Monday, August 13, 2012

Disney Cruise Line: Ground Transportation

The best part about a cruise vacation is that once you get onboard, it's all taken care of. Everything you could possibly need or want is at your fingertips and you can do everything or nothing at all. That leaves only one problem...getting to and from the ship. 

The options for ground transportation seem limitless but not all transfers area created equal. 

Let's take a look at Port Canaveral since that is the port that has two Disney ships sailing on a regular basis. 

  • Disney Ground Transportation: These transfers operate very much like Disney's Magical Express but for the cruise line. Board a themed Disney motorcoach from Orlando International Airport, or your Walt Disney Resort Hotel for transportation to the Port. 
    • Cost:Transfers are $35 per person, per trip and run on a frequent basis; just like Magical Express. 
    • Note: If you purchase your airfare package through Disney Cruise Line your ground transfers are already added.
    • Pros: You know it's Disney and they are reliable, you can ride in comfort with peace of mind and that price isn't outrageous. 
    • Cons: You will be arriving at the port with a bus full of people so unless you can get your family to move like a SWAT team you'll be in line checking-in with all of those people as well. 
    • Best for: Single travelers or parties of two-you get the best value for your money with Disney transfers with 2 people or less. When you get into larger groups you may find it more affordable to opt for private transportation.
  • Happy Limo-Private transportation: Just because "limo" is in the title doesn't mean you have to pull up in a super-stretch (although it is really fun!). Happy Limo is Orlando's premier private transportation company and has been featured on our beloved Disney sites such as Passporter and Mousesavers. Ride comfortably in your selection regardless of whether it's a luxury sedan, a stretch limo, a mini-van or a 15-passenger van. Happy Limo is reputable (they are my first choice for ground transportation whenever i'm in Florida), professional, friendly and fair. The driver will wait for you at baggage claim with a sign with your family name on it, help you claim your luggage and then you're on your way. They are known by Disney and know the Disney terminal very well so they will get you as close to the door as possible and help you transfer your luggage to a porter before they are on their way. You will receive a text message on your cell phone from your driver introducing themselves and providing their contact information. I love this added peace of mind. When your plane lands and you turn your phone on there's a message for your driver telling you who he is, where he is and that he's waiting for you. 
    • Pro's: No hassle of renting a car and navigating the port terminal on your own. You arrive at your own pace and in your own private transportation, not with a bus full of people to wrangle with at the port. Start your vacation on the ride there with a relaxing ride to the port. Multiple people can share a vehicle, you pay for the vehicle not per passenger so essentially 4 people could ride for the price of 1.
    • Con's: While the prices are reasonable a round trip fare can set you back about $220 (gratuity not included) for a luxury sedan, that's about $55 a person  (based on 2 passengers) compared to the $35 Disney rate. The more people you ride with the better the value as the cost divides down.
    • Cost: $220 round trip from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral
    • Best for: Parties or two or more, experienced cruisers who want to arrive at the port at their own pace and everyone else. 
Of course these aren't the only two options but these are really the only options that I use. Happy Limo is always my first choice for transportation and they have never let me down. The drivers are extremely knowledgable, courteous and prompt and I enjoy the relaxing drive to the port knowing that i'm in good hands. 

To book your Disney Cruise Line ground transfers, call Disney Cruise Line or add them to your reservation from the start. To book your private transportation via Happy Limo visit their website, where you can even participate in a live chat (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST) to get all your questions answered!  Child seats are available for your transfers so you don't have to worry about lugging any of that with you. Keep in mind anything you bring has to be stored in your stateroom so less is more! 

As your Disney travel agent i'll take care of all of this for you. I can recommend different transportation options and give you accurate pricing so you can decide what's right for your family. Not all vacations are created equal and I will customize one that will fit you and your schedule. 

I do offer onboard credits for Disney Cruises (based on your cruise price) so you can put my dollars to use on yourself while onboard. 

$1,000-$1,099      $25
$2,000-$2,999      $50
$3,000-$3,999      $75
$4,000-$4,999      $100
$5,000-$5,999      $150
$6,000-$6,999      $200
$7,000-$7,999      $250
$8,000-$8,999      $300
$9,000-$9,999      $350
$10,000+             $400

Quotes are always fast and free and of course there's no obligation. When you book with me you're guaranteed my concierge level services before during and after your cruise and of course they are complimentary. Contact me today for your free quote or to learn more about Disney Cruise Line.

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