Planning your Disney Cruise Line vacation is an exciting adventure, but figuring out how to get to Port Canaveral can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’re not a Florida resident.
Luckily, Disney Cruise Line offers a convenient solution—the Disney Cruise Shuttle bus!
This magical transportation option takes the stress out of your journey, making the transition from land to sea seamless and worry-free.
Here’s everything you need to know about booking and riding the Disney Cruise Shuttle.
Why Choose the Disney Cruise Shuttle?
It’s convenient – and it can be good value too, depending upon how many people are in your party.
It’s a great way to start your vacation as you know you are already in the Disney “bubble” and will be taken care of.
Plus, one of the best perks? Disney takes care of your luggage for you! This means you can relax and enjoy the ride without any hassle.
Whether you’re starting your journey from a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, Orlando International Airport (MCO), or the Hyatt Regency at MCO, the Disney Cruise Shuttle ensures a smooth and comfortable ride to Port Canaveral.
It is not without it’s downsides though, such as possible wait times, so let’s look at what your options are for Disney Cruise transportation to Port Canaveral.
How Much Does It Cost?
At the time of writing, the Disney Cruise Shuttle costs $45 per person one way or $90 per person round trip for travelers ages 3 and up. Children 2 and under ride for free.
While this may seem like an added expense, the convenience it offers often makes it a worthy investment.
Depending on the size of your group, it could even be more affordable than ride-share options, especially when you factor in the luggage assistance and the Disney experience. As soon as you step on the bus you feel as though your vacation has begun.
Related: How Much is an Uber to Port Canaveral?
How Do You Book?
Booking your Disney Cruise Shuttle is simple! You can:
- Add it at the time of booking your cruise, or ask you travel agent to add it for you.
- Book it through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App under your reservation options. Alternatively, you can visit the Disney Cruise Line website and go to the “Already Booked” section, then select “Ground Transportation.”
- If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call Disney to discuss your options. Keep in mind that if you only need one-way transportation, you’ll need to call to reserve it, as the online system defaults to round-trip bookings. The number for DCL is (800) 951-3532.
I had to call for my latest booking as my partner and I were going to different destinations after the cruise. He was going to MCO and I was returning to a Walt Disney World Resort.
And don’t worry if you forgot to book transportation for your return trip after disembarkation—you can arrange this onboard with Guest Services during your cruise.
Where Can You Catch the Shuttle?
The Disney Cruise Shuttle is available from several key locations:
- Walt Disney World Resort Hotels: Perfect for guests enjoying a land and sea vacation.
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): If you’re flying in, you can catch the shuttle from MCO.
- Hyatt Regency at MCO: Staying at this convenient airport hotel? Disney Cruise Line makes it easy to get to Port Canaveral.
Taking the Cruise Shuttle from a Disney World Hotel
On the day of your cruise, the exact time your shuttle departs from your resort hotel to Port Canaveral will depend on how many Guests have reserved transportation.
To help you plan, Disney Cruise Line will send you an email about two days before your departure with specific pick-up details for your hotel. You can also double check with the front desk.
In general, shuttles tend to leave hotels at around 9:30 a.m., but this can vary.
Be sure to have your luggage tags securely fixed to your bags. If you didn’t receive them then ask a Cast Member at the transportation pick up point.
One of the great advantages of using Disney transportation is that once you have put your luggage on the bus, you don’t have to handle it again. The next time you see it will be outside your stateroom sometime in the afternoon that you board.
Shuttle from Orlando International
Getting to your Disney Cruise from Orlando International Airport is simple and stress-free with Disney Cruise Line Ground Transfers.
These shuttles operate roughly every 30 minutes, giving you plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. Here’s what you need to know to make your journey smooth and magical.
After arriving at the airport, start by collecting your luggage from baggage claim. Once you have your bags, proceed to Side B on Level 1, where the Ground Transportation area is located.
Look for the Disney Cruise Line Ground Transportation desk and check in with a Disney representative. They’ll guide you to the next available shuttle.
The check-in process begins as early as 8:30 a.m., with transfers starting around 10:20 a.m. and continuing until the last bus departs around 2:00 p.m.
The ride to Port Canaveral takes about an hour, and it’s a comfortable, relaxing way to start your vacation.
One of the highlights of the trip is the magical moment when you catch your first view of the cruise ship as the bus crosses the bridge to the port.
It’s just so exciting and I confess that I get pretty emotional at this point, no matter how many times I experience it.
Before boarding the shuttle, don’t forget to attach the Disney Cruise Line luggage tags you received with your travel documents. These tags ensure your luggage is properly handled and delivered straight to your stateroom, so you won’t need to worry about a thing.
Didn’t get your luggage tags in the mail? Don’t worry this happens a lot – just ask one of the Cast Members when you check in at the Disney Cruise Line Ground Transportation desk.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Shuttle
This is a very popular option and I have done this myself a number of times.
It is just so convenient if you are arriving on a late flight the day before your cruise to stay at this in airport hotel, and then take the shuttle to Port Canaveral in the morning.
The Hyatt Regency has had this arrangement with Disney Cruise Line for many years, and it is a very efficient system.
Let them know at the check-in desk that you have booked the Disney Cruise Transfers. They will then give you a form to fill in with your room number and how many pieces of luggage you would like for them to handle.
If you want the Hyatt to deal with your luggage you leave it in your stateroom and sometime after 8 am it magically gets transported to the port.
Let them know at the check-in desk that you have booked the Disney Cruise Transfers. They will then give you a form to fill in with your room number and how many pieces of luggage you would like for them to handle.
If you want the Hyatt to deal with your luggage you leave it in your stateroom and sometime after 8 am it magically gets transported to the port.
Walk a little way towards the Disney Cruise Line sign and line up.
There are Cast Members to check you in.
You will be given a boarding group. In my experience I have usually got on the first boarding Group. If you don’t then there may be some waiting around before you get on the shuttle. So it is best to make sure you are in the lobby for 8 am and make your way to the signs that show the meeting point close to the front desk.
Here is my Honest Review of Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport which includes pictures and a full review of the stay and the shuttle process
Flexible Port Arrival Times
One of the biggest perks of taking the Disney Cruise Shuttle is the flexibility it offers with port arrival times.
Unlike traditional check-in procedures that require you to select a specific arrival time, shuttle passengers often get to enter the cruise terminal and may also have an earlier boarding time.
When you arrive at the port, there may be a short delay to get into the cruise port, but usually within minutes you will be through security and able to wait in the waiting area.
Note that I said “may have an earlier boarding time”. Usually you will be given an earlier boarding Group. This doesn’t mean you will board first, this is for Concierge and Pearl Castaway Members, but you will most likely get an “early” boarding group.
This added convenience means you can relax and enjoy your morning without stressing about strict timelines. It won’t mean you board first, but you will usually be one of the earliest to board.
Don’t Forget About Your Return Trip!
Once your Disney Cruise vacation comes to an end, the Disney Cruise Shuttle can take you back to Orlando International Airport or a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Keep in mind that, like the trip to Port Canaveral, there may be some waiting involved before your bus departs.
Also, depending upon the time your shuttle departs you may have to go to early dining for breakfast, even if you should have had late dining. Always talk with your Head Server the night before to see if this is possible. Or to get an early start you can go the Cabanas or Marceline Market buffet for breakfast.
It used to be that you could Disney offered a service that checked your bags for you at MCO. Unfortunately this is no longer offered. You pick your bags up from the cruise terminal and then you are responsible for taking them off the bus and dealing with them as you would usually at the airport.
Pros and Cons of the Disney Cruise Shuttle
Pros:
- Convenience: From luggage handling to flexible arrival times, the shuttle makes your journey stress-free.
- Comfort: The motorcoach is clean, comfortable, and having Disney on the televisions does add to the magic.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing Disney is handling your transportation allows you to focus on enjoying your vacation.
Cons:
- Cost for Larger Groups: Depending on your party size, it could be more expensive than alternatives like ride-shares.
- Potential Wait Times: Be prepared for some waiting, especially at the airport or Hyatt Regency. Transportation both from and back to a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel can take extra time as they stop and pick up from more than one hotel. So this can add time to the journey.
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.