Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review: Our Stay Before a Disney Destiny Cruise
Fort Lauderdale Pre-Cruise Hotel
For our 11th Disney Cruise Line sailing, we were doing something new: boarding the Disney Destiny from Port Everglades.
Instead of flying in the morning of our cruise, we arrived two days early and spent two nights at the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel.
Here's what our family experienced, from our 26th-floor room to the short trip to the cruise terminal.
Watch Our Experience
Omni Fort Lauderdale: Luxury Before Our Disney Destiny Cruise?
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review:
Our Stay at a Glance
Before boarding the Disney Destiny at Port Everglades, we spent two nights at the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel. From our 26th-floor room to our short cruise terminal transfer, here's a quick look at our family's pre-cruise experience.
Two nights before our Disney Destiny cruise.
26th floor, two queen beds, and city views.
Uber Premier from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL).
Approximately 4–5 minutes during our stay.
Why We Chose the Omni Fort Lauderdale (And Why We'll Be Back)
When we plan a cruise, we prefer arriving at least one day early. Flights get delayed, weather changes, and the last thing we want is to start our vacation worrying about missing the ship.
For our first cruise departing from Port Everglades, we decided to arrive two days early and try the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel for the first time. We wanted somewhere comfortable, conveniently located near the cruise terminal, and enjoyable enough to make those extra days feel like part of our vacation.
We weren't entirely sure what to expect since we'd never stayed at this property before, but we're glad we gave it a try.
Between the comfortable accommodations, welcoming staff, and convenient location, the Omni made a great first impression on our family.
What started as a first-time stay has become a hotel we'll certainly return to whenever our travels bring us back to Fort Lauderdale.
Our pre-cruise planning tip: Consider arriving at least one day before sailing, especially when flying to your departure port.
Checking In: A Welcome Surprise
Our interactions with the hotel staff were positive from the beginning. We also received an unexpected surprise: the Omni team had arranged a special welcome gift for Daniela.
Those personal touches can make a family vacation feel special before it officially begins.
Our 26th-Floor Room Tour
We stayed in a room with two queen beds, city views, and enough space for the three of us and our luggage.
The storage and layout worked well for our two-night stay. But one feature particularly stood out: the spacious walk-in shower.
The Bathroom Was a Highlight
The walk-in shower was noticeably spacious. It's a detail that may not seem important when booking, but it made our stay more comfortable.
Getting From FLL Airport to the Hotel
We used Uber Premier to travel from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to the Omni.
Rideshare prices vary with demand, traffic, and vehicle type. We share our own transportation experience in the video.
Budgeting tip: Compare the total cost of your hotel, airport transfer, and cruise-port transportation, not just the nightly room rate.
How Close Is the Omni to Port Everglades?
One of the most memorable moments came after we boarded the Disney Destiny: we could see the Omni hotel from the ship.
That gave us a completely different perspective on just how convenient its location was.
Our Shuttle Experience
Our particular booking arrangement included shuttle transportation to Port Everglades.
We left the hotel at approximately 10:40 a.m. and reached the cruise terminal roughly four to five minutes later.
Important: Shuttle service was included with our specific arrangement. Confirm current availability, costs, and schedules directly with the hotel before booking.
Our Family's Verdict
Is the Omni Fort Lauderdale Worth It?
For our family, the Omni was a good fit. We appreciated the comfortable room, helpful staff, city views, and convenient location near Port Everglades.
If you're looking for an upscale hotel where you can enjoy a couple of days before your cruise, it's worth considering.
If you're arriving late and only need somewhere to sleep, your priorities and budget may be different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Omni Fort Lauderdale FAQs
We answer the most common questions to help you plan your stay at the OMNI Fort Lauderdale.
Continue Our Disney Destiny Adventure
Our Omni stay was only the beginning. We also documented our embarkation day and another day exploring Fort Lauderdale.
Ready when you are
Planning Your Own Disney Cruise?
We share our family's firsthand experiences and help other families plan Disney vacations, from choosing a ship to organizing pre-cruise travel.
