Hello, Suzanne! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I'm beyond excited that you're getting ready for your inaugural sailing aboard the Disney Cruise Line! I completely understand your anxiety leading up to when your advance booking window opens. I remember feeling the same way in preparation for my first Disney Cruise. Let me ease your mind by telling you that Disney Cruise Line makes the online check-in process easy and fun!
My first tip is to make sure you're able to sign in to your online account. This sounds like an obvious step but it's something you can do before your advance booking window opens to prepare for a seamless start to your online check-in! Another thing I like to do in advance is research the
Port Adventures for each port of call and make a list of my family's top three. Once your cruise is paid in full and your advance booking window opens (75 days prior to your sail date as a first-time cruiser), you will be able to log in at midnight (EST) the day your online check-in begins to start booking all the fun!
Personally, once my online booking window opens, I head straight to the private cabanas in order to try and reserve one of those magnificent pieces of property on Castaway Cay! If you're thinking about reserving a private cabana, I would do that first. Then, I suggest focusing your attention toward all other Port Adventures or activities onboard that you're interested in booking. Another important part of your online check-in is the ability to select your Port Arrival Time. Many Guests like an earlier Port Arrival Time in order to start exploring the ship! You do not need to complete each part of the online check-in to begin booking your Port Adventures or activities onboard. However, you will need to complete the online check-in in order to choose a Port Arrival Time.
Come and "sea" us again with any other questions!
Beth