Hi Chelsea,
It is great to see you again here at planDisney! Thanks for trusting us with your Disney Cruise Line vacation questions.
I know you are counting down the days till your amazing vacation. I completely support a stay at
Walt Disney World Resort before your cruise. Combining
land and sea is my favorite way to enjoy a Disney holiday. Unfortunately, you can't leave your car at your resort hotel after your check-out day. But don't worry, I have some ideas for you.
First, there is no guarantee that you will have an "early" boarding time simply by using
Disney Ground Transportation, it only guarantees that your Port Arrival Time will be assigned for you. You will receive an email 48 hours before your embarkation date with information regarding your pick-up time and other important instructions. The first pick-up time is usually around 9:30 a.m., but your exact time will vary based on the total number of Guests and the hotel locations served by the bus. Remember, Disney transportation requires prior booking, so be sure to make the reservations sooner rather than later.
To secure the earliest time as a first-time cruiser who is not staying in a Concierge-level stateroom or suite, you will want to
complete your Online Check-In as soon as your 30-day window opens. You can begin the check-in process when the clock strikes midnight on that day, so channel your inner Cinderella and get going. Be sure to have your
required travel documentation ready to go so you can begin the process, and then select your arrival time. You don't have to complete the entire process at that time, so get some shut-eye and then come back later and finish up at least one day prior to sailing.
If you are set on using Disney Cruise Line Transportation, here is a thought! How about renting a car from your hometown and driving to Walt Disney World? The
Car Care Center at Walt Disney World is super convenient and currently partners with Enterprise, Alamo, and National car rental companies. When you arrive at the resort, you can return your car to the car center and arrange for a complimentary shuttle drop-off to select locations around the resort and take advantage of the
complimentary Resort Transportation during your stay. You could then arrange to rent a car at the end of your cruise from one of the many agencies that service Port Canaveral.
If you decide to drive yourself, it is an easy trip and there is nothing like seeing the Disney Cruise Line vessels as you make your way over the bridge to the port. The
parking garage at Port Canaveral is reasonably priced and does not require a reservation.
I know those are a lot of ideas, Chelsea, but I hope they help you decide what option will work best for you! If you need any tips for your first-time cruise, sail by again!
Wishing you many magical memories,
Shannon