Typically pick up is between 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. For guests staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll find the DCL Hospitality Desk near the Concierge.
If you will be going to the Animal Kingdom park, make sure that you’ve arranged DCL transportation from the park (not the resort).
Leave your luggage for Bell Services. Proceed to the Animal Kingdom park, there is a secured location (left of the gates) where DCL passengers can leave their carry-on bags. Your party must return by Noon. The bus departs at approximately 12:30 p.m. and you’ll arrive the ship around 1:30 p.m.
On my last cruise, I went to my stateroom to drop off my carry-on bag and then proceeded to retrieve some lunch which I enjoyed in my stateroom. You will have time to have lunch and the pools will be open for swimming.
Lunch options include Goofy’s Galley, Parrot Cay, Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, Pluto’s Dog House and Topsider Buffet. Check your Personal Navigator for scheduled activities. A great option for
first time cruisers is to take a guided tour of the ship. The Adventures Away party begins at 4:30 p.m.
My luggage arrived quite early so I was able to unpack and settle into my room. This is also a great time for parents to show their children the Youth Program locations such as the Oceaneer Club. Open House and Registration will be on-going during these first few hours aboard the ship. Relax on your stateroom balcony or find a place on deck to unwind while looking over your Personal Navigator. The time always seems to fly between boarding and our first dinner!
All passengers must return to their staterooms prior to 4:00 p.m. to retrieve their life jackets and proceed to their Muster Drill locations. Ship services are suspended between 3:30 and 4:15 p.m. Port Departure is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Bon voyage!