Hi Emily!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I am so excited to “sea” that you will be heading out to sea aboard the beautiful Disney Fantasy in a few short months!! I am so excited for you and ALL THE FUN that awaits you onboard and at sea! Just last night my boys were telling me how much they wanted to go back on the Disney Fantasy to see the live show, “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” because the Genie is just “so silly”!! And, it’s true – that show is fantastic and not to be missed!
Port Canaveral is approximately one hour away from Orlando International Airport and departures usually start around 9:00AM on the morning you disembark and will run until all Guests have made their way through Customs and Immigration. You do not receive a specific departure time, but rather the motor coaches leave once they are full. If you choose to leave the airport once arriving, I would recommend using a car service such as Uber or Lyft to get you to your destination and then back to the airport for your flight.
If you happen to be traveling on JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines then your luggage can be checked from the ship to your final destination via Onboard Airline Check-In, but if not, you will need to arrange for it to be stored somewhere until you can check it in for your flight home. Also, be advised that Orlando International Airport has been known to have some longer than normal wait times through security, so I would keep that in mind when planning a your return to the airport for your flight home.
I am so excited for all the fun that you will have on your Caribbean adventure! Please stop back by with any other planning questions you have may have!
Happy Sailing!
Stephanie