When taking your family on a Disney cruise (or Carnival or Royal Caribbean), you want to get a good night sleep beforehand. Staying in one of the best Port Canaveral pre cruise hotels for toddlers ensures your little one is well rested before their big vacation!
Cruising with toddlers doesn’t have to mean overtired meltdowns, so long as your pre cruise hotel has the right toddler amenities.
Our curated list of best pre cruise hotels in Port Canaveral with toddlers goes beyond just a pool. We’ve vetted the best hotels that include a separate sleep space, breakfast, and cribs. Plus, either a shuttle or easy transfer to the port.
If you’re starting your cruise with toddlers elsewhere, check out our guide on How to Choose a Pre-Cruise Hotel with Toddlers.
| Hotel | Port Transit Options | Toddler Highlights | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Pick JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes | Private transfer & rideshare access | Waterpark, lazy river, zero-entry lagoon, toddler splash cove | Check prices |
| Best Overall Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral | Scheduled port shuttle ($) | Full kitchens, zero-entry pool edge, spacious floor plans, breakfast buffet | Check prices |
| Best with Grandparents Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral | Scheduled port shuttle ($) | Full kitchens, saltwater pool, 2-bedroom suite options, breakfast buffet | Check prices |
| Theme Park Choice The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando | Private transfer & rideshare access | Huge waterpark, full fridge/freezer, breakfast buffet | Check prices |
| Best Budget Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral | Park-and-cruise shuttles ($) | Splash pad pool area, 3-minute drive to cruise terminals, breakfast buffet | Check prices |
Best Luxury: JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
- Room Type: 5* hotel with Deluxe Guest Rooms, Executive Suites, and 1-Bedroom Suites with private balconies
- Port Transit: ~15 minutes from MCO Airport; ~45–50 minutes to terminal; arrange for private transfer services or book a rideshare if you’re bringing your carseats
- Breakfast: restaurants on site offer menu breakfast for a fee
- Laundry: laundry service, guest laundry facilities
- Toddler Amenities: free cribs on request, mini-fridges, Grande Lakes Waterpark, and expansive resort grounds for stroller walks
The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes offers a high-end resort experience that’s exceptionally welcoming for families with little travelers. Mini-fridges come standard in all rooms, plus they have 24/7 room service for when hunger strikes in middle of the night.
This hotel is also home to the Grande Lakes Waterpark – a huge plus for toddlers! With a lazy-river, zero-entry pools, shaded cabana rentals, and Splash Cove splash pad, you’ll want to spend a few days at this hotel before your family cruise with toddlers!
See more photos and reviews. ➔
Planning to bring your carseat? We’ve got a full breakdown on How to Fly with Carseats for your reading pleasure.
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- Room Type: 3* hotel with 1-Bedroom Suites and Studio Suites
- Port Transit: ~3 minutes to terminal; ~40 minutes to MCO; scheduled third-party cruise terminal shuttle or rideshare
- Breakfast: breakfast buffet included
- Laundry: self-service laundry facilities + dry cleaning services
- Toddler Amenities: full kitchens, cribs on request, heated outdoor pool with gradual entry
Homewood Suites is a well-known extended-stay hotel designed for families needing actual living space. This hotel offers true 1-bedroom suites separating the sleeping space, so parents don’t have to sit in the dark while toddlers sleep.
Great for families needing a kitchen for making meals, plus the convenience of a hot breakfast included for early mornings. With a heated outdoor pool, you can burn energy any time of year!
- Room Type: 3* hotel with 1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom/2-Bath Family Suites
- Port Transit: ~4 minutes to port; ~40 minutes to MCO; scheduled port shuttle for a fee
- Breakfast: included breakfast buffet
- Laundry: self-service laundry facilities + valet dry cleaning
- Toddler Amenities: full kitchens, guaranteed crib reservations, heated outdoor saltwater pool
Offering massive suites, including 2-bedroom/2-bath options, the Residence Inn is a fantastic option for larger families, or families cruising with grandparents, too.
You’ll enjoy an easy stay with a full kitchen, separate living space, and a short 1-mile drive to the cruise port.
The outdoor saltwater pool is heated, meaning your toddler can play most any time of year. And grandparents can relax in the hot tub or outdoor lounge space.
Check prices and availability. ➔
Best for Visiting Theme Parks: The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando
- Room Type: 4* hotel with 2- and 3-bedroom suites
- Port Transit: ~1:15 from port; ~35 minutes from MCO; private transfers or a rideshare
- Breakfast: included breakfast buffet
- Laundry: in-suite washers and dryers
- Toddler Amenities: water park, full-size kitchens, low-fee cribs on request
With shuttle services to Walt Disney World, and just 25 minutes from Universal Orlando, this is the perfect extended-stay resort to spend some time at the world-famous Orlando theme parks before or after your cruise with toddlers!
You could also spend your time at the on-site Surfari Waterpark, featuring a lazy river, waterslides, a zero-entry pool and a kids splash pad. Either way, you’ll find tons to do before your cruise!
As a bonus, the rooms include in-suite washers and dryers, so you don’t have to try to squeeze in laundry. You can just switch it around at the end of the day.
Search for your family’s suite. ➔
Best Budget: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
- Room Type: 4* hotel with Standard Rooms and 1-Bedroom Suites
- Port Transit: ~45 minutes from MCO; ~3 minutes to cruise terminal; park-and-cruise shuttle packages available ($)
- Breakfast: included breakfast buffet
- Laundry: self-service laundry facilities
- Toddler Amenities: outdoor pool with kids splash area, microwave/fridge in all rooms, cribs on request
The closest hotel to the ship terminals on our list, The Country Inn offers a non-fussy stay for families looking for a budget option. With a classic hotel vibe, choose a 1-bedroom suite for space to spread out.
There’s also a splash zone at the outdoor pool, so your toddler can splash off their pre-cruise excitement!
Conclusion
When you’re cruising with a toddler, the main objective of your pre cruise hotel is to make sure your stay is easy. Stepping onto the ship well rested will set the tone for your vacation!
As a reminder, if you’re requesting a crib, make sure you book in advance to confirm availability!
Have you ever cruised with your toddler? Where did you take them? Tell me about it in the comments!
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