.

Minnie Van Service

Have one of our Cast Members whisk you around Walt Disney World Resort in these stylish vehicles decorated with Minnie Mouse’s signature polka dots!

Accessible Minnie Van Service is also available through the Lyft app. Any Guest can order an Accessible Minnie Van. Guests do not need to use the vehicle’s accessibility functions in order to book a ride in an Accessible Minnie Van.

Accessible Minnie Vans include the following:

• Seating for 5 people
• One complimentary car seat (which can be used by one of the 5 passengers)
• 2 spaces for mobility devices (Guests may remain in their mobility devices for the duration of the ride)

There is a maximum capacity of 7 Guests per Accessible Minnie Van.

Please note that Minnie Van Service is not a complimentary transportation option and requires payment through the Lyft app on your mobile device.

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Your Guide to the Walt Disney World Resort Transportation Options

Are you gearing up for an unforgettable journey through the magical realm of Walt Disney World? Navigating this vast wonderland can be a breeze with the right know-how about the myriad of transportation options avaiable. Whether you’re a guest at one of the magical Disney resorts or visiting for a day of fun, understanding how to travel between the parks is crucial to maximizing your magical experience. Let’s jump right into this fun and informative guide to Walt Disney World’s transportation system!

Related: Why you should take advantage of Park Hopping at Disney World to have an EPIC Day!

Buses: The Heart of Disney Transport

Buses are the superheroes of Disney transportation, connecting almost every corner of the resort. They run frequently from all Disney hotels to the parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Even if you’re not staying on Disney property, you can hop on these buses at any park or Disney Springs to move around the resort. It’s free, convenient, and a great way to rest your feet!

Now that all-day park hopping has returned, bus service between theme parks starts at 10am. Note busses do NOT run from Disney Springs to a Walt Disney World theme park, guests need to transfer at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.

Monorail: The Classic Disney Transport

Ah, the monorail – a true Disney icon! This futuristic train glides above the ground, offering a fun and scenic route. It connects the Magic Kingdom with Epcot and select Disney resorts, including the Contemporary, Polynesian Village, and Grand Floridian. Everyone can ride the monorail, so don’t miss this classic Disney experience.

“Please stand clear of the doors! Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas!”

Boats: A Classic Scenic Voyage

Want a relaxing journey? Disney’s boat services are a delightful choice. These boats connect various resorts with the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Springs. It’s a peaceful way to travel and offers unique views of the resort. All guests, whether staying on-property or not, are welcome aboard.

Boat transportation connects the Ticket and Transportation Center to Magic Kingdom, as well as the Magic Kingdom area resorts. You can also take a boat between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, as well as several EPCOT area resorts (Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and the Swan and Dolphin). You can even hop on a boat at severa resorts and take a scenic voyage to Disney Springs!

Related: Disney World Adjusts Transportation as All-Day Park Hopping Returns

Skyliner: The Newest Way to Travel

The newest addition to Disney transport is the Skyliner, a gondola system that offers an incredible bird’s-eye view. It connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios with several resorts, including the Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and the new Riviera Resort. It’s a fun and efficient way to travel, and everyone is welcome to fly!

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, understanding these transportation options will make your park-hopping adventure smooth and enjoyable. So, get ready to explore the magic of Walt Disney World, and let these transportation options be your guide to a world of wonder and excitement!

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Disney Transportation Guide for Getting Around Walt Disney World

A Vacation at Disney World includes Complimentary Transportation across the parks, resorts, water parks and Disney Springs. And if you’re visiting for a competition, you can get shuttles to the ESPN Wide World of Sports, and Golf Courses too. Staying on Disney property while at Walt Disney World offers a variety of benefits, and not needing a car is one of them! However, while Disney World does provide FREE Disney transportation at Walt Disney World, it still is somewhat confusing. From when to take the Disney Bus, to the Ferry, or the Monorail, or Skyliner, we’re breaking down ALL the ways you can get around Disney World on your next vacation.

How To Get Around at Walt Disney World

One of the biggest mysteries of any Disney Vacation is based on the question “Do you need a car at Walt Disney World? And while we sometimes recommend driving a car to Walt Disney World we are also big advocates for just taking the plane there and planning to be stranded at Disney for your vacation. Don’t worry, it’s actually quite liberating and not that scary. In fact, it actually has a term; the Disney Bubble. Being in the Disney Bubble, not only means you leave the real world behind, but also most of the responsibilities too. Whether it’s making your meals, or driving from one place to another…all those things can be done for you at Disney World. Meaning that you get to sit back and relax instead. Still, you’ll will need to know which bus, monorail, or boat to hail to get where you’re going. Let’s dive into all the Transportation at Walt Disney World options. 

Getting To and From the Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World

Getting to and from the Orlando International Airport ( MCO) to Walt Disney World isn’t difficult. But, it does cost something. You can choose a ride-share service, like Uber, for a flat rate cost for whoever can fit in the car you choose in the app. Or you can pay a per-person fee for a service like Mears Connect. You can also use a good old fashioned Taxi Service. No matter which you choose you will have to add this to your Disney Budget. Because Disney World DOES NOT have a free shuttle from the Orlando Airport. As such you will have to plan for one of the following. 

• Hire a Shuttle Bus from Orlando Airport to Disney World 
• Hail an Uber/ Lyft or Taxi

Buses at Disney World 

The main transportation service available at every Disney Resort are the Disney Buses. As the main mode of transportation across the entire property, there are some resorts, like the Value Resorts , for which Disney buses are their only form of transportation. 

Where do Disney Buses Go?

When staying on property at Disney World, you can catch Disney Buses to and from most places, but there are rules. Disney Buses from Disney Resorts go to the Disney Parks, Water Parks and Disney Springs. Disney Buses from Disney Springs only go to Disney Resorts, ( Not Parks). And Disney Buses from the Parks go to Disney Resorts, and sometimes, other parks. Buses generally cannot be taken from one resort to get to another resort.

Typically, Disney Buses are scheduled to  arrive every 15-20 minutes at the bus stations across Walt Disney World. However, this is pretty untrue much of the time, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. If taking the buses anywhere, allow yourself about an hour or so of travel time. Buses can be taken from the resorts to the Parks, Water Parks, and Disney Springs. Your best bet is to check the resort page within the My Disney Experience App for the Bus Times tab, so that you can see the arrival times for each bus at your home resort. Here are some general Bus rules to remember for Walt Disney World. 

Disney Bus Information

• You can get a Disney Bus from your Disney Resort to any of the four Disney Parks, two Water Parks and Disney Springs. 
• Disney Springs buses only travel to the Disney Resorts, not the parks. 
• Disney Buses do not travel between Disney Resorts. This is important to remember if you’re visiting a resort for a late dinner reservation. As you won’t be able to travel from one resort to another, you will have to get a bus to a park first, and transfer from there to your Resort Bus. 
• Sometimes you can get a Disney Bus from one park to another. For example, right now if you’re at Magic Kingdom, you would be able to catch a bus to either Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios. But would have to catch the Monorail if you wanted to visit EPCOT.
• Disney Buses typically start running about 45 minutes before a parks opening time, and about 60 minutes after a parks closing time. These times adjust accordingly for both Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Theme Park hours. 

Disney World Monorail Transportation

One of the marvels of a Disney World Vacation is being able to enjoy the monorail. This train in the sky connects two separate areas at Walt Disney World: The Disney Monorail Resorts and The Transportation and Ticket Center Line. Both monorail lines are accessible from the Transportation Ticket Center (TTC) and allow transportation by monorail from Magic Kingdom to EPCOT, with a transfer at the TTC. Here’s what you need to know about the two monorails at Disney World. 

The Disney Monorail Resorts and Magic Kingdom Line

With access just outside the Magic Kingdom front gates, the Disney Monorail Resort Line connects three resorts, and the TTC.  The Resorts Monorail stops at Magic Kingdom, The Contemporary Resort, the Transportation Ticket Center (TTC), The Polynesian ( and Shades of Green), and The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This “highway in the sky” creates one loop that will take you to and from Magic Kingdom. 

• Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• The Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The TTC and Epcot Monorail Line

Accessible from the main entrance of Magic Kingdom and the TTC, a second loop will take you to Epcot.  If you want to go from one loop to the other, simply switch monorails at the Ticket and Transportation Center stop. The TTC is also where you will take the monorail to get to Magic Kingdom, as the TTC is also Magic Kingdom’s Parking Lot. 

Disney World Boat  Transportation

Another form of transportation at Disney world is by boat. There are several kinds of boats available. Some take you from the parking lot, others take you between resorts and parks. Depending on where you are going, you may be able to take a boat to the parks, your resort, and even other resorts. While boats are definitely the least crowded of the options, they are also the slowest. Allow for about 20 minutes of travel time to get to your destination, depending on where you’re going. Check out all the Disney Resorts that offer Boat Service . 

Ferry Boat to Magic Kingdom

If you are driving to Magic Kingdom, you will have to park at the TTC; Transportation Ticket Center. Once there you can choose between taking the Magic Kingdom Ferry or the Monorail to go to Magic Kingdom. Your choice! The  Ferry to Magic Kingdom offers a panoramic view of the front of the park, as well as great views of the Monorail Resorts that surround the lagoon. It’s slower and more leisurely than the monorail. So if you’re not in a rush, take the time to take in the views of the Lagoon. You can catch a boat about 45 minutes before park opening and 45 minutes after at 15-20 minute intervals. 

Boats To and From Magic Kingdom Park

The boats leaving Magic Kingdom not only include the Ferry, but also smaller boats that go to the nearby resorts. Resorts in the Magic Kingdom Area have access to the boats to and from Magic Kingdom throughout the day. Offering an alternative mode of transportation for those who don’t want to take the monorail or buses. One boat route includes visits to Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. While the other boat route offers transportation to the Polynesian, and Grand Floridian Resort. 

Boats To and From EPCOT Park

The main boat station at EPCOT is located at the International Gateway, at the back of the park. If you are staying at one of the BoardWalk Resorts , or one of the Disney Marriott Hotels, then you can grab a boat at the dock to bring you to the Epcot International Gateway. 

Boats within EPCOT Park also allow you to travel from one side of the World Showcase ( at the port of call shops) to the other (America Pavilion). This is especially helpful if you have kids or can’t walk long distances, or just need a break! Just grab a boat. 

Boats To and From Hollywood Studios 

At Hollywood Studios you can also grab a boat right outside the entrance that brings you to the Boardwalk Resorts (Boardwalk Inn, The Yacht Club or The Beach Club), the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and back to the EPCOT International Gateway. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling back and forth between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, but don’t want to take the walking path. 

Boats To and From Disney Springs

Disney Springs shopping center also has boat service that could be helpful if you’re staying at Port Orleans Riverside Resort or Port Orleans French Quarter. The boats at Disney Springs run between 10:30 AM- 11:30 PM.

Disney Skyliner  Transportation

Another form of complimentary transportation at Walt Disney World is the Disney Skyliner. And it is a great way to skip the crowds and see the views while you travel across the sky. Check out our quick guide to the Disney Skyliner. This form of transportation offers seating for up to 10 people in one car and guests are often seated together. There are two Skyliner routes; one to EPCOT Park and one to Hollywood Studios Park.  Both begin at the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and if coming from the Art of Animation or Pop Century Resorts you will need to transfer to which route you need. Disney’s Caribbean Beach resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort are also along the Skyliner route. 

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the TRANSFER station for the Disney Skyliner. This means you will have to get out of the skyliner at this stop. From here you can choose several paths on the skyliner. 

• You can visit the Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts
• Head to Hollywood Studios
• Or head towards the Disney’s Riviera Resort, which continues onto EPCOT. 

Disney Walking Paths 

While transportation in the travel sense, you don’t need to use transportation to take advantage of the walking paths at Walt Disney World. From helping resort guests get to the parks, to hidden spaces like the BoardWalk, you can find Disney Walking Paths at Walt Disney World of all shapes and sizes. Luckily, there are even a few Disney Resorts that are within Walking Distance of the Parks to help you avoid transportation all together. 

Resorts Within Walking Distance to Magic Kingdom

The walking path at Magic Kingdom goes in two separate directions, but does not connect like a loop. Instead, if you are leaving the park and choosing to go to the Contemporary, you turn left. Whereas if you’re headed to the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resorts, you simply walk behind the monorail stations and turn right.  

Resorts Within Walking Distance to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

This area of Disney World is considered the Disney BoardWalk Area. With a large open boardwalk that surrounds the lagoon, you can walk to and from all these resorts as well as to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. If you’re staying at any of these resorts, you are in walking distance of these two parks. and won’t need to use other transportation unless you choose. 

• Dolphin Hotel
• Swan Reserve
• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Other Walking Paths at Disney World

In addition to using walking paths to get to and from the parks to the resorts, you can also use them as shortcuts at Disney World parks. Plus, if you’re staying at sister resorts there are several walking path options for you to enjoy. Making it easer to access multiple resorts at once. Here are the connecting paths that help you walk from resort to resort at Disney World. 

• Animal Kingdom Lodge has a walking path that connects Kidani Village and Jambo House , making it easy to go back and forth for dining reservations, and events. 
• The All Star Resorts have walking path, or sidewalk, that connects that All Star Music, All Star Movies and All Star Sports Resorts. Making it easy to take advantage of different spaces, food courts and events.
• The Port Orleans Resorts have a walking path that connect both Riverside and French Quarter , as well as the other Disney Springs Area Resorts. Old Key West, Saratoga Springs and Disney Springs are all accessible by walking path at the Port Orleans Resorts. 
• The Magic Kingdom Walking Path connects both the Grand Floridian Resort and the Polynesian Village Resort. 
• There is a riverside path that connects EPCOT and Hollywood Studios by walking path , allowing you to easily park hop between those two parks. 

Transportation from Disney Springs to Walt Disney World

One of the most confusing elements of the Walt Disney World Transportation Options is its bus service to and from Disney Springs. If you are staying in a Hotel Near Disney Springs , then you’re probably wondering if that gets you closer to the parks. The answer to that is NO. Staying at a Disney Springs Hotel does not get you within walking distance of Walt Disney World Theme Parks. That said, we do have a list of Disney Resorts within walking distance of Disney Springs. 

If you’re staying at a Disney Springs Hotel, how do you get to Walt Disney World Parks? If your Hotel doesn’t have a shuttle to each Disney Theme Park, this is what you can do. In order to get to a Disney World Park from Disney Springs you can take any Disney Resort Bus from the Disney Springs Bus Depot. But choose wisely. Because once you arrive at the Disney Resort, you will then have to transfer to a Disney Parks Bus, from the resort. So which Disney Resort Bus should you choose? Here’s A quick breakdown, of the resorts closest to each park, that provide you the shortest bus ride to the park you’re trying to get to. Check out our Disney Springs transportation guide for all the details. 

From Disney Springs to Magic Kingdom

Once at Disney Springs, you can grab a bus to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Resort, OR Disney’s Contemporary Resort. All are on the Disney Monorail Line, which stops at Magic Kingdom. To get the closest you can c hoose the Grand Floridian Resort Bus and take the monorail to Magic Kingdom. OR choose the Contemporary Resort and take the walking path, about 5 minutes to the Magic Kingdom gates. 

From Disney Springs to EPCOT

If heading to EPCOT from Disney Springs, you will want to get a bus to any of the Disney BoardWalk Resorts . These include Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, and the Boardwalk Inn Resort. All of these are within walking distance of EPCOT Park’s back entrance, known as the International Gateway. The get the closest to this Epcot gate, choose the Disney Beach Club Bus, then walk through the lobby and out onto the BoardWalk.From there, you simply turn left at the beach and walk until you reach the gates of EPCOT.

From Disney Springs to Hollywood Studios

Disney Springs to Hollywood Studios means grabbing one of the buses to the Disney BoardWalk or to one of the Swan and Dolphin Hotels. Any of these resorts will get you close to the gates, but there are options. To get the closest, but without walking, you can choose the Disney Swan and Dolphin Bus. This gets close to the walking path between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios but also gets you close to the boat dock. You can then transfer from the bus to the boat heading to Hollywood Studios or walk the path. Alternatively, you can also choose the Beach Club Resort Bus, and head towards the Skyliner Gondola station just outside the EPCOT gates. Then take the Skyliner Gondola to Hollywood Studios. Both options get you to Hollywood Studios from Disney Springs. 

From Disney Springs to Animal Kingdom

By far the easiest Disney World theme park to get to from Disney Springs, Animal Kingdom Park only has one nearby resort. And that’s Animal Kingdom Lodge . This Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World is a great place to stop anyway for up-close views of animals roaming the savanna and a bite to eat at Sanaa . To get to Animal Kingdom Park from Disney Springs simply take the Animal Kingdom Lodge Bus, and then transfer to the Animal Kingdom bus once you’re at the resort. 

Driving to Disney World

In a hurry and don’t want to wait that long for a ride to get where you’re going? Here are some of your alternatives if you decide to bring a car to Walt Disney World.  Drive.  Driving allows you the most freedom when you’re at Disney, but keep in mind, traffic can be stressful. You’re still in Orlando. If you’re an annual pass holder or if you’re staying on the property, the $25 parking fee will be waived. That said, there are reasons to drive to be sure! 

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, your parking fee at the theme parks is waived, and you do not have to pay to park at the resort either. As such, you will not be charged for bringing your car. While this hasn’t always been the case, we’re so grateful that we get the freedom to have car if we need one. A car allows you the opportunity to go pick up pizza, or head to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter , and other areas of Orlando. And while navigating the parking lots and trams and traffic, when you’re driving, it may be easier than navigating the buses if you have small children with strollers. 

Renting an Uber, Lyft or Taxi

Another option for getting to and from the parks, and anywhere else you want to go is by using a ride for hire service. Uber has gotten a lot more expensive since we first started taking it on property, but there are designated areas where you can catch your rideshare at each park. Note that Uber drivers are not allowed near the Magic Kingdom park gates, so you will still need to take the monorail to the TTC in order to meet your driver. Or walk to the Contemporary Resort and have them pick you up there. 

Walt Disney World Minnie Vans

This posh option in Disney transportation is available for a hefty cost, but may be your best bet if you’re in a pinch. This van dressed up like Minnie is easy to spot and Super cute. Available to book through the Lyft App, you can check out the Disney Minnie Van Guide for details on current prices, tips and services. 

Getting Around Disney World

There you have it, all the transportation options at Disney World. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, there are plenty of options to help you get to where you’re going. And it’s crucial to remember while planning. We’ve found that we’re often prioritizing resort transportation options above everything else when we book vacations. Because whether we’re staying late at a Disney After Hours Party or walking up early to rope drop our favorite rides, the transportation can make or break those plans. Standing in line for buses at 1 AM after a party, or even at 9 PM with the fireworks crowds always make us aware of how much transportation can affect our trip. Choose wisely! And let us know your favorite strategies for getting around Disney World. 

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Which Section of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is Right for You?

Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort, with its approximately 850 guest rooms, is less than half the size of some of her more sprawling sisters ( Disney’s Coronado Springs resort has more than 1,900 rooms, for example); nevertheless, there are some nuances to this hotel that may impact your stay based on the location of your room.

A bit of context before we get going … Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (affectionately known as “the Poly” to her fans), was one of the two original WDW hotels, opening in 1971, with three (soon to be four) later expansions. The Poly, with its South Seas theme, is located directly across Bay Lake from the Magic Kingdom and is part of the Magic Kingdom monorail loop . The primary structure is the Great Ceremonial House which is home to the hotel’s services including the check-in desk, bell services, restaurants, bars, shops, and monorail access. Guests rooms are located in outbuildings, called longhouses and bungalows, scattered around the property. A tower building, to be part of Disney Vacation Club offerings , is scheduled to open within the next year. The Poly is also walking distance from the Ticket and Transportation Center which includes the Magic Kingdom parking lot and, more significantly, the transfer station to the EPCOT monorail line.

Note that during construction of the DVC tower, there is no walking path from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian and beyond. We expect that once the tower is completed, guests will again be able to walk from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian resort, Magic Kingdom, and Contemporary resort.

Click photos to enlarge.

Ceremonial Hall Area

There are no guest rooms in the Ceremonial Hall, but having an understanding of what’s there may impact whether you think having easy access is important.

Bora Bora Bungalows

The Bora Bora Bungalows are 20 stand-alone buildings, one party per bungalow, located on stilts actually in the Seven Seas Lagoon.

• Unparalleled views of the Magic Kingdom
• Private space with loads of amenities including outdoor lounge space and a plunge pool
• These buildings are the height of Disney World swankiness – on the bucket list of many WDW devotees
• The cost is staggering. Prices start in the mid $3,000s per night and go for more than $6,000 per night over the winter holidays.
• There is boat traffic noise in the lagoon from about 7:00 a.m. until at least 11:00 p.m., often later.
• These are among the most distance guest rooms at the Polynesian if you want to get to the Ceremonial House amenities or transportation.

Moorea, Pago Pago, and Tokelau Area

These buildings have been converted into Disney Vacation Club studio villa units . They are available to rent with points by DVC members and with cash by non-members.

• The rooms are among the most spacious studio villas at Disney World
• These buildings are a quick walk to the Ticket and Transportation Center and the monorail to EPCOT
• Some rooms in the Moorea building face the Lagoon. Upper floor rooms may have a view of the Magic Kingdom.
• Some rooms in the Pago Pago and Tokelau buildings are the closest to the bus transportation area
• There is a well-maintained BBQ area
• Tokelau rooms are near the Oasis Pool and Bar
• Guest laundry building is nearby
• This area is distant from the Lava pool
• This area is distant from the dock and boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom
• These rooms may hear noise from the ferry whistle at the Ticket and Transportation Center

Hawaii Building

• Close to both the Oasis Pool and Lava Pool
• Some rooms in the Hawaii building face the Lagoon. Upper floor rooms may have a view of the Magic Kingdom.
• The Concierge level lounge (King Kamehameha Club) is in the Hawaii building
• Some rooms are close to the dock and boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom
• Some rooms may hear noise from the ferry
• Distant from the Polynesian parking lot and other transportation options
• Benefits of the building are inaccessible if you are not paying for Club Level accommodations

Samoa, Niue, and Raratonga Area

• Samoa and Niue are close to both the Oasis Pool and the Lava pool
• All buildings have easy access to the Great Ceremonial Hall and the Polynesian monorail
• Raratonga is an easy walk to the Ticket and Transportation Center
• Raratonga is an easy walk to the Polynesian bus stop
• No views of the Magic Kingdom

Tonga, Aotearoa, Fiji, and Tuvalu Area

• Tonga has easy access to the Great Ceremonial Hall
• Tuvalu rooms may have unobstructed views of the Magic Kingdom and Grand Floridian
• Will be close to the amenities at the DVC tower (once it opens)
• Easy access to the Magic Kingdom boat transportation
• Distant from the Polynesian parking lot
• Distant walk from the Ticket and Transportation Center
• Many rooms are distant from the pools
• Closest to the DVC Tower construction zone (this will end when the Tower opens)
• The suite-style rooms in the Tonga building are not in the same place as the Club lounge (at the Hawaii building)

If you have a preference, take a look at our  room finder tool , which shows the view and detailed information about every room at Walt Disney World. Once you’ve decided where you want to be, use our  room request tool  to let Disney know. Requests are not guaranteed, but they are often honored.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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Disney Cruise Line Employee Faces Child Pornography Charge

Tirso Neri, 44, was charged with possession of pornography and transportation of child pornography.

Broward County Sheriff's Office

A Disney Cruise Line employee faces criminal charges on allegations he possessed child sex abuse material.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security took Tirso Neri, 44, of the Philippines, into custody at the Port Everglades port in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Monday.

He has been charged with possession of pornography and transportation of child pornography, per a federal criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE.

Neri worked on the Disney Dream ship.

According to the complaint, authorities discovered sexually explicit photographs and videos of young children on two of his cellphones: a Samsung Galaxy and an Oppo smartphone.

The child sex abuse material was found in December after the ship docked in Fort Lauderdale. The cruise started in the Bahamas.

Authorities discovered on the Samsung a folder “titled with the name of an apparent victim that contained numerous sexually explicit pictures and videos of an Asian girl who appeared to be under 18 years of age,” per the complaint.

Authorities said the folder appeared to have been downloaded around August 2019.

Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty

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Neri told authorities that he belonged to several social media chat groups and had downloaded adult pornography.

However, when authorities asked Neri about folders found on the Samsung phone that allegedly contained child sex abuse images, Neri claimed “sometimes he obtains folders in the chat groups and saves them to his phone without looking at them and then deletes them after,” per the complaint.

Authorities said they conducted forensic examinations on the phones and found numerous images of child sex abuse material on Neri’s Oppo smartphone, including videos “that were saved in a folder titled ‘Private.”

“In accordance with our zero-tolerance policy for this kind of alleged behavior, this individual is no longer with the company,” the Disney cruise line told PEOPLE in an emailed statement.

It is unclear if he has entered pleas or retained an attorney.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

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