Hi Darrell!
Oh boy, your Disney cruise is about to set sail in just a few days! I guess that means we better get you an answer STAT. Then you can focus on
all that’s included on your sailing with Captain Mickey.
As you know,
Disney Cruise Line ground transportation is offered to and from Orlando International Airport on embarkation and debarkation days only. However, I still believe it’s an excellent idea for you to fly in the day before your cruise just in case any travel glitches happen. I’ve never been brave enough to fly in the same day that my ship sets sail because that seems risky to me, and I’m not one to roll the dice like that. I’m sure it’s worked for some, but that’s not my cup of tea.
If you are staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, then you can arrange your ground transportation to take you directly from the resort to the port. Your pickup time will be assigned to you by Disney Cruise Line, and you don’t have to make your way back to the airport. My guess though is that you are staying elsewhere and that’s why you are wanting to make that extra effort to get back to the Orlando International Airport for your ground transfers.
The earliest buses leave Orlando International Airport for Port Canaveral around 9:30 A.M. and run continuously after that. You may have a bit of a wait depending on when you get there and when the next motorcoach will be leaving. Be aware that the earliest Port Arrival Time for most cruises is around 11:00 A.M., so it’s not like you can begin the check-in process any earlier than that time.
Coordinate your ground transportation and Port Arrival Time because Guests are not currently being allowed to the port terminal before their allotted time. The details are outlined on the
Embarkation Day tab on the Disney Cruise Line website. In your situation, it might be worth
calling Disney Cruise Line to see what they recommend as far as getting to the airport based upon your Port Arrival Time. The average travel time from the airport to Port Canaveral is around 1 hour, depending on traffic.
If it is too much trouble to get from your hotel back to the airport, you could always drop the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation on the way to the port and just use it one way for your return. Then you would have to make your own travel arrangements to Port Canaveral, but it would probably give you more time on the morning you disembark. And time is valuable!
Whatever mode of travel you choose, I KNOW your voyage with Captain Mickey is going to be well worth the logistics of getting there. Wishing you a fantastic Disney cruise that’s filled with fun and memory making!
Sherry