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If you're sailing away on a Disney Cruise Line vacation from Port Canaveral, you may be wondering: What's the easiest way to get there from Walt Disney World or the Orlando International Airport (MCO)? Great question, froggy friend! Whether you're fresh off a magical theme park adventure or flying into The City Beautiful, there are several Disney cruise transportation options to choose from. Let's dive into all the frogtastic options — from Disney's own ground transportation service to ride shares, rental cars, private transportation and even driving your own vehicle. We'll also hop through info for families who have questions about car seats and those who need accessible vehicles. Ready? Let's go!
Disney Cruise Transportation — Ground Transfers
Disney Cruise Line offers motorcoach transportation from Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Orlando International Airport (MCO) directly to Port Canaveral. The Disney motorcoaches are super comfy, air-conditioned and play Disney videos and trivia during the ride. They provide luggage assistance from start to finish — your bags will magically appear at your stateroom door later that afternoon. Additionally, the drivers are friendly and knowledgeable. We've even had them point out which side of the bus to look out for that first glimpse of the cruise ship (always a glorious sight!).
Where Can You Use Disney Cruise Ground Transportation?
You can utilize Disney cruise transportation from:
- The Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Port Canaveral
- The Hyatt Regency at Orlando Airport
- Walt Disney World to Port Canaveral: Perfect for guests staying at Walt Disney World before hopping aboard a Disney cruise ship
- Return service to the Orlando International Airport (MCO) or your Walt Disney World Resort hotel after your cruise
Benefits of Using Disney Cruise Transportation:
- Streamlined Port Arrival: When you arrive at the cruise terminal by Disney motorcoach, you're typically allowed to skip the standard port check-in lines. Disney will already have your info, so check-in is quick and easy.
- Luggage Magic: If you're flying into MCO on embarkation day and using Disney cruise transportation, you can check your bags at the airport and not touch them again until they show up at your stateroom door! Just make sure you pack a carry-on bag with swimsuits, sunscreen, your government IDs, travel documents and any medications you may need and keep that with you!
- Luggage Pick-up: If you're traveling from a Disney World resort, your luggage will be picked up from your hotel room on the morning of embarkation day, loaded onto the bus and delivered to your stateroom door by midafternoon. Just be sure to attach your Disney Cruise Line luggage tags (these will arrive in the mail a few weeks before your sail date) and look out for an email from Disney Cruise Line the night before. The email will include departure details (departures are usually around 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.) and luggage pickup times.
- Early Terminal Access: Guests arriving via Disney transfers may be admitted to the terminal earlier, as bus arrivals are grouped and processed together for streamlined entrance.
- Know You're in the Right Place: Disney handles all the coordination, so no worrying about finding the right terminal or drop-off points, or stressing about running late.
- Seamless Disney Service: From resort to ship, the entire journey is handled by Disney and their travel partner, Mears, taking all the stress and worry out of your trip.
How to Book Disney Cruise Transportation
You can add ground transfers during the online booking process. Already booked? Call Disney Cruise Line or add via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app at least three days prior to your sail date. Currently, Disney cruise transportation is $45 per person, each way (ages 3 and up). Tadpoles under 3 ride free if seated on a lap.
No car seats or booster seats are needed or allowed on Disney motorcoaches. Children can sit on your lap or in a seat beside you.
Accessible motorcoaches with lifts are available with advance notice. Disney can accommodate most wheelchairs and ECVs. Be sure to request this at least 72 hours in advance.
Driving Your Own Vehicle to Port Canaveral
Bringing your own wheels is a convenient option, especially for local guests or those finishing up a stay at Walt Disney World. Port Canaveral has a dedicated parking garage right next to the Disney cruise terminal, making it easy to unload your luggage and hop onboard.
Port Canaveral Terminal Address
Port Canaveral is about a 60-minute drive from Orlando International Airport and about an hour and 30 minutes from Walt Disney World, depending on traffic.
The Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Treasure sailings embark at Cruise Terminal #8.
- Cruise Terminal #8 address: 9155 Charles M. Rowland Drive, Port Canaveral, FL 32920
The Disney Wish sailings embark at Cruise Terminal #10.
- Cruise Terminal #10 address: 9005 Charles M. Rowland Drive, Port Canaveral, FL, 32920
If you're arriving the day before, which we highly recommend, make a plan to enjoy some of the area's other attractions, like Kennedy Space Center, before (or even after) your cruise!
Parking at the Port Canaveral Disney Cruise Terminal
Parking at Port Canaveral is run by the Port Authority and is located right next to the cruise terminals. The parking garage opens at 10:15 a.m. and is connected to the terminal for easy access. There’s also a drop-off area where you can unload passengers and luggage before parking. Payment is due when you arrive, and credit cards are accepted. SunPass is currently accepted at Cruise Terminal 3, with plans to expand to all other terminals soon.
Current Parking Rates:
- $17 per day, plus tax (including embarkation and debarkation day)
- 3-night cruise: $68
- 4-night cruise: $85
- 7-night cruise: $136
Oversized Vehicle Parking
Available in an adjacent surface lot for the same daily rate.
Accessible Parking
Port Canaveral has plenty of designated spaces available in the garage. The terminal has elevators and ramps and is wheelchair accessible.
In some specific instances, the daily parking fee is waived. These include:
- Vehicles with special equipment, such as ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls for use by a disabled person
- Display a Florida Toll Exemption Permit
- Display a Florida Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate
For additional information, consult the Port Canaveral website.
Cape Canaveral Hotel Parking
Select hotels in the Cape Canaveral area offer length-of-cruise parking as a perk for staying with them, often with a shuttle to the cruise terminal. Most options have a nominal cost, which is often less than parking at the cruise terminal. A few of our favorite hotels that offer this service are:
- Cocoa Beach Suites
- Holiday Inn Titusville
- Best Western Cocoa Beach - Port Canaveral
- Holiday Inn Express - Cape Canaveral
Be sure to double-check with the hotel before booking to be sure that the cruise port transfer service is still offered.
Renting a Car
Renting a car is a great option, especially if you're planning to explore more of Florida before or after your cruise. You can pick up a rental car at or near Walt Disney World and return it near the cruise terminal. Your favorite frogs offer discount rental car options (save up to 50%), especially when combined with the purchase of theme park tickets and your resort hotel! Ribbit!
Oh, and be sure to ask! Many rental car companies offer free shuttles from the rental office to the cruise terminal. We recommend dropping off your rental car before your cruise, but if you plan to keep your rental car during your cruise, expect to pay $17 per day, plus tax, to park at the terminal.
Most companies have car seats available for an additional daily fee. Be sure to reserve in advance to ensure availability. Additionally, some rental car companies offer vehicles with hand controls or extra space for mobility devices. Availability is limited and must be requested ahead of time.
Rideshare Services to Port Canaveral
Uber and Lyft offer rides between Walt Disney World, Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral with flexible pickup based on your schedule.
From MCO to Port Canaveral
- Drive time: 45-60 minutes
- Cost: $60-$120, depending on time of day and vehicle type
From Walt Disney World to Port Canaveral
- About an hour and 30 minutes
- Cost: $70-$130, depending on time of day and vehicle type
Car Seats
Florida law requires car seats for tadpoles under 5, and boosters for kids ages 4 to 5 based on weight and height. Both Uber and Lyft offer limited car seat availability in Orlando. Lyft's "Car Seat Mode" may be available for an added fee. Availability is not guaranteed, so we recommend traveling with a car seat if your tadpole will require one.
Accessible Options
Rideshare services have limited availability for wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and reliability can be hit or miss in Central Florida. If you require an accessible transportation option, we do not recommend relying on a rideshare at this time.
Be sure to download the rideshare app ahead of time and double-check pick-up zones at the airport or your resort. They may be in a separate location from the standard taxi or hotel shuttle locations.
Private Transportation Services to Port Canaveral
Many families and groups prefer to book a private transfer from their hotel or the airport to Port Canaveral. It's an option that works well for larger parties or anyone looking for a little extra comfort.
One of the easiest ways to get to Port Canaveral is by booking a private car service. You can choose your own pick-up time, and the driver will take you straight from your hotel or home to the cruise terminal. It’s typically direct, door-to-door service. Many companies also include free car seats or booster seats if you ask ahead. If you need a wheelchair-accessible van, some providers can arrange that too with advance notice.
Popular Private Transportation Providers:
Prices generally range from $150-$300 per vehicle each way, plus tip. Most private transportation companies provide car seats with advanced notice. Some include them for free, while others charge a small fee. Be sure to confirm in advance that a company can provide a vehicle with a lift or ramp if needed, as well as space to accommodate the transportation of your wheelchair or ECV.
If your tadpoles are early risers or need naps, private transportation can make your Disney cruise transportation experience smooth and flexible.
Disney Cruise Transportation Tips for Guests with Disabilities
No matter which Disney cruise transportation option you choose, there are ways to make it accessible and comfortable for every guest.
- Disney Transfers: Motorcoaches can accommodate most wheelchairs and ECVs with advance notice.
- Private Transfers: Many companies offer accessible vans with ramps or lifts, just be sure to arrange with the company in advance.
- Ride Shares: Limited availability for wheelchair-accessible vehicle rides, and may not be able to carry an ECV.
- Rental Cars: Some accessible vehicles are available, but booking early is key.
- Driving Yourself: Accessible parking and terminals with elevators and ramps are available at Port Canaveral.
Choosing the right Disney cruise transportation option can help ensure your vacation starts off on the right foot! Whether you're looking for luxury, flexibility or simplicity, there's a Disney cruise transportation choice that fits your needs. Just be sure to book your transportation in advance, especially if you'll need car seats or accessible vehicles. Still have questions? Let us know in the comments below. Bon voyage!
Related: Disney Cruise Express Walk-Off — What You Need to Know
Related: Everything to Know About the DCL Disembarkation Process
Keep hopping!
