We will be cruising with daughter's family, and mother-in-law. Arrivals = different times/different days. Mother-in-law will travel with US, She is listed with son's family. We board at different times, but want to see if and how she might board with us.”

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Answer 1

Welcome aboard James! Your whole family must be so excited to set sail with Disney Cruise Line! We love sailing with extended family as it makes the vacation so much more magical!

The good news for your family is that no matter which stateroom your mother-in-law is in, if she arrives at the port terminal with you, you can all check in together and receive the same boarding number. You mentioned boarding times, but I want to clarify that the time you selected during online check-in was not a boarding time but a port arrival time. If it turns out that your daughter's family can arrive at the port around the same time as you, go ahead and do so. You may then be able to check in closer to the same time.

Either way, just remember that officially boarding doesn't begin until about 12:30, though in my experience, if the ship is ready, they may begin boarding as early as 11:30, starting by calling the lowest boarding numbers. So, you may find that you'll be waiting in the port terminal for a bit until your family's boarding number is called.

The good news is that you may pass the time by getting a picture with Mickey or Minnie who sometimes pop out for photos with guests! There are also a few televisions playing Disney cartoons, but I do recommend bringing some activities and snacks for the little ones to keep them busy. You can also wait in line to pick up the kids' Oceaneer Bands for the Youth Clubs if you'd like. However, if the line is too long, just skip it because as long as you've pre-registered them during online check-in, you can simply pick up their bands on the ship during the Club and Lab's Open House hours that first day, saving you a long wait in line! Before you know it, your boarding number will be called and you'll be walking onto the ship as the Cast Members announce your family's name and applaud your arrival!

Have fun planning, James and enjoy every magical moment of your cruise with Captain Mickey and his crew!

We will be cruising with daughter's family, and mother-in-law. Arrivals = different times/different days. Mother-in-law will travel with US, She is listed with son's family. We board at different times, but want to see if and how she might board with us.”

Meet the Panelist: Marcy, Ohio

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