Disney Cruise Line Debuts Second Homeport in Florida’s Port Everglades

The Disney Cruise Line has arrived at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, with a brand new dedicated terminal, creating the second year-round homeport in Florida.

What’s Happening:

  • The magic of Disney Cruise Line has officially arrived at Broward County’s Port Everglades in greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  • Earlier today, Disney Cruise Line, along with port and community leaders, celebrated the opening of the new dedicated cruise terminal and Disney Cruise Line’s second year-round homeport in Florida.
  • Port Everglades’ ideal location in South Florida offers guests the opportunity to experience beautiful beaches, world-class entertainment, shopping, and dining, as well as family and cultural activities, before or after their cruise. It is also conveniently located near major airports and highways, allowing guests to easily travel to and from the port.  

  • Once guests arrive at the terminal to embark on their voyage, they will “dive” into the world of Pixar Animation Studio’s  film, Finding Nemo, with some of their favorite friends from the film displayed on colorful murals. The more than 104,000-square foot terminal was reimagined by Walt Disney Imagineering exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests to provide a seamless embarkation experience.
  • Disney Cruise Line is committed to creating a lasting, positive impact in port communities. In recognition of Disney’s arrival to Port Everglades, the cruise line announced new community investments in Junior Achievement South Florida and Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. The donations will support a variety of initiatives, including programs that inspire career exploration, innovation, and storytelling.
  • Disney Cruise Line’s donation to Junior Achievement of South Florida will support the JA Career Bound and JA Pre-Apprenticeship programs, including a special marine service technician track that educates students about the maritime industry, marine basics and engine fundamentals.

  • The Disney Dream will begin sailing from Port Everglades on November 20, 2023, followed by the Disney Magic on May 9, 2024, offering guests the opportunity to sail on a mix of three-, four- and five-night cruises to tropical destinations in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.  
  • As part of Disney Cruise Line’s expansion, Disney Cruise Line and Broward County previously announced a 15-year agreement that includes a minimum 10.6 million passenger movements, and three 5-year extension options that could add another 11.25 million passenger movements. The agreement provides for one ship to homeport in Port Everglades year-round beginning this fall 2023, joined by a second, seasonal ship in 2025.  

What They’re Saying:

  • Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line: “The grand opening of our new dedicated terminal is an incredible milestone as we embark on the largest expansion in our cruise line’s history. Now our guests will have even more options to experience the magic of a Disney vacation at sea and can begin creating lifelong memories with their loved ones from the moment they arrive…. Being a good steward in the port communities where Disney Cruise Line operates is so important to us. We’re proud to continue to invest in local youth programs that help empower and inspire the next generation of dreamers in Broward County. Collaboration with these organizations will also provide Disney Cruise Line cast and crew, both on land and at sea, with the opportunity to volunteer as mentors and engage with local students through various educational programs.
  • Port Everglades CEO and port director, Jonathan Daniels. “Disney Cruise Line is adding a new dimension to the Port Everglades experience. Our staff is looking forward to this new journey with Disney Cruise Line and further diversifying our cruise portfolio to reach a broader audience.”
  • Broward County Mayor Lamar P. Fisher: “Dream vacations start here in Broward County. The addition of Disney Cruise Line in our community provides travelers with more vacation options at Port Everglades, while boosting our local economy and creating more than 1,100 direct local jobs.”
  • Laurie Sallarulo, president & CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida: “Community partners, like Disney Cruise Line, play a pivotal role in empowering the youth of today, shaping their futures for tomorrow. This support is not just a financial contribution, it's an investment in the next generation.”
  • Chris Gentile, Co-CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County: “The impact of Disney Cruise Line’s commitment reaches the very heart of our mission, which is to empower and uplift the youth of Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.” Disney Cruise Line’s donation will help strengthen and support several of the organization’s initiatives, such as the Youth of the Year program.

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Tony Betti
Originally from California where he studied a dying artform (hand-drawn animation), Tony has spent most of his adult life in the theme parks of Orlando. When he’s not writing for LP, he’s usually watching and studying something animated or arguing about “the good ole’ days” at the parks.