Ahoy, Michael!
Welcome back to planDisney! I hope you were able to snag all those “practically perfect” Port Adventures and activities when your booking window opened—because now it’s time to check in and get one step closer to sailing on the stunning
Disney Wish!
Let’s talk about your Online Check-In window, which opens based on your
Castaway Club status:
• Concierge & Pearl: 40 days before sailing
• Platinum: 38 days
• Gold: 35 days
• Silver: 33 days
• First-time cruisers: 30 days
All windows open at midnight Eastern Time—so if you’re hoping to grab that earliest Port Arrival Time, you may want to channel your inner Peter Parker and swing through the night until the clock strikes twelve (just don’t let Aunt May find out).
Before your check-in window opens, I highly recommend getting everything ready so you can fly through the process faster than Aladdin on a magic carpet. Here’s what you’ll need:
• A clear headshot photo of each Guest (shoulders up, facing forward, no hats or sunglasses—think passport style, but with a Disney smile!)
• A photo of each passport or
other travel documentation for every Guest
• Your credit or debit card if you plan to set up your onboard account
• Flight info if you’re flying to the port
I like to store all those photos in a folder on my computer or mobile device ahead of time, so when midnight hits, I’m ready to go faster than Lightning McQueen.
Now let’s dive into what happens when you begin your Online Check-In:
1. Log in to your reservation using the Disney Cruise Line website or the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, and find “My Online Check-In.”
2. Once it loads, click “Begin Check-In”—you’ll need to complete each section in order (I know, I know... the Port Arrival Time is calling your name, but you’ve got to play by the rules, like Simba following Mufasa’s lead).
Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
• Guest Information: Upload your travel documents and those Disney-worthy headshots.
• Onboard Account: Choose how you’ll handle those magical charges onboard.
• Traveling with Children (if applicable): Register the kiddos for the youth clubs—they’ll be off to Never Land in no time!
• Travel Plans: Share whether you’re flying or driving, and add your flight info if needed.
• Port Arrival Time: Pick the time that fits your crew best. If you want to be one of the first to board, the early bird gets the dole whip!
• Cruise Contract: Review and sign—because the sea calls, and you must go!
• Don’t forget to check the Optional Forms at the end to see if any apply to your crew.
After all that, you’re checked in and ready to chart your course to enchantment, entertainment, and all things Disney at sea. And remember, you can always double-check your check-in status in the Navigator app once it’s completed.
Wishing you smooth seas, early Port Arrival Times, and a Disney Wish sailing filled with moments that feel straight out of a fairytale. May your check-in be swift and your stateroom door be close to the snacks!
Sea ya real soon with a splash of April fun and a boatload of Disney magic,
Dustin