Are you planning your first magical vacation aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship from the popular port of Port Canaveral? Look no further for comprehensive information on everything you need to know about the terminal, parking, how to get there, and more. Join me as we embark on a journey filled with excitement, discovery, and a little bit of Pixie Dust!
Did you know?
Port Canaveral is situated in Cape Canaveral, Florida, serving as Disney's home port. It stands as one of the largest cruise terminals in the US and ranks as the third busiest cruise port globally. During the first half of 2024, the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal will host two Disney Cruise Ships: the Disney Fantasy and the newly unveiled Disney Wish. Look for your Disney ship at Terminal Building 8.
Port Address
Address: 9155 Charles M. Rowland Dr. Port Canaveral, FL 32920Â
Approximate driving times (without traffic and with tolls) to Port Canaveral:
- 45 minutes from Orlando International Airport
   - 50 minutes from Melbourne International Airport
   - 60 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort
Parking
Parking operated by the Port Canaveral Port Authority is available adjacent to the cruise terminal. All parking facilities are convenient, secure, and patrolled 24 hours a day. The parking garage opens at 10:15 AM.
Parking is $17.00 per day plus tax for vehicles & RVs, including day of arrival and day of departure. For instance, if you have a 3-night sailing, you will be charged $68 (17 *4) plus tax for parking. Rates are subject to change without notice. No cash is accepted - you pay using a major credit card company (i.e., American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover).
When you park, the two most convenient floors are level 1, as this is the ground level, and level 3, which is connected to the covered walkway for the terminal. Level 3 is a great place to park as you do not have to worry about the cars driving up to drop off their luggage and can get a great picture of you and your Disney cruise ship in the background along the covered walkway.
There are other parking options around Port Canaveral, but they are not tied to the Port Canaveral Port Authority and typically require you to take a shuttle to reach the cruise terminal. As such, for easy access to the Disney Cruise Line Terminal, parking at the nearby garage is your best bet!Â
Passenger / Luggage Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Upon arrival, before you park your vehicle in the terminal parking garage, you will proceed directly to the Cruise Terminal to drop off passengers and luggage. Porters will assist you with your luggage, and parking personnel will direct drivers to the appropriate parking facility. Tipping porters $1 - $2 per bag is customary.
Upon departure, passengers can retrieve their vehicles and pick up their companions and luggage in front of the terminal entrance, or they can walk with their luggage to their vehicle and depart when ready.
What is a Port Arrival Time?Â
When completing your online check-in process, you will select your Port Arrival Time (PAT). Your PAT is when you can enter the Disney Cruise Line terminal for your physical check-in. For example, if your PAT is from 12:45 pm to 1:00 pm, you can enter the terminal at that specified time. If you arrive earlier than your PAT, you will wait until your time comes. If you arrive after your PAT, you will board with the current group. However, you can park in the garage and drop off your luggage before your PAT to be prepared and among the first in line for your boarding group.
Where to stay before or after your cruise?
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If you need to stay at a hotel before or after your cruise, there are plenty of options around Port Canaveral and the Orlando area! One of the closest options to Port Canaveral is the beautiful Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront at 5.5 miles away. This hotel is a great option if you want to begin your vacation early or extend it some after the cruise - you will be right on the beach allowing you to relax and lounge by the pool or by the ocean! You can also enjoy the pier, restaurants, and shops nearby in the surfing capital of the state.Â
Another great hotel option is the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, located right inside the Orlando Airport, offering you the convenience of strolling out of your plane into your hotel room with just a few steps! This hotel also offers award-winning dining, personalized service, and an outdoor pool with planes soaring overhead.
There are various other hotel options in and around Port Canaveral and Orlando Airport. However, my favorite hotel stay for a Disney Cruise out of Port Canaveral is at a Disney hotel! While staying at a Disney resort means you will be a bit farther from Port Canaveral, the magic will begin sooner and/or end later if you stay before and/or after your cruise. Disney offers various hotel types, from value and moderate to deluxe and deluxe villas, allowing you to choose the best option for your budget!
Does Disney offer transportation from the Disney Resorts to the DCL Terminal in Port Canaveral?Â
Yes, if you decide to stay at a Disney resort before and/or after your cruise, not only will the magic start sooner and/or end later for you. But you also have the opportunity to purchase tickets for DCL transportation to and from the terminal.
Does Disney offer transportation from the Orlando International Airport to the DCL Terminal in Port Canaveral?Â
Once again, yes! You can purchase tickets for the DCL transportation service to and from the cruise terminal when arriving at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and/or staying at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport.Â
How do I book the DCL Ground Transportation?Â
Once you have booked your cruise, navigate to Already Booked > Ground Transportation on the Disney Cruise Line website or add Transportation after logging into your reservation on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. You can also call (800) 951-3532 to add ground transfers in advance, as only a limited number may be available for purchase upon arrival. If you require a one-way DCL transfer, call the number above to get that purchased. Moreover, for 2024, the average per way per person is $45 to use Disney Cruise Line's Ground Transportation. However, the final number will be provided online, through the app, or by phone, and prices are subject to change without notice.
What is there to do in Port Canaveral?Â
Port Canaveral is not only a gateway to magical Disney Cruise Line adventures but also a destination filled with exciting attractions. If you are a water enthusiast, look no further than Cocoa Beach, known as the surfing capital of Florida. Whether you are a seasoned surfer or a newbie, the waves beckon for a thrilling experience. For those fascinated by space exploration, the iconic Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and future of space travel through interactive exhibits and awe-inspiring rocket launches.
Nature lovers can explore the Brevard Zoo, home to a diverse range of wildlife in carefully crafted habitats. Additionally, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers a serene escape with its untouched landscapes and abundant birdwatching opportunities. This refuge is also home to beautiful creatures like bald eagles, manatees, and alligators. Lastly, Jetty Park Beach is a versatile tourist attraction, featuring a beach pavilion, fishing pier, diverse wildlife, and exceptional vantage points for cruise ship and rocket launch viewing.
Bon Voyage!
If this is your first time visiting Port Canaveral or using Disney Cruise Line's Terminal, I hope this blog post answered all of your questions related to getting there and parking, allowing for a smooth boarding process. I wish you a magical experience on your Disney cruise vacation!
Have you booked your Disney Cruise or are still on the fence? Check out my blog post, What's Included and Not Included in your Disney Cruise Fare, for an all-inclusive guide of what is included in your cruise fare and what would come at an additional cost!
Also be sure to check out my blog post, Menus for Disney Wish Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, to learn about what you can expect to see and enjoy at this main dining room on the Disney Wish!
For another great Disney read, check out my blog post, Disney Castaway Cay 5K: Details on How to Participate!
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