Orlando to Port Canaveral-best transfers

We are cruising from Port Canavarel on June 4th and flying into Orlando on June 3rd.
What are the best transfer options? Is there a better place to stay in Orlando to avoid additional cab rides, or does the transfer services pick you up anywhere.
Would it be better to just to to Canaveral on the 3rd and stay in a hotel there?
Thanks!!
Trish

[Dave]

When we cruise out of Port Canaveral we stay at the Radisson Resort At The Port. They have complimentary shuttle service to the ships, a great pool, and a very good restaurant. The two room suites are really nice and not much more than a standard room. This hotel is only a mile or so from the port.

We use a limo service to go from MCO to the hotel, but there are many shuttle options available from the airport.

[swimmersonboard]

We use the limo service too and stay at Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort. It has water park, indoor movie theatre, putt-putt, beach shuttle, big pool area with outdoor entertainment, restaurants, indoor play area and the list goes on. You can see the ships go in and out everyday from your room if you ask for a portside room. (Most are 1 or 2 bedroom condos but you can ask for a studio.)

Thanks for the great advice. So you don't think we need to arrange for anytype of shuttle service from MCO to PC before arriving...correct?
Thanks again,
Trish

[Dave]

I'd go ahead and reserve transportation now. It is one less thing to worry about when you arrive.

Originally posted by swimmersonboard:
We use the limo service too and stay at Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort. It has water park, indoor movie theatre, putt-putt, beach shuttle, big pool area with outdoor entertainment, restaurants, indoor play area and the list goes on. You can see the ships go in and out everyday from your room if you ask for a portside room. (Most are 1 or 2 bedroom condos but you can ask for a studio.)

That sounds perfect as we are travelling with our nine year old daughter. The activities will keep us from having to hear "Is it time to get on the ship yet" or worse yet "why can't we spend the day at Disney" a thousand times
Do you know if Ron Jon's offers free shuttle to the port?
Thanks again,
Trish

[Sonny V]

Sorry... Shuttle service is not free. The service desk will make arrangements for you but there is a charge for the shuttle.

[Sonny V]

Forgot to mention the price for shuttle service is $4 per person.

[vafatboy]

We have done several cruises out of Canaveral. The shuttle from the airport to the port is like 50 per person. We find it alot easier to rent a cheap small car. (as long as wife does not bring to much luggage.) I usually get a cheap car for 80.00 for the week. The parking at the port is around 30.00. For 10 extra bucks, we have a car to come and go as we please the day before the cruise and after. We usually stay in orlando off international drive. There are several nice hotels there, and plenty to do at night.

[Jill G]

We are also flying in to Orlando on June 3rd and are staying at a nearby hotel since we have varying arrival times (6+ hour difference). Otherwise, we would've driven to Port Canaveral for an overnight.

We are renting a car from Budget at the airport, then returning it on Sunday morning to the Cape Canaveral office (1 mile from the port). They offer a free shuttle to the ship. You can see the locations and car prices at budget.com if you're interested.