Family on dock at Yacht and Beach
  • On Mar 21, 2023
    Bopha from MA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi. We will be cruising in Jan. Should we book one night with a WDW resort so that we could book the DCL shuttle to go to port Canaveral? If we plan to do disney parks after the cruise should be then book a separate stay with WDW resort again?

    Welcome to planDisney, BOPHA!  

    What a great question – a Disney Cruise Line vacation sandwiched between two Walt Disney World resort stays sounds like a perfect way to begin the new year! My family adores the theme parks but also loves to relax while visiting exciting destinations aboard Disney Cruise Line. I like the way you think... a Disney Resorts Collection Hotel stay makes the transportation seamless for both legs of this journey and keeps you in vacation mode. Let’s look at your options!

    Ground transportation to Port Canaveral is a separate per-person purchase to reserve this transportation on embarkation day. It’s available from the Orlando airport (MCO) or the Walt Disney World Resort. I’ve done both – when we have had a flight arriving late, it’s been easier to stay overnight at the Orlando airport hotel and use the Disney Cruise Line transport from there in the morning. If you choose to stay on Walt Disney World Resort property, you will receive confirmation of the pick-up time from your resort via email within 48 hours of your sailing.

    From either location, you will have a comfortable ride to Port Canaveral knowing Disney is taking care of the logistics, timing, and traffic and you just have to switch into that vacation mode! If you choose to reserve this ground transportation you also do not have to worry about your Port Arrival Time (PAT) during Online Check-In, as Disney now owns that timeline and will ensure you arrive with plenty of time to explore the ship and feel relaxed on that special day.

    The same options are available the day you disembark and return to Port Canaveral; you may reserve Disney Cruise Line Ground Transportation to either the Walt Disney World Resort or the Orlando airport, but you must reserve this in advance.

    To secure your reservation (in either direction), you may add this to your Disney Cruise Line reservation on the website or within your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. You may also call Disney at any time to reserve ground transportation and speak with someone about the details of your stay.

    The best way to beat the post-cruise blues is to have a few days at the Walt Disney World Resort! If you decide to do this, staying on property is a wonderful idea and is a separate reservation from your pre-cruise stay since you’d check out for the cruise dates. You can take advantage of the ground transportation back from the port but also enjoy other onsite benefits; Early Theme Park Entry is my family’s favorite perk.

    Please let me know if you have other questions to put together the perfect puzzle of your land and sea vacation, BOPHA. You can continue our conversation by clicking on “get an answer from this panelist” on my biography page; I answer questions about both the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line. Or please send another question in to the team as you did for this one to get a different perspective from one of my wonderful panel pals!

    Wishing you a magical vacation, 
    Amy
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Meet the Panelist: Amy, Virginia

Hi friends! I'm Amy, a lifelong Disney dreamer from horse-and-wine country, Virginia. My family of three is BIG on fun and treasures every adventure together. We've been making memories at the Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line since my son was a toddler; we love our family traditions balanced with "what's new" each visit. I have a passion for Disney details, a love of digital tools, and an eye for practical planning. I can't wait to help you make the MOST of your magical vacation! Learn More About Amy

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