At The Vacationeer, we always recommend arriving a day before your Disney Cruise departs, especially if you’re flying in. Unpredictable weather, flight delays, or cancellations can turn your travel plans upside down. A pre-night stay ensures you’ll arrive on time, relaxed, and ready to fully enjoy your vacation.
Our travel advisors have partnered with Marriott Bonvoy to offer our guests a wide range of hotel and resort options, tailored to their vacation dreams and budget. Before embarking on our Disney Magic cruise from Port Everglades, we stayed at the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport to explore all the amenities this convenient spot offers our guests.
Convenient Location and Great Amenities
Located just a short ride from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport impressed us with its convenience and comfort. Right next door, we found the AC Hotel, another Marriott Bonvoy option, adding even more versatility for travelers. Both properties offer ideal accommodations for either a quick overnight stay or a longer visit.
The Marriott boasts excellent amenities, including a beautiful rooftop pool, a 24/7 gym, a relaxing lounge, and full-service dining at Radiant 166. For shopping lovers, Dania Pointe, a nearby retail hub, is just steps away. It features upscale restaurants, a movie theater, and stores like Anthropologie, Ulta, and Sugarboo & Co. (As a Disney Springs fan, I was excited to see this familiar favorite!)
Our Experience
From the moment we arrived, the friendly staff made us feel welcome. While checking in, they were able to answer all my questions such as if any of the rooms had bathtubs for families with younger children, but unfortunately, they do not. However, this was the only minor drawback in what was otherwise a fantastic hotel.
Our room was spacious, with two comfortable queen beds, plenty of storage, a well-lit modern bathroom, and a dedicated workspace to finish last-minute tasks. I especially loved the thoughtful touches, like a cozy reading chair with its own lamp, a cleverly designed shower faucet that didn’t splash me while starting it up, and lavender pillow spray to help us sleep. The room’s sleek yet cozy design made it a perfect fit for our family of four.
While the kids settled in with cartoons and dad caught up on some work, I explored the property. Sadly, Florida’s rainy weather kept us from enjoying the rooftop pool, but the proximity of shops and dining options made it easy to find alternative fun without needing a rental car or ride-sharing. Having all these retail options nearby was especially handy since we needed to pick up a few items we forgot to back for our cruise.
Dining at Radiant 166
In the evening, we dined at the on-site restaurant, Radiant 166. The adults had the option of an à la carte menu or a special Dine Out Lauderdale chef’s selection, which included an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. My husband enjoyed a flavorful Beef Osso Bucco, while I opted for the Caribbean Fried Red Snapper, which gave the kids a giggle when they saw the whole fish on my plate! The children, of course, went for the classic chicken fingers, fruit, and fries from the kid-friendly menu. Everything was delicious, and we finished the meal by sharing a slice of key lime pie.
Off to a Cruise Adventure
The next morning, we enjoyed coffee and breakfast at the nearby Crema Gourmet café before packing up and heading off to board our Disney cruise. The best part of our stay at the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport was that our vacation felt like it started the moment we checked in. It wasn’t just a place to rest our heads—it was the perfect spot to kick off our family adventure. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Marrriott Fort Lauderdale Airport for hosting us during our stay!
If you’re planning a cruise from Port Everglades, talk to your Vacationeer travel advisor about booking a pre- or post-cruise stay. To learn more about the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport or AC Hotel, check out their Instagram pages at @marriottfortlauderdale and @achotelfortlauderdale.
