Can we "carryon" the DCL transfer?

[brentm77]

For the cruise out of San Juan my wife and I are taking in April, we booked the DCL shuttle from the hotel for the first time ever. We did this for the convivence of not dealing with boarding times and too much chaos at the port, since this trip is all about R&R this time. Others in our FB group said that in San Juan, they will escort you off of the shuttle and straight to check-in, bypassing long lines at what is known for being a pretty unorganized port for DCL. I hope it really does work that smoothly.

Here is my question - my wife and I only travel carryon, with one small piece of luggage each and a small day bag/purse. We don't use porters at the port, because we find it easier just to pull our small bag with us until rooms are open. But, can we take the carryon onto the DCL transfer? Or, will be forced to put our luggage through the porter process to it can be loaded below the bus?

 

[Ralph&Pam]

For the cruise out of San Juan my wife and I are taking in April, we booked the DCL shuttle from the hotel for the first time ever. We did this for the convivence of not dealing with boarding times and too much chaos at the port, since this trip is all about R&R this time. Others in our FB group said that in San Juan, they will escort you off of the shuttle and straight to check-in, bypassing what is known for being a pretty unorganized port for DCL. I hope it really does work that smoothly.

Here is my question - my wife and I only travel carryon, with one small piece of luggage each and a small day bag/purse. We don't use porters at the port, because we find it easier just to pull our small bag with us until rooms are open. But, can we take the carryon onto the DCL transfer? Or, will be forced to put our luggage through the porter process to it can be loaded below the bus?

This has never been a problem putting carry-on bags under the bus and then retrieving them at the port. In fact, the typical roller-style carry-on may not even fit in the overhead rack or at your feet inside the bus.

 

[brentm77]

This has never been a problem putting carry-on bags under the bus and then retrieving them at the port. In fact, the typical roller-style carry-on may not even fit in the overhead rack or at your feet inside the bus.

Perfect. That will work great. Thank you!

 

[ladyofthetramp]

We have done that. Just let them know when they are loading your luggage on the bus that you plan on hand carry

 

[BStieers]

Side question for OP - Do you mind telling me which hotel you are able to get a DCL transfer from?

 

[brentm77]

Side question for OP - Do you mind telling me which hotel you are able to get a DCL transfer from?

Of course not. It is from Caribe Hilton. It's the only option for DCL transfers right now. The reviews look very mixed for the hotel, and it isn't inexpensive for having such mixed reviews. We don't get in until 10PM, so we won't be spending much time there anyway, but for the price, I wish Disney offered some other options.

 

[Luv2run2WDW]

I wonder if it is possible to stay elsewhere in San Juan, but still use the DCL transfer from Caribe Hilton...Anyone know? We are staying for 3 nights prior to the cruise, and wanted to stay in Old San Juan.

 

[BStieers]

I wonder if it is possible to stay elsewhere in San Juan, but still use the DCL transfer from Caribe Hilton...Anyone know? We are staying for 3 nights prior to the cruise, and wanted to stay in Old San Juan.

I asked my TA this recently - and the answer was no, only from the Caribe Hilton.

 

[brentm77]

I asked my TA this recently - and the answer was no, only from the Caribe Hilton.

Interesting. I wonder if it is due to luggage pickup? Disney did ask me which hotel I was staying at when I booked to confirm it was the hotel they had partnered with.

 

[BStieers]

Interesting. I wonder if it is due to luggage pickup? Disney did ask me which hotel I was staying at when I booked to confirm it was the hotel they had partnered with.

Were you able to book it from a different hotel?

 

[brentm77]

Were you able to book it from a different hotel?

Unfortunately, I didn't ask since I had already moved my reservation to the Hilton. I had the impression that I would not have been able to do that. I would call the 800 number (on a less busy day) and ask to be sure.