Disney cruise pt. Canavral question

Hi
We are taking a 5 day cruise the first week of may and was just wondering...I booked my flight leaving Orlando at 12:20 pm...is that enough time to get off the ship and to the airport? The next flight isn't until 355...my original flight was 3pm, but they just emailed me and said it changed to 3:55 and I was mad so I switched to the earlier one at 12:20. My daughter will be 21 months, so sitting at the airport for s few hours is not really on my fun list! Haha thanks

Re: Disney cruise pt. Canavral question

What time does the ship dock? How long does it take to get from the port to the airport via car? Google maps should tell you.

Remember, just because the ship docks at 8AM doesnt mean you're off at 8AM. The ship has to clear customs, then they take pepole off in groups and you need to search for your luggage if you're not carrying it off on your own. Plus then you can't arrive 30 minutes before the plan leaves, you need more time for customs, etc.

Personally, I wouldn't do it and I dont even have a child to worry about. Too close for comfort.

Re: Disney cruise pt. Canavral question

That might be tight you might make it but it might be stressful. Not sure I know they usually recommend to not take a flight before 12 when the port is close to the airport. I could be wrong but I thought I read that port canaveral is about 50-60 mins from the airport. If so you might want to switch to the later flight.

I know security at MCO can have VERY long lines - we waited over 30 mins to get through on both our trips - esp middle of the day when it is busy. With a toddler in tow you are better to let your toddler run around the airport and grab a meal there than being stressed about running through the airport to make your flight. I'm not sure how disney handles bags - I am not sure if they put your bags through or if you have to find them in the terminal then hand them over to the airline to check at the port. If you have to find your bags at the port then hand them into the airline you might have to search for your bags - that has happened to us a few times where your bag was not in the group that it should have been with.

When I sail out of San Juan or FLL - I usually shoot for a 130-230 flight.

Re: Disney cruise pt. Canavral question

You will be fine. They want you off the ship very early in the morning, sometimes as early as 6:30. You will have plenty of time to get to the airport and get through security. Once I made a flight around that time when a hurricane was approaching and the airport was due to close that evening. It was a mad house and we still made it. Don't worry….and enjoy your trip!!

Re: Disney cruise pt. Canavral question

I personally wouldn't do it. I'd rather sit around the airport for a couple of hours than have to rush off the ship and possibly miss a flight b/c of delays while disembarking. That being said, I've been on 6 cruises and don't remember ever getting off later than about 9:30 but you just never know. You will likely be fine though.

Port Canaveral is about 45 minutes from Orlando's airport.

Re: Disney cruise pt. Canavral question

Port Canavral is about a good hour from Orlando. last time I sailed out of PC I had a 3pm flight. It was torture sitting in the airport from 11am until 3pm watching flights leave before mine. I would probably get off the ship as early as possible and go to the airport (pre-arrange a transfer that knows your flight times).

One other time I had a 5pm flight-just couldn't take sitting in the airport for hours and hours.

Re: Disney cruise pt. Canavral question

One other option. If you take a later flight - every other cruise line I have been on has a excursion offer for disembarkation day for those who have a later day flight. You could see if they offer one and what they offer. Not sure how late your flight has to be to take one - it might be 4 though.

Re: Disney cruise pt. Canavral question

It's really too early, Kelly.

Yes, they want you off the ship ASAP so they can prep for the next cruise and load those passengers but anything can happen with customs and I'd rather sit in an airport than miss my flight, especially with a little one.


- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008

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Re: Disney cruise pt. Canavral question

Thanks ladies!