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  • On Jan 22, 2023
    Dorothy from TX Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are planning our flight home following the cruise. How early would we be able to Plan for the flight home? We will be arriving back at Port Canaveral.

    Ahoy there, Dorothy, and welcome back to planDisney!

    I’m so excited that you’ve stopped by with a Disney Cruise Line vacation planning question and am glad you are getting all these details for the end of your cruise underway so that you can soon focus on all the fun of planning your time while aboard the ship. I can imagine all the magical memories you will have to smile about on your flight home! 

    I’m assuming you are flying out of Orlando International Airport (MCO). If so, travel time from the terminal to the airport is one hour, depending on traffic. Disney Cruise Line recommends that you book your departure flight from MCO no earlier than 11:25 a.m. 

    Dorothy, there are several things to consider when booking your flight home, so let’s think through a few:

    • Remember, no matter how you choose to debark the ship, you will need to be out of your stateroom by 8:00 a.m. and you will have to clear through U.S. Customs before exiting the terminal.

    • Do you prefer to eat breakfast before debarking? Personally, I prefer one last magical meal by eating a sit-down breakfast on the ship. The time and place of your final breakfast will depend on your rotational dining schedule, so check your Disney Navigator App once onboard for the schedule. Or you may choose a continental breakfast instead. Again, check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for time and location.

    • Now, consider your luggage. You may either take your luggage with you that morning or you may opt to place your luggage outside your stateroom on the last night of the cruise between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for delivery to the ship's terminal the following morning. 

    • Dorothy, if you would rather get on your way, you can opt for Express Walk-Off, which allows you to take your luggage and debark as soon as the ship is cleared by port authorities. If you choose this option, you should be ready to debark the ship as early as 7:00 a.m. and be listening for announcements as to when the ship has been cleared by local authorities.

    • And finally, all this timing is also dependent on your ground transfers between Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral. If you choose Disney Cruise Line’s airport transfers, I recommend booking in advance by calling (800) 951-3532. Private transportation options are also available.

    Dorothy, I hope this overview has been helpful as you plan your airline reservations. Once you get that anchored down, I hope you will sail back by planDisney and allow our cruise specialists, Tracie and Adrianna, to assist you with any other questions you might have!

    Wishing you calm seas in the days ahead,
    Shannon

thumbnail image for Shannon

Meet the Panelist: Shannon, Georgia

Hi! I'm a dreamer and doer who loves exploring the big blue world! My love for Disney began at Walt Disney World Resort and after my first Disney Cruise Line vacation I was hooked. I especially enjoy the ships' adult-exclusive spaces and activities while experiencing the magic only Disney can create. A Land and Sea vacation combining an action-packed Walt Disney World Resort visit and a relaxing Disney Cruise Line voyage is my favorite way to do Disney. I can't wait to help you create your magical memories! Learn More About Shannon

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