Ahoy there, John!
Welcome aboard planDisney! You’re setting sail from Port Everglades, home to
Disney’s Terminal 4—sleek, efficient, and a touch of Disney magic right in sunny Fort Lauderdale. It’s a fantastic way to kick off your cruise aboard the Dream, which also happens to be the very first ship my family sailed on—so I know you’re in for an unforgettable journey!
Now let’s talk logistics. While Disney does not offer ground transportation services from your selected hotel, they do offer ground transfers for Guests staying at: the
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina and the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. The round-trip cost per person is currently $42 and $50, respectively. Since you mentioned that you’re staying at the Holiday Inn Express, I know that’s not the news you were hoping for—but don’t let that sink your spirits just yet!
You’ve got some solid alternatives, and I’ve got a few Captain’s tips to help you navigate them:
1. Call your hotel directly. Some hotels in the Fort Lauderdale area offer third-party shuttle options to the port (especially if they cater to cruise Guests), or may be able to assist with scheduling transportation through a local provider. It’s worth a quick call to see what magic they might have in store.
2. Rideshare or taxi. In my experience, this is often the easiest and most cost-effective way to travel between your hotel and the cruise terminal.
3. Take a leisurely walk. If I’ve found the right Holiday Inn Express, it’s just about a 12 minute (half a mile) walk to Terminal 4. If you’re traveling light, the weather cooperates, and you’re up for a bit of a stroll, you could technically walk to the port—something you can rarely say on a cruise vacation! Of course, factor in luggage, humidity, and excitement levels before setting off on foot.
4. Consider a hotel switch. If the convenience of
Disney’s ground transportation is your top priority, you could switch your hotel to one of the eligible options mentioned above. Just keep in mind that they may not include complimentary airport transportation, so you may need to budget for an additional ride to or from the airport.
I hope this helps you feel more confident as you prepare to set sail! If you need help with anything else, from what to pack to how to make the most of your first day onboard, I’m here to help!
Sea ya real soon as May brings sunshine, magical ports, and maybe a Mickey bar or two,
Dustin