Ahoy, Leslie! Thanks for sailing by planDisney with your question!
It sounds like you have the ultimate land-and-sea adventure planned...what a magical way to kick off summer! My family did the same thing last year, and it was one of our most memorable vacations. Arriving early is such a smart idea, since it gives you a cushion for any travel delays and a full day to soak up the fun at Walt Disney World Resort before setting sail.
When it comes to parking, Walt Disney World's policy doesn’t allow Guests to leave their vehicles at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel while they’re on a cruise, since parking is reserved for registered Guests during their stay. Instead, you’ll want to
park directly at Port Canaveral, which offers secure and convenient parking right across from the terminal. Rates are based on the length of your cruise. My family found it to be a smooth and easy process because you can drop off your luggage first, then park your car in the nearby garage. The Disney Cruise Line website lists the terminal address and current parking information, which makes it easy to plug into your GPS.
If you were thinking about renting a car but this changes your plans, there’s another super convenient option! You can book
Disney Cruise Line ground transfers from your Walt Disney World Resort hotel to Port Canaveral. These transfers come with a per-person fee and can be added by
calling Disney Cruise Line directly or through your travel agent up to three days before your sail date. It’s a stress-free way to start your cruise as the motorcoach picks you up right at your resort, handles your luggage for you, and usually grants you an earlier Port Arrival Time since you can begin the embarkation process as soon as you arrive.
Since you’ll be enjoying both Walt Disney World and a Disney Cruise Line vacation, one of my favorite tips is to pack a small “transition day” bag with your cruise documents, swimsuits, and sunscreen. Once you board the ship, your luggage might take a few hours to arrive at your stateroom, and this way you can head straight to the pool or grab lunch and you'll have everything you need to get your cruise off to a great start!
I hope this helps, Leslie! You’re in for a vacation full of pixie dust.
Sea ya real soon,
Eean