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Mom And Son Water Slide
  • On Mar 30, 2013
    Deb Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We will be driving and parking at Port Canaveral, should we arrive early to be able to board early, does that make a difference, or should we wait and arrive around 1pm to avoid the rush?

    Welcome aboard, Deb! You must be getting excited about your upcoming Disney Cruise Line vacation! It's sure to be a very magical adventure!

    When your window opens to check-in online, you will be choosing a port arrival time as part of the online check-in process. If you find that only later times are available, that's okay. These are not strict arrival times, but are more to ensure that guests don't all show up at the same time. You can arrive earlier than your assigned time and will still receive a boarding number and be allowed to check-in.

    My family likes to arrive as the port opens and hopes to get an early boarding number. We then spend the time after check-in and before boarding begins, to get pictures with Mickey or Minnie, who usually make appearances near the model ship in the middle of the terminal. We pack snacks for the kids to eat while they watch one of the many tv's around the terminal that play Disney cartoons. Then, once our number is called, we love boarding early to get extra time on the ship before the crowds begin. If your little ones might like to try to AquaDuck on the Fantasy or Dream before the lines get long, doing so right as you board is a great time! Just be sure to pack your swimsuits in your carry-on bags. Your family can enjoy a casual lunch by the pool, or you can head to Cabanas Buffet or Enchanted Garden for a sit-down lunch.

    I hope that those ideas help as you plan. Be sure to let me know if I can help with anything else before you set sail, Deb!
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Meet the Panelist: Marcy, Ohio

Welcome aboard! I'm the mom of two tween/teen Castaway Clubbers who would live on any of the Disney ships if they could. I would love to help your family discover the magic that awaits you on the open seas with Disney Cruise Line. Learn More About Marcy

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Panelists have received/will receive a Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort or Disney Cruise Line® vacation for panelist and up to three family members and/or park tickets for their planDisney participation. The views expressed on plandisneypanel.com are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Disney Destinations prior to posting.

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