Hi Bryan!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Eee! I can't wait for you to step onboard and experience all of the festive activities awaiting you during your
Very Merrytime Cruise! Setting sail during the holiday season will make your first Disney Cruise unforgettable.
During your Online Check-in, you were able to select a designated Port Arrival Time. Disney Cruise Line will excitedly expect your family to arrive at the Cruise Terminal within the one hour window that you've chosen to check in for your voyage! While you're checking in, you will receive a boarding number. Once your number is called, you will be able to board the ship! Boarding typically begins around noon on embarkation day. Once your number is called, you will board the ship for your high-seas adventure to begin! Any activities scheduled for the first day will begin after all the Guests have been invited onboard; you won't miss a thing!
Ooo, I'm so glad you booked an adults-only meal at Palo! As soon as you receive your "Key to the World" card while checking in at the Cruise Terminal, you'll see which Main Dining Restaurants you'll be eating in on each day of your cruise. On a four-night voyage, one of the Main Dining Restaurants will be repeated; I recommend booking your dinner at Palo for that evening. If you booked Palo for a night that isn't in the repeated restaurant, there will be an opportunity to try changing your reservation onboard on the afternoon of embarkation day! Your Personal Navigator newsletter (which you will receive upon checking in at the Cruise Terminal) will give you the location and times to make modifications to any Palo reservations. Personally, I like eating at Palo a little earlier in the evening because the sunset makes for such a romantic backdrop to dinner with my husband!
Beth