Ahoy, Ronald! Thanks for sailing by planDisney with your question... and wow, your cruise is NEXT WEEK! You’re officially in the final countdown!
While planning embarkation day feels a lot more fun, it’s definitely smart to think ahead about debarkation, especially if you’ve got a flight to catch.
Guests can’t leave the ship until the “All Clear” is given. This is usually around 7:30 AM, but it can be delayed due to weather or port traffic. If you want to be among the very first off, you’ll want to opt for Express Walk-Off. With this option, you’ll keep all your luggage with you instead of placing it outside your stateroom the night before. Just be sure you can manage all your bags on your own, since crew members aren’t available to help during that time.
On your last night, debarkation details will be listed in the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, on the DCL information channel in your stateroom, and announced over the ship’s PA system that next morning. There’s nothing to sign up for, so you can just grab your bags and head off as soon as the “All Clear” is called. I used Express Walk-Off on my Very Merrytime cruise last year, and we were off the ship pretty fast.
Disney Cruise Line recommends not booking flights earlier than 11:15 AM out of Orlando International Airport. The drive from Port Canaveral to MCO normally takes about 45 minutes, but traffic heading into Orlando can be unpredictable.
DCL offers ground transportation from the port to the airport (up to three days before your departure date), and when I did Express Walk-Off, there was a bus waiting for early travelers around a little bit before 9:30 AM, although, every experience can vary. Ride-share options like Uber and Lyft are also available at the port. As the Mandalorian says… Express Walk-Off is the way!
If you’re hoping to have a quick breakfast before you go, you’ll want to skip the main dining room. Cabanas or Marceline Market typically open around 6:30 AM and offer a lighter spread with eggs, bacon, fruit, cereals, and pastries. Cove Café also opens early if you need a specialty coffee before heading out.
I hope this helps you plan a smooth trip home, Ronald. It’s not goodbye...it’s sea ya real soon!
Eean