Flying Into Orlando International Airport
The Disney Cruise Line Air Program offers two convenient options to suit your vacation plans.
- Flexible Fares provide the convenience of customizing your flight schedule, with an extended payment and cancellation option.
- Restricted Fares let you confirm the best available non-refundable, airline-published airfare offered by Disney Cruise Line at the time of booking, while still receiving the peace of mind of booking your flights with the Disney Cruise Line Air Program.
Depending on your point of origin, we recommend flying in the day prior to your cruise departure. This removes the worry of missing the ships sailing if there are flight delays.
There are a number of sites for checking airline fares, including Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline, Kayak, and Yapta. On most travel sites, you can sign up to be alerted when discount fares are available. You should also check the official airline website because you might get better pricing and flight times by booking directly with the airline.
If youre flying in on embarkation day, you need to make sure that you leave enough time to get to the ship. Final boarding is at 4:00 p.m. and no one is allowed to board after that time. The port is approximately an hours drive from the Orlando airport, but youll also need to factor in the time it will take to get your luggage and to get to your transportation. Morning flight arrivals are recommended.
Limousine And Towncar Services
Several reputable limousine/town car service companies operate between the Orlando area and Port Canaveral. This is often a better value than shuttle service if you are traveling in a party of 4 or more. Check with the town car service company to be sure you know what is included or not included. Some companies include a short stop at a location of your choice for you to pick up necessities before you reach your destination, while other companies offer the service at an additional charge. Same goes with infant/toddler car seats, etc. Some companies automatically charge gratuity while others leave it to you to decide how much to tip the driver. Check and compare different companies before you decide who to hire.
First Look At The New Disney Cruise Line Terminal At Port Canaveral
Allison LunaPlease note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site
After the crazy year everyone has had, it seems the entire world has earned a vacation. And theres no vacation more relaxing than a Disney Cruise! Although it looks like it will be a while before our dreams come true and we can set sail on a luxury liner, Disney Cruise Line has utilized this lull to make some updates. Not only have some of their ships undergone a transformation, but the Port Canaveral terminal has also received a makeover! Check it out in the video below.
The massive undertaking started in early 2020 and the budget was set at $36 million. The 11 thousand square foot arrivals hall is receiving an expansion. It was originally built in 1998. Designers are working hard to make sure that any updates tie in well with the old look.
Inside, new carpets will be installed, as well as charging ports for phones and other devices. The existing floors are being revitalized to make sure they are bright and beautiful when cruises resume. Ticket counters are being made smaller to make room for more seating areas.
A new twisted rope design has been added to the buildings exterior. An outdoor plaza has also been created, made pleasing with palm trees, landscaping, and plenty of space!
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Cruisetime Parking And Shuttle
This parking lot has very reasonable rates and is located about 15 minutes drive from Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal.
The rate is $9 per day, but you are charged for your arrival and your departure day.
This means you will pay for 8 days if you are on a 7-day cruise. So the total will be $72 which really is very reasonable for cruise parking.
Note that these rates are for 4 people in the vehicle. Extra people are charged at $5 per person.
Also, be sure to book ahead. Same-day reservations have an additional $10 per day fee meaning you may as well park at the terminal.
You will have to take the shuttle bus, but you will also save more than 50% compared to the onsite cruise terminal parking.
You can see more details at book online at Cruisetime Parking and Shuttle.
The Location And Plans
At the announcement of the Port Everglades agreement, President of Disney Cruise Line, Thomas Mazloum, described the cruise terminal as, magical memories starting the moment they arrive at this exciting new homeport. The Disney Cruise Line will dock at Terminal 4, berth 4. The berth will be big enough to fit the existing Disney Dream and Magic class ships as well as the soon-to-launch Disney Wish.
At the Broward County County Commission Meeting on April 5, 2022, Broward County Mayor Michael Udine said, Disney is known for its remarkable creativity worldwide. Im sure this new terminal will reflect the magical Disney experience for travelers. We are certainly very happy and complimented that Disney Cruise Line will be sailing from our Port Everglades. Looking at the Port Canaveral Disney Cruise terminal, we would hope for the same Disney feel.
The approved plans for the new Disney terminal include a large entrance and validation area. A large seating area past security notes 800 seats plus Character.
Concierge guests will have their own seating area and gangway.
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Where Do I Get My Room Key
Pre-COVID, youd have your key in hand already when you stepped on the boat. Since you dont now, the good news is that you wont need it for the muster drill or anything else you might be doing while you wait for your cabin to be ready.
Information in the Navigator led us to believe that the stateroom corridors would be blocked until 3 p.m. as they were in the past . That might have been true earlier in the day, but by 1 p.m. we were able to access stateroom doors. Your room keys will be in the mail slot of your door by 3 but our stateroom host confirmed to us that they leave the keys as soon as theyre done with the room, so you may find them ready for you earlier.
Luggage delivery continues throughout the afternoon check the Navigator to know when you should expect your luggage to be delivered.
Port Canaveral Cruise Parking
Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal parking is gated and has 24-hour security. Parking is located at each terminal and there are plenty of signs to direct you. Passengers at Cruise Terminal 9/10 can park outside or in the parking garage. Here are complete driving directions to Port Canaveral. You can prepay online for parking.
Rather than drive yourself, we suggest using transportation from the Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral cruise terminals.
Consider staying at a park and cruise hotel near Port Canaveral. You can leave your car at the hotel during your cruise.
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Best Ways To Get To Disney Cruises In Port Canaveral
If youre planning a Disney cruise, you have several options for traveling between Orlando and Port Canaveral. Orlando International Airport is 45 miles from Disneys Port Canaveral Cruise terminal, so you will need a travel plan before arriving in Florida. This guide covers the best ways to get to Disney cruises in Port Canaveral, including detailed information on:
- Disney shuttle service between MCO and the DCL terminal
- Non-Disney transportation between Orlando and Port Canaveral
- Ridesharing and taxi services
- Car rentals and driving your own car
- Most practical and affordable transportation options
Here are the six best ways to travel from Orlando to Port Canaveral, whether you seek the fastest route, the most budget-friendly option, or something else.
How Does Muster Drill Work Now
Like the boarding process, the muster drill has been hugely improved by the need to avoid crowds and lines. There are two portions of the drill: first you check in at your muster station, and later youll watch a safety information video. The app says that you should bring your Key to the World card with you to check in, but this is not necessary and you can take care of the muster check-in while youre waiting for your cabin to be ready.
You can find your muster station on your room key , on the back of your stateroom door, and also in the Navigator app. You should see a prompt to complete the drill on the home screen if not you can access it through the Hamburger Menu Emergency Assembly Station.
After arriving at the muster station each member of your party can self-check by pressing a button in the app and then centering the muster symbol on the wall within the pop-up window its kind of like reading a QR code. If you have kids in your party who dont have phones , you can check them in with the Cast Member who will be at the station.
After youve been to the muster station, watch the video in the app and make sure to listen for the announcement with the Emergency Signal. And thats it youre done!
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Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Locations
The following terminals are on the A side North Side of the port. When coming in A1A from Orlando, take exit 54A:
- Cruise Terminal #5 9245 Charles Rowland Drive
- Cruise Terminal #6 9241 Charles Rowland Drive
- Cruise Terminal #8 9155 Charles Rowland Drive
- Cruise Terminal #10 9005 Charles Rowland Drive
The following terminals are on the B side South side of the port. When coming in A1A from Orlando, take exit 54 B.
- Cruise Terminal #1 9050 Discovery Road
- Cruise Terminal #3 220 Christopher Columbus Drive
Disney Cruises Terminal Port Canaveral
Terminal 8 is Disney Cruises Terminal in Port Canaveral. During the cruise hiatus in 2020, some updates were made to the terminal to enhance customer convenience.
Take a look at this video to see a tour of the terminal:
Carnival Cruise Terminal Port Canaveral
Terminal 3 was built specifically for the 2021 arrival of Carnivals newest and largest ship, the Mardi Gras.
Check out this video tour of T3!
Driving To Port Canaveral
From the Walt Disney World Resort:Take I-4 east or 417 east to State Road 528 east . Continue on State Road 528 over the Indian River and the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road 401, which will loop and head north over the channel locks. Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the signs to Cruise Terminal 8.
From Orlando International Airport:Take State Road 528 east . Continue on State Road 528 over the Indian River and the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road 401, which will loop and head north over the channel locks. Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the signs to Cruise Terminal 8.
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Need A Place To Stay In Port Canaveral Before Your Disney Cruise
Those looking for a hotel to stay the night before your cruise, consider the Radisson in Cape Canaveral. Not only is it a nice hotel that is close to the port, it has on site cruise parking through ParkPort Canaveral mentioned above!
You can book a Cruise package where you can stay at the hotel and then leave your car during the cruise .
Port Arrival Testing And Security
Arrival, testing, and security procedures are probably where youll find the most variation from port to port. The below information is for Port Canaveral, for information on other ports see Disneys embarkation website.
Arrival
Before arriving at the port, youll need to fill out the Health Questionnaire. Its similar to the questionnaire you used to fill out at the port, with the addition of COVID-related questions. You can do this in the Navigator app, or you can do it online using the link in an email that DCL will send you. If youre staying at the airport Hyatt and you have cruise transfers through Disney, theyll review your health questionnaire when you check in for transport.
Testing
If youre driving to the port, youll stay in your car during testing until youre cleared to proceed to the terminal.
If youve arrived without a car, youll be directed to the testing facility that has been set up in the parking lot. In the first tent in the workflow, youll receive a plastic bag with a swab for each member of your party. If you have more than one stateroom, each stateroom will be tested as a separate group. After getting your swab, youll be directed to one of several booths. Youll swab your own nose under the direction of test personnel, and theyll take it from there.
Security
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Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal A
Port Canaveral is divided into two sections by the shipping channel. The north of the channel is home to Cruise Terminals 5, 6, 8, and 10. These terminals are easily accessed after you turn off of 528 to Cruise Terminal or Port Canaveral North Cargo Piers.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is the cruise line with most ships docked at Port Canaveral and has exclusive use of Cruise Terminals 5 and 6 on the north side. These terminals include sailings by Carnival Magic, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Breeze.
Disney Cruise Line
With the Disney theme parks close by, it comes as no surprise that the Space Coast is home to the Disney Cruise Line. The mouses ships dock at Cruise Terminal 8 and include the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wonder.
Norwegian Cruise Line
The Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Sun sail out of Cruise Terminal 10. The Norwegian Breakaway will sail out of Port Canaveral starting Nov. 23, 2019.
Port Canaveral Disney Cruise Terminal Boarding Process
If you are taking a Disney Cruise more than likely it will be out of Port Canaveral. You might find the entire Disney Cruise Port Canaveral boarding process a bit overwhelming if you havent been to the terminal before.
There are a lot of lines, a ton of people and the last thing you want to do is be stressed out as you are embarking on your magical vacation because you dont know what to expect.
Being prepared is one way to make the Disney Cruise boarding process a little easier.
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Port Canaveral Parking Rates
These rates are for the official onsite Port Canaveral Parking which is within walking distance of all the cruise ports.
You do not need to take a shuttle with this cruise parking option you simply walk to your cruise ship terminal.
The prices for parking directly at the Port Canaveral Port for a Disney cruise are:
3-nights cruise $687-nights cruise $136
These prices reflect the fact that you pay for one extra day as explained above.
So for example, $136 will be your total Port Canaveral parking cost if you sail on a 7-night cruise.
There is an extra charge for oversized vehicles over 20 feet in length.
All major credit cards are accepted but cash is not.
We have sailed out of many destinations and the Port Canaveral cruise port is one of the easiest and most efficient.
The dedicated Disney cruise port at Port Canaveral is definitely a model of how a cruise port should be!
As soon as you arrive at the Disney Cape Canaveral cruise port you know that you are already on vacation!
Photo by morrowm
There is also a preferred parking option at Disneys Port Canaveral. This is not necessarily the best parking at Port Canaveral Disney Cruise.
However, it is worth thinking about. You add $20 to the total rate for premium parking at Port Canaveral.
This does get you closer to the Disney ship but really the premium is rather too much for the benefit it actually gives.
Its less walking to the terminal but is it worth $20? Probably not.
Disney Dream Cruise Ship Leaves Port Canaveral To Make Way For Disney Wish
PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. â After more than 10 years of calling Port Canaveral home, the Disney Dream cruise ship has left for a new port.
What You Need To Know
- Disney Dream cruise ship leaves Port Canaveral after 11 years
- The ship, which has called the port home since 2011, has headed a new port in Miami
- The move comes as Disney gets ready to welcome its new Disney Wish ship
- The Wish will embark on its maiden voyage July 14
âââThe 4,000-passenger ship, which has been based out of Port Canaveral since 2011, will sail out of Miami for the next year.
âItâs heading down to Miami, and next year, itâs going to Europe. So that ship probably wonât be back for a while,â Port Canaveral Chief Executive Officer Capt. John Murray said during a commission meeting in May.
The official Port Canaveral Twitter account shared a farewell message to the Dream on Monday after it left the port for the last time.
âFrom the time you were born, youâve called Port Canaveral home,â Port Canaveral tweeted along with video of the shipâs christening ceremony. âThe 11 years youâve been part of our Port Family have been wondrous and magical, but youâre all grown up now and your time has come to make new memories.â
FAREWELL DISNEY DREAM: From the time you were born, youâve called Port Canaveral home. The 11 years youâve been part of our Port Family have been wonderous and magical, but youâre all grown up now and your time has come to make new memories.
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