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Mom And Daughter Laughing together on Hammock at beach
  • On Apr 30, 2014
    Kristen from NJ 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.

    First cruise in 11/2014. How do the DCL transfers from the WL work? Are bus pick up times/transfers to the port somehow linked to your selected cruise check-in time? What if we select an 11:30 check in - Will the bus get us there at the appropriate time?

    Welcome aboard, Kristen! This winter is the perfect time to set sail with Disney Cruise Line, as I'm sure that coming in from chilly New Jersey, you'll welcome the warm waters of the Caribbean at that time of year!

    My family loves to enjoy a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort before our cruises too, and Disney makes it very easy to make this transition from land to sea and back again. If you're booked Disney Cruise Line ground transfers, they take care of all of the details. The night before you set sail, you'll receive a call or a letter in your resort room letting you know what time you'll be picked up and what time your bags must be ready. They will be two different times. Last week, we left the resorts at Walt Disney World to set sail on the Magic, so I can give you examples of our pick up times. Our bags needed to be ready by 8:00 a.m. and were picked up in our resort room. We kept our day bags as carry-on's with us, but let the porter take our checked luggage which we didn't see again until they arrived at our stateroom on the ship later that afternoon. 

    We were able to relax and enjoy the rest of the morning at our resort and were then picked up at 11:30 to take the ride out to the ship. Both luggage and guest pick up times can vary based on how many other guests at your resort are using these transfers. Typically, pick up times are from 11 - 12:30, though that can always change. Just plan that around then is when you'll be heading out, and you'll get specifics the night before.

    When you complete your online check-in, you'll be asked to select not a check-in time, but a port arrival time. It's not too important to be exact with that time when you're using Disney Cruise Line's ground transfers, as they will know when to expect you. But, most likely, you won't arrive at the port until 12:30 or later. The ride takes just about an hour once you leave the Walt Disney World resort area. 

    Have fun planning, Kristen!
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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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