Welcome to planDisney, Adele! I'm so glad you stopped by with your question.
How exciting that you'll be sailing on the Disney Wonder so soon! This is a great vessel for shorter voyages because it's a bit smaller in size than some of the other ships and very easy to navigate. My family and I love this ship and I know you will too!
Now, Adele, I appreciate this question because I've experienced this conundrum. Just a few weeks ago my family and I sailed on the Disney Dream and I wasn't able to secure an early arrival time. Unfortunately, there is not a waiting list to change your arrival time, but I do have a couple of suggestions to help make the most of your afternoon on embarkation day.
First, make sure that you study the layout of the ship before stepping foot on deck. You can find all of the
deck plans online. You'll save lots of time during your sailing if you have a general idea of where places like
Cabanas or the
Walt Disney Theater are located.
Next, make sure that you pack any essentials (like a swimsuit or necessary medication) in a backpack or a carry-on bag. That way you will have everything you need to start having fun the minute you embark!
Adele, while this likely wasn't the news you were wishing to hear, I do hope you have a Magical sailing. There are so many pixie-dusted moments to be found on Disney Cruise Line and I'll be wishing on star that you find them all.
Lauren