Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades is home to Disney Cruise Line's second dedicated terminal ever - and it is such a easy place to get a cruise. (The airport is only 1.8 miles away - the closest airport to a cruise port in the country. How easy is THAT?)
I want to make your Disney Cruise Line vacation from Port Everglades even easier.
Disney Cruise Line now calls Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades home - and it is a lovely place for a cruise departure - offering guests a beautifully designed terminal, quick access to the airport, and one of Florida’s best beach destinations.
You’ll love:
Proximity to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)—just 10 minutes away.
Top-rated hotels and restaurants only minutes from the port.
Gorgeous beaches, waterways, and attractions perfect for pre- or post-cruise stays.
AND... Disney Cruise Line itineraries departing from Fort Lauderdale are often less expensive.
At the moment, Disney Cruise Line has two ships that are calling Port Everglades home:
DCL recommended timing
I know it sounds repetitive, but... we always recommend that you arrive at your departure port at least a day before embarkation. There are just too many stories of people who miss the boat... er, ship. Please don't let that be you.
That being said, Disney Cruise Line has recommendations about flight timing:
For the Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale sailings in 2026, Disney Cruise Line recommend the following flight-time guidelines:
DISNEY CRUISE LINE GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Disney Cruise Line provides transportation from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) only.
Pro-tip - Don't trust the apps
In most cases, Disney Cruise Line departs out of Port Everglades Terminal 4.
🧭 📍Disney Cruise Line terminal - Port Everglades Terminal 4 (Google Map)
1800 SE 20th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Embarkation Day
You arrive at the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades - Terminal 4 or the HERON garage. You will be directed where to go.
PRO-TIP: Arrive at (or after) your Port Arrival Time. You will not be allowed to enter the terminal building until your Port Arrival Time - and where you wait is on the ground level of the garage. It isn't terribly fun to deal with the noice and exhaust.
IF YOU ARE PARKING AT THE PORT
ALL OTHER TRANSPORTATION
At your Port Arrival Time, you will make your way to the terminal building, themed around Finding Nemo.
CONCIERGE
Concierge guests have a special waiting area, located upstairs, and will be among the first invited to board.
Go with the flow
In all candor, disembarkation day is not my favorite. It has all the hassles of embarkation day, but without the anticipation.
Hopefully you can take a moment to remember the memories. (We have a family tradition that we get a photo in front of the ship's statue - and take just a moment.)
‼️ 👉 IMPORTANT REMINDER - Each guest will need their Key to the World card or a DisneyBand+ to get off the ship. That is how they make sure that everybody is off the ship.
🛫 👉 BOOKING FLIGHTS - DEPARTURE TIMES
EXPRESS DISEMBARKATION
If you need to get off as quickly as possible, you can use the express disembarkation. You will carry ALL of your bags with you and will be among the first off the ship.
WHEN YOU GET OFF THE SHIP
When you get off the ship, you will be guided to collect your luggage - it will be divided by color and Disney character.
You will need to go through U.S. Customs.
Once you exit that space, you can go to the elevators for the garage parking or you will be guided to Disney Cruise Line ground transportation, ride share, or private pick-up.
Port Everglades - Terminal 2
With Disney Cruise Line's growing fleet of ships, there may be times when there are multiple Disney Cruise Line ships at Port Everglades.
In those cases, Disney Cruise Line may use Port Everglades Terminal 2, which is located adjacent to the Disney Cruise Line terminal - terminal 4.
ADDRESS
1801 SE 20th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
[Google Map]
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
TERMINAL 2 DEPARTURE DATES
Disney Cruise Line has listed the following dates for when the Disney Dream will be using Terminal 2:
Port Everglades - Terminal 26
There are certain cases where Disney ships will use Port Everglades' Terminal 26, located on the southern side of Port Everglades.
ADDRESS
2026 Eller Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
[Google Map]
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Disney Dream sailings through April 27, 2026, will embark and disembark from Terminal #4, with the following exceptions:
Planes, trains and automobiles - there are many ways to get to Port Canaveral
Driving or ride share
You can drive yourself or rent a car.
CAR SERVICE
DRIVING
RENT-A-CAR
OFF-SITE PARKING
If you want less expensive parking, you can park off-site, which is often less than parking at Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades. While it involves another layer of planning, many of these locations have transportation to the port, but you will want to check on that.
There are three airports near Fort Lauderdale
There are three airports that are close to Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades:
Palm Beach International (PBI) - This is a smaller airport located 50–75 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale. It is quiet and easy to navigate. Disney Cruise Line does not offer ground transportation to the Palm Beach International Airport.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) - Some guests want to visit The Walt Disney World Resort before their cruise - even from Fort Lauderdale. MCO is several hours from Fort Lauderdale, depending on traffic. You can also take the Brightline train from MCO's Terminal C.
There are trains that serve Fort Lauderdale
There are three train lines that serve Fort Lauderdale.
AMTRAK
One of the best parts of cruising out of Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades is it is easy - that that includes a pre- or post-cruise stay.
Fort Lauderdale has scores of places - at a variety of price points.
It really depends what you are looking for...
Fort Lauderdale has many different options. In this first part of our Fort Lauderdale hotel guide, The DIS Unlimited and Dreams teams give some initial insights.
We always recommend that you arrive before your departure date -- we just see too many instances where there are tarvel issues and people miss the boat... er, ship! Please - don't be those people.
Fort Lauderdale has a wide variety of hotels from luxury resorts right on the beach... to an economy overnight stay.
Disney Cruise Line currently works with two hotels in Fort Lauderdale.
Very close - and you can add this hotel to your Disney Cruise reservation
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
1881 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 [Google Map]
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is one of the hotels that you can include as part of your Disney Cruise Line reservation.
A beachfront hotel you can add to your Disney Cruise reservation
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
3030 Holiday Drive
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316
[Google Map]
The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is the other hotel that you can add to your Disney Cruise Line reservation.
YenSid Travel INSIGHTS
Deluxe Resort - The closest hotel to the Disney Cruise Line terminal
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel
1850 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 [Google Map]
ONE BIG THING - The Omni Fort Lauderdale is the closest hotel to the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades.
OVERVIEW
Proximity to Disney Cruise Terminal
Located adjacent to the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades, the Omni is also just an easy walk away—a charming and practical bonus for cruise embarkation day
📍 Location & Accessibility
✨ Why Choose Omni?
801 stylish rooms & 82 suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping bay, ocean, or urban views..
Six unique dining concepts, from coastal seafood at Reef 76 Kitchen & Bar and chic rooftop cocktails at Ibis Sky Lounge to the energetic Topgolf Swing Suite at Fair Ketch.
The Ibis Sky Lounge is an indoor-outdoor rooftop location with sweeping views of the Intracoastal and coastline. (Adult only.)
Resort-style amenities: a tenth-floor pool deck with private cabanas and panoramic views, Mokara Spa, bike rentals, fitness center, boutique shops—ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
🎯 Ideal for Cruise Guests
Easy access to Port Everglades:
Guests can simply stroll or take a short ride—eliminating shuttle hassles and improving flexibility.
Deluxe Resort
Pier Sixty-Six Resort
2301 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 [Google Map]
Reservations - 800.722.7220
ONE BIG THING - Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina is located just across the 17th Street Causeway Bridge from Port Everglades. (I got a great video of the Disney Destiny arriving at Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades in December 2025.)
This hotel, with its eye-catching midcentury modern design, recently reopened after an extensive renovation.
YenSid Travel Insights
Moderate Deluxe
W Fort Lauderdale
401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 [Google Map]
ONE BIG THING - The W Fort Lauderdale is a large, renovated beachfront hotel with 517 rooms and suites, offering a lively atmosphere and modern amenities.
Value/Moderate - located near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport
154 N Compass Way
Dania Beach, FL 33004 [Google Maps]
ONE BIG THING - This is a value/moderate hotel that is located near the airport with some shops nearby.
Value
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel
1617 SE 17th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
[Google Maps]
I have not stayed at this hotel.
The weather is Southern Florida is generally lovely, but... you also need to be prepared for hot, humid summers - and then, of course, hurricane season.
Beach weather
Fort Lauderdale enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round, making it a popular and reliable destination for travelers.
RESOURCES:
June 1 through November 30
One of the significant weather features for Florida are hurricanes.
The Atlantic Hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30.
The peak period from mid-August to early October.
While the region enjoys warm, sunny weather most of the year, this season brings a higher chance of tropical systems that can affect flight schedules, port operations, and cruise itineraries.
Disney Cruise Line and other major cruise operators monitor weather conditions closely and adjust routes proactively to keep guests safe—so it’s far more common to see itinerary changes than cruise cancellations.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you are cruising out of Port Everglades during this time, planning ahead is key.
We always recommend that you arrive early. During hurricane season, this is particularly true -- aim to arrive in Fort Lauderdale at least one day before your sailing,
Consider vacation protection that covers weather-related disruptions, and...\
Stay flexible. Things may change -- boarding times... ports of call... routes.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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