Hi Barbara,
Welcome aboard planDisney! Your Disney Cruise Line vacation is just a few weeks away; I know you must be looking forward to seeing the line where the sky meets the sea, as Moana likes to say! Thanks for bringing your question to us!
Disney Crusie Line Ground Transporation is a stress-free way to travel. Since your arrival date is February 2, I'm guessing you will stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, and your cruise departs from Port Canaveral. In my experience, you can expect the bus to pick you up at your hotel around 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your resort. The latest I've arrived at the port was just before noon, which gets you there in time to enjoy lunch or the pool before the
Assembly Drill later in the afternoon. The timing depends on how many Guests are using the service, but I would not expect you to be the last Guests to board the ship on embarkation day. The great news is that you will automatically be assigned a
port arrival time when using Disney Cruise Line ground transfers and that you should be able to board the ship even if you arrive ahead of schedule.
You will receive a digital resort letter via email with your exact departure information 48 hours prior to embarkation that will provide you with the exact pickup time and other instructions. This allows the Disney Cruise Line transportation team time to schedule the right amount of buses and the proper time of departure based on the number of Guests and their hotel locations so that everything runs smoothly on departure day.
I've coordinated port arrivals with other traveling companions over the years and sometimes the timing works splendidly and other times one party may have to wait at the port or board ahead and be a part of the welcoming party for those who arrive later. However it works, you will be on your way to a wonderful voyage with Captain Minnie before you know it!
Barbara, here are a few tips for you! Remember as you are
planning your packing list, you will want to pack some essentials in your carry-on bag. I usually make sure to have sunscreen, a water bottle, any valuables or medications, and your
travel documents, including
government-issued ID, in your bag. Also, download the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to your phone if you haven't already and you can have all your plans at your fingertips!
I hope this information has been helpful to you and that your embarkation day is smooth sailing, Barbara! Please let us know if you have other questions; we are here to help.
Wishing you many magical memories,
Shannon