Some advice please for transportation

[sdewan]

I'm trying to plan the best way to get to / from Port Canaveral during our vacation this summer. Our itinerary is:

Saturday - arrive MCO, spend 5 nights at Polynesian Resort

Thursday - depart Polynesian, take 3-night Disney Cruise

Sunday - cruise returns, spend the day at Universal Studios, sleep at MCO Hyatt

Monday - early AM flight

There are 4 of us including 2 children in need of car seats. We like Magical Express, but I'm wondering if the Disney Cruise bus is the best way to get to / from Port Canaveral. Especially since we'd like to get off the ship and go to Universal Studios as early as possible. Can you get a one-way transfer on the bus? Is it easy to get a rental car at Port Canaveral?

Thanks in advance for any tips and advice.

[JMTStone]

I wonder if it would be best for you guys to use Quicksilver (Intercot Sponsor - link to left). We will be using DCL bus for our trip in May from AKV to the port, then from port back to airport. I think its very expensive. If you're adding on another day to universal... compare Quicksilver's pricing against the DCL bus.

[sdewan]

I've done some research and realized that I can take a one-way bus transfer from the Polynesian to Port Canaveral for half the price. Then I guess I'll rent a car from Port Canaveral when I get off the cruise and return that car to MCO. My only question about that is how accessible are the car rental agencies from the cruise ship dock? Will I need to take a taxi to get there or do they provide shuttles?

[TammiMcMan]

My only question about that is how accessible are the car rental agencies from the cruise ship dock? Will I need to take a taxi to get there or do they provide shuttles?Most provide free shuttles, just confirm that when you're ready to book.

I think the one-way transfer from Disney to the port and then the rental car is probably the best way to go. With any type of shuttle service, you'll still need to go to the airport and drop your luggage at the hotel. If you have your own car though, you can go directly to Universal, which is what it sounds like you want to do.