Getting from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral: Our Disney Cruise Line Shuttle Experience
When we booked our very first Disney Cruise Line vacation—a four-night sailing on the Disney Wish—I knew I wanted the start of our trip to be as stress-free as possible. With two little ones and all the gear that comes with them, the idea of renting a car, hauling luggage, and navigating parking at the port just didn’t appeal. Enter Disney Cruise Line’s ground transportation service.
I’ll be honest: figuring out how to actually use this shuttle wasn’t the most straightforward part of planning. The official instructions were vague, and before we went, I found myself wishing for a step-by-step guide. Now that we’ve done it, I’m here to share exactly how it works—and why I’d absolutely recommend it.
Flying Into Orlando the Day Before
We chose to fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) the day before our cruise. That gave us a buffer in case of flight delays (always smart during hurricane season!) and made for a more relaxed start. On embarkation day, our hotel shuttle dropped us back at the airport around 9:30 a.m., ready to meet the Disney motor coach.
Where to Go at MCO
Here’s the part I wish I had known in advance: the Disney Cruise Line buses pick up in Terminal B, Level 2 (Arrivals). Look for doors 25–30—that’s the easiest access point. From there, you’ll take the elevator downstairs to the Ground Transportation/Rental Car level. Keep walking until you see the Disney Cruise Line signs.
At this point, you’ll check in with your passport and Port Arrival Form. If you’re using MagicBands, make sure they’re charged and linked to your My Disney Experience account (not just the cruise app). The process felt organized and much smoother than our past experiences with other cruise lines. There was not an assigned time or need to be on a certain schedule - as long as you were there by 12.
Luggage Made Easy
One of the biggest perks? Disney takes your luggage right there at the airport. We handed over everything we didn’t want to carry onboard, and the next time we saw it was in our stateroom. Compared to past Royal Caribbean sailings where we wrangled suitcases into Ubers, this was a dream.
The Ride to Port Canaveral
Around 10:30 a.m., our motor coach pulled up—a comfortable, air-conditioned bus with a restroom in the back and USB chargers at the seats. The ride to Port Canaveral took about 45 minutes, and Disney played some onboard content to get us into the magic.
It wasn’t just convenient—it was fun. Watching Disney previews while our kids pressed their noses to the window made the drive feel like the real start of vacation.
Arriving at the Port
Once we arrived, it was smooth sailing (literally). Security felt similar to airport screening, and because we had already completed online check-in, we walked straight through without needing to see a desk agent. Before we knew it, we were stepping onto the gangway and off on our magical adventure.
Final Take: Worth Every Penny
Was the Disney Cruise Line shuttle the cheapest way to get to Port Canaveral? No. But for our family, it was absolutely the easiest—and that peace of mind is worth the splurge. No juggling rental cars, no stressing about parking, no dragging luggage through drop-off zones. Just hand it over, hop on a bus, and let Disney do the rest.
If you’re planning your first Disney cruise, I’d strongly recommend booking the shuttle service. It sets the tone for a smooth, magical start—and that’s exactly what you want on vacation.
✦ Ready to plan your Disney Cruise? Tomato Town Travel can help you navigate all the details, from ground transportation to the perfect stateroom. Let’s make your first day at sea as easy as possible.
