• On Mar 21, 2021
    Samantha from TX Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I've never been on a cruise before. My mother, brother, and I will be sailing on the Disney Wonder at the end of January 2022 from Galveston, TX to Cozumel and back. We live in San Antonio, TX which is about 4 hours away. Should we drive or fly?

    Ahoy Samantha!

    Congratulations on booking your very first sailing with Disney Cruise Line! I cannot wait for you to be introduced to all the magic that's included on a Disney cruise. Prepare to be wowed with deck parties, fireworks at sea, Broadway-caliber musicals, and beloved Disney characters. A 4-night sailing on the Disney Wonder to Cozumel is my idea of pure bliss...in fact, it was my last voyage with Captain Mickey (only we sailed from New Orleans). 

    So you've asked the quintessential question: to fly or to drive? It truly is a matter of personal preference. Some Guests enjoy arriving by plane and then use Disney Cruise Line ground transportation to travel to Galveston from the airport. Others would rather be road trippers that go door to door (or in this case door to ship) entirely in their vehicles. 

    In this case, since you are a four hour drive from Galveston, I say, “Life is a Highway” and would recommend driving from San Antonio to the port instead of flying. FYI: Galveston does not have a commercial airport, and the next best choice would be one of the airports in Houston. Disney Cruise Line recommends Guests cruising from Galveston use George Bush International Airport. When you factor in getting to the airport hours ahead of your flight, the one hour flight itself, and then transportation from a Houston airport to the port (over one hour), that will likely take more like 5+ hours. Lightning McQueen always feels the need for speed, so he votes with me on this one!

    If cost alone is the deciding factor, then driving three adults would probably be your better bet compared to three airline tickets. I suggest checking online for prices on flights and then compare that with how much fuel would be if you drive. Then you should factor in the cost to park your car at the port versus the transportation costs from the airport to the port. The Port of Galveston offers discounted pre-paid parking, which would be $55 for a 4-night cruise like yours. Compare that to flying: airport transfers via Disney Cruise Line are approximately $45 per Guest one way. Hope this helps you make your decision, and then you can drive or fly in style. Ka-Chow!

    Drive back over to planDisney anytime to ask more cruise planning questions. We are happy to be a “pitstop” (as Guido would say in the movie Cars) as you chart a course to your WONDERful Disney Cruise Line vacation!

    Sherry
thumbnail image for Sherry

Meet the Panelist: Sherry, South Carolina

Ahoy there! I'm Sherry, a wife and mom to two, lawyer, and blogger from South Carolina. Family time is precious, so making the most of it is a top priority. That's why planning cruises to exciting destinations, trying new port adventures, and experiencing fabulous entertainment and dining is my jam! I'm thrilled to be your personal navigator as you chart your course on your next Disney Cruise Line vacation.  Learn More About Sherry

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Fun for Families on the Disney Wonder | Disney Cruise Line

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.