disney cruise transfer from disney world

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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Taking Disney Cruise Line Transportation

Updated December 29, 2023.

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

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

Port Canaveral

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arriving at Port

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

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

Checking In

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

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

Transfers Port to Airport

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

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

Pros of Taking DCL Transfers

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

Cons of taking DCL Transfers

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

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

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Getting from Your Walt Disney World Resort to Port Canaveral

For those going on a Disney Land and Sea getaway, one of the questions I get asked the most is what exactly happens on the day you will be arriving at the terminal.  What happens to your luggage? How do you know what time the bus leaves?  We here at Disney Addicts want to ensure that everyone has a smooth transition from theme park fun to magic on the High Seas so we thought we’d quickly share with you the steps you’ll need to take on the day you embark on your Disney Cruise.

We embarking on a Disney getaway from a Walt Disney World Resort there are two ways to get to the cruise terminal.  The first is drive with your car or rental car and pay for parking at Port Canaveral.  Though this is definitely a viable option, most guests choose to stay at a Disney Resort before setting sail for the comfort and convenience of Disney’s transfer service.

Does Disney offer resort transportation to Port Canaveral  –  Yes! Disney offers a paid transfer service that takes guests to and from your Walt Disney World Resort to Port Canaveral. The service provides the perfect door to door option making it easy to embark on the next part of your Disney vacation.

Is there a fee for the service? Yes. The cost for the service is $35 per person each way.  There is no separate cost for adults versus children.  The service will pick you up at your Walt Disney World Resort and take you to Port Canaveral.  Once you’ve finished cruising, you also have the option of taking the service back to a Disney resort or directly to Orlando International Airport.

I thought Disney buses were free? The Disney Cruise Line transfer service is not to be confused with Magical Express which is a resort to the airport only FREE service.  Because of the distance and drive time between Walt Disney World and Port Canaveral, Disney does charge a fee.

How do I sign up for the Disney Cruise Line bus? – If booking the reservation yourself, be sure to select ground transfers online or let the agent you are speaking with know that you would like to organize for a transfer.  If working with a travel agent, let them know and they will add this on for you.

What are the timings for getting to and from Port Canaveral?   The trip to and from Port Canaveral takes approximately 2 hours using Disney’s Transfer Service.

How do I know what time the bus will leave my resort for the Port Canaveral?   On the night before your cruise,  Disney will slip a letter under your resort room door or attach it to your doorknob.  The letter will outline everything you need to know for embarkation.  This includes the time that the bus will be picking you up at the resort. Most Disney Cruise Line bus pick-ups happen between 10 am – 1 pm, giving you plenty of time to check-in and enjoy the ships fantastic amenities before the boat officially departs (usually around 3pm).  Guests are encouraged to show up AT LEAST 15 minutes before the designated time.

What happens to my luggage? You don’t need to worry about lugging your baggage with you to the terminal.  In the envelope that you receive the night before, Disney Cruise Line includes luggage tags that should be affixed to your bags. Disney will start collecting baggage at your resort from 8am. On the morning of the sailing, guests must leave all luggage that you’d like picked up outside your stateroom door by this time and with the luggage tags.  Extra tags are available upon request at the front desk.  Bell Services will stop by to collect your luggage.  You don’t need to be present for the luggage to be picked up.

Will there be a Cast Member to assist me on the morning we depart? Yes! Disney Cruise Line sends a representative to the resort to help you with the embarkation process. They will be waiting in the lobby at your designated time to greet you.  They will also be there to make sure you have your proper Disney Cruise Line documentation so be sure to have Photo ID and passports at the ready.  For a list of the cruise documentation required to sail with Disney check out this article. 

What happens if I miss the bus?   One the day you embark, it is advisable that you take every step imaginable to make your cruise bus departure time.  In the event that you miss your bus, you should immediately notify the front desk at your Disney World Resort.  It may result in you having to arrange for alternative transportation to the terminal and possibly even missing your cruise as the ships will not delay their departures.

What sort of amenities will I find on the Disney Cruise Line bus? The layout of the bus is very similar to Disney’s Magical Express which picks you up at the airport.  There are TV screens throughout the bus that will provide family entertainment as well as important information about your sailing.  Restrooms are available on board.  Food and drink are not available on the bus but you can bring items in your carry on luggage.

What happens when I get to the terminal?   The Cast Member aboard your buss will walk you through the process to collect your luggage and to go through security.   From there we recommend you check out our article:  Helpful Tips for a Smooth Disney Cruise Embarkation Day

Interested in a Land and Sea Disney getaway? We’ve written a fantastic article that walks you through the booking process. You’ll find it here. 

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Disney Cruise Line Ground Transfers Will Remain Available in 2022 and Beyond

Disney recently announced the popular Disney’s Magical Express bus service between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World will be ending beginning in January 2022. This news left some Disney cruisers to wonder the fate of the ground transfers between Port Canaveral and the various Walt Disney World Resorts and/or Orlando International Airport.

The good news is the ground transfers available through Disney Cruise Line will continue to be available to add on for your transportation needs between a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and Port Canaveral (Resort to Port, Port to Resort) and/or between Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral (Airport to Port, Port to Airport).

Since, Disney’s Magical Express service will continue end operations at the end of 2021, private transfers will be the only option available to purchase through Disney Cruise Line   for those who are spending time at Walt Disney World Resort before or after a cruise. Orlando International Airport has a list of alternative transportation options between Walt Disney World and the Orlando International Airport .

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4 Replies to “Disney Cruise Line Ground Transfers Will Remain Available in 2022 and Beyond”

too bad. they have such a great look and for people and Kids provided some Disney excitement , right out of the airport.

my wife and I are glad that Disney cruise line busses will be running it is too bad the magical express wont be. it is so nice to fly in a day early then take the buses to Port Canaveral . we don’t mind paying for ot we know our vacation is starting when we board the bus

It does seem a shame, as that ride is part of the fun. I cannot fathom what happened or why Disney would cut that out. It is a very convenient service to get from the airport to the resort, something decent will need to replace it and cost effective too. While we only use the shuttle busses to go from the airport to the port and then from port back to airport, it does cause a lot of excitement to travel to the port from airport to start our Disney cruises. Watching the cartoons makes me feel like a kid again, even if I am 62 years old.

I’m sure its due to cost. The UK and other countries are stopping International travel for a Year or longer. Disney announced the parks will be reservation only they next few years. Some hotels at WDW won’t be opening tbey said til traffic back to normal. It makes sense not to have it. I’m sure they did studies and I would bet a majority of those that took the bus were International guests or guest that spent less than those who rented cars.

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

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

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

Shuttle Service:

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

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

Private Service:       

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

Click here to read MORE about Happy Limo!

Transfers through disney.

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

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

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Disney Cruise Line Transportation Options

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

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

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

Auto Rental

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

Automobile Rental Companies at Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral

Alamo – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 888-826-6893 / 407-855-4170 – Port Canaveral 888-826-6893

Avis – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 888-849-0277 / 407-825-3700 – Port Canaveral (6650 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920) 888-849-0277 / 321-783-3643

Enterprise – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 800-325-8007 / 407-281-3555 – Port Canaveral (6211 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920) 800-325-8007 / 321-866-0324

Hertz – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 800-654-3131 / 407-859-8400 – Port Canaveral (8963 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral, FL32920) 800-654-3131 / 321-783-7771

National – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 888-826-6890 / 407-855-4170 – Port Canaveral (6211 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920) 888-826-6890 / 321-866-0324

Thrifty – MCO (Inside Orlando International Airport) 800-367-2277 / 407-380-1002 – Port Canaveral (6799 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920) 800-367-2277 / 321-783-2600

Driving/Parking at Port Canaveral

Driving to Port Canaveral

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

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

Parking at Port Canaveral

The Canaveral Port Authority operates the parking facility. Major credit cards – MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express, are the only acceptable forms of payment. Personal checks or cash will not be accepted.  EPASS and SunPass accepted Only at the Cruise Terminal 3 parking garage.  Parking is $17.00 per day plus tax for vehicles & RVs, including day of arrival and day of departure.

Disabled Parking spaces are available, and the fee is waived for vehicles transporting certain persons who have disabilities that:

• Have special equipment, such as ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls for use by a disabled person OR
• Display a Florida Toll Exemption Permit as explained in s. 316.1964, Florida Statutes OR
• Display a Florida Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate issued under s. 320.084; s. 320.0842; or s. 320.0845, Florida Statutes.

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

Shuttle Companies

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

Limousine and Towncar Services

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

Public Transportation

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

321-633-1878

Space Coast Commuter Assistance

321-952-4563

Taxi Companies

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

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

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

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Luxury Sedan, Limo and Van Service for Disney World and Orlando

Orlando international airport to/from walt disney world, orlando international airport to/from universal orlando or other attractions, transfers to/from port canaveral (florida disney cruise line port).

For Walt Disney World vacations, if you have a party of 4 or more, private luxury sedan or limo service is often a better deal than taking a shuttle — and much faster and more comfortable! Generally speaking the driver meets you at baggage claim, assists you with your luggage, and takes you straight to your hotel. It really gets your vacation off to a great start.

There are a lot of limo companies in the Orlando area. We’ve checked out a number of them, and we personally recommend Happy Limo . Its reservations center is open 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Saturdays and 7:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays, and we have found the nice folks at Happy Limo to be very responsive to email inquiries. They also have a LIVE CHAT option. This is a great way to get answers to your questions; you can also text Happy Limo using this option and get your questions answered when you are not next to a computer. You can even book your limo or van online through a secure server.

Happy Limo now offers trip insurance for just $5.00 per ride . Trip insurance can be added when making your reservation.

Rates listed below are per trip, not per person!  (We check rates regularly, but they can change; use these as a rough planning guide before you get a final quote.)

• Luxury Mid-Size SUV service (VW Atlas SE or similar with a capacity of 4 adults) costs $230 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Luxury Minivan service (Toyota Sienna or similar with a capacity of 5 adults) costs $280.00 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Full Size Van service (Ford Transit 350 or similar with a capacity of 10 adults) costs $316 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Luxury SUV service (Chevrolet Suburban or similar with a capacity of 6 adults) costs $330.00 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Full Size Luxury Van service (Ford Transit High Top 350 or similar with a capacity of 14 adults) costs $366.00 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Stretch limo service (Lincoln MKT stretch limo with a capacity of 8 adults), costs $444.00 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Sprinter limo service  (Mercedes Benz with a capacity of 10 adults) costs $494.00 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Mini Bus service (14-passenger mini-bus), costs $434.00 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Mini Bus service (24-passenger mini-bus; has room for only 16 passengers with luggage), costs $480.00 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Mini Bus service (28-passenger mini-bus; has room for only 22 passengers with luggage), costs $590.00 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Super Stretched limo service (Suburban limousine with a capacity of 18 passengers; requires luggage trailer at extra cost for 12+ passengers if significant luggage is being transported), costs $644.00 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Motor Coach service (56-passenger coach), costs $830.00 round trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, Universal and Kissimmee area hotels, plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.

We picked up the Happy Limo tip from you folks long ago and have used the service exclusively since being let down by a service of our own choice. Happy Limo has transported us multiple trips and never disappointed. In fact, several times they have exceeded our expectations. Just thought you’d like to know and we thank you for the good advice. – The Madsen family in August 2017 We used Happy Limo to transport us from the airport to Port Orleans and back again. Using your code and suggestions for a car service, we ‘splurged’ and had a stretch limo take our family of 5 to WDW in style. We could not have asked for nicer service from them. The driver met us at the airport exactly where we were told he would. We had a 15 minute stop to pick up a few groceries for the room and we were at the hotel within such a short time. It was such a relief to not go from hotel to hotel on the shuttle. The little bit of extra money was well worth the convenience! It was a great way to start and end an excellent vacation. – Maureen F from Cranford, NJ

There are other limo companies in Orlando that charge slightly less, but we think Happy Limo offers the best value for your money. Based on past performance, we can’t recommend any of the “cheaper” services we’ve checked out. Too many of them have had no-show problems, shoddy vehicles, problem drivers, etc. Happy Limo’s services are competitively priced with other major limo companies in the Orlando area and more importantly we find Happy Limo is dependable and offers very good customer service.

There is a discount code available for MouseSavers readers who want to use Happy Limo .

*Rates subject to change. See the section below for information about gratuities and fees .

MouseSavers.com readers get an exclusive discount on Airport Transfers from Happy Limo!

• MouseSavers readers can use Code MS5569 and receive $10 off any stretch limo or bus or $5 off all other vehicle types for round trip service between MCO and WDW area hotels from Happy Limo. You can give the code when calling to reserve at (877) 642-7791 or (407) 856-1280 , or put the code in the comments section when booking online at HappyLimo.com .

With the offers above, there is no printed coupon required . Just be sure to use the code when you make the reservation!

Happy Limo offers trip insurance for just $5.00 per ride . Trip insurance can be added when making your reservation.

Happy Limo offers a 100% money back guarantee to MouseSavers.com readers if they are not 100% satisfied with the service the company provides!

Here’s a short video about Happy Limo’s cruise port service:

Orlando is relatively compact, and most of the major attractions are roughly the same distance from the airport. Rates are essentially the same to the Walt Disney World area, Universal Orlando area or International Drive area ( SeaWorld ). Our advice about getting to Walt Disney World via town car, van or limo service from the airport applies equally well for anything in central Orlando.

Legoland Florida is actually fairly far from Orlando, and taking a car service all the way there will be much more expensive. You definitely can take a car service to Legoland, but for most people it makes more sense to stay somewhere in Orlando and rent a car to go to Legoland.

A fun (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, private van or SUV service. Plus, you can schedule your transportation 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.

Hurricane Irma cut our cruise short by 2 days, but I just wanted other people to know about the amazing customer service we experienced using …Happy Limo, …which came recommended on your site. We were reimbursed for any extra fees we incurred by having to amend our travel plans. In addition, Happy Limo’s driver waited on us an extra hour at the cruise terminal because of the added chaos. I have never been so happy to hear my last name yelled out loud! Our ride WAITED on us even after changing our departure date and time. They did not charge us any extra for this! We WILL be using …this company again. – The Self Family from Clay, AL in October 2017 Just want to THANK YOU for referring us to Happy Limo. We were sick and tired of dealing with Mears. Their service was just too unreliable. We booked a Town Car to pick us up at Orlando International and take us to Disney All-Star Sports. When they picked us up at the airport, they arrived with a Ford Excursion. To top that off, when they picked us up at the hotel to take us back to the airport, we got a bigger surprise. We were sitting in the lobby waiting for the car when my wife spotted a long black Hummer Limo pull up in the driveway. You guessed it, it was Happy Limo and it was for us. Our 10 year old son could not believe it and neither did we. Everyone was looking to see who was getting into this limo. We felt like movie stars. We will definitely use Happy Limo from now on. – Charles and Donna R from Baltimore, MD

There are a lot of limo companies in the Orlando area. We’ve checked out a number of them, and we personally recommend Happy Limo . Its reservations center is open 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Saturdays and 7:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays, and we have found the nice folks at Happy Limo to be very responsive to email inquiries. You can even book your limo or van online through a secure server.

A Midsize SUV (VW Atlas or similar with a capacity of 4 adults) is generally cheaper than Disney’s bus transfers if you are transporting a family of 4.

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) to/from Port Canaveral is $183 one-way plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.
• Walt Disney World area hotels to/from Port Canaveral is $198 one-way plus gratuity and any applicable fees *.

For larger groups, a private van or SUV is definitely the way to go. See the Happy Limo website for rates.

If you feel like splurging, consider a stretch limo . See the Happy Limo website for rates.

MouseSavers.com readers get an exclusive discount on Port Transfers from Happy Limo!

• MouseSavers readers can use Code MS5569 and receive $10 off roundtrip luxury sedan service, $15 off roundtrip van service, or $20 off roundtrip stretch limo service, from the airport or your hotel to/from Port Canaveral, from Happy Limo. You can give the code when calling to reserve at (877) 642-7791 or (407) 856-1280 , or put the code in the comments section when booking online at  HappyLimo.com .

There is no printed coupon required . Just be sure to use the code when you make the reservation!

Gratuities and Fees

Happy Limo adds no prepaid gratuity on local transfers. That’s right, the gratuity is at your discretion. (If you are happy with the service, a tip of about 20% is usual.) For any out of town trip, including Port Canaveral and beyond, there is a mandatory gratuity of 20% added to your total charge. All bus trips will have a mandatory gratuity of 20% will be added to your total charge.

Happy Limo has added a 5% fuel surcharge to each trip in order to offset higher fuel costs.

There is a parking fee for all pickups and dropoffs from any airport : $20 for buses, $10 for all other vehicles. 

A surcharge of $10 applies to late arrivals (11:00 pm – 6:00 am).

One hour of wait time (at the hourly rate of the vehicle booked) will be added to all international arrivals who must clear customs.

A fee applies to pickups and dropoffs at Port Canaveral (Disney Cruise Line). This is charged by the port and will be passed on to the customer:

• Town Cars, Lincoln MKT’s, Minivans and SUVs, 10-pax vans accommodating up to 10 passengers: $10
• Limousines accommodating up to 10 passengers: $15
• Vans accommodating up to 14 passengers: $15
• Any vehicle accommodating 16 to 28 passengers (including stretch Navigator/Hummerzine, Suburban limo): $20

If you need a car seat, booster seat, or an infant carrier there is a $15 fee per seat for each leg of the trip.

There is a 100% cancellation fee if you cancel your reservation less than 48 hours in advance of pick-up.

These should be the only additional fees or surcharges that apply.

Disney Cruise Line Information

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Transportation Options for Getting to Port Canaveral for your Disney Cruise

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

FLYING INTO ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DRIVING YOUR OWN VEHICLE

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

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

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

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

LIMO/TOWN CAR SERVICES

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

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

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

DISNEY CRUISE LINE TRANSFERS

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

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6 Best Ways to Get to Disney Cruises in Port Canaveral

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

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

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

1. Uber and Lyft

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

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

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

Uber ridesharing app | Image © Uber

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Independent Shuttle Companies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Disney Ground Transportation from Orlando International Airport or WDW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Taxi Cabs

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

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

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

Mears, a central Florida taxi provider | Image © Mears

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Disney Cruise Line – Port Canaveral Terminal address is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Rent a Car prior to Cruising

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts on Getting to Your Port Canaveral Cruise

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

Ready to Book your Disney Cruise?

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

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

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Using Disney Cruise Ground Transportation

If you’re anything like me, the logistics of getting to/from the airport, hotel, and cruise port is a major stress factor . And who wants to start their vacation on a nerve-racking note?

This is why my family and I use the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation options whenever we are cruising with Disney . The Disney shuttles are super easy to book, and they’re totally reliable.

Depending on where you are sailing from, DCL offers shuttles to transfer guests to and from the airport, local hotels, Disney resorts, and the cruise port itself. This service is super easy, and it’s very convenient. Whether you are sailing out of the Miami port or flying into the Orlando International Airport, Disney Cruise Line offers ground transfers for a reasonable cost.

In this post, I’ll detail my family’s experience using DCL ground transportation while comparing the Disney Cruise Line ground transfer process in Miami to that in Port Canaveral .

Transportation Options for Your Cruise

Disney Cruise Line ground transportation is not always the cheapest way to travel, but we find that it’s typically the easiest option . Before we discuss how Disney cruise ground transportation works, let’s discuss the various transportation options you have when cruising.

Taxi or Uber

There are loads of taxi and Uber drivers at both the Miami airport and the Orlando airport who are available to take you to the cruise port. These options usually come at a much cheaper cost than that of the  Disney Cruise Line  ground transfers.

However, families with small children may have a difficult time securing a vehicle with car seats for their little ones. If you choose to travel with your own car seats, it’s important to keep in mind that you will need to store them in your cruise cabin throughout the duration of your cruise.

Families could book a rental car for their cruise vacation, but those with small children would still need to organize car seats for the trip . Many rental companies offer car seats for an additional fee if you don’t want to lug your own car seats through the airport to use in the rental car.

If you choose to rent a car and park it at the cruise terminal, you will want to add the additional charge for this onto your cruise budget.

Each cruise port has its own fees for using the parking lot, so the charge for this will depend on where you are departing for your cruise. At the time of this post, the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals charge $17 per day in parking fees to park your vehicle. You can find the full list of cruise ports with parking information here .

Private Transfers

Many cruisers opt to hire private town cars to transport them from the airport or hotel to the cruise terminal. Private transfer companies located at each cruise port will have options to pick you up on your cruise departure day and at the end of your cruise. This is a great option for those traveling in a large party or for those who prefer private transportation.

Disney Cruise Shuttle

Although it may not be the most budget-friendly option, my family and I like to use the Disney bus to transport us to the Disney Cruise Line terminal due to the simplicity of the process . Those traveling with small kids who need car seats will be pleased to know that the Disney Cruise Line shuttle bus does not require car seats onboard.

This is probably the biggest benefit for us, and it’s the main reason we like to use Disney cruise ground transportation. Another perk of using DCL transfers is that they handle your luggage for you if you book your pre-cruise hotel stay through Disney Cruise Line. Both in Orlando and in Miami, you can leave your bags inside your hotel room on embarkation day .

Your bags will then be placed on the Disney Cruise Line bus and taken to the port for you. We will explain more about this process below.

DCL Transportation Cost

The cost for Disney Cruise Line ground transportation differs depending on the city where you embark. It is super easy to add the transfers to your reservation , and DCL will just charge your Disney cruise account. If you booked the Disney cruise yourself, you just call Disney Cruise Line to add ground transfers to your reservation.

If you booked your cruise through a travel agent, your agent would need to contact Disney Cruise Line to add transfers for you. Children under age three are free. So, you don’t need to include your infant or toddler when budgeting for your transportation costs.

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The cost of the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation depends on the port from which your cruise is departing and arriving. For example, Disney’s Port Canaveral shuttle service from the Orlando, Florida airport costs roughly $39 per person each way at the time of this writing.

The cost of the Disney ground transportation in Miami works a bit differently . On our most recent cruise from Miami, we chose to have Disney Cruise Line pick us up from the airport and drive us to our Miami hotel , which we had also booked through Disney. In addition, we opted to hire Disney cruise transfers to pick us up from this hotel the morning of the cruise to transport us to the Port of Miami

Finally, we scheduled the Disney Cruise Line ground transfers AFTER our cruise to take us back to Miami International Airport from the Miami cruise port. Each leg of these Miami transfers cost us $21 per person. In other words, the total cost for us (per person) to use Disney transfers in Miami was $63:

• $21 from Miami airport to our hotel
• $21 from the hotel to Port of Miami
• $21 from Port of Miami to Miami International Airport

You do not have to book all three transfer options though. If you only need a ride to the airport after the cruise, that’s completely doable! Also, if you are sailing out of a city other than Port Canaveral or Miami, this list shows transportation prices for all departure ports.

Disney Cruise Transportation from MCO

If you are cruising out of Port Canaveral, you can board the Disney Cruise transfer right at the Orlando International Airport (MCO). This is especially easy if you stay at the Hyatt inside the Orlando airport as you can simply walk down to the DCL shuttle area the morning of your cruise.

Once at the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation station in the airport, you can stand in line to check-in and board the Disney Cruise bus to Port Canaveral. We like to get down to the check in area early, and the process is usually well-organized.

You’ll see Disney Cruise shuttle buses pulling up to the check-in area after dropping off cruisers who had just disembarked. Once a bus has been filled with passengers, it leaves the airport to head to the cruise port. We usually see another bus ready to be filled as soon as ours pulls away. So, you shouldn’t have too much time to wait between buses.

At the end of your cruise vacation, cast members will guide you toward the Disney bus at the Port Canaveral Terminal. It drops you off in the same Disney shuttle area at the Orlando airport.

Disney Shuttle in Miami

On our last cruise out of Miami, we had a choice of two different Disney recommended hotels.

• EB Hotel – Guests utilize the hotel (not Disney) shuttle from the airport to the hotel. The morning of the cruise, guests take the hotel shuttle back to the airport where they can board the Disney Cruise bus.
• Four Seasons Hotel – Guests are picked up at the airport by a private driver and taken to the hotel. The morning of the cruise, guests are picked up by the Disney bus at the Four Seasons Hotel.

My family and I opted to stay at the Four Seasons, so I will detail the transfer experience we had at this hotel.

From Miami Airport

Prior to leaving for our trip, we received instructions stating that we should grab our bags from baggage claim after landing at Miami International Airport. The instructions said to look for a Disney Cruise Line representative near the baggage claim area.

Luckily, this turned out to be a super simple process. Right after our plane landed, I realized I had a text message from our driver . His message stated that he would be standing at our luggage carousel waiting for us. He also included a photo of himself , so we knew who to look for.

We walked over to the baggage claim area and immediately saw our driver holding a sign with our last name on it. The driver helped my husband grab our suitcases off the baggage claim belt and then escorted us to the vehicle. He was driving a large Lincoln Navigator, and he had two car seats for my kids .

He also provided cold water bottles for us on our drive to the hotel. Our driver took us to the Four Seasons Hotel, which was about a fifteen-minute drive from the Miami airport.

To Port of Miami

When checking into the Four Seasons, you are typically given a letter about their Disney cruise shuttle service for the following day (embarkation day). For some reason, Disney didn’t have a representative at the hotel to give us this information on the afternoon we arrived.

Because of this, we weren’t really sure what time our bags needed to be ready or what time the bus would pick us up the next morning. My husband ended up going down to the lobby of the hotel in the morning to find a DCL transfer representative.

She informed us that our bags needed to be ready for bell services to pick up by 9:30 am . We were then supposed to meet on the main floor of the hotel at 11:00 to board the Disney Cruise Line bus .

We attached our luggage tags to our bags and set them inside our hotel room door. I also included a few dollar bills as a tip for the bellman. The bellman, who was a huge help during our entire stay, arrived right at 9:30 to grab our bags. I told him I was really nervous about our luggage NOT making it to the ship.

Since our Disney ground transportation information had been pretty unorganized, I was afraid our bags would get lost. The bellman assured me that he would take our bags down to the lobby and personally place them on the shuttle once it arrived. This made me feel so much better!

For some reason, I had thought that our bags would be on a different vehicle. Knowing they would be on the motor coach with us helped give me peace of mind! We were scheduled to leave for the port at 11:15, but we ended up boarding the bus and leaving at around 11:00.

There was only one other family taking the transfer shuttle with us, so we had a giant bus basically to ourselves. The drive from the hotel to the Port of Miami took about 15 minutes as traffic in Miami was crazy ! Christmas music played in the background on the bus during our ride to port, which really set the mood for our upcoming MerryTime Cruise.

TIP- Sit on the left side of the bus to get a better view of the ship as you get closer to port. This is also true for Port Canaveral!

The bus pulled up right beside the main door to the Miami terminal. We thanked and tipped our driver as we exited the bus. He unloaded our luggage and put our bags on the sidewalk at the port. A porter was standing near our bags, and he told us he would take care of them. We tipped him a few dollars for this as well.

Insider Tip- Make sure you add $1 bills to your packing list . I brought a lot with us for tipping, but I seemed to need even more than I had planned.

Ground Transportation after Cruise

After we disembarked the cruise ship and passed through U.S. customs, we exited the Miami cruise terminal. There were several employees directing passengers on exactly where to go. Disney had at least five shuttle buses lined up to take guests back to Miami International Airport.

We gave our luggage to the driver to place on the bus, and then we found our seats. The ride to the airport took about 20 minutes. It was pouring rain, so the weather may have caused our commute to take longer than it normally would have.

The motor coach driver dropped us off at the airport. We headed to the Delta desk to check our luggage. It was quite a hike from where we were dropped off to our check-in desk, so be prepared for that!

Final Thoughts on Disney Cruise Transfers

Overall, we tend to have great experiences with Disney Cruise Line ground transfers. Since car seats are in our foreseeable future, I expect to continue to utilize the DCL buses for the ease of travel.

You just can’t beat the peace of mind you get when Disney is in charge of your family’s transportation. We have used the Disney Cruise ground transportation in both Port Canaveral and Miami, and we have always been very pleased with our experiences.

What about you? Have you used Disney Cruise ground transportation? Comment below to let me know if your experience was similar to ours!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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11 comments.

How often does the DCL ground transportation leave the Orlando International airport to Cape Canaveral?

I’m not exactly sure how often they leave the airport, but I’ll provide input based on what my family and I have experienced. When we loaded the first Disney Cruise Line bus at the airport, there were additional buses already there. I can’t remember how long it took us to load, but I want to say around 15-20 minutes. Once our bus was full, they started loading the second bus as we pulled away. Assuming this process took the same amount of time, I would guess that they typically leave every 20 minutes. Hope that helps and that you have a great trip!

HI! How does the Disney cruise line transportation work with scheduled port arrival times chosen on check in day?

If you purchased the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation, you will not have a set port arrival time. Instead, you will be permitted to check in at the port once your Disney shuttle arrives. Hope you have a great trip!

Was there a wait for the Disney transportation from the airport to the Four Seasons? Or was it waiting for you when you arrived at the airport?

We didn’t have to wait at all for our transportation at the airport. I think the drivers track the incoming flight status so that they are at the airport before you arrive. I had a text message from the driver as soon as we landed saying that he was at baggage claim. Once my family and I arrived at baggage claim, the driver greeted us, helped us grab our bags, and led us right outside to the vehicle.

When using Disney transportation in Miami is the bus that picks you up a Disney Cruise Line bus (like you see in Port Canaveral) or just a regular motor coach? Thanks so much!!

The Miami transportation isn’t the same Disney Cruise Line bus that you find at Port Canaveral. Our shuttle from the airport was actually a Chevy Suburban. The bus that picked us up from the hotel was a large motor coach, but it didn’t have any Disney logos on it. Hope that helps!

Thanks so much! Exactly what I was wanting to know.

This post literally saved me! TYSM for sharing!

Haha! I’m so glad you liked the post! For some reason, organizing ground transportation stresses me out more than any other part of the planning process. I hope your vacation runs smoothly and that you have a great time!

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Resort Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bus Transportation

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

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

Learn more about bus transportation at Walt Disney World Resort.

Water Transportation

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

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

Learn more about water transportation at Walt Disney World Resort.

Monorail Transportation

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

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

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

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

Learn more about monorail transportation at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Skyliner Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

Minnie Van Service

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

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

Accessible Minnie Vans include the following:

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

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

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

Learn more about Minnie Van Service transportation at Walt Disney World Resort.

Find Resort Transportation

Disney's animal kingdom resort area, disney springs resort area, epcot resort area, wide world of sports resort area, magic kingdom resort area.

Fire Engulfs Disney’s Private Island, Thousands Held From Ship Amid Investigation

in Disney Cruise Line

Things on Disney Cruise Line’s private island Castaway Cay recent became a little too hot, with a fire breaking out on the island, shutting it down entirely.

Disney Cruise Line, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, offers magical adventures at sea for families and Disney enthusiasts of all ages . Embark on a voyage aboard one of their five magnificent ships – the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish or the soon-to-be-launched Disney Treasure (scheduled for December 2024) – and experience unparalleled Disney storytelling woven into every aspect of your cruise.

While visiting the Disney theme parks is a popular vacation option for Disney fans, Disney Cruise Line has been a top-tier alternative for decades.

Disney Cruise Line takes pride in its exceptional dining experiences, catering to a variety of palates. Each ship boasts themed restaurants that transport you to different worlds. Enjoy classic Disney animation at Animator’s Palate, a restaurant that comes alive with projected scenes from your favorite Disney films.

Travel to the elegance of France at Remy, a sophisticated fine-dining restaurant. For a taste of Italy, explore Palo, offering authentic Italian cuisine with stunning ocean views. And those seeking casual options can delight in a variety of buffets and counter-service restaurants, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone.

Beyond the delectable fare, Disney Cruise Line provides a dazzling array of entertainment options. Catch Broadway-caliber musicals featuring iconic Disney characters, laugh along with hilarious comedy shows, or be mesmerized by stunning stage productions such as Frozen, Aladdin, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast , and more. Children can participate in interactive activities led by beloved Disney characters at Disney’s Oceaneer Club, while adults can enjoy live music and entertainment at the bar locations. 

A highlight of any Disney Cruise Line experience is a visit to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in the Bahamas.

Disney Cruise Line’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay, offers a wealth of activities beyond basking on its pristine beaches (including a dedicated adults-only section). Guests can embark on snorkeling adventures, indulge in delectable dining options, and discover exclusive merchandise unavailable elsewhere. Excursions like fishing or parasailing provide additional opportunities for exploration, while a dedicated kids’ club ensures a magical time for the entire family.

Disembarking directly from the ship onto Castaway Cay eliminates the need for tender boats, streamlining your arrival. Complimentary towels and lounge chairs are readily available (though for prime spots, an early arrival is recommended). For guests with accessibility concerns, all-terrain wheelchairs are available for a more comfortable exploration.

Castaway Cay offers a well-rounded selection of complimentary activities, supplemented by a few optional experiences. The In Da Shade Game Pavilion, conveniently located near the family beach, provides guests with shaded areas for basketball, billiards, and ping pong, alongside classic beach sports like soccer and volleyball.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the complimentary Castaway Cay 5k, a self-guided run or walk along scenic tropical paths. While not a formal race, participants receive a commemorative medal upon completion.

For an unforgettable encounter with marine life, consider Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure (additional fee). This hour-long program allows participants to feed, pet, and snorkel alongside 60 fascinating stingrays. A variety of exhilarating excursions, including parasailing, sailing, and fishing charters, are also available for an additional fee. For independent exploration, watercraft rentals are offered.

Disney enthusiasts will revel in Castaway Cay’s unique snorkeling lagoon, suitable for all experience levels. This 22-acre underwater wonderland features two distinct trails, one showcasing sunken Disney characters and remnants of iconic theme park rides, like a submarine from the now-defunct 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage attraction.

Snorkeling equipment can be rented from Gil’s Fin and Boats and Flippers and Floats. For those seeking to maximize their adventure, Castaway Cay offers bundled activity packages at significant savings.

Castaway Cay caters to all palates with complimentary dining options. Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too, the island’s primary dining venues, offer classic summertime fare like cheeseburgers, barbecued chicken, fresh salads, and fruit under relaxing shaded pavilions. Disney Cruise Line’s signature soft-serve ice cream is also complimentary at these locations. Serenity Bay BBQ provides similar offerings on the adults-only section of the island.

For a refreshing treat, Olaf’s Summertime Freeze offers specialty frozen beverages and must-have souvenir cups, sure to delight young guests.

Castaway Cay promises an unforgettable experience for families of all ages, offering a seamless blend of relaxation, adventure, and Disney magic.

That is why the recent fire was so devastating to guests.

Guests who were on the Disney Wish a few days ago would have had a very different Castaway Cay visit. One guest took to Reddit to share that the island had to temporarily shut down, “Just got off the Wish. When we were at Castaway Cay someone threw a lit cigar into the brush and started a fire that shut down the power on the island temporarily. Crew handled it fantastically.”

Another guest who was on the ship replied, “Just got off as well. We were all loaded on the tram to head back to the ship and got stuck sitting there for about a half hour. No one told us what happened but we saw some crew in fire gear once everything was resolved. Fortunately it seems like they were able to contain it.”

A lot of the conversation revolved around Disney fans wanting the ships to ban smoking all together: “It’s become time for DCL to ban smoking on the island and to work on phasing it out on the ships.”

“Tired of walking through clouds of smoke to get to the beach, to get to food, to just walk around. Hopefully we see more islands going to way of Mexico and banning it outright also making it easier for DCL to implement.”

It appears that the fire began right by the dock of the island, which stopped guests from coming both on and off the ship until the fire was contained and extinguished.

This is not the only issue that DCL has hit as of late. The Disney Dream took a pit stop in the middle of the Atlantic recently as the ship attempted to assist in what appeared to be an urgent emergency.

Earlier this year, we reported that Disney conducted a successful rescue mission on New Year’s Eve , once again stopping their boat to provide aid.

These hiccups also occur on other cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line, and others.

Moving forward, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Bahamas, on June 10, 2024. This new private island destination signifies a remarkable collaboration between Disney and Bahamian artisans, historians, and cultural experts.

Disney Lookout Cay promises an immersive experience steeped in the rich cultural tapestry of the Bahamas. Artistic flourishes, architectural details, and captivating performances by local talent will transport guests to the heart of Bahamian life. Visitors can embark on a cultural odyssey through interactive experiences and presentations that celebrate the island’s unique heritage.

Beyond the cultural immersion, Disney Lookout Cay boasts breathtaking natural beauty. Pristine beaches beckon relaxation, while nature trails offer a chance to commune with the island’s flora and fauna. The turquoise waters surrounding the island are perfect for exploration and discovery.

Do you think Disney should ban smoking on their private islands? 

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This summer, go big and embark on a journey of a lifetime with Disney Cruise Line. Discover the rich history, vibrant cultures and natural beauty of Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean or The Bahamas.

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Woman says 'near-vertical' Disney waterslide knocked her unconscious and caused brain damage in new lawsuit

• A Florida woman has filed a lawsuit against Disney theme parks. 
• The lawsuit says she went unconscious and experienced brain damage on a Typhoon Lagoon waterslide.
• She's seeking $50,000 in damages.

A Florida woman has filed a lawsuit against Disney, saying she lost consciousness and sustained a brain injury after riding a waterslide at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park .

The lawsuit, filed on Monday in Orange County and obtained by Business Insider, says the plaintiff visited the theme park on May 11 and rode the Humunga Kowabunga.

Local Orlando news outlet WKMG identified the plantiff as Laura Reyes-Merino.

The woman's attorney, Richard Russo, did not immediately return a request for comment from Business Insider.

The Walt Disney World website says the waterslide has a "near-vertical" 214-foot drop with a 60-degree angle.

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Reyes-Merino fell unconscious after "banging inside the ride," according to the lawsuit. Her family discovered her limp at the end of the waterslide and "frantically" asked attendants to help.

"The attendants told Plaintiff's fiancé and mother that they were not lifeguards and would have to find lifeguards to help," the lawsuit says. "As they were all waiting for help, blood kept coming out of Plaintiff's mouth in the water.

Reyes-Merino's fiancé pulled her from the water, but a lifeguard who arrived at the scene told the family not to touch her and called an ambulance, the lawsuit says.

"Had Defendant had lifeguards at the end of the ride to watch and help guests coming off the ride, Plaintiff's brain injury would not have occurred as she wouldn't have been drowning in the water coughing up blood," the lawsuit says.

Reyes-Merino has experienced mental, emotional, and physical ailments following the incident, including brain damage, the lawsuit says. She's seeking $50,000 in damages.

Representatives for Walt Disney World and Reyes-Merino did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Disney has faced lawsuits related to the Humunga Kowabunga waterslide in the past, including in October 2023, when a woman claimed she experienced vaginal bleeding after a hard landing.

That lawsuit said the woman experienced permanent bodily injury following the incident. She also sought $50,000.

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

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