Dream
  • On Feb 6, 2023
    Michael from MA 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 sailing out of Miami in April. Our flights are in and out of Fort Lauderdale. What is the earliest time we can disembark on our final day in order to give us the most amount of time to return to Ft Lauderdale?

    Ahoy there, Michael, and welcome to planDisney!

    I’m glad that you’ve sailed 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. You will have so many magical memories to smile about on your flight home! 

    Michael, to debark quickly and early, you will want to utilize Express Walk-Off which typically begins at 7:30 a.m. and is subject to change depending on when your ship is cleared by local authorities.  There is no need to register in advance, just keep an ear out for the announcement that will be made to let Guests know when you are free to go ashore. Do keep in mind that you will need to carry all your luggage off the ship and out of the terminal to your transportation as porter service is not available.

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

    Travel time from the Miami port to Fort Lauderdale airport is approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Since you are sailing on the Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line recommends that you book your departure flight no earlier than 12 p.m. noon. Remember, no matter what time you choose to debark the ship, you will need to be out of your stateroom by 8:00 a.m. and you are required to clear through U.S. Customs before exiting the terminal. The lines typically move quickly, but this depends on how many other Guests debark at the same time. 

    Michael, all this timing is also dependent on your ground transfers between the port and the airport. If you choose Disney Cruise Line’s airport transfers, I recommend booking in advance by calling (800) 951-3532. 

    One final thing to consider is how you want your time on the Dream to end. Personally, I prefer one last magical meal by eating a sit-down breakfast on the ship. The time and place of your final day breakfast will depend on your rotational dining schedule, so check your Disney Navigator App once onboard for the schedule. Typically, breakfast is served beginning between 6:30 - 7:15 a.m. for the Main Dining rotation. The Second Dining breakfast start time will range between 7:45 - 8:30 a.m. on debarkation morning. Michael, you could also choose a continental breakfast instead, which is usually served at Cabanas on the Disney Dream. Again, check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for times and locations.

    Michael, I hope this overview has been helpful as you plan your airline reservations. Once you get that squared away, I hope you will cruise 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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