Ahoy there, Aaron. Welcome to planDisney.
What a bummer we’re already thinking about the end of your Disney cruise but it’s important to tackle the logistics so you can truly enjoy your vacation without worries.
For sailings from Port Canaveral, Disney Cruise Line recommends 11:15 AM as the
earliest flight departing from Orlando International Airport on Debarkation Day. Depending on traffic, it can take around 45-60 minutes to travel from Port Canaveral and Orlando International Airport.
After getting clearance from local port authorities, Guests can usually begin debarking by utilizing Express Walk-Off around 7:30 AM. Again, this time will vary slightly depending on how quickly local port authorities clear the ship. Factor in travel time to the airport, checking in your luggage for your flight and going through security, you may be cutting it very close if your flight departs at 10:45; however, this is not recommended by
Disney Cruise Line. On multiple occasions, I have personally encountered very long lines going through TSA at Orlando International Airport (despite having TSA Pre-Check).
When you do your online check-in, be sure to indicate your flight information. For Express Walk-Off, you’ll just need to take all your luggage with you when you leave the ship, rather than leaving it out for your stateroom steward to take the night before. Also, please note that Disney Ground Transportation will not be available that early on Debarkation Day, so you’ll need to coordinate your own transportation to the airport.
As you can see, it IS possible for you to rush and make it to your 10:45 AM flight but it is not recommended by Disney Cruise Line in case of any hiccups on Debarkation Day. If you can switch to a slightly later flight, that may be a safer bet especially if you have little ones in tow. After all, why not savor an extra hour or two of your Disney vacation before heading back to reality?
I hope this information is helpful for you, Aaron. Please don’t hesitate to stop by
planDisney with more trip-planning questions for us.
Hope to SEA ya real soon,
Kiki