We may not be able to hop on a Disney Cruise Line adventure just yet, but things in the cruise industry are certainly starting to get moving.
©Disney
The CDC’s No-Sail order has expired, and new requirements have been put in place that cruise companies must meet in order to sail again. Construction is also going on at the terminal Disney Cruise Line uses in Port Canaveral, and now we’ve gotten a peek at the progress and what this updated terminal is looking like right now.
Recently, Port Canaveral conducted their 2020 State of the Port, providing updates on various things going on there, including the renovation of Terminal 8, the terminal used by Disney Cruise Line!
©Port Canaveral
A representative in the Port Canaveral update said that this terminal was originally built in 1998, and this renovation has been a matter of making the “new” fit the “old.” The project started in early 2020, and substantial progress has been made.
©Port Canaveral | Concept Art
A couple of new things are part of this renovation, including a new drop-off lane with a canopy that is being built to match existing one, and much more.
©Port Canaveral
The project apparently started with a $47 million budget, but they have since carved out and deferred $11 million worth of work. The representative indicated that the deferred work could be brought back in the future though. But, with the existing budget, the team has worked on an 11,000 square foot expanded arrival hall for Disney Cruise Line. You can see some beautiful twisted rope details on the outside of the building.
©Port Canaveral
The tall rotunda in the back was part of the existing structure and that contains a working clock with…Mickey Mouse hands! LOVE!
©Port Canaveral
The renovated front area also includes an outdoor plaza, landscaping, planter beds, new palm trees, and a large area for guests to gather prior to entering the terminal.
©Port Canaveral
There are also new carpeted floors and charging stations coming to the expanded area inside.
©Port Canaveral
Inside of the main terminal area, the ticket counters, which used to come closer to the end of the building, have actually been cut back…
©Port Canaveral
….to make more room for seating.
©Port Canaveral
The representative also noted that they’ve spent thousands of dollars renovating the floor, polishing it, repairing cracks, and doing other things to make sure it’s looking beautiful!
©Port Canaveral
Part of expansion project also includes some marine work, including a new passenger boarding bridge. The new bridge should be put in place, connected and set up later this year/early next year. Both gangways will then operate simultaneously and eventually the old one will be demolished.
©Port Canaveral
Overall, the whole project is looking great! There’s nothing like the excitement of stepping into a cruise terminal, knowing you’re seconds away from an incredible adventure at sea (and LOTS of delicious food). We can’t wait to sea what it all looks like once it’s finalized and once we’re all able to go cruising once again. For now, all Disney Cruise Line departures through the end of the year have been canceled. We’ll definitely keep you updated on any more Disney Cruise Line news.
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No doubt, the nicest terminal by far. Cruised in 1998… 6 months after DCL launch of the Magic and was blown away from the minute we left the parking garage and entered the terminal. The Terminal and on boarding procedures beginning at the terminal It is a part of the Disney experience. 8 cruises later out of Port Canaveral and we are ready to board for the DVC member cruise in June 2021. If you have not cruised with Disney, you have not cruised with the best.