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A vacation to Walt Disney World at Orlando is a highlight in itself for many travelers, but combining it with a Disney Cruise makes the trip even more complete! More and more vacationers are choosing to first visit the parks for a few days and then board a beautiful cruise ship from Disney Cruise Line. It is a relaxing continuation of an intense park experience, where after busy days in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom explore even more destinations in an environment where everything is taken care of for you.
In this blog, you'll discover how combining a Disney Cruise and a vacation to Orlando works, which ships sail from Florida and how you can have this dream trip effortlessly put together.
There are several reasons why this combination is so popular! For starters, Disney Cruises depart from cruise ports Fort Lauderdale and Cape Canaveral, these are relatively close to Orlando making it easy to travel through. In addition, many travelers deliberately choose a vacation in which they want to experience both the magic of the parks and the relaxation of a cruise. Itineraries from Florida often last four to seven nights, making them ideal as an extension of a Walt Disney World vacation. A visit to Disney Castaway Cay or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is also high on many guests' bucket lists and makes the experience extra special.
As mentioned, Disney Cruise Line departs from two major ports in Florida: Fort Lauderdale (port: Port Everglades) and Cape Canaveral (port: Port Canaveral). From both ports, several Disney ships sail to the Bahamas and the Caribbean area. Below is an overview of which ships depart from which ports and what distinguishes them.
Port Canaveral has been a familiar departure point for Disney Cruise Line for years and is the closest to Walt Disney World in Orlando. From Walt Disney World's theme parks, you are, roughly, within an hour's drive of Port Canaveral. This makes it the most obvious choice for many travelers when they want to extend their vacation with a cruise.
Thanks to Disney Cruise Line's own cruise terminal, check-in is quick and smooth, allowing you to enjoy relaxed embarkation while enjoying Disney service. The terminal is modern, clearly organized and fully equipped for Disney Cruise Line guests.
Disney Wish
The Disney Wish is the sister ship to the Disney Destiny and the Disney Treasure and made her maiden voyage in 2022. The ship has a modern feel and references to the Disney fairy tales can be found everywhere on board. The central atrium, the heart of the ship, is one of the most striking features with a stunning artwork of Cinderella.
The Disney Wish brings the various Disney characters to life throughout. The cabins are stylishly decorated with subtle references to famous movies, making them feel instantly recognizable. During your cruise, you will dine alternately in three different restaurants: Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, Worlds of Marvel and the elegant 1923. Each restaurant has its own story, characters and atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy something new every night.
Disney Fantasy
The Disney Fantasy combines an elegant art-nouveau style with subtle Disney details found throughout the ship. The Fantasy was built in 2012 and renovated in 2025. A special detail on board are the Magic Portholes in the inside cabins: digital portholes that display the current environment, making it feel like you're just looking outside! For anyone paying close attention, you'll also occasionally see Disney characters passing by.
In addition to this, there are some small details that make the Disney Fantasy different from the other Disney Cruise Line ships. These are mainly the extra details on the outside deck and some subtle differences in entertainment. In addition to the AquaDuck, the Fantasy also has the AquaLab water-play area, providing more variety for families who enjoy water fun.
Disney Treasure
The Disney Treasure is one of Disney Cruise Line's newer ships. The ship made its debut in 2024 and has a warm and adventurous look that immediately stands out. The interior is inspired by well-known Disney characters and their adventures, making it feel a bit tougher and more worldly than the more fairytale-like ships.
What makes the Disney Treasure unique are the new lounges designed exclusively for this ship. These include The Rose, a lounge inspired by Beauty and the Beast, and you will find the Haunted Mansion Parlor and Skipper Society. These two bars have a clear reference to the famous attractions: Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise. So a delightfully themed experience!
Port Everglades is also one of Disney Cruise Line's home ports. Although the distance between this port and the parks is a bit longer, this port is also an ideal starting point for travelers who want to extend their Walt Disney World vacation with a cruise.
Located about three hours travel from Orlando, the port is known for its efficient handling, spacious check-in areas and ease of embarkation. Disney also has its own cruise terminal here, making the check-in process smooth and the service fully geared to Disney guests.
Disney Dream
The Disney Dream is the sister ship to the Disney Fantasy and is one of the most beloved ships within the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The ship feels warm and inviting, with a mix of classic Disney atmosphere and modern details. You'll find Admiral Donald Duck in the Atrium and enjoy the unique Animators Palate restaurant.
The Art Deco decor makes this ship feel more classic than the others. On board, you can enjoy atmospheric restaurants, spacious lounges, family-friendly entertainment and the famous AquaDuck, the waterslide that runs along the edge of the ship. This ship also features the Magic Portholes, making every cabin a great choice!
Disney Destiny
The Disney Destiny is currently (Nov, 2025) the newest ship of the Disney Cruise Line and has been sailing since November 2025. Whereas the Disney Dream has a more classic look, the Destiny instead opts for a more modern and distinct theme. The ship is designed entirely around stories of heroes and villains from famous films by Disney, Pixar & Marvel.
What makes Disney Destiny unique is the Heroes and Villains theme that you'll see everywhere on board. Restaurants, lounges and entertainment are completely inspired by famous heroes and villains from Disney stories. On the outside deck you will find a special version of the AquaMouse, featuring an exclusive Disney Villains storyline that can only be experienced on this ship.
Want to know more about the Disney Cruise Line's newest ship? Read all about it in our blog ‘Cruising with the Disney Destiny!’
On a Disney Cruise from Fort Lauderdale or Cape Canaveral, you can count on a mix of beach days, adventures and relaxation. Below are some of the most popular destinations on a Disney Cruise. However, the possibilities are much broader and change by itinerary, ship and season!
Wondering which destinations best fit your trip? Feel free to contact with us, our travel experts will be happy to advise you on which ship and itinerary suits you best.
Disney Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is one of Disney Cruise Line's two private islands and can only be visited on a Disney Cruise. It feels like a tropical paradise where you can leave all your worries behind. You'll find wide beaches, clear waters and plenty of activities to fill an entire day. Families can snorkel, kayak or bike around the island, and kids have fun at Pelican Plunge, a water platform with slides in the sea.
For adults, there is Serenity Bay (adult-only), a quiet beach where you can enjoy peace and quiet. Everywhere you feel the familiar Disney touch, from the friendly atmosphere to the subtle incorporation of Disney characters across the island. In between, you'll enjoy an included lunch at 1 of 2 outdoor barbecue restaurants. This makes your day at Disney Castaway Cay feel like a relaxing beach day with the service and magic you've come to expect from Disney.
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is Disney Cruise Line's newest private island and, like Disney Castaway Cay, can be visited exclusively during a Disney Cruise. Whereas Castaway Cay primarily has the feel of a relaxing resort, Lookout Cay has a much stronger Bahamian character. The colorful buildings and art pieces were designed in collaboration with local artists. Along with this, the island also offers relaxation on beautiful beaches and cultural workshops at the Goombay Cultural Center.
A special part of the island is Sebastian's Cove, the expanded kids' club right on the beach. Here children will find an enclosed and supervised play area with water fun, creative activities and shaded areas where children are supervised by the Disney Cruise Line team. Parents, meanwhile, can relax on one of the quiet beaches or enjoy a drink.
In addition to Disney's private islands, many cruises from Florida also visit destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Consider places like St. Thomas, San Juan or Tortola in the Eastern Caribbean, or Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico by Western itineraries. These destinations offer a mix of beach, nature and culture. In addition, some itineraries also make stops such as Nassau in the Bahamas. Exactly which destinations you visit depends on the ship you choose and the length of your trip.
Our travel experts will be happy to advise you on which itinerary is best for you! Feel free to contact with us.
Combining a Disney Cruise with a stay at Walt Disney World is the ideal way for many travelers to plan their vacation. You start with a few days full of experiences in the theme parks, putting you right in the Disney atmosphere. Then you board one of Disney Cruise Line's ships, where everything is taken care of for you. After all the busy but fun days in the parks, it is great to end your vacation with a cruise where you can completely relax and not have to think about anything else.
A Disney hotel offers several practical and substantive benefits. You have access to free transportation within Walt Disney World, making it easy to travel between your hotel and the theme parks. In addition, hotel guests get earlier access to the parks, which often means less waiting time at popular attractions. All venues, such as estaurants, facilities and entertainment within are within easy reach, making your stay feel comfortable and worry-free.
When you combine your vacation with a cruise from Port Canaveral, a Disney hotel also makes it easier to arrange your transfer. Not only does the official Disney Transfer easily pick you up at the resort, your suitcase is also brought directly on board! This way, you travel relaxed to the cruise port, a practical choice that many travelers like.
At Florivida, we see many travelers choosing a combination of four to seven nights of Walt Disney World followed by four or five nights of cruising. This length gives enough time to visit multiple parks and then relax on a cruise with the Disney Cruise Line. Of course, it is possible to arrange the trip as you wish and we are happy to help with a tailor-made proposal!
When you book your package holiday with Florivida, you not only benefit from the best service, but also extra security. Because a package holiday consists of at least two parts, such as hotel and cruise or flight and cruise, you will automatically make use of the ANVR Travelconditions and the guarantee regulation of VZR Guarantor. In addition, the trip is covered by the Calamity Fund.
As mentioned earlier, a Disney Transfer is one of the most relaxing ways to travel from Walt Disney World to the cruise port in Cape Canaveral. Florivida completely arranges this transfer for you, so you travel from your hotel to the terminal without any worries. The day before departure, you will find suitcase tags in your room. You will attach these to your bags, after which your luggage will be picked up by Disney on the morning of departure and placed on the bus.
The drive to Port Canaveral takes about an hour. Upon arrival, your bags are automatically brought to the ship, so you don't have to lift anything yourself. You only need to check in with your passport and travel confirmation. Then you will receive your boarding pass and may board. This is always a special moment: you step into the main hall, where Captain Mickey or Captain Minnie welcomes you!
This transfer provides a completely hassle-free start to your cruise. You won't need a rental car, you won't have to navigate or rush, and you'll always arrive at the port in plenty of time.
Does your cruise depart from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale? That too can be easily arranged through Florivida, although that transfer is not through Disney itself.
We have already provided a lot of information on why a cruise is a wonderful addition to your trip, but what does your vacation actually look like? Below is a sample itinerary as we often put together for a trip that combines Walt Disney World with a Disney Cruise.
Sample program
This is just one of the many ways you can combine an Orlando vacation with a Disney Cruise. There are numerous options in travel time, itineraries and ships. Florivida is happy to think with you to put together the ideal combination. Plan here schedule an (online) appointment!
At Florivida, you'll benefit from the knowledge of travel experts who have worked at Walt Disney World and on Disney Cruise Line ships themselves. We know exactly how everything works and will help you make the right choices for your trip.
Even after booking, we continue to support you. We answer questions about the Disney Cruise Line app, help with reservations for luxury restaurants, special activities such as the Royal Gathering or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and give advice on what to expect on board. Before departure, you'll receive our comprehensive and exclusive Florivida - Disney Cruise Line roadbook with tips and explanations, so you'll be well prepared for your trip. Florivida will accompany you from the first advice to the moment you return home!
Florivida has a wide range of Disney Cruises departing from both Fort Lauderdale and Cape Canaveral. In addition, we have several combination trips where you extend your stay at Walt Disney World with a Disney Cruise.
Are you ready to combine your Walt Disney World adventure with a relaxing Disney Cruise, but still unsure about the ship, itinerary or ideal trip length? Our travel experts are happy to think with you and help you choose a combination that perfectly fits your needs. Visit here an (online) appointment!
The Disney Dream and the Disney Destiny will depart from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) in 2026.
Departing from Cape Canaveral in 2026 are the Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy and Disney Treasure, among others.
Yes! Walt Disney World is a short distance from both Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) and Cape Canaveral (Port Canaveral), the two main Disney Cruise Line departure ports in Florida. This makes it very easy to combine a stay in Orlando with a Disney Cruise.
The ride takes about an hour. With the Disney Transfer or a transfer arranged by Florivida, you will travel stress-free and always arrive at the port on time!
Many itineraries visit Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Depending on the trip, you will also visit destinations such as Nassau or one of the Caribbean destinations.
Yes! Disney Cruise Line has extensive kids' clubs, children's activities, pools and entertainment for all ages.
Certainly, a Disney Cruise is for everyone! Need a break from the crowds? Then there are adult-only lounges, restaurants, pools, spa areas and quiet areas on both the ships and islands.
Meals in the main restaurants, entertainment such as shows and movies, children's clubs, swimming pools and many activities are included. Specialty restaurants, excursions and some extras have a surcharge.
Florivida specializes in Disney vacations. Our experts have worked at Walt Disney World and for Disney Cruise Line themselves. We are happy to help with reservations, provide practical explanations, offer a comprehensive roadbook and accompany you from first question to departure. In addition, you book safely with us as a package tour with all the associated securities!
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