SteerageJoe

Your choices are on the map below. These are small offices and the shuttles run based on bookings, mostly on cruise days. Shore visits shuttles are on demand- meaning you have to call or Uber. you cannot walk from terminal 10. I suggest you call the office and ask if they are open on the day of your visit, and also the hours and closing time in particular (they close before 6 generally). Then ask if you can drop the key after hours. Also ask about the shuttle procedure.

River flows around the slides!

ok good to know the Red Lion on 192 is still up and running! Unfortunately lazy rivers and cheaper lodging don’t go together in Orlando! All of them are pricey but there is one other that may be cheaper- Flamingo Waterpark Resort in Kissimmee. otherwise, you may have to give up on the lazy rivers an just pick one of a thousand hotels with a pool!

A few years ago I lived in Kissimmee for a while but I don’t recall any lazy rivers. Those were all closer to the Disney bubble near Maingate and then up near Universal. Do you want to stay near the attractions? Edited- I just remembered a lazy River at the Red Lion Resort in Kissimmee. Not sure if it’s still there! Have not stayed there so I cannot offer recommendations. I do know there are 3 lazy river hotels near Port Canaveral - Westgate Resort, Beachside Hotel and Holiday Inn Club. And you have the long white beach!

Terminal A is more convenient! You drive up the ramp where porters will meet you to take the bags. You park and take the elevators to cruise security.

Off-site parking options have increased and improved! Research all these to best suit your needs:

Between 7:30am and 9am, roughly UberX - $22 to $42 (surge) UberXL - $34 to $58 (surge) During surge, just wait a few minutes, or grab a metered taxi ($34 or so)

I stopped using Hertz after COVID when all those crazy stories were posted about accusing renters of stealing cars, etc. So I am not yet familiar with the new office next to AVIS they were trying to open a few months ago. And I do not know about shuttle services. But try this as a destination - Fort Lauderdale - Port Everglades HLE

Assuming you wait for luggage etc, At around 10am UberX range $25 - $28 UberXL range $38-$50 about 30 minutes on the road at that time

Can u try dropping at EV3? Ft Lauderdale Cruiseport Shttl (EV3) This should work…

Yip, rates are higher that time of year and the popular hotels near Port Everglades will be $200 - $300 for sure, so it is a matter of budget versus location! The hotel is certainly on the wrong side of town when driving up from MIA. There is nothing much around there and the area is not my favorite (I tried the Hampton Inn nearby twice) but you are only a short Uber from Las Olas. I would add the costs of TRU transfers and Ubers and then compare it with a stay closer to the Port (Crowne Plaza, etc) at a slightly higher nightly rate. Maybe it works out cheaper to stay closer.

Good choice! you are surrounded by 3 very good spots just a short walk away! Preacher Bar is unique, Thai Thai is excellent and Zarella's is very popular. If you can get to the Port between 4 and 5 (to watch the ships) then Grills has the best food IMO but Fishlips and the others are good too. Seafood Atlantic has the best fresh seafood if you want to avoid fried options but it is not a traditional restaurant. Peep inside before committing. Once the ships are gone, Rising Tide is worth a serious look. Then there is Cocoa Beach. If you want a more upscale evening (I say this with a wink because the whole island is very relaxed) Uber down to Florida's Fresh Grill - make a reservation.

Independance dock at Terminal 1 so yes, the Trolley is an option for you at either end of your cruise. Is it the best option? It depends. Weather can be a factor. The bus arrives every 30 mins, so there is a wait. The bus stations are a block or two from the rental offices (easy walk but still). With National / Enterprise / Alamo you don't even have to get on the bus! Just walk to the office. I would look at the free Budget or AVIS vans to see how long the wait/line is at either end. If those move fast, then that is the best option. Getting to the trolley stations will be a short walk either near Terminal 1 or close to the two rental car offices.. But the point is, yes you can get to the rental offices and terminal using the Trolley. And you can absolutely drive back to the terminal to pick up the family once you have the car. A short drive and easy. Even easier if they wait on the Grills restaurant side of the terminal - then you do not even have to enter the terminal!

Plenty of options but where are you staying? do you have a car? Walking distance from hotel? willing to Uber?

10th floor - 14th floor (Hilton Honors) for best ship views. the bridge is in the way of the lower tower floors

All hotels in Cape Canaveral (and most in Cocoa Beach nearby) have their fans - ask 20 folks and you will get 20 different recommendations! It really depends on what you are looking for. For example, if you want cruise ship views then no hotel match these rooms at the Holiday Inn Club:

Average about a 40 (weekends) - 45 min drive. 11am looks good to me if you get an early start!

Wanted to add - IMO $15 per person for the All-Stars shuttle is too expensive. I recommend Uber/Lyft instead.

Shuttle bus at the Crowne Plaza...

Correct. Ours was $33.60 to Terminal A early this year. But don’t jump into a taxi SUV or van! Those are 30% extra.

Indeed, right now it is surge pricing at $25 for UberXL - Hampton Inn to Terminal D

same price yes. Take a ticket on entry and pay on exit. Hard to say if it will be full on your day. If so you can simply drive to the parking garage. Majority of folks want to park in the garages anyway!

Yes, Garage G. Enter around the corner to the left once you dropped your luggage. Pay as you exit. No reservations available