Ahoy, JoAnn! Thanks so much for sailing by planDisney with your question. A first Disney Cruise with your grandkids sounds absolutely magical! Your Baja itinerary on the
Disney Wonder, with stops at Catalina Island and Ensenada, will be such a special memory for all of you.
It’s smart to think ahead about your arrival plans. No matter how you decide to travel, driving or flying, I always recommend arriving at your port city at least one day before embarkation. It gives you time to settle in, explore the city a little, and it takes the stress out of travel day.
Disney Cruise Line partners with the
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, which is a nice option for Guests looking for
DCL ground transportation to the port. This hotel is right on San Diego Bay, steps from Seaport Village, and close to the restaurants and shops in the Gaslamp Quarter. It’s also only about 3 miles from the airport and just a short distance from the cruise terminal.
Guests staying at the Manchester Grand Hyatt can purchase Disney Cruise Line ground transfers from the hotel to the port on embarkation morning. Transfers are $18 per person if purchased before 1/1/26, and $20 per person if purchased on or after 1/1/26 (prices subject to change). Once you know your pre-cruise plans, you can add those transfers by
calling Disney Cruise Line or chatting with a Cast Member online. If you booked through a travel agent, they can take care of it for you. Also, Guests using Disney ground transfers are usually assigned an earlier Port Arrival Time, which is a nice perk!
And once you’re on board, don’t forget to check the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for all the activities happening around the ship. The
D Lounge is a favorite for families and often hosts things like trivia, crafts, games, karaoke, cooking demos, and even drawing classes. There’s always something fun to do together!
Wishing you and your grandkids the smoothest of sailings, JoAnn.
Sea ya real soon,
Eean