Ahoy, Richard!
Soon you'll be hearing the words, "Welcome Aboard," and your Disney Cruise Line vacation will be underway. It's the best feeling because you can leave all your cares and worries behind when you set foot in the beautiful Lobby Atrium or the Grand Hall!
Richard, I've been cruising with Disney for over two decades and have found the land-to-sea transition seamless, which makes for an easy start to your cruise. Your port arrival time is important, so be sure to have that handy to show Cast Members both inside and outside the terminal. You can take a screenshot, print it off, or save it to your mobile wallet. If you are driving to the port, you'll want to drop your tagged luggage off at the curb with the porters (don't forget some small bills for tipping), and park in the deck before hopping in line according to your port arrival time, which you received when you completed your online check-in. Also, don't forget to keep any important
documentation (i.e., passports and birth certificates) with you in your carry-on luggage, along with anything you might need for the first afternoon, such as medications and bathing suits. If you're arriving via
Disney Cruise Line transportation, a shuttle, Rideshare, or taxi, you'll hop in line according to your Port Arrival time once you are dropped off. DCL transportation will handle your luggage, but for other options, you'll need to stop by to see a porter before proceeding. Once your port arrival window opens, you'll go through security and then line up to check in with a Cast Member. Once it's your turn, a Cast Member will check out your
documentation and link your
DisneyBand+ (if applicable) to your account. Once everything checks out, you'll proceed to the waiting area until your boarding group number is called (this number is also assigned during online check-in). Once you hear that magical number, it's your turn!
Pictures begin in the terminal. If you'd like to document this exciting moment before hitting the gangway, stop by to see one of the ship's photographers. Again, keep that port arrival QR code out, because it will be checked one more time before boarding. Exact boarding times can vary depending on when the ship is cleared to accept passengers. On my past sailings, 11:30am-noon is the typical window for the first few groups to be called.
Once aboard, you will probably be ready to eat, so check the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for your dining options and operating times. My crew always heads to
Cabanas or
Marceline Market for our first meal of vacation! It never disappoints, especially the Cookies n' Cream Cheesecake!
Thank you for sending in your question, Richard. I hope this answer helps ease your mind about what to expect later this week.
Bon Voyage,
Nancy