Go Beaching And Shopping
If you want to soak up the Florida sun, a day at the easily accessible Cocoa Beach will not disappoint. For a fun souvenir, check out the original location of the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach.
And of course, youre only an hours drive from all the Walt Disney World theme parks , Legoland Florida, and Universal Orlando .
Disney Cruises From Florida: Ships Ports And Itineraries
Florida is home to three Disney Cruise Line ports Port Canaveral, Port Everglades , and Miami. If youre ready to embark on a Disney cruise, Florida is the place to be! This article covers which Disney cruise ships leave these three ports, how to get to the Disney Cruise Line Terminals, and what itineraries are available for Disney cruises from Florida during 2023. Let us help you plan a magical Florida Disney cruise!
Editors Note: This article was updated in July 2022 to add information on Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale being added as a third Florida home port for Disney Cruise Line.
Want even more help planning a Disney Cruise from Florida? Contact the DCL experts at The Vacationeer! Their planning services are free of charge, so get your free quote today
Transfers Between Orlando International Airport And Port Canaveral
Disney Cruise Line offers bus transportation from Orlando International Airport to Disneys Cruise Port. This option provides a simple way to go between the cruise port from the airport.
A one-way ticket costs $39 per person, and a round trip is $78. Children under the age of three are free.
The cost of a family of fours round-trip transportation on a Disney Cruise Line bus to the port is $312. This charge includes baggage handling service. You will get custom luggage tags for all your checked bags before departing, along with specific instructions on how to use them based on your travel plans.
Follow those instructions, and the rest will be taken care of by Disney. On the first night of your cruise, they will appear at your stateroom door as if by magic. The luggage transfer service provided by the Disney Cruise bus is a key benefit of airport-to-port transportation to Port Canaveral.
Call 951-3532 to arrange ground transfers in advance, or better yet, have The Vacationeer do it for you!
It is also possible to arrange private transportation from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral. You can take an Uber, Lyft, taxi, limo, or private van service. If you prefer, you can also rent a car at the airport.
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How Far Is Port Canaveral From The Orlando Airport
Port Canaveral is approximately a 45-minute car ride from Orlando International Airport .
Keep an eye on airfare to Tampa and Jacksonville sometimes flights to these airports can be significantly cheaper than ones to Orlando , and the airports are only about an hours drive farther.
Additionally, at an hour away from Port Canaveral, the Sanford International Airport often has excellent prices with discount carrier Allegiant Air.
Tip: If youre flying a low-cost carrier such as Allegiant, Spirit, or Frontier, be sure to account for the baggage fees. The airfare can be as little as $19, but youll pay extra for both carry-on and checked luggage.
Ground Transportation With Disney Cruise Line
Ground transportation via motor coach is available to book directly through Disney Cruise Line. These iconic motor coaches depart from Orlando International Airport and whisk you away to Port Canaveral and the Disney Cruise Line departure terminal.
If you opt to go with Disney Cruise Line ground transportation from MCO, make sure to be mindful of when your flight is scheduled to arrive. Disney Cruise Line recommends your flight arrive no later than 1:45 PM to allow enough travel time before embarkation.
Currently, ground transportation booked through Disney Cruise Line is $39 each way per person, or $78 round trip . These airport transfers between MCO and Port Canaveral run on embarkation and debarkation days. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.
If you are staying at a Disney World Resort hotel before or after your cruise, you can still book Disney Cruise Line ground transportation between the airport, your Disney World Resort, and Port Canaveral. In fact, a Land and Sea Disney vacation is a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds in one vacation!
You can call Disney Cruise Line at 951-3532 to learn more about fees, or book your ground transportation.
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Approximately How Long Does It Take To Drive To Port Canaveral
- A 43-minute drive from Orlando International Airport
- A 46-minute drive from Melbourne Orlando International Airport
- A 61-minute drive from Orlando Sanford International Airport
- A 60-minute drive from Walt Disney World Resort
Note that high-profile rocket launches at nearby Cape Canaveral can have major impacts on traffic in the region plan accordingly should a launch be scheduled on the first or last day of your cruise.
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!
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Which Disney Cruise Ships Sail Out Of Port Everglades In Fort Lauderdale
In 2023, select Disney Dream itineraries will depart from Port Everglades.
Despite the name, Port Everglades is not located in the Florida Everglades. It is on the southeastern coast of the Florida peninsula, in the Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood / Dania Beach areas of Broward County.
It has long been home to multiple cruise and cargo lines, but Disney Cruise Line had not used it as a Home Port prior to 2023.
Port Everglades is less than 15 minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale Airport.
Disney Cruise Line Port Everglades Fort Lauderdale Terminal Address
The address for Disney Cruise Line at Port Everglades is:
1800 SE 20th StreetFort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Upon arriving at the port, follow the signs to Disney Cruise Line at Terminal 4, where you can drop off luggage. From there, youll be directed to the parking garage to park your car.
Parking at the port is available through parking garages and surface lots. Advance reservations/payments are not accepted.
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Port Canaveral Cruise Parking For Disabled Passengers
Disabled travelers meeting certain criteria can obtain free parking at the official cruise terminal parking lots at Port Canaveral.
The disabled parking facilities are extremely convenient and wheelchair-friendly. Special disabled parking spaces are available at each terminal, close to the ship walkway.
The daily fee is waived for those who meet certain criteria, such as:
- Passengers with vehicles that are equipped with ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls specifically for disabled users
- Passengers in vehicles that display a valid Florida Toll Exemption Permit as per Florida statute 316.1964
- Passengers of vehicles displaying a Florida Disabled Veteran license plate
Things To Do Before Or After A Cruise
The area around Cape Canaveral offers lots of coastal pleasures from surfing to deep sea fishing. If the skies are of more interest, the Air Force Space and Missile Museum is a must-see to learn the history of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center.
Port Canaveral is located approximately an hour away from Walt Disney World Packages are available that include taking a trip to Orlando to visit the parks before or after your cruise.
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Where To Grab A Bite Or Last Minute Essentials
The south side of Port Canaveral has several restaurants, most with decks overlooking the shipping channel. They’re popular with both cruise passengers and locals, who come to dine on casual seafood and watch the massive ships sail out to sea. For sundries, Sunrise is a small marina shop on the south side of the port. On the north side, Seafarers is a small market catering mainly to cruise ship staff, with a variety of small items. For larger purchases, there is a Walmart three miles away on Highway A1A, and the Merritt Square Mall is eight miles away. For beach gear, Ron Jon Surf Shop and neighboring Cocoa Beach Surf Company are five miles away in Cocoa Beach. All are serviced by rotating shuttle service, as well as taxis.
Port Canaveral Florida Disney Cruise Ships And Itineraries
2023 Disney Fantasy Itineraries Departures from Port Canaveral Florida
- 5-night Bahamian cruise Port Canaveral to Nassau, Castaway Cay
- 6-night Western Caribbean cruise Port Canaveral to Port Canaveral Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Castaway Cay
- 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise Port Canaveral to Tortola, San Juan, Castaway Cay
- 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise Port Canaveral to Tortola, St. Thomas, Castaway Cay
- 7-night Western Caribbean cruise Port Canaveral to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Castaway Cay
- 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise Port Canaveral to St. Maarten, San Juan, Castaway Cay
- 8-night Bahamian cruise Port Canaveral to Bermuda , Nassau, Castaway Cay
- 10-night Southern Caribbean cruise Port Canaveral to Aruba, Bonaire, Antigua, St. Thomas
Pixar Day at Sea will be part of Florida Disney cruise departures on the Disney Fantasy from January 7th through March 4th.
The new Pixar Day at Sea event will feature a Pixar character breakfast, a Pixar-themed dinner, a Pixar film festival, a dance party with characters from Pixar, and a Pixar-themed nighttime spectacular. There will also be appearances by Jessie, Bullseye, and Sheriff Woody.
2023 Disney Wish Itineraries Departures from Port Canaveral, Florida
- 3-night Bahamian cruise Port Canaveral to Castaway Cay
- 3-night Bahamian cruise Port Canaveral to Nassau, Castaway Cay
- 4-night Bahamian cruise Port Canaveral to Nassau, Castaway Cay
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Where Are The Florida Disney Cruise Line Terminals Located
There are 3 Disney Cruise ship terminals in Florida. Disney Cruise Line offers departures from Port Canaveral Terminal, Port Everglades Fort Lauderdale Terminal, and Miami Port Terminal.
Below we list everything you need to know about Disney cruise ships departing from Florida, including the specific addresses of the terminals.
Ground Transportation At Port Canaveral
Given that Port Canaveral is not in a major city, you might think your options for transportation to and from the area would be difficult. Yet the region is a major tourism destination, and transit options abound.
The Orlando International Airport is less than an hour away, and the Beach Line Expressway connects the airport to the cruise port.
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Visit Kennedy Space Center
At the top of most visitors must-see list is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Its easy to spend a full day here. The highlight is the bus tour which takes you deep into the NASA operational areas, but theres also an IMAX film and opportunities to learn about the space shuttle program and see the actual Shuttle Atlantis, as well as meet the people behind the space program in the Heroes and Legends Center and Astronaut Hall of Fame.
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Where Do Disney Cruises Go From Florida
Theres nothing quite like setting sail from the Sunshine State. When you cruise with Disney, you can choose from a wide range of itineraries that depart from three Florida ports: Port Canaveral , Port Everglades , and PortMiami . Whether youre looking to explore the Bahamas, relax in the Caribbean, or take a transatlantic voyage, Disney Cruise Line has a perfect cruise for your family. And with their world-class amenities and entertainment, youre sure to have a magical time onboard. Most Florida sailings also include a Castaway Cay day, visiting Disneys private island in the Bahamas.
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Location Considerations For Off
- Park Port Canaveral Under 3 miles from the cruise terminals on the road to Cocoa Beach. Easy in-and-out location. About 6 minutes from the Port. Slightly out of the way when arriving from Orlando.
- Park N Cruise Under 4 miles from the cruise terminals on the road to Orlando. Easy in-and-out location. About 8 minutes from the Port. Great location when arriving from Orlando. No shuttle service to Disney Cruise Lines.
- Portparkingspace.com At the Port within a mile from Terminal 3. Closest location. It is the newest parking facility in the area.
- GoPort About 7 miles from the cruise terminals on the north side of Merritt Island. About 15 minutes from the Port longer if there is a wait at the drawbridge near the facility. Great location when arriving from Orlando.
- Port Canaveral Parking About 7 miles from the cruise terminals on the north side of Merritt Island. About 15 minutes from the Port longer if there is a wait at the drawbridge near the facility. Great location when arriving from Orlando.
- Cruisetime On Merritt Island near the Mall about 9 miles south of the Port. Easy in and out along a side road near the Mall. About 20 minutes from the Port. Out of the way for most cruisers who travel from/to Orlando but good for those driving from the south.
How Much Is The Disney Cruise Line Bus To Port Canaveral
Unlike Disneys Magical Express, it is not free. At the time of publishing this, the current cost of transfers using Disney Cruise Line is $39 per person, per way. Depending on the size of your party, this could be more or less expensive than a ride share service but overall, we feel it is a pretty fair price for the convenience.
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What Port Arrival Time Should I Choose If I Have Transportation Booked With Disney Cruise Line
You can pick whatever time you want! Port Arrival times are very flexible for guests taking the Disney Cruise bus. We recommend getting the earliest time possible during check in. At least in recent times, they wont make you wait if you arrive early if youve taken the bus to get there. Thats one benefit of taking the bus. But also be aware that you may not get there are early as you want, depending on how long you have to wait for the bus.
Overall, we love the Disney Cruise Line bus! Its comfortable, clean and reliable. And is a magical way to start your vacation!
Cruisetime Parking And Shuttle To Port Canaveral
Cruisetime Parking at Port Canaveral charges $8 per day for pre-booked parking and the shuttle for up to 4 cruisers is free. Extra passengers are charged a one-time fee of $5. The price rises steeply to $18 per day for same-day reservations. The secure parking lot is on Merritt Island and the journey time is around 15 minutes to the port. This company also offers cruise parking for RVs.
- Distance from port: 7.9 miles
- Address: 350 Fortenberry Rd, Merritt Island
- Tel: 321-591-0854
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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.
Port Canaveral Disney Cruise Parking
The first thing you need to know is that the Disney cruise terminal is Terminal 8 at Port Canaveral.
The Disney cruise Port Canaveral address is 9155 Charles M Rowland Dr. Port Canaveral, FL 32920.
However, there are a number of options for Port Canaveral Cruise Parking if you are sailing on a Disney cruise.
This also applies to all the other cruise lines which sail out of Port Canaveral.
When we sail on a Disney cruise we are always looking for the most convenient parking option even though this may cost a few extra dollars.
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