If you live in South Carolina and you're planning a Disney cruise, one of the first questions you'll face isn't which ship or which stateroom. It's how you're actually getting to the port.
Most Disney sailings that South Carolinians book depart from Florida, usually Port Canaveral, near Orlando, or Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. That puts us in a sweet spot: close enough to drive, but far enough that flying is a real option. Here's how I think about it.
The case for driving
For a lot of South Carolina families, driving is the go-to. From the Midlands, Port Canaveral is a long day in the car (about 7 hours). It's shorter from the Lowcountry and longer from the Upstate.
Why people love driving:
You can pack what you want. No baggage fees, no weighing suitcases. Bring the Fish Extender supplies, the Pirate Night outfits and the extra snacks.
It's often more cost effective for families. Gas and parking for one car usually beats four plane tickets.
You control the schedule. No flight delays to worry about on the way down.
The road trip is part of the fun. Kids count down the miles, and you can plan a few favorite stops along the way (cough - Bu-cee’s).
The trade-offs:
It's a long drive, and you'll want to build in a night near the port.
You'll pay for parking at the port for the length of your cruise.
Driving home after a week of vacation can feel like a lot.
The case for flying
South Carolina has several airports with service to Florida, including Columbia, Charleston, Greenville-Spartanburg and Myrtle Beach. Depending on where you live and which airlines fly from your nearest airport, flying can turn a full day of driving into a couple of hours.
Why people love it:
It can save time, especially if you're sailing from Fort Lauderdale or you live in the Upstate.
It's less tiring, which matters with little ones or older travellers.
You start your vacation rested, not stiff from hours in the car.
The trade-offs:
Flights for a whole family add up quickly, especially during school breaks.
You'll need ground transportation from the airport to the port.
Flight delays are a real risk especially if you have connections, so I always recommend flying in the day before.
So which should you choose?
Here's my general rule of thumb:
Drive if you're traveling with a family, sailing from Port Canaveral, and don't mind a long day in the car.
Fly if you're sailing from Fort Lauderdale, traveling as a couple, short on vacation days, or travelling with someone who doesn't do well on long drives.
Whichever you choose, my biggest piece of advice is the same: arrive the day before your sailing. Embarkation day is too exciting, and too important, to risk a traffic jam or a delayed flight.
Planning a Disney cruise from South Carolina? I'd love to help you work out the details, from choosing your sailing to planning how you'll get there.