Flights/Check In Process / Port Canaveral Transportation

• Booking your Flights to Orlando
• Checking In Process
• Ground Transfers (Disney Cruise Line)
• Town Car Service
• Driving to Port Canaveral

Disney Cruise Line offers the option of booking flights through them and while this makes things very easy, there is little flexibility with this option. DCL selects the airline and flight times for you, but does not provide the details of your flight until closer to your departure date. Many guests like to be in control of their chosen airline, schedule, connections and fares and choose to book air on their owm

Depending on your point of origin, we’d recommend flying in the day prior to departure. This removes the worry of missing the ship's sailing if there are flight delays. This is especially important during the winter months, when flight cancellations due to weather, are common.

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.

Keep checking on your flight even after it's booked. Airlines are known to change flight numbers and times. They are supposed to contact you when they make changes but rarely do. The sooner you notice a change the sooner you can contact the airline if this change doesn't work for you. Before calling, check the airline's website to see what your new options for flights might be. Don’t wait for them to suggest something. Tell them the option that works best for you. In addition, you might find that your fare has decreased.

If you're 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 pm and no one is allowed to board after that time. The port is approximately an hour drive from the Orlando airport, but you’ll 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.

Disney recommends on departure day that you not book a flight before 12:30 PM. There are times when the ship is delayed at the Port and you run the risk of missing your flight. Rushing to get to the airport is not the way to end your Disney cruise vacation.

Check In at the Disney Cruise

Transportation companies are no longer allowed to drop guests off at Port Canaveral before 11:00 am.  This means there will be no pickups at the airport or Disney hotels before 10:00 am.

We have found check-in at Disney Cruise Line to be quick and painless.  The operational hours of the cruise terminal and parking garage in Port Canaveral begin at 11:00 am.

Just like at airports, you'll first pass through a security screening. From there it's up the escalator (or elevator) to the check-in area. Here you'll find a long counter manned by some of the friendliest Cast Members you'll find at Disney.

In order to make this as effortless and quick as possible, have all of the forms in your cruise packet filled out beforehand. Every member of your party needs to complete this. If you have your confirmation number, you can also complete your forms online at the official Disney Cruise Line website.

Also be sure to you fill out your US Customs paperwork, and ensure that everything is properly signed.

You need to have the proper ID and documentation for every member of your party.

For the latest U.S. Department of State regulations click here

 

In terms of getting to Port Canaveral, you have several options.  The first, and more expensive option is to purchase transfers with your Disney Cruise Line reservation.  Included with your transfer is baggage handling. You place a special luggage tag on your bags, check them at your departing airport, and the next time you see them will be in your stateroom. You'll be greeted by a Disney Cruise Line representative as you disembark the plane (they wait in the rotunda of Orlando Int'l Airport).  They will guide you to your bus, and it's off to the ship you go. Of course, if you have a land/sea vacation, then your bags will be brought to your hotel first (provided you purchased the land/sea vacation with cruise line.  This won't work if you're staying at hotels off property). 

NOTE:  All Disney Cruise Line transportation is provided by motor coaches.

From the Orlando International Airport, the port is just a short drive along Florida's Beachline Expressway (S.R. 528) to reach the cruise terminals, restaurants, parks, beach and other places of business and recreation.

Port Canaveral is even closer to Melbourne International Airport. From the airport follow signs to eastbound U.S. 192, cross the Indian River and turn north on SR A1A. Drive along the coast until you reach Port Canaveral. Or take, U.S. 192, westbound to Interstate 95 and drive north to the Beeline Expressway's east exit.

From the Daytona Beach International Airport, go east to Interstate 95, then drive south to the Beeline Expressway's east exit.

Once you arrive at the port, finding the cruise terminals is easy. Signs along the highway clearly chart your course. Cruise Terminals 5 and 9/10 are located on the north side of the port and can be reached via SR 401. Cruise Terminals 2, 3 and 4 are on the south side near Jetty Park. Just turn left off SR 528 into Port Canaveral, then make a right turn onto George King Boulevard and follow the signs.

Prices to park at the Port are:

3-night cruise - $60

4-night cruise - $75

5-night cruise - $90

7-night cruise - $120

This price is for every day the vehicle is parked in the lot or garage, including day of arrival and departure.

 

There is a preferred parking area available for $25 per day.  Guests can drop off their luggage, then turn left into the preferred area.  113 spaces are available, with 6 of those being handicapped-accessible.  This area is first come, first served.