Ahoy there, Alecia!
I’m thrilled to hear you’re arriving a few days early for your Disney Cruise—that’s a smart move to keep everything smooth and stress-free! With your
pre-booked shuttle, you’re already well on your way to a magical start. Let’s map out your journey to
the port.
Two days before your sail date, you’ll receive an email with detailed instructions about your shuttle pickup location and time. Keep an eye out for that email—and don’t forget to check your spam folder, just in case it sneaks in there! Once you’ve finalized your hotel, I recommend
calling Disney Cruise Line to confirm your pickup location to ensure everything is shipshape.
If you haven’t decided on a hotel yet, consider staying at a
Walt Disney World Resort hotel, a
Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, or even the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Each of these options offers convenient access to Disney Cruise Line transportation. For example, at the airport Hyatt, you can simply take the elevator downstairs to board the shuttle—talk about effortless! For Guests staying at Good Neighbor Hotels, the current meeting point is
Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, a lovely resort with a touch of Southern charm.
Before boarding the shuttle, remember to attach the
luggage tags you received from Disney Cruise Line to all your checked bags. These tags ensure your luggage magically finds its way to your stateroom door on the ship. Once your bags are loaded onto the shuttle, you won’t see them again until you’re onboard, so be sure to pack a carry-on with all your essentials. Keep your
passports, medication, DisneyBand+ (if purchased), and Port Arrival Form easily accessible. Don’t forget swimsuits, sunscreen, and anything else you might need for some poolside relaxation while you wait for your stateroom, which should be ready around 1:30 PM (subject to change). Checked luggage may not arrive until the evening—ours has typically shown up within an hour or two of our stateroom being ready, but on occasion, it has been as late as 6:00 PM.
When it’s time to head home, the process is just as easy. On the last night of your cruise, you’ll receive a notification—usually in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or as a printed note—about your airport shuttle details. After you disembark, collect your luggage, clear customs, and head on over to the waiting shuttles. Friendly Cast Members will have your reservation information and will guide you every step of the way.
It sounds like your vacation plans are shaping up beautifully, Alecia! With your early arrival and Disney Cruise Line’s thoughtful transportation options, you’re setting sail for an adventure filled with pixie dust and unforgettable moments. Until then, keep dreaming of that first Mickey ice cream bar, and let the countdown to magic begin!
Sea ya real soon with pixie dust and ocean breezes,
Dustin