Ahoy there Debra, and welcome back aboard planDisney!
I'm glad that you've come back to us for some more nautical knowledge ahead of your
3-Night Bahamian Cruise voyage in April; I recently disembarked from the
Disney Wish and would be happy to help you through my personal experiences!
From the sounds of it, you've already made a
reservation through Disney Cruise Line for ground transportation from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Port Canaveral. I like to recommend this option for folks and families who want the most seamless transition from air to land to sea who decide to fly in on the same day that they will be embarking the ship. Based on our experiences and those of our friends and family members, here's an idea of what you might expect by heading directly to the ship from the airport:
- Your flight arrival time into Orlando International Airport (MCO) may be early and result in very smooth sailing like we've experienced in the past; however it may be safer to allocate time in the event of any delays in deplaning, baggage offloading and navigating from the gates to the lower level (1) where you will check in for transportation and typically receive a Disney Character or even a color to indicate your bus departure group.
- The Disney Transportation Cast Members do their best to manage each motorcoach's departure to ensure each group of guests with Port Arrival Times relative to their arriving flights. The wait at the airport to have your group character and/or color called for boarding may be a bit lengthy and even up to an hour, so perhaps pack an extra bit of patience and perhaps a few snacks to tide you over.
- The drive to Port Canaveral has varied for us in the past, as some years we have been able to get there within 45 minutes at a brisk speed; other times it's been a nerve-wracking 2 hours in midday traffic as folks head out to the beach.
- Bus schedules and availability are subject to change without prior notice, but your all aboard time appears to be currently set for 3:45 p.m. EST ahead of the Guest Safety Drill.
All in all, I feel that a solid one to two hours is a reasonable amount to expect in order for the entire process to be complete with you and your luggage successfully conveyed to the Disney Wish. We can only hope that one day the process may be so streamlined with buses more frequently dispatched that it would mean more precious time spent on board!
I hope that this has been helpful in some way, and don't hesitate to come back to planDisney to
ask us any more questions before you set sail! Our Disney Cruise Line Specialists
Tracie and
Adrianna can guide you on your way to enjoying the Disney Wish, and be sure to check out the
planDisney Pocket Guide!
Wishing you all the best on your next expedition by road, then by sea!
Prince