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How To Get To Disney’s Cruise Port From Orlando Airport [Updated 2024]

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How do you get to Disney’s Cruise Port from Orlando Airport?

You have booked your cruise and are counting the days until you sail.

Then you realize that you need to work out how to get to Disney’s cruise port from Orlando Airport.

How To Get To Disney’s Cruise Port From Orlando Airport

There are a number of options for transportation from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral.

Disney cruise terminal in Port Canaveral Florida is a very efficient modern terminal around an hour’s drive from the Orlando International Airport. That is with no traffic. Hit the road at a busy time and it can be a very different story.

Our recommendation is to allow a journey time of at least two and a half hours to be safe from MCO to Port Canaveral.

You would rather be sitting waiting in the Disney Cruise Terminal than in a line of traffic. We always think that it is better to leave extra time rather than make things very stressful for yourself!

If you are arriving the same day as your cruise at the airport always make sure that you have allowed enough time to get to the port. Remember delays often happen with flights.

If at all possible arrive the day before and spend the night either at Orlando International Airport, where there are plenty of good hotel choices.

Or stay in a hotel in Port Canaveral. You can stay very close to the Disney Cruise terminal.

Being close to the port on the morning of the cruise takes a lot of the stress out of things.

All Aboard time is 4.00 pm. If you are not onboard the Disney cruise at that time it will sail without you. So do everything possible to avoid that! Unfortunately, it does happen.

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Disney Cruise Line Airport to Port Transfers

Disney Cruise Line offers efficient bus transportation from Orlando International Airport. This is one of the easiest ways to get to Disney’s Cruise Port from Orlando Airport.

The cost is $39 per person per trip.

That is $78 per person for a round trip. This price is for adults and children. Under 3s are free.

The cost for a family of 4 for a round trip on the Disney Cruise Line bus transportation to the port is $312.

The first bus leaves at 9.30 am and the last one leaves at 1.30 pm.

This is a very easy way to get to the cruise port. However, it is also often one of the most expensive, particularly if you are traveling with more than 2 people.

To book the Disney Cruise bus you can call 800 951 3532. Or you can book it in your Cruise Personalizer online.

Disney Cruise Shuttle from Disney World to Port Canaveral

You can also use the Disney bus transportation option if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Hotel Resort.

The cost is the same at $39 per person for a single trip..

You will get specific instructions when you check in to your Disney Hotel .

The bus takes quite a while to get to the Disney Cruise Port. Usually, the journey time will be around 90 minutes. The reason for this is that the bus may make a number of stops at other Disney Resorts on the way.

If you take a Disney Cruise bus from a Disney World Hotel you will most likely be one of the later guests to arrive in the cruise port. This is a big disadvantage of taking the Disney Cruise Port bus transportation.

We like to get on to the cruise ship as soon as possible. Taking the Disney Cruise bus option is convenient. However, it does mean that you will lose some time on the ship. For some, this isn’t a big deal as the convenience overcomes this issue.

The Disney cruise bus experience is good overall. They play Disney movies on the television so it helps get you in the Disney vacation mood!

Shuttle From Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral

You can also take a shuttle from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral for your Disney Cruise.

One popular service is with Con Trans Shuttle Service. They have a flat-rate fee of $30 per person for a one-way trip from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral.

You can get more details here.

They use small shuttle buses and of course, you will be sharing a ride with other guests.

The price of $30 is pretty tempting though and difficult to beat.

Related Article: Which Other Airports Can I Fly To for a Cruise From Port Canaveral?

Car Rental From Orlando International Airport To Port Canaveral

You may save money by renting a car from Orlando International Airport and making a one-way drop. Shop around for prices which can vary a lot.

Another advantage of renting a car and driving to the Port Canaveral Cruise Port is that you get to control what time you arrive.

Budget and Hertz are the closest to the cruise port. You have to take a shuttle, but we have always found Hertz to be convenient.

However, the rental line at Hertz can get pretty long as everyone arrives at once and it is a small place.

Alamo, National, and Enterprise are all at the same location in Port Canaveral. There is a free shuttle from the port.

All of these companies have on airport car rentals at Orlando International.

Remember to book ahead of time. Particularly when disembarking at the end of your cruise.

The Port Canaveral car rental offices tend to be on the small side so you may not have much of a choice of vehicle if you leave it too late.

Trying to squeeze your luggage and your kids into an economy car is no fun – believe me, I have been there.

Luxury Sedan, Limo, or Private Van Service

This is often the option that we have chosen as it is easier and more economical than Disney transportation, particularly if you have a large party.

We have used Happy Limo and have been pleased with its drivers and prices.

Uber From Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral Cruise Port

Uber is also a good option if you are a fan of this app-based service. Taking an Uber is one of the cheapest ways of getting to the Disney Cruise Port.

Particularly if you use this little-known tip.

MCO was at first reluctant to allow to pick-up at the Orlando International Airport.

However, they have allowed Uber pickups at MCO since 2017.

Here are the approximate costs which were updated in September 2023.:

Comfort $77

UberX Car Seat $78

Uber XL $89

Uber XL Car Seat $89.58

Comfort Electric $89

Black SUV Car Seat $180

You can also take an Uber from Walt Disney World to the Disney Port Canaveral Cruise Port.

Here are some approximate prices:

UberX Car Seat $82

Uber XL $102.01

Uber XL Car Seat $112.01

Uber Green $78.60

Uber Black $190

Uber Black SUV Car Seat $231.13

We would rather take an Uber from a Disney Hotel as you can leave earlier than the Disney transportation bus. This means you will arrive earlier at the port and be able to get on your Disney ship earlier.

The über option is also cheaper than Disney bus transportation if you have two or more people.

Do you have any tips on how to get to Disney’s Cruise Port From Orlando Airport? Which option do you prefer for transportation from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral?

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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Closest Airport to Port Canaveral for a Disney Cruise

A large portion of Disney Cruises sail out of Port Canaveral in Florida. In fact, a large number of other cruise lines do, too (such as Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International). If you’re not lucky enough to live within driving distance it helps to know where to fly. I did a bunch of research and flew into a few Florida airports to help you decide the best central Florida airports to fly into if you’re sailing out of Port Canaveral on Disney Cruise Lines. It will mostly apply if you’re sailing on any other ship as well (but they may have better transfer options from certain airports).

I’ll consider best cruise transfer options, flight options, distance to the port, ease of navigating the airport, and which airlines frequent which airport. To top it off, I polled several DCL forums to see what they chose when it came to airports they chose for getting to their cruise ship. 

My daughters posing with Mickey Mouse on the Disney Fantasy.

But first, you should know about Disney cruise transfers.

Disney Cruise Transfers

Disney only offers transfers from three different places. You can take the Disney shuttle from MCO (a huge benefit for MCO I list below), from the Hyatt Regency attached to MCO, or from a Disney World Resort.

Therefore, if you’ve got one or two extra days, you could check out Orlando, Universal, Sea World, and of course, Disney World. We usually combine a Disney trip with a Disney Cruise trip. If nothing else, we book a Disney-area resort and enjoy a Disney Springs restaurant the night before we head out.

Another thing we do frequently is book a non-Disney suite to stay in, something huge (that doesn’t cost a fortune) since we’ll have tight living quarters aboard the ship. Of course, if its not a Disney resort, you’ll have to arrange different transportation to Port Canaveral.

I highly recommend getting a hotel room the night before your cruise rather than traveling the day of your sailing. It significantly reduces the risk of having a travel interruption that makes you miss your cruise.

 Click here for info on how to book a Disney Cruise transfer.

Now onto the best options for airports to get you to Port Canaveral.

Orlando Airport (MCO) to Port Canaveral

The overwhelming majority of cruise passengers headed to a Port Canaveral Disney Cruise fly through MCO. When I polled forums, well over 90% of the responders flew in through the Orlando airport. It’s the largest airport in Florida, servicing around 50 million people a year. Therefore, it will have the widest variety of flight times and airlines.

MCO has a few other things going for it as well. It’s the only airport with dedicated Disney Cruise transfers (run by Disney). At the time of writing, they are $45 per person each way. A huge benefit to the Disney transfer is that they can communicate with the port in a delay to make sure you don’t get left behind. The enormous size also means it will have more available rideshare drivers like Uber and Lyft to take you to the port if you don’t want Disney.

MCO is a hub for Southwest Airlines, Frontier, Spirit, JetBlue, and Silver airlines. Some of these are budget airlines can cost you if you try to bring a lot of luggage, which you’ll need for a cruise. Therefore, I highly recommend Southwest or another airline that allows complimentary checked luggage.

MCO is about 45 miles from the port, which equates to about 40-60 minutes of travel depending on traffic. We’ve had easy transfers from MCO, but we’ve also sat in gridlock on several occasions.

Third Baby to the Right and I flying into the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Pro Tip: On Southwest Airlines, even if you register a lap child, they’ll let them have their own seat if there’s room. Good news for me and the seat in front of me. Bad news for the guy trying to sleep next to him.

Pros for MCO

-Lots of airlines, nonstops, and times to choose from  -Disney-owned transfers offer good rates and peace of mind

Cons for MCO

-extremely busy, can lead to delays  -bad traffic from airport, can lead to delays

Sanford Airport (SFB) to Port Canaveral

The entrance to the Sanford Orlando International Airport. Courtesy of SFB .

Orlando Sanford International Airport is the choice for people who want to fly into Orlando but don’t want to deal with the crowds of MCO. It comes up frequently in forums when people are looking for a more relaxed option to get to the theme parks. 

It’s farther from Port Canaveral than MCO. At 58 miles, it typically takes 75 to 90 minutes to get to Port Canaveral. These will all be non-Disney tranfers, so you need to make sure that they arrive to the port on time.

Sanford is a hub for Allegiant, Flair, and Sun Country Airlines. Allegiant flies out of LAX and a few other airports. Flair and Sun Country are budget friendly options for those who are coming from Canada, Minnesota, and other northern states. You can find some great deals if your airport caters to these airlines.

Pros for SFB

-relaxed atmosphere can provide a better experience  -great deals if your airport has flights to Orlando on these airlines.

Cons for SFB

-limited selection on flights  -long distance from Port Canaveral  -no Disney-owned transfers

Melbourne Airport (MLB) to Port Canaveral

A new addition to MLB that’s currently under construction. Courtesy of MLB Instagram

Melbourne International Airport is the closest large airport to Port Canaveral. At only 29 miles from Port Canaveral, it takes roughly 45 minutes to get there. Again, Disney doesn’t provide service from MLB, so you’ll have to get a private transfer or rideshare.

It’s much smaller than MCO and therefore has much more limited flights. It does however offer flights from major cities such as Pittsburg, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Washington DC. Allegiant Airlines, Delta Airlines, and American Airlines are the prominent carriers to MLB.

Melbourne is a great choice if you’re flying out of one of the cities that serve it. Moreover, it’s a great option if you want to enjoy the beach or the Kennedy Space Center before or after your cruise, instead of going to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando.

Melbourne has specifically good service from London, so if you’re flying from Europe it might be a good option.

Pros for MLB

-closest airport to Port Canaveral  -on the beach and near Kennedy Space Center  -good flights if you’re flying from the right airports  -not as busy or crowded as MCO  -good UK options

Cons for MLB

-no Disney transfer  -limited flight selection  -further from Walt Disney World (for fun or Disney cruise transfers)

Daytona Beach Airport (DAB) to Port Canaveral

The Daytona Beach International Airport. Courtesy of DAB

Daytona Beach International Airport is a little farther from the Port Canaveral area than the other airports on this list. Even though it’s 72 miles, the ride usually takes a little over an hour because of the interstate.

Daytona is a good choice if you’re also wanting to go to the beach before heading to Disney Cruise Line because it has a few larger airlines coming through that don’t go to Melbourne. It also has a few international airlines that offer periodic service.

The big downside is that Daytona does not have any dedicated shuttles to the Cape Canaveral port, so you’ll have to take a private car service, Uber, or Lyft to get there. If you’re traveling by yourself, this could mean $100+ charge for one person, each way.

Pros for DAB

-on the beach

Cons for DAB

-no cruise shuttle service at all  -long distance  -not many flight options

Conclusion and Further Reading

The best airport will depend first and foremost on what airport you’re flying in from. This will drastically change the availability of flights for you. I suggest looking for the best deals at each of these airports and then decide which airport to fly into.

I fly from Atlanta, and a lot of the rates are similar, so for me, it’s about availability and transport. We usually end up flying to MCO because the Disney transport is convenient, and we prefer Southwest.

You can mitigate a lot of the transfer issues by renting a car, but it seems really strange to rent a car for a cruise. You’ll pay per day for parking and for the rental car you don’t use.

A few other tips, make sure you give yourself enough time for to make your transfer and get the port before the boat leaves. Again, I highly recommend staying in a hotel the night before to make sure that even with delays, you'll still have extra time to get there. If you want really make sure you're there on time, consider staying at a Cocoa Beach hotel that offers cruise hotel packages. Cocoa Beach is in close proximity to the port, and many of the hotels offer shuttles to the port.

One more Disney Cruise picture to remind my readers that my son is a Jack Jack’s Incredible Diaper Dash champion. Aboard the Disney Magic.

Hopefully, this helps you make an informed decision about flying into Florida in order to get to the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. I also highly recommend a travel agent to handle all of these issues for you. They are free and amazing.

If you’ve cruised with Disney before, let me know what airport you used and how it went in the comment section.

For further reading check out this Disney Cruise packing list , or this article for your first time on Disney Cruise .

Choosing between Disney World and a Disney Cruise can be a tough decision. Here’s a my breakdown of the pros and cons.

If you’ve noticed that the Disney Cruise Line bed is superior, here’s how you can get the mattress, linens, and pillows that plus up your vacation.

Here are the closest and best airports to fly into for a Port Canaveral cruise. I cover distance, busyness, flight availability, and transfers.

If you’re headed on a Disney Cruise, Disney Cruise Lines offers an onboard-only offer for a discount on your next sailing, frequently called the placeholder.

Do you want to watch live sports on a Disney Cruise? Here’s what you’ll be able to find for the NFL, NCAA, MLB, FIFA, NBA, and other sports on Disney Cruises.

Alex is a Disney Dad. Maybe not a perfect Dad, but at least the Second Dad to the Right. As an Amazon affiliate he earns from qualifying purchases. And he will use that money to go to Disney or to pay for his children’s orthodontic work.

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What Airport to Fly Into For Disney Cruise

• December 12, 2014

What’s the best airport to fly into for a Disney Cruise?

Orlando MCO is just 48 miles away from Port Canaveral with direct highway access, making it the most convenient choice. If you’ve booked an airport shuttle and hotel, the drive to most Orlando hotels takes about 10 minutes while Cocoa or Cape Canaveral hotels are about 45 minutes away. Even better, this airport is the closest to Central Florida’s major attractions, including all of Florida’s Disney parks.

Still searching for a hotel and transportation to your cruise? Go Port has you covered. With a wide range of hotels in both Orlando and Port Canaveral, you have a variety of options to suit your needs. Plus, every hotel package comes with transportation that will cover you all the way from the airport to your cruise and back. Click here to book now!

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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.

I traveled on a $30 shuttle from Florida's busiest airport to a Disney cruise ship. It was crowded, but I'd do it again.

• I took a Disney cruise in early September and arrived at my vacation via a $30 Go Port shuttle.
• The bus was crowded and a bit outdated, but the hour-long ride was still comfortable.
• I also saved money, as Go Port rides are cheaper than Disney's shuttle.

If there's one thing I learned this summer, it's that Disney cruises are expensive.

I recently took a three-day trip on the company's newest ship, the Disney Wish, and spent over $2,700 just to board. By the end of the trip — after plane rides, a hotel stay, purchasing souvenirs , and more — my total reached nearly $4,000 .

That said, there were a few areas where I was able to save a little money — the main one being transportation.

Disney charges $39 each way to bring travelers to and from Port Canaveral, so I searched for other options

I was originally meant to take my Disney cruise in late July, but my sister tested positive for COVID-19 at the port and we were both denied boarding . 

So when I rescheduled and booked our new sailing only four weeks in advance, most private shuttles were fully booked. Luckily, a service called Go Port was available, with one-way tickets costing $30 per person.

That's cheaper than Disney's tickets and far less expensive than an Uber or Lyft would have been.

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My sister and I were also able to save money by taking our hotel's free shuttle back to the airport where Go Port would pick us up.

Go Port's $30 shuttle was crowded but easy to use

When my sister and I arrived at the airport the day of our cruise, we headed straight to the Go Port desk in the ground-transportation area.

We checked in, were given a numbered card, and were told that a Go Port representative would bring us to the next available bus shortly.

Go Port shuttles run between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on pickup days, and the drive to Port Canaveral takes about an hour.

About 10 minutes later, a new Go Port representative called and escorted us to the bus where employees helped us load our luggage underneath.

The bus filled quickly with antsy tourists, and my sister and I were the only ones wearing Mickey Mouse shirts. But we got there early, so at least we got to sit together.

The bus was a little outdated, with worn fabric seats, broken footrests, and yellow-tinted windows.

Still, the ride was comfortable, and there were working ports for phone chargers above our heads, so I had no complaints — especially after arriving at Port Canaveral.

Every other traveler on our bus was dropped off at the main section of Port Canaveral where their ships were stationed. But because Disney has its own section, we were driven all the way across the port so that we wouldn't have to walk with our luggage. 

So while we weren't greeted with "Disney magic" from the moment our trip started, we had a safe, comfortable ride, and saved a little money along the way.

And after looking at all my receipts at the end of my vacation, that's really all I could ask for.

Watch: Robot bartenders mix drinks aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas cruise ship

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Top 5 Things to Know About Disney Cruise Line’s Port Everglades

Disney Cruise Line’s new dedicated cruise terminal at Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is now open! Here are the top 5 things you’ll want to know about the new port.

Related – Disney Cruise Line has a New Port in Florida

Second Year-round Disney Cruise Homeport in Florida

Disney Cruise Line is in the midst of its largest expansion ever and opening our second, year-round home port is an important milestone. The Disney Dream will begin sailing from Disney Cruise Line’s new dedicated cruise terminal at Port Everglades on Nov. 20, 2023, followed by the Disney Magic on May 9, 2024, offering guests the opportunity to sail on a mix of three-, four- and five-night cruises to tropical destinations in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.

An Embarkation Experience Through the “Big Blue World”

As you enter the terminal, you’ll travel from land to sea and “dive” into the world of Disney and Pixar’s film, “Finding Nemo.” There, you’ll find some of your favorite friends from the movie on colorful murals, including fish, rays and beautiful coral. Plus, you’ll “swim” by Nemo’s school friends, including Tad, Sheldon and Pearl, and as you inch closer to embarkation, you’ll be welcomed by Nemo, Marlin and Dory. Be sure to look up – the unique, bubble-like ceiling fixtures are sure to make you feel like you’re in the “big blue world”!

Location, Location, Location

With Walt Disney World Resort just hours away from Fort Lauderdale, your family can create lifelong memories together on land and at sea. The port is located in the heart of South Florida with close proximity to three international airports. And for pre- and post-cruise stays, Fort Lauderdale is just a short drive to the beach, offering a vibrant art scene, world-class restaurants, entertainment, shopping and family-friendly activities, including the area’s namesake, the Florida Everglades.

More Chances to Visit Disney’s Island Destinations

Sail aboard the Disney Dream on four- and five-night cruises to tropical locales in the western Caribbean and The Bahamas. You’ll enjoy visits to Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Nassau, along with stops at Castaway Cay, a private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests to enjoy world-class beaches and ample amenities with a touch of Disney magic. 

And for even more tropical fun, in 2024 you can sail from Fort Lauderdale to our new island destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Disney is collaborating with talented artists and cultural advisors in The Bahamas who are helping to shape an experience at our new destination that celebrates the natural beauty, traditions and artistry of this one-of-a-kind nation.

Disney Cruise Line Giving Back to the Community

Disney Cruise Line is committed to creating a lasting, positive impact in the port communities we call home. So, I’m pleased to share that in recognition of our arrival to the Broward County community, Disney Cruise Line is partnering with Junior Achievement South Florida and Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and making a donation to each organization. The donations will support a variety of initiatives, including programs that inspire career exploration, innovation and storytelling.

Ready to plan your next cruise? Contact me today! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

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America , Caribbean , Cruise , Destinations , Disney , Disney Cruise Line , Disney World , Featured , Travel News , walt disney world · June 9, 2023

Transportation to Port Canaveral for your Disney Cruise

Hey Travellers,

Do you have a Disney Cruise Line Sailing booked out of Port Canaveral but are unsure how to get there? No need to worry! We have some options to share with you!

Port Canaveral is about an hour away from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and about an hour and 15 minutes from Walt Disney World, (journey times vary depending on traffic.

Driving to the Port:

If you live in Florida, or have a car accessible to you and want to drive yourself to the port, that is definitely an option! Port Canaveral has a multi-story, covered parking lot right next to the Port Terminal. It is quite pricey at $17.00 per day + tax, however it is extremely convenient.

Flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO):

If you’re flying into Orlando International Airport, you could always Uber or Lyft which would be a little pricey due to the distance, however our choice is always to use Disney transportation!

Ground transfers between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Port Canaveral are available for purchase ahead of time on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or by letting your Academy Travel Agent know you would like to add on Ground Transportation. Airport transfers are available on embarkation and disembarkation days only, for $39 per Guest. You can choose to purchase this upon arrival however only a limited number of spots may be available so we recommend purchasing in advance. Be prepared to provide your inbound and outbound flight details to the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation team.

If you’ve purchased transfers, once you land you can collect your luggage at baggage claim and then proceed directly to Side B, Level 1 – Ground Transportation.

Coming from Walt Disney World?

If you’ve spent some time at Walt Disney World Prior to your Disney Cruise, you can book transportation directly from your resort! Once you’ve booked your Walt Disney World hotel, you can book your Disney Cruise Line bus transportation. The week of your cruise, you will receive an email stating the time that you’ll be picked up and you will need to be ready at the Disney Cruise Line shuttle area (at the front of your hotel) at that time! They will take care of your checked luggage for you and ensure it is delivered to your stateroom onboard the ship.

Heading back to Walt Disney World from Port Canaveral:

After you disembark from your magical, memorable Disney Cruise, you might be heading back to Walt Disney World. If that is the case, you will need to disembark the ship no later than 7:45 am as the bus back to Walt Disney World Resort leaves promptly at 9:00 am.

Orlando International Airport from Port Canaveral:

Getting back to the Airport using Disney Cruise Line transportation is very easy! They are shuttle buses that run continuously for hours. Once you clear customs, head to the bus station, and all they will require are your Key to the World card (stateroom key). If you have already purchased transportation, your name will already be on their list, and you will be able to drop your luggage in the drop area at the side of the bus, and be on your way! Transportation instructions will also be on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, so you can review them the night before if you need to.

While disembarking and figuring out transportation may seem a bit overwhelming, Disney Cruise Line makes the process so easy and seamless!

Ready to set sail? Contact us today for your no-obligation Disney Cruise Line quotes!

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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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A NEW (and CHEAPER) Way To Get from Orlando Airport to Disney World Starts SOON

Do you miss Magical Express ? We sure do. But the days of FREE transportation from Orlando International Airport and Disney World are over.

However, there is a similar paid option with Mears Connect , but it can get pretty expensive if you’ve got a large group. What if we told you there will soon be a CHEAPER way to get from the Orlando Airport to Disney World?

Well now, the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) has announced that it is finally offering a new express bus route called Link 311 that will go to Disney World and Universal  Orlando. The new route will operate between Disney Springs Transfer Center and Orlando International Airport with stops at Destination Parkway SuperStop, Destination Parkway and International Drive/Orange County Convention Center, Destination Parkway and Universal Boulevard, Florida Mall SuperStop, and the Sand Lake SunRail Station.

So there will be stops on the way from the airport to Disney World and Universal, but at the same time, you can save a LOT of money if you take this bus. According to the LYNX website, a single fare is just  $2 per person . So a round trip from the airport to Disney World or Universal would just be  $4 . A family of four would only need to spend  $16  on transportation to and from Disney Springs or Universal!

Even better — the route is super convenient and will run every 30 minutes daily from 5AM to 11:05PM as of April 21st .

We recommend that you give yourself at least three hours to get to the airport from Disney World because Orlando traffic can occasionally get backed up (and this is usually what Mears Connect recommends, too). You’ll also have to contend with notoriously long security lines at the airport (although you can save a LOT of time by using TSA PreCheck or Orlando Airport’s FREE MCO Reserve service ).

We’ll be taking this route soon just to see how easy and convenient it is, so check back with AllEars again soon!

This Airport SECRET Has Over a MILLION Likes Online, and You NEED To See Why

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Would you be interested in taking this route to get to Disney World or Universal? Let us know in the comments!

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Disney Cruises from Florida: Ships, Ports, and Itineraries

Florida is home to two primary Disney Cruise Line ports — Port Canaveral and Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) — with departures also previously having taken place in Miami. If you’re ready to embark on a Disney cruise, Florida is the place to be! This article covers which Disney cruise ships leave these three ports, how to get to the Disney Cruise Line Terminals, and what itineraries are available for Disney cruises from Florida during 2024  and 2025 . Let us help you plan a magical Florida Disney cruise!

Want even more help planning a Disney Cruise from Florida?  Contact the DCL experts at our favorite Disney Travel Agency, The Vacationeer !  Their planning services are free of charge, so get your free quote today (and find out how much you can save with their generous onboard credit program!)

Which Disney Cruise Ships Sail Out of Florida?

Disney Cruise Line has five ships based in Florida for at least part of 2024 and 2025: Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , Disney Magic , Disney Treasure, and Disney Wish .

There are currently no Florida departures scheduled for the Disney Wonder during 2024 or 2025.

Where do Disney Cruises go from Florida?

There’s nothing quite like setting sail from the Sunshine State. When you cruise with Disney, you can choose from a wide range of itineraries that currently depart from two Florida ports: Port Canaveral (Cape Canaveral) and Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale). PortMiami (Miami) has also hosted some Disney departures in the past.

Whether you’re looking to explore the Bahamas, relax in the Caribbean, or take a transatlantic voyage, Disney Cruise Line has a perfect cruise for your family. And with their world-class amenities and entertainment, you’re sure to have a magical time onboard. Most Florida sailings also include a Castaway Cay day (visiting Disney’s private island in the Bahamas) or a day at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (Disney’s new private destination on Eleuthera).

From Florida, Disney Cruises sail to the following destinations:

Bahamian cruises.

Take an exciting trip to Disney Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Nassau, Key West, and other tropical hotspots.

Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy a rejuvenating voyage to Disney Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Barbados, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and beyond.

Transatlantic Cruises

Discover Europe ‘s ports of call, plus spend more time at sea enjoying the ship’s amenities, entertainment, and magic.

See below for more specific itineraries of the Disney cruises from Florida.

Where are the Florida Disney Cruise Line Terminals located? 

There are two active Disney Cruise ship terminals in Florida. Disney Cruise Line offers departures from Port Canaveral Terminal and Port Everglades Fort Lauderdale Terminal. Previous departures also took place from the Miami Port Terminal, though nothing is currently scheduled from there.

Below we list everything you need to know about Disney cruise ships departing from Florida, including the specific addresses of the terminals.

Departures from Port Canaveral, Florida

Port Canaveral, FL | Image © Disney

Which Disney cruise ships sail out of Port Canaveral Terminal?

The Disney Fantasy and the Disney Wish cruise ships currently depart from the Port Canaveral terminal. The Disney Treasure will sail from Port Canaveral starting in late 2024. And the Disney Magic returns to Port Canaveral in mid 2025.

Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and it’s also the home port of Disney Cruise Line. Disney Cruise Line ships departing from Port Canaveral will sail to destinations throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas during 2024 and 2025.

Port Canaveral, located on Florida’s Space Coast, is about an hour’s drive from Orlando. The Port Canaveral terminal is located just minutes from the beach, and it’s also relatively close to Orlando International Airport (MCO).  If you’re flying into MCO, ground transportation options can take you directly to the port. And because it’s so close to Orlando, it’s a popular port for people who’ve decided to extend their Disney World vacation by cruising with Disney for the first time .

Several parking options are available near the terminal if you’re driving to Port Canaveral.

No matter how you’re getting to Port Canaveral, it’s easy to start your cruise vacation from this convenient location.

Disney Cruise Line – Port Canaveral Terminal Address

The address for Disney Cruise Line at Port Canaveral is:

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

Parking is available adjacent to the DCL terminal in a garage operated by the Port Canaveral Port Authority. The garage opens at 10:15 AM, and cash is not accepted for payment.

Approximately how long does it take to drive to Port Canaveral?

• A 43-minute drive from Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• A 46-minute drive from Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)
• A 61-minute drive from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
• A 60-minute drive from Walt Disney World Resort

Note that high-profile rocket launches at nearby Cape Canaveral can have major impacts on traffic in the region; plan accordingly should a launch be scheduled on the first or last day of your cruise.

Transfers between Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral

Disney Cruise Line offers bus transportation from Orlando International Airport to Disney’s Cruise Port. This option provides a simple way to go between the cruise port from the airport.

A one-way ticket costs $39 per person, and a round trip is $78. Children under the age of three are free.

The cost of a family of four’s round-trip transportation on a Disney Cruise Line bus to the port is $312. This charge includes baggage handling service. You will get custom luggage tags for all your checked bags before departing, along with specific instructions on how to use them based on your travel plans.

Follow those instructions, and the rest will be taken care of by Disney. On the first night of your cruise, they will appear at your stateroom door as if by magic. The luggage transfer service provided by the Disney Cruise bus is a key benefit of airport-to-port transportation to Port Canaveral.

Call (800) 951-3532 to arrange ground transfers in advance, or better yet, have The Vacationeer do it for you!

It is also possible to arrange private transportation from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral. You can take an Uber, Lyft, taxi, limo, or private van service. If you prefer, you can also rent a car at the airport.

Which should you take? We think the Disney Cruise Line transfer option or Uber would be your best bet . Renting a car is not necessary. The Vacationeer can assist you with transportation ground. Contact them for a free, no-obligation quote and find out what they can do to reduce the cost of a Disney cruise .

Port Canaveral, Florida Disney Cruise Ships and Itineraries

Here’s a quick glance at the different types of cruises sailing from this Home Port of Disney Cruise Line. For further details, including sail dates, ships, and prices , check out our in-depth article on Disney Cruises sailing out of Port Canaveral .

2024 Disney Cruise Itineraries Departing From Port Canaveral, Florida

• Bahamian Cruises (3, 4, 5, or 6 nights)
• Caribbean Cruises (6, 7, or 10 nights)
• Lighthouse Point Inaugural Cruise (7 nights)
• Disney Treasure Maiden Voyage Cruise (7 nights)

2025 Disney Cruise Itineraries Departing From Port Canaveral, Florida

• 3-night Bahamian Cruises (3, 4, or 5 nights)
• Caribbean Cruises (7 or 10 nights)
• Transatlantic Cruise (13 nights)
• More to be announced in the future

Do you have questions about upcoming Disney Cruises from Florida, or are you ready to book your Disney cruise ? Contact the DCL experts at The Vacationeer for your free, no-obligation quote and find out how much you can save with their generous onboard credit program.  There’s no charge to use their planning services!

Departures from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Florida

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL | Image Courtesy Broward County's Port Everglades

Which Disney cruise ships sail out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale?

In 2024 and 2025, select Disney Dream itineraries will depart from Port Everglades. The Disney Magic joins the Fort Lauderdale fleet for portions of 2025.

Despite the name, Port Everglades is not located in the Florida Everglades.  It is on the southeastern coast of the Florida peninsula, in the Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood / Dania Beach areas of Broward County.

It has long been home to multiple cruise and cargo lines, but Disney Cruise Line had not used it as a Home Port prior to 2023. Now that Disney has taken up residence, they have a dedicated terminal building.

Port Everglades is less than 15 minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Disney Cruise Line – Port Everglades Fort Lauderdale Terminal Address

The address for Disney Cruise Line at Port Everglades is:

1800 SE 20th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Upon arriving at the port, follow the signs to Disney Cruise Line at Terminal 4, where you can drop off luggage. From there, you’ll be directed to the parking garage to park your car.

Parking at the port is available through parking garages and surface lots. Advance reservations/payments are not accepted.

Approximately how long does it take to drive to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale?

• A 12-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• A 35-minute drive from Miami International Airport (MIA)
• A 53-minute drive from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
• A 3 hour and 11-minute drive from Walt Disney World Resort
• A 3 hour and 6-minute drive from Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Transfers between Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades

Transfers to and from the airport are expected to be available on embarkation/debarkation days for a fee.

Private transportation such as Uber, Lyft, taxi, and car rental are also available.

Port Everglades, Florida Disney Cruise Ships and Itineraries

Fort Lauderdale is a year-round home for at least a couple of Disney cruise ships. Here’s a brief look at what’s currently on offer. For more complete information, check out our Disney cruises from Fort Lauderdale article.

2024 Disney Cruise Itineraries Departing From Fort Lauderdale / Port Everglades Florida

• Bahamian Cruises (3, 4, or 5 nights)
• Caribbean Cruises (5 nights)
• Transatlantic cruise (13 nights)

2025 Disney Cruise Itineraries Departing From Fort Lauderdale / Port Everglades Florida

• More cruises to be announced

For more information on booking a Disney Cruise from Fort Lauderdale, contact The Vacationeer .  There’s no charge to use their planning services, and you’ll even get a credit to use toward onboard purchases!

Departures from Miami, Florida

Port Miami, FL | Image courtesy MiamiDade.gov

What Disney Cruise Ships sail out of the Port of Miami Terminal?

At the moment, no Disney cruise ships are scheduled to sail out of Miami.

The port had been home to regularly-scheduled Disney cruises for about 12 years, but the most recent scheduled departure was on October 3, 2023. Shortly afterward, Disney opened a dedicated year-round terminal at Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), some 30 miles away. Because of this, it is unlikely that Miami will be used as a major departure port for Disney in the foreseeable future.

The Port of Miami, commonly called PortMiami, is a major seaport situated at the mouth of the Miami River. It is the world’s largest passenger port and one of the largest cargo ports in North America.

As the busiest cruise/passenger port in the world, PortMiami also enjoys the title “cruise capital of the world.” The port is home to several major cruise lines.

PortMiami is just 15 minutes away from Miami Airport.

Disney Cruise Line – Miami Port Terminal Address

The address for the Miami Port Terminal is:

Port Miami 1015 North America Way Miami, FL 33132

When you arrive at the port, follow the signs to the appropriate terminal. You’ll then be asked to park your car in a nearby lot (about half a mile away). A shuttle runs from the terminal to the ship.

Parking is available onsite through Port Miami.

Approximately how long does it take to drive to the Port of Miami?

• A 15-minute drive from Miami International Airport (MIA)
• A 50-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• A 3 hour and 19-minute drive from Walt Disney World Resort
• A 3 hour and 22-minute drive from Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Transfers between Miami International Airport and Port of Miami

Transfers to and from the airport are typically available (only on embarkation and departure days) for a fee. If you wish to purchase ground transfers in advance, you can call (800) 951-3532, as a limited number may be available upon arrival. Better yet, contact The Vacationeer and let them handle it!

Pick up your luggage at Baggage Claim when you arrive at Miami International Airport. You will be directed to your designated transportation by a Disney Cruise Line representative outside Baggage Claim. Depending on arrival time and the number of passengers, the vehicle may be a taxi, minibus, or motor coach.

You can also arrange private transportation between Miami Airport and the Port of Miami. Your options include taking an Uber, Lyft, taxi, limo, or private van service. You can also rent a car at the airport if you choose (but it’s not recommended).

Port Miami, Florida Disney Cruise Ships and Itineraries

Here’s a brief look at the Disney cruises which are currently scheduled out of Miami. For specifics on pricing, dates, and destinations, visit our Disney Cruises sailing from Miami  article.

2024 Disney Cruise Itineraries Departing From M iami, Florida 

• None currently scheduled

2025 Disney Cruise Itineraries Departing From M iami, Florida 

Ready to Book your Florida Disney Cruise?

If you’re looking to set sail on any of the Disney Cruises departing from Florida, contact the Disney Cruise experts at The Vacationeer . They can also provide you with helpful tips and tricks, free no-obligation price quotes, and FREE onboard credit for your Disney cruise ! Best of all, their services are entirely free!

Which Florida Port is Best for Disney Cruises?

The best Florida Port for a Disney Cruise will depend on where you are coming from and where you wish to go.

Many Disney Cruise passengers plan to spend a few days at Walt Disney World before or after their time on a Disney cruise ship. For them, Port Canaveral is the best option.

Those who are flying into Florida just for the Disney cruise, don’t have to be quite so choosy. That said, Port Everglades and Port Miami are closer to major airports than Port Canaveral.

What are the best Disney Cruises from Florida?

The most important consideration is to find a Disney cruise ship and an itinerary that fits your needs. Once you accomplish this, you’ll have your best Disney Cruise ship .

The best Disney Cruises from Florida will simply depend on where – and for how long – you and your family wish to travel. You’ll also have to factor in the dates you can travel and select from the available options. So whether it’s taking a short 3-day cruise to Nassau and Castaway Cay (which is a great way to save on your cruise ) or splurging on a 10-day Southern Caribbean voyage, the best Disney cruise departing from Florida will depend on your own goals and circumstances.

If you’re looking for a Disney cruise departing from Florida, contact The Vacationeer for more information. They’re the experts on Florida Disney Cruises!  They’ll provide you with helpful tips and tricks, a free no-obligation price quote , and a FREE onboard credit to use your cruise.

And if you’re a Sunshine State resident, they can walk you through all the great Florida Resident Discounts for Disney Cruises .

Contact them today and save money on your next Disney cruise!

Thanks for reading our Disney Cruises from Florida article. Be sure to check out our articles on other Disney Cruise departure ports, including Galveston .

Enjoy your trip!

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Pregnant woman airlifted from Disney cruise ship in dramatic Coast Guard rescue: WATCH

Pregnant woman airlifted from disney cruise.

A pregnant woman was airlifted off a Disney cruise ship by the U.S. Coast Guard after she experienced health complications on board. (Video: U.S. Coast Guard)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - A pregnant woman was airlifted from a Disney cruise by the U.S. Coast Guard this week after experiencing medical complications on board. 

It all went down in the Atlantic Ocean about 180 miles northwest Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, after a 35-year-old woman said she was experiencing medical complications and required a higher level of medical attention on land, according to a press release from the U.S. Coast Guard. 

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The woman was a passenger on the Disney Fantasy. Coast Guard officials coordinated the medevac with the cruise ship and a Coast Guard Jayhawk aircrew was deployed onto the boat. The woman was placed in a rescue basket and was hoisted up into the helicopter. 

A pregnant woman was airlifted off the Disney Fantasy cruise ship by the U.S. Coast Guard on April 15, 2024 after experiencing medical complications. (Photo: U.S. Coast Guard)

"Our crew was able to quickly, safely, and efficiently execute a long-range MEDEVAC for the patient to receive the higher level of care she required," said Lt. Cmdr. Todd Stephens. "This case demonstrates the value of good crew resource management and the capabilities of our Jayhawk helicopter."

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She was airlifted to an airport in San Juan and local emergency medical services transported her to a local hospital. 

"We are glad everything came together to help this passenger," said Ensign Michael Riccio, the operations unit leader for the case in San Juan. "The competency displayed by the Disney Fantasy crew and the Coast Guard personnel and units involved made all the difference."

The woman's current medical condition is unknown at this time. 

Coast Guard rescues pregnant passenger from Disney cruise off Puerto Rico

By nbc6 • published april 18, 2024 • updated on april 18, 2024 at 6:43 pm.

Video from the U.S. Coast Guard shows a pregnant woman being rescued from a Disney Fantasy cruise ship Monday off the coast of Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard officials said the cruise requested medevac assistance after the 35-year-old passenger from the United States was experiencing unspecified health complications and needed advanced medical care.

The video, shared Tuesday, showed a Coast Guard aircrew deploy a rescue swimmer aboard the cruise ship, which was 180 miles northwest of Aguadilla.

The woman was transported to the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, then to Centro Medico Hospital for care.

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“Our crew was able to quickly, safely, and efficiently execute a long-range MEDEVAC for the patient to receive the higher level of care she required,” said Lt. Cmdr. Todd Stephens. “This case demonstrates the value of good crew resource management and the capabilities of our Jayhawk helicopter.”

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A pregnant woman was taken off a Disney cruise ship on Monday via medevac after she experienced health complications.

According to the United States Coast Guard, a Jayhawk helicopter aircrew left a station in Miami to conduct a medevac for a Disney Fantasy cruise ship passenger who was traveling 180 miles northwest of Puerto Rico.

The 35-year-old pregnant woman was having health complications and required a higher level of medical care ashore, the Coast Guard said.

On the scene, the aircrew deployed their rescue swimmer who prepared a rescue basket and litter once they were aboard the ship. The woman and the cruise ship doctor were then hoisted onto the aircraft.

The woman was transported to the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, then emergency personnel transported the woman to the local "Centro Medico" Hospital.

“We are glad everything came together to help this passenger,” said Ensign Michael Riccio, Coast Guard Sector San Juan operations unit leader for the case. “The competency displayed by the Disney Fantasy crew and the Coast Guard personnel and units involved made all the difference.”

The woman's current condition is not immediately known.

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Pregnant Disney Cruise Passenger Airlifted Off Ship by U.S. Coast Guard: See Video

The 'Disney Fantasy' was 180 miles out at sea when Coast Guard members responded to a medical emergency involving the 35-year-old patient

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

• A video shared by the U.S. Coast Guard on April 16 shows a passenger aboard the Disney Fantasy being airlifted into a helicopter 
• In the clip, the U.S. Coast Guard successfully performs a medevac for the pregnant patient
• The Disney Cruise Line ship was located 180 miles from land when the Coast Guard responded to the call

A pregnant passenger aboard the Disney Fantasy was airlifted from the ship after experiencing health complications on April 15. 

The Disney Cruise Line vessel was 180 miles northwest of Puerto Rico in the Atlantic Ocean when the passenger “required a higher level of medical care ashore,” according to an April 16 press release from the U.S. Coast Guard. 

A video of the incident shows the Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew executing a medevac in order to transport the patient safely to land by helicopter. 

In the harrowing clip, an aircrew member gets lowered by rope onto the ship and at least seven crew members are seen carrying the woman on a stretcher. Per the release, the aircrew’s rescue swimmer then “prepared a rescue basket and litter to safely hoist the patient and cruise ship doctor aboard the aircraft.”

United States Coast Guard

The patient was met by local emergency medical responders at the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was then transported to the local Centro Medico Hospital.

According to the release, Coast Guard members first got the call that there was a medical emergency aboard the ship on the morning of Monday, April 15. 

“Watchstanders in Sector San Juan received a communication from the Disney Fantasy Monday morning requesting medevac assistance as the cruise ship was transiting 260 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico,” according to the release. 

Lt. Cmdr. Todd Stephens stated in the release: “Our crew was able to quickly, safely, and efficiently execute a long-range MEDEVAC for the patient to receive the higher level of care she required. This case demonstrates the value of good crew resource management and the capabilities of our Jayhawk helicopter.”

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Echoing a similar sentiment, Ensign Michael Riccio, Coast Guard Sector San Juan operations unit leader for the case, said, “The competency displayed by the Disney Fantasy crew and the Coast Guard personnel and units involved made all the difference.”

Disney Cruise Line did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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Disney Cruise Line worker accused of possessing child sexual abuse material

He’s the 3rd to be arrested this year.

Chris Gothner , Digital Journalist

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Federal authorities arrested a Disney Cruise Line worker on two federal charges after they said he possessed child sexual abuse material, according to an indictment filed in U.S. District Court on Monday.

Tirso Anthony Neri, 44, was identified in court documents as a crew member on the Disney Dream, based out of Port Everglades.

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He is the third worker at the family-oriented cruise line to be arrested on federal child sexual abuse material charges in South Florida this year; fellow Phillippine nationals Alvin Gonzales , 49, and Amiel Trazo, 28, have also been indicted in U.S. District Court in separate cases.

According to a criminal complaint authored by Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Eric Stowers, the investigation into Neri began on Dec. 18, after the Disney Dream arrived at Port Everglades from the Bahamas.

The court documents state that HSI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents went to Neri’s cabin to conduct a border search of his two smartphones.

Authorities said they discovered “numerous sexually explicit photographs and videos of young children whose ages could not be definitively determined.”

Neri claimed in an interview that he is in several Telegram and Facebook Messenger chat groups where he downloads and buys adult pornography, according to the complaint.

When asked specifically about a folder containing content depicting a 17-year-old girl, Neri said he sometimes “obtains folders in the chat groups and saves them to his phone without looking at them and then deletes them after,” the complaint states.

It states that Neri told agents that regarding that specific folder, he must have “saved it to his phone without looking at it and had not deleted the folder.”

Stowers wrote that during a deeper examination, they found more child sexual abuse videos, including those depicting multiple girls, aged as young as 9, as well as a video of a boy, aged 10 to 12.

Neri, who was being held in the Broward Main Jail as of Tuesday morning, is facing counts of possession of child pornography and transportation of child pornography.

“In accordance with our zero-tolerance policy for this kind of alleged behavior, this individual is no longer with the company,” a DCL spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday.

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Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.