Ahoy, Chris!
Your July 2018 vacation sounds pretty amazing! I love an opportunity to experience Disney by land and sea, so I know you're going to have an outstanding time next summer. The Disney Dream is an incredible vessel with so much to offer, and the cherry on top will be the stop at Disney's private island,
Castaway Cay! Just wait until you spend a day there...it's breathtaking and the perfect escape from the craziness of every day life!
We often drive to Port Canaveral and find it very easy to navigate. There are a few tolls along the way, so you'll want to be prepared with small bills and change. I think last time I estimated around $5.00 from the Walt Disney World Resort area. Once you arrive at the terminal, you can drop your family at the curb along with your luggage (don't forget a few dollars to tip the porters!) and proceed to the parking deck that is adjacent to the ship. There will be plenty of availability, and you'll pay for your parking upon entry. At this time, cash, Visa and MasterCard are acceptable forms of payment, and the rate is $16.00 per day for a total of $64.00 for your 3-night voyage. (These rates are set by the port and can change at anytime.) Once you enter the deck, I suggest heading to Level 3 as there is a walkover bridge to the terminal. Keep your passport with you and know your stateroom number as there is usually a security person checking before you head over to the terminal. Families can proceed through security separately, but all should be present to check-in with a Disney Cast Member.
When you arrive back to Port Canaveral, a porter will be happy to assist you with your luggage all the way to your vehicle, Chris. This is completely optional, but may come in handy if you are traveling with multiple bags.
Thank you for cruising over with your question! Please keep us posted if you think of anything else.
Nancy