With so many nearby attractions, this destination in Brevard County is a popular port for families embarking on a cruise from Florida.

Local Culture and Flavor

Affectionately nicknamed “Florida’s Fun Port,” this vibrant seaport in Central Florida is conveniently located near sandy beaches, major theme parks, the Kennedy Space Center, the Brevard Zoo, hotels, restaurants, universities, shops and the Orlando International Airport. Enjoy the picturesque, 40-acre Jetty Park with its 1,000 foot fishing pier. Drive a few minutes south to gorgeous Cocoa Beach, the surfing capital of the state, and stroll along the boardwalk. At the port, you’ll enjoy modern facilities and accessible parking so you can enjoy yourself before or after your cruise.

Past and Present

 The historic, deep water port was originally created for military use. Congress was asked to approve Port Canaveral’s construction for the Navy in 1878. The approval didn’t come through until a half century later, and the port was finally dedicated in 1953. It wasn’t until 1964 that cruise vessels began to use the port and its economic potential was realized. Present-day Port Canaveral is one of the busiest ports in existence and it continues to grow.

Cape Canaveral is a place to explore the skies, the seas and the magical places in between.

The Cape has all kinds of outdoor adventures, with some of the best surfing beaches on the East Coast. If deep sea fishing is more your style, journey out on a charter, where you can try to catch mullet, snapper and more.

Check out the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, where bald eagles, manatees and alligators are just a few of the species that call the Cape home. You can also stroll through the Brevard Zoo to the "Paws-On Interactive Zone," where you can be just a whisker away from many fascinating animals native to Florida.

Stand on the Launch Complex Observation Gantry to get an aerial view of the space shuttle launch pads and the International Space Station Center. Tour the Air Force Space and Missile Museum and learn more about the United States heritage of space exploration. (Note: Kennedy Space Center entry fee will apply.)

Best of all, Port Canaveral is located approximately an hour away from Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. For your most magical vacation yet, consider taking a trip to Orlando to visit the parks before or after your cruise. From the high-energy thrills of Disney's Hollywood Studios to the international inspiration of EPCOT to the fairytale fantasy of Magic Kingdom park, there's something to delight every member in your traveling party.

What to know before you arrive in Port Canaveral, Florida

Language
The primary language spoken in Port Canaveral is English.

Weather
Port Canaveral enjoys warm, sunny days and an average high temperature of 81°F in the summer and lows in the winter that rarely dip below the 50°F. Late summer and early fall is known for being hot and humid. It is also the wet season, so packing a light umbrella is advised.

How to Pay
The U.S. dollar (USD) is the currency used in the United States. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted and ATM machines are found in abundance throughout the city.

How to Get Around
The best way to get around town, including to the Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Atlantic beaches is by taxi. For more flexibility, renting a vehicle is encouraged.

Safety in Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral is a popular travel destination and considered very safe, but Disney Cruise Line Guests are always advised to follow safety precautions to protect valuables.

Instances of pickpocketing activity may increase in busy tourist areas and outdoor festivals. Always be conscious of your personal belongings and surroundings. It is a good practice to keep your wallet in your front pocket and all bags securely zipped.

Learn about departure port details such as driving directions, parking and embarkation information.

Port Canaveral Port Terminal

Disney Cruise Line operates out of 2 cruise terminals at Port Canaveral. Please verify your sailing date, ship and terminal location below.

Cruise Terminal #8 Address
Port Canaveral
Cruise Terminal #8
9155 Charles M. Rowland Dr.
Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Cruise Terminal #10 Address
Port Canaveral
Cruise Terminal #10
9005 Charles M. Rowland Dr.
Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Disney Magic sailings from May 7, 2025, through October 16, 2025, will embark and debark from Cruise Terminal #8.

The Disney Magic sailing on October 20, 2025, will embark at Terminal #8 and debark in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Disney Fantasy sailings through May 1, 2025, will embark and debark from Cruise Terminal #8.

The Disney Fantasy sailing on May 4, 2025, will embark at Terminal #8 and debark in Barcelona, Spain.

Disney Fantasy sailings beginning November 2, 2025, through September 30, 2026, will embark and debark in Cruise Terminal #8.

Disney Treasure sailings through September 26, 2026, will embark and debark from Cruise Terminal #8.

Disney Wish sailings through September 28, 2026, will embark and debark from Cruise Terminal #10.

Please note: Some GPS systems do not recognize Port Canaveral as a city. You may need to enter "Cape Canaveral." Either location should provide the correct driving instructions to the port.

Driving Directions

Parking

Parking operated by the Port Canaveral Port Authority is available adjacent to the cruise terminal. The parking garage opens at 10:15 AM. Additional information regarding parking is available on their website.

Luggage Handling and Port Arrival Times
Disney Cruise Line representatives will be at the terminal to meet, greet and check in Guests starting at 11:15 AM. Guests are allowed to enter at their scheduled Port Arrival Time. Guests who do not have a Port Arrival Time or have not had an opportunity to complete their Online Check-In should arrive after 2:00 PM. Porters will be on hand to assist with luggage.

Note: All Guests must be on board the ship no later than the published All-Aboard time.

Youth Activities
Wristbands will be distributed to Guests during Youth Activities registration on board the ship.

Wheelchair Accessibility
The Disney Cruise Line terminal building and parking areas are wheelchair-accessible. Specially designed ramps are placed at specified gangways for debarkation and embarkation.

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
9300 Jeff Fuqua Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32827
Telephone: (407) 825-1234

Check-In: 4 PM | Check-Out: 12 PM (Noon)

The hotel is approximately 46 miles from the Port Canaveral cruise terminal.

Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
1550 North Atlantic Avenue
Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931
Telephone: (321) 799-0003

Check-In: 4 PM | Check-Out: 11 AM

The hotel is approximately 50 miles from Orlando International Airport and 5.5 miles from Port Canaveral.

Book a Disney Land and Sea vacation and experience the best of both worlds. It’s easy to spend time at Walt Disney World Resort if you plan on departing from or arriving in Port Canaveral, Florida on a Disney cruise—it’s approximately an hour-long drive away! You could even enjoy a stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort, designed to capture the magic and grandeur of Europe.