Mom And Son Nemos Reef; mom hugging son; laughing
  • On Oct 14, 2009
    Curtin from NV Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Very confused. I have been told both DO and DO NOT get to the cruise early. We are sailing in June and I don't know whether to run or walk to the port. We will be in WDW the night before and their bus will be driving us over to the port. HELP!!! Kerr

    Hakuna Matata!

    Cross this right off your list of things to worry about. Getting to the port via Disney Cruise Line's ground transportation is extremely convenient!

    I have been on cruises when we drove to Port Canaveral and on other voyages where I took the DCL bus.

    First, since you are definitely taking DCL's bus, your arrival time to the port will be according to the time you are assigned to depart your Walt Disney World resort.

    The best part about the DCL transfer is that your luggage will be picked up from your resort room and the next time you see it, it'll be in your stateroom.

    You'll get to the port after the initial long lines are gone. I suggest sitting near the front of the bus to avoid a wait at the security line. I like boarding around 1:30 p.m. so that we can go directly to our stateroom, drop off our carry-on bags and then go to lunch. Official boarding time is 1:00 p.m. and staterooms are ready at 1:30 p.m. However, my experience is that boarding begins by Noon give or take 15 minutes.

    Travel time to the port is about one hour. The bus picks up at several resorts before departing WDW by 12:30 p.m.

    A couple of reasons to get to the ship earlier would be to upgrade your cabin (there is a cost) and/or to secure dining reservations at Palo.

    Relax and enjoy the DCL ride to Port Canaveral. You'll even get to watch an entertaining video!

    On one vacation, we drove to the port and got there early. We were in one of the early boarding groups however the wait to board was agonizing. And we had to take our carry-on bags to lunch. I didn't feel that the extra hour on board was worth all the waiting!




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Meet the Panelist: Kimberly, Tennessee

I am a stay-at-home mom with a 12 year old son. I thrive on planning vacations, especially to WDW. Inspiring families to vacation at Disney with a memorable itinerary and budget-saving tips is extremely rewarding for me. Learn More About Kimberly

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