If the idea of navigating airports, hotels, and transportation with kids makes your eye twitch, take a deep breath- I’ve got you. Getting to Port Canaveral can be surprisingly easy when you know the parent-friendly shortcuts.
Flying into MCO: What to Expect
Flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the unofficial start to your Disney Cruise vacation. It’s busy, energetic, and full of families just like yours- which means it’s wonderfully kid-friendly when you know the flow.
But first and foremost, you must fly into Orlando the day before your cruise is set to depart. You do not want to take any chances that your flight could get delayed or canceled. The ship, unfortunately, will not wait for you.
With clear signage and short tram rides, MCO is easy to navigate. Our first stop after getting off the plane is baggage claim. (Well let’s be honest, it’s probably the restrooms!). Once we grab our luggage we walk straight to our hotel inside the airport to check in!
Staying at The Hyatt Regency Inside MCO
Yep, you read that correctly- we walk to The Hyatt Regency which is located inside the airport! I cannot overstate enough how convenient this is when starting your trip. You don’t have to worry about finding a rideshare with a car seat or securing a shuttle that will fit your large group. You don’t have to step outside the airport at all!
Disney Cruise Line reserves a block of rooms for its guests, much like people do for their weddings. Make sure that you or your travel agent mentions this when making the reservation as these rooms are priced at a slightly reduced rate.
The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable. Some have balconies from which you may be able to see airplanes taking off or landing. When I first learned of this hotel I thought for sure that it would be loud, but it is surprisingly very quiet!
The Hyatt Regency also has a bar, restaurant, and roof top pool. We always let our kids get a swim in as a way to kick off their vacation.
Another perk of this hotel being in the airport is that you have easy access to all of the shopping and restaurants that MCO has to offer. We usually hit the food court for dinner and then breakfast the next morning so that everyone can get whatever they are in the mood for.
To pass the time we really enjoy visiting the Orlando themed shops, including two different Disney stores, Universal Orlando shop (with a large Harry Potter section!), and the Sea World Shop. Even if you just want to browse, it is like having built-in entertainment.
Disney Cruise Line Transportation
Which leads me to another reason so many cruisers choose to stay at The Hyatt Regency- they work directly with DCL to get you to Port Canaveral.
When you check in to the hotel the day before your cruise, they will confirm your Castaway Club member status (which is determined by how many times you have cruised with Disney). Then they let you know what time to report to the lobby the next day. They will also instruct you to leave your luggage (except your carry on bags) in your room in the morning. A staff member will pick it up for you and you do not need to worry about it again until it arrives outside your stateroom door later that day!
Once you make it to the lobby at your assigned time, a DCL cast member will guide you to a large room where you will wait briefly to check in. When it is your turn they will scan your boarding pass, check your passports, and assign a Disney character to you. You will wait for your character’s name to be called and your group will be lead down to where a DCL bus waits for you.
The anticipation builds with every step towards that bus because you are that much closer to boarding the ship! Once the bus is full they will go over some brief instructions and then you are on your way!
The ride to Port Canaveral takes about 45-60 minutes. By now, my kids are usually ready for a snack (make sure you pack some!). They will show some Disney cartoons, trivia questions, or a DCL promotional video on the TVs in the bus. It’s also a great time to read or grab a quick nap.
As you approach the port you will see several ships in the distance and excitement pulses through the bus!
Arriving At Port Canaveral
As you pull up to the terminal entrance adults and kids alike are in awe of the grandeur of the Disney ships. Many try to snap pictures- but just know there will be more opportunities for that throughout your trip.
After getting off the bus you will go through security with your carry on bags. This works much like at the airport and is a quick process. Next, you go upstairs to the terminal and wait for your boarding number (found on your boarding pass) to be called.
Congratulations! You made it to Embarkation Day and the real fun is about to begin!
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