Where do we drop off lugage if taking private transportation

[txcruise75]

We decided to get a van from Mears transportation instead of taking the disney transportation. Where do we drop off our luggage once we get to the port? Do we bring it with us into the port, or is it something that we have to drive to the pier and drop off there? Also, our boarding time is 11:00 am. Do have a suggestion of when we should arrive at the port (drop off luggage, get kids club bands, ect.) Thanks

[PopFla]

When you arrive at the port, workers will direct you to an area on the road where your ID will be checked, then you'll be directed to continue along the same road to the side of the terminal. There will be porters there to take your checked bags into the building. You will have two options at that time: (1) Passengers can walk around the corner and into the building while the driver continues to the parking garage, or (2) you can all ride with the driver to the garage then all enter the building together. There are crossings from the garage on the first floor and the third floor.

 

You mention that your "boarding time" is 11am; that is actually the "arrival time" you chose when checking in, not the boarding time. The latest DCL policy is that the terminal building does not open to outbound passengers until 11 am. Actual boarding does not begin until roughly noon - - sometimes a bit earlier, sometimes later. You should figure on arriving at your designated time - - 11am.

[Traveling Mike]

We decided to get a van from Mears transportation instead of taking the Disney transportation. Where do we drop off our luggage once we get to the port? Do we bring it with us into the port, or is it something that we have to drive to the pier and drop off there? Also, our boarding time is 11:00 am. Do have a suggestion of when we should arrive at the port (drop off luggage, get kids club bands, ect.) Thanks

What port are you talking, Cape Canaveral or Los Angeles?

[bigtony777]

I assume you are going to port canaveral as you said you hired Mears. We took a limo to and from the port a few weeks ago. You will likely not have to take your luggage anywhere. By the time we settled up with the driver after arriving, there were porters right there with our bags already out of the limo ready to to take the bags away. Have some ones on hand to tip and all is taken care of quickly and easily.

 

This is one reason that I really don't see an advantage to disney transportation when flying in the evening before. There is really no difference in baggage handling between the two and I much prefer the private transportation with the chance to stop on the way to make any purchases you need. It is usually cheaper as well.

[PopFla]

I think I misread your post the first time. :o If you're using a Mears van that will be transporting only your group, their driver will know the routine exactly. Your entire party will get out of the van at the point where you drop off your checked bags, then walk around the corner to the terminal entrance - - there won't be any trip to the parking lot involved. As someone else mentioned, have some small bills on hand; it's customary to tip the porters $1/$2 per bag.

 

Assuming you're also using Mears for the trip back to the airport or resort after your cruise, Mears will give you specific instructions on where to find them after you have picked up your luggage and gone through Customs. Again, if you have a porter bring your luggage to the van, tipping the porter is customary.