Port Canaveral to Disney World drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best road trip stops on the Port Canaveral to Disney World drive are Merritt Island, Indian River Village and Orlando. The distance from Port Canaveral to Disney World is 67 miles, with a 1h3m driving time.

Planning a Port Canaveral to Disney World road trip itinerary

The Port Canaveral to Disney World drive takes you from a busy Florida cruise port to the world’s most famous theme park.

Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise hubs on earth. The likes of Disney Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Carnival dock here.

If you’re not planning to go on a cruise, you can take a tour of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse or visit the Kennedy Space Center. Cocoa Beach Helicopter Tours also offers its scenic flights from here.

Well-rated Port Canaveral accommodation options include the Country Inn and Suites plus the Hampton Inn and Suites.

To approach Disney World as an ordinary theme park is a mistake. In reality, it is several theme parks in one. Just rock up on the day and work it out as you go along, and you’ll not get the most out of it. Read up and plan in advance – there’s a reason why some people stay for several days. Also remember that it’s as much about the shows and parades as the rides.

Several types of ticket are available. Pick the one that suits your party best.

Port Canaveral to Disney World distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Port Canaveral to Disney World is 67 miles. You can expect a driving time of around one hour and three minutes.

The best stops to add to a Port Canaveral to Disney World road trip itinerary are Merritt Island, Indian River Village and Orlando.

Port Canaveral to Disney World road trip attractions: Merritt Island

Merritt Island is flanked by the Indian River and Banana, and has become something of a wildlife haven. You can see the dolphins and manatees on a boat cruise or kayaking tour.

For something spectacular, try night kayaking through the bioluminescence – the water lights up as your paddle glides through it.

Best stops between Port Canaveral and Disney World: Indian River Village

Indian River Village on Merritt Island is home to a couple of enjoyable tours. Tiki Cruises runs hour-long dolphin and manatee-spotting boat trips along the Indian River, complete with music, drinks and hammocks. Meanwhile, Three Brothers Adventure Tours takes visitors out to see the local wildlife in kayaks or on paddleboards.

Port Canaveral to Disney World drive: Orlando

Orlando is known worldwide as the home of Disney World, but there’s far more to it than Mickey and Co. You can get crazy selfies at the Museum of Illusions or WonderWorks, learn how chocolate is made at Chocolate Kingdom and ride the Wheel at ICON Park or Orlando StarFlyer. Alternatively, visit Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, play adventure golf at Pirates’ Cove and say hi to the stingrays at Sea Life.

In the evenings, there’s the Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show, Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn To Life and the Outta Control magic comedy show.

Other Orlando experiences include glow-in-the-dark kayaking, foodie walking tours and kayaking through Cypress forest.

The secret to getting Orlando accommodation deals is flexibility. There are hundreds of hotels, and you’ll likely be driving everywhere anyway. So hunt down the cheapest rates, and don’t get too hung up on exact location.