Welcome back to the Moms Panel, Gayle!
So great to receive another great question from you. It sounds like all your pre-cruise planning is taking shape. I usually will find myself day dreaming and imagining how each day unfolds... isn't it exciting to picture yourself walking up the gangway? As your family approaches the entrance to the ship, you catch a glimpse of the lobby atrium... the cast member with the microphone asks you for your family's last name, and they give a loud cheer to welcome your family onboard! What a grand entrance onto the Disney Cruise!
With your 11:15 check in time, you can plan to arrive the port early so that you can be one of the first few guests to come onboard. Make sure you've got your OnLine Check-In process completed early and your signature forms printed & signed. You'll need your passports and travel documents ready to be given to the port check-in counter agent. There might be a line and it's never guaranteed how long it could be. Check in times vary - my family and I have had trips where we get everything done in less than 10 minutes, to the longest which was about 30 minutes or so. After all that is done, it's just a matter of a few more minutes until you actually step onto the ship.
Make sure you've got your day bag ready. You can enjoy lunch at the buffet first or start exploring. Your stateroom will likely not be ready yet... so, I suggest picking up a Personal Navigator first and reading through it. It will be your guide to the different activities that are going on for embarkation day. Your family will have an awesome time. You'll discover a
Different Way to do Disney!
Wishing you lots of magical moments onboard the Disney Cruise ship, Gayle! We're happy to help if you have other questions.
Happy planning!
~ Dolly