Disney Cruise Line – Pre/Post Cruise Hotels and Ground Transportation

LAST UPDATE: 5/2/13

On this page I’ve collected some useful hints about Disney Cruise hotels and where to stay before or after your cruise, ground transportation (limo or rental car) and other pre/post cruise information.

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Disney Cruise Hotels: Where to Stay the Night Before Your Cruise

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Near Port Canaveral (Florida Cruises)

For those who want to spend the night at Cape Canaveral before their Disney Cruise, there are four hotels very close (5 miles or less) to the port: Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach, Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral, Radisson Resort at the Port and Four Points by Sheraton Cocoa Beach.

These hotels are also good places to stay if you want to visit the Kennedy Space Center, by the way.

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach is an all-suite hotel with a nice Florida-style ambiance and a heated pool and whirlpool. Your stay includes a complimentary full hot breakfast buffet. Rooms feature FREE high-speed Internet access.

There are three room types: studios (bedroom with king bed, living room area with sofabed but not separated by a wall), 1-bedroom suites (one bedroom with two queen beds, one bath, separate living room with sofabed) and 2-bedroom suites (two bedrooms, each with a king bed, two baths, separate living room with sofabed).

All room types include a full kitchen with stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator. Beds at the Residence Inn are equipped with high-quality mattresses and bedding. Bathrooms have granite countertops.

This hotel does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

The Residence Inn offers “Park and Cruise” packages that allow you to park your car in their lot during your cruise. The packages include a certain number of vouchers for the shuttle to Port Canaveral. If you are not on such a package, you can pay separately for parking ($6/day) and the hotel offers a shuttle to Port Canaveral for $6 per person round trip. If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. Try Checker Cab at (321) 799-0377. Thanks to Jamie D for additional info.

Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral

Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral is located virtually next door to the Residence Inn, so they are about the same distance from the port. Your stay includes a FREE deluxe hot breakfast buffet every morning. The hotel has a fitness center, FREE high-speed Internet access, outdoor heated pool with dedicated children’s pool area and waterfall hot tub, and shuttle service to the port.

There are four room types: standard rooms with one King bed or two Queen beds; children’s themed suites with one Queen bed and a separate kid’s room area with two bunk beds and a twin bed; one-bedroom suites with one King or two Queen beds and a separate living room area with a queen sleeper sofa; and Jacuzzi suites featuring one King bed with oversized corner Jacuzzi garden tub. Rooms include a microwave, small refrigerator and coffee maker.

The Country Inn & Suites does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

This hotel offers Park & Cruise packages that allow you to leave your car at the hotel while you are on your cruise and take a free shuttle to and from the port.

Radisson Resort at the Port

Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral is also close to the port. It gets mixed reviews. It’s an older property than the Residence Inn or Country Inn & Suites. Most rooms include Sleep Number beds and FREE high-speed Internet access.

There are three room types: standard rooms with one King bed or two double beds; King Jacuzzi suites, which include one room with a King bed, a whirlpool Jacuzzi, a separate full bathroom and one room with a comfortable living room area and a pull-out sofa sleeper; and Two King Jacuzzi suites, which are the same as the regular Jacuzzi suites except that they have two King beds in the bedroom. Suites include a microwave and mini refrigerator; regular rooms do not.

The Radisson has an elaborate waterfall pool, a koi pond and beautifully landscaped grounds. There are tennis courts and a fitness room. There is a buffet-style restaurant (extra charge) that has a nice atmosphere, with lots of windows, white-washed walls and high ceilings. The hotel lobby/restaurant entrance has a small lounge for evening drinks.

The Radisson offers some packages that including parking for your car at the hotel while you are on your cruise and a shuttle to and from the port. Alternatively, the hotel will charge you a fee to park your car in its lot while you are on your cruise, and provides a shuttle to the port for $5 per person.

Four Points by Sheraton Cocoa Beach

Although located further from the port than the other hotels, Four Points by Sheraton Cocoa Beach has some appealing features, including its reasonable rates, 5,600 gallon shark and tropical fish aquarium, and its location in The World’s Largest Surf Complextm offering surfing lessons, surf merchandise and beach rentals of all kinds, including surfboards, body boards, beach chairs and beach umbrellas. It’s about two blocks from the beach.

The hotel offers a small pool with a waterfall feature and a spa, which are unfortunately located more or less in a parking garage, so if a great pool is critical to you, don’t stay here. There is a Starbucks at this location and there are various chain restaurants nearby. Because of the fun surf theming, this hotel appeals to many teens.

Guest rooms feature a casual surf/beach décor with original artwork and complimentary high speed Internet. Room types include standard rooms with a King bed or two Queen beds; Junior Suites with two Queen beds and a separate seating area, microwave and small fridge; and Whirlpool Suites with one King bed, separate living area and a two-person whirlpool tub. The Sweet Sleeper beds are very comfortable.

Be sure to see what’s listed on the hotel website under “Hotel Offers” (upper right side of screen) — you may find a great offer that won’t show up otherwise. There is a “Park and Cruise” rate if you’d like to leave your car at the hotel during your cruise and take the hotel’s shuttle to the port.

At Orlando International Airport (MCO)

If you will be arriving at the Orlando airport the day before your cruise (and I highly recommend this, so you don’t have to worry about missing your sailing), you might want to consider spending the night before your cruise at Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport.

The Hyatt is an upscale hotel that is actually located in the airport terminal, so you don’t have to worry about traveling any further. Just collect your bags, take them up on the elevator, check in and you’re ready to start enjoying your vacation! (The rooms are well insulated from the airport noise, by the way — we stayed there on the first night of our Walt Disney World honeymoon and did not hear the planes.)

If you stay at the airport Hyatt instead of going all the way out to Walt Disney World, you are much closer to Port Canaveral. That means you can sleep in a little longer before heading off to the ship in the morning. You can choose from multiple dining options within the airport, or take a swim at the hotel. It’s great way to start relaxing right away.

Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport has a relationship with Disney, so you can arrange Disney bus transportation to the ship from the hotel (or you can book a private car transfer or rental car if you prefer). If you arrange your transportation through Disney, your luggage is transported directly to your stateroom on the ship. Talk about convenient!

Near the Port of Los Angeles (California Cruises)

For those who want to spend the night at the Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro) before their Disney Cruise, there are two options nearby: Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor and DoubleTree San Pedro.

I sent my good friend Charles Finn, who has been on more cruises than he can probably count, to check out the Crowne Plaza, which is located about 1/2 mile from the port passenger terminal (aka the World Cruise Center). He stayed there overnight in a standard room in August 2010. Here’s what he reports:

Overall room quality, cleanliness and decor were excellent. Very nice room. The bed was little soft for me, but no complaints. 24″ old-style tube TV with the usual hotel cable channels. Rooms have a coffee maker but no safe. There is a hair dryer, iron and ironing board in the closet. Bathroom has one sink, standard amenities, and is fairly small.

The hotel is very close to the cruise terminal in San Pedro. (Technically walkable but you’d have to cross a major road.) The facility is attractive, and the neighborhood is clearly gentrifying. Looks reasonably safe.

There’s one bar/restaurant in the hotel, called Blu. VERY limited menu, and pricey. Food was comparable to Coco’s on a bad day. Wilted salad. Uninspired meal all around. Service was pretty much nonexistent. [Note from Mary: Charles' report about Blu is consistent with others I've read. However, there are good reports about two very close-by restaurants: Green Onion, a Mexican place located half a block away; and Nosh Cafe, a breakfast and lunch place, a block and a half away.]

If you need to park your car, Crowne Plaza has a “Park and Sail” package that you book with your room. You can park for up to 15 days.

The hotel offers a free shuttle to the pier. There’s a binder on the counter for you to sign up for the shuttle. It’s pretty much first come, first served. First shuttle is at 10:30 am.

Internet access in the rooms is wireless only, for $10 per day. If you don’t have a laptop and you need to access the Internet or print something out, there is a business center. There is a fee for using the computer terminals and for printing.

Overall, if I were sailing out of the port across from Crowne Plaza, I wouldn’t mind this place as a “night before,” but I wouldn’t choose to spend any extra nights. There is nothing to do in the immediate area. If you want to visit tourist attractions in the Los Angeles/Orange County area, stay closer to the places you want to visit.

DoubleTree San Pedro, located about a mile from the port, also offers a free shuttle to the pier, which you’ll need to schedule with the front desk the night before. I have not personally stayed at this hotel, but have heard from some readers who have, and they pretty consistently suggest it’s fine for a one-night stay prior to a cruise.

Standard rooms have 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed and feature Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree beds, with plush-top mattresses, down comforters and jumbo pillows. In-room amenities include in-room coffee maker, ironing board and iron and high-speed Internet access (for a fee).

The DoubleTree has a heated swimming pool, fitness facility and tennis courts. The hotel’s Marina Grill Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with both indoor dining and outdoor patio dining with views of the marina. The breakfast buffet gets good reviews. There are packages available that include parking for up to 14 days.

At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

If you will be arriving at the Los Angeles airport the day before your cruise (and I highly recommend this, so you don’t have to worry about missing your sailing), you might want to consider spending the night before your cruise at one of the hotels below, all of which are dependable major brands. They should be fine for a one-night stay. If you plan to stay longer than that, LAX-area hotels are not a good base for visiting Los Angeles, because they are not located in an attractive area and there are no major tourist attractions nearby. If you want to check out any of the many tourist attractions in the Los Angeles/Orange County area, stay closer to the places you want to visit.

Barcelona Hotel Options

The Barcelona hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent, contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Pre/post-cruise stays can be added up until 31 days prior to check-in date (after that time, you can be waitlisted). If you stay both before and after the cruise, both portions must be booked at the same hotel. Pre/post-cruise stays that are added to a cruise reservation must be purchased for ALL guests in the same stateroom.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels through the links below, which may be less expensive and offer more flexibility:

New!Miami Hotel Options

Comfort Suites Miami Airport North

The best deal going in Miami seems to be Comfort Suites Miami Airport North. While it’s not fancy, this well-reviewed hotel offers reasonable rates along with some great benefits:

Comfort Suites Miami Airport North is a non-smoking hotel and rooms include high-definition flat-screen television with cable, microwave, refrigerator, pillow-top mattress, safe, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.

Official Disney Cruise Hotels

If you prefer something more upscale, the Miami-area hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent, contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Pre/post-cruise stays can be added up until 31 days prior to check-in date (after that time, you can be waitlisted). If you stay both before and after the cruise, both portions must be booked at the same hotel. Pre/post-cruise stays that are added to a cruise reservation must be purchased for ALL guests in the same stateroom.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels through the links below, which may be less expensive and offer more flexibility:

Vancouver Hotel Options

The Vancouver hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent, contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Pre/post-cruise stays can be added up until 31 days prior to check-in date (after that time, you can be waitlisted). If you stay both before and after the cruise, both portions must be booked at the same hotel. Pre/post-cruise stays that are added to a cruise reservation must be purchased for ALL guests in the same stateroom.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels through the links below, which may be less expensive:

Galveston/Houston Hotel Options

The Galveston-area hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent, contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Pre/post-cruise stays can be added up until 31 days prior to check-in date (after that time, you can be waitlisted). If you stay both before and after the cruise, both portions must be booked at the same hotel. Pre/post-cruise stays that are added to a cruise reservation must be purchased for ALL guests in the same stateroom.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels through the links below, which may be less expensive:

What to Do If Your Return Flight Leaves Late in the Day

You’ll be getting off the cruise ship early in the morning on the last day. If your flight doesn’t leave for hours, and you don’t know what to do with your day, here are some suggestions.

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Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Transportation and Parking at the Cruise Ports

Disney’s bus transfers to and from the port are convenient, but also pretty expensive, especially for a family:

Disney’s transfers must be booked a minimum of 3 days before the start of the trip through your travel agent (or Disney if you booked direct). At the airports, a Disney rep will be at the baggage claim area to help direct guests to the bus. Your luggage will go directly to your stateroom; you just need take your day bag with you to the cruise terminal.

One down side of using the Disney bus system is that you will arrive at the port with a big group of people and at a time dictated by Disney. The result is often a long wait in the check-in lines.

Below are alternate options that may be cheaper and/or more convenient.

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Port Canaveral – Rental Car

Your most economical option may be to rent a car one-way between the airport and Port Canaveral. None of the rental car companies listed below have a one-way or drop-off charge except as noted. Depending on the rental car company, you can either take a shuttle or a cab to the port.

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to stop and grab some groceries or last-minute items, and you can arrive at the ship earlier than the bus passengers, which allows you to board ahead of the crowd and get yourself settled, make Palo and spa reservations, etc.

There are four major rental car companies with offices near Port Canaveral:

If you want to gas up your rental car on the way back to the airport, exit Florida 528 at Narcoosee Road, which is two exits before the airport exit, and turn right. There is a BP station about a block up on the right, with normal gas prices. Note that you will have to pay a cash ramp toll at this exit, so have some quarters with you.

The nearest gas station to the airport (“Landing Strip” aka “Suncoast Energy” on Semoran Boulevard, just north of the airport) is a complete rip-off. This station habitually charges nearly TWICE the normal price for gas and does not have signs to let people know the prices before they pull in. You won’t realize you’re paying a ridiculous price unless you look closely at the pump!

Port Canaveral – Luxury Sedan, Limo or Private Van/SUV Service

A fun, relaxing (and surprisingly economical) way to get from Walt Disney World or the Orlando Airport to the cruise terminal at Port Canaveral is to use luxury sedan, limo or private van/SUV service.

The great thing is, you can schedule the vehicle to get you to the ship earlier than the bus passengers, which allows you to board ahead of the crowd and get yourself settled, make Palo and spa reservations, etc.

A luxury sedan is generally cheaper than Disney’s bus transfers if you are transporting a family. For larger groups, a private van, SUV or limo is definitely the way to go. You’ll save money and time.

Port Canaveral – Cruise Port Parking

Parking at the port is now $15 per day (not per night). You are charged for your arrival and departure days, even though they are partial days. The upshot is, this is what you’ll pay:

For more information, click here.

Be sure to check on deals at the hotels near the port. You can usually pay for one night and get a week of free parking in the hotel lot.

A cheaper option is Park ‘N Cruise, a private parking lot only about 5 minutes from the port. Rates start at $6.99 a day and there are sometimes online specials. This is a gravel lot but it is secured (barbed wire fencing, security cameras) and has a covered drop-off/pick-up area. I have not used this lot myself, but it gets rave reviews from my readers. Reportedly the employees are great about helping you load luggage onto the shuttle, etc. It is located at 1700 Sea Ray Drive, Merritt Island and the phone number is (321) 454-2500.

Port of Los Angeles – Rental Car

If you will be taking a West Coast Disney cruise and you are also planning to make a “grand tour” of Southern California, with a visit to Disneyland as well as other Southern California tourist destinations, a rental car is definitely your best bet. Taking taxis, limos or shuttles between the major attractions would cost a fortune because the distances are significant. For instance, it’s a 1.5 hour drive between SeaWorld San Diego and Disneyland. Southern California is a very car-oriented culture, with relatively poor public transportation. Trying to get between a number of different attractions without a car can be an exercise in frustration.

If you are flying in or out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), all of the major rental car companies have locations there. See the Rental Cars page and check the company that interests you for more information.

It is seldom cost-effective to rent a car at LAX and leave it at the port during your cruise. Parking at the port is expensive. Doing a one-way rental from LAX to the port or vice-versa is usually not a good deal either. The only rental car company that is at all convenient to the port is Enterprise (see below), and dropping off the car near the port will incur a drop-off charge on top of the rental cost. It’s nearly always best to rent and return your car at the airport. Then set up a round-trip shuttle, towncar or limo transfer between the airport and the port for the cruise portion of your trip.

If you want to pick up or drop off a rental car near the port (which I don’t recommend), Enterprise operates a location near the World Cruise Center, and offers free customer pick-ups and drop-offs to the terminal. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to noon. Use “San Pedro” as the pickup or drop-off location. Note that Enterprise charges a $40-$50 drop-off charge for one-way rentals to or from LAX.

Port of Los Angeles – Luxury Sedan, Limo or Private Van/SUV Service

If you will be taking a West Coast Disney cruise, your plans may call for you to do a simple transfer between two points, such as the airport and the Port of Los Angeles cruise terminal. Disney will offer bus service, but the quickest and often the least expensive way to accomplish your transfer will be a private limo service.

The great thing is, you can schedule the vehicle to get you to the ship earlier than the bus passengers, which allows you to board ahead of the crowd and get yourself settled, make Palo and spa reservations, etc.

If you’re just doing the cruise and a Disneyland vacation, it may still be worthwhile to use limo transfers. That will allow you to sit back, relax and let someone else do the driving, so that you don’t have to navigate the Los Angeles freeway system.

Port of Los Angeles – Shuttle

If you need to transfer between the Disneyland area or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Port of Los Angeles, your least expensive option is SuperShuttle, a shared van service. The shuttle will make multiple stops, so allow plenty of time.

However, for the ultimate in convenience and luxury, consider using a private towncar or limo transfer. It may cost a bit more than a shuttle, but it is much more comfortable and efficient.

Port of Los Angeles – World Cruise Center Parking

Parking at the port is $12 per day ($84 for a 7-night cruise). Click here for more information.

Port of Vancouver – Parking

Parking is available for $23 CAD per day at the Port of Vancouver Cruise Terminal (Canada Place), and is operated by Vinci Park Services. Vinci Park Services requires guests parking at Canada Place Parking Garage for anything longer than one day to make a reservation either at the website, or by calling Vinci Park (Canada Place) at (866) 856-8080 or faxing (604) 684-2254.