Welcome aboard, Colleen! You're in for a wonderful vacation as you stay at the Walt Disney World Resort before heading out to sea with Disney Cruise Line!
I called the agents at the Walt Disney World Resort to ask about the possibility of guests leaving a car at one of the resorts while at sea with Disney Cruise Line. I found out that if you are staying at the resort both before and after the cruise, you are welcome to leave your car there while you sail. However, if you're only staying there before, you'd need to move your car when you check out of the resort. Since I'm not sure if you are coming back to the resort after your cruise, I can't give you specifics, but I hope those details help.
You mentioned Disney Cruise Line's ground transfers. If you are staying at the resort afterwards, I'd highly recommend using the transfers to get to and from the port. They arrange for your luggage to meet you in your stateroom, while you simply climb onboard the motorcoach and enjoy an hour long trip to Port Canaveral while you watch a Disney Cruise Line video, followed by classic Disney cartoons for the kids. There is an additional cost of $35 per person each way for this ground transfer, but I promise you it is worth every penny to let Disney take care of the details.
Now, that being said, if you are not returning to the resort for another stay after your cruise, you wouldn't be able to use those ground transfers on the way back, so your best bet would be to drive yourself to the port. It's an easy drive. Plus, parking at the port couldn't be easier. There is a
parking garage right there at the Disney Cruise Line terminal. I've parked there before and loved that after the cruise, it took all of five minutes to walk across the street and drive off! I hope that helps as you plan, Colleen!