Seth, let me be the first to welcome you aboard!
Thank you for reaching out with your question. As a teacher, I know the unpredictable can be stressful for those with autism. I’m happy to help remove some uncertainty, so your family has the best time onboard the
Disney Magic.
Let’s start with embarkation day! Please plan to arrive at the port at your
Port Arrival Time listed on the Port Arrival Form. Arriving during your scheduled time helps alleviate some of the crowds at the terminal. At the port, you’ll proceed through a metal detector just like at the airport, and your carry-on bags will also be scanned. Your citizenship documents will be checked, and then you’ll wait in the terminal for your boarding number to be called. While the wait time is usually minimal, you might want to pack a few snacks or a favorite electronic device to help pass the time.
Seth, the terminal is a great place to connect to the DCL-Guest Wi-Fi and peek at all the activities offered on your cruise. The
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is like having your own personal cruise director in the palm of your hand. I like to sit with my family and favorite the activities we are interested in attending. If, for example, you see a trivia event that looks fun, you can favorite the activity, and approximately 15 minutes beforehand, you’ll get a reminder on your phone. It’s such a relief not to have to worry about missing out on anything. Best of all, you can pre-plan out all your days. I’m sorry that this isn’t offered before your sailing. Hopefully, you can use the time in the terminal or while eating lunch to view the activities as a family.
Woo hoo! The wait is over, and your boarding number is called! Your family will go up the gangway to board the Disney Magic! Cast Members will announce your family and officially welcome you aboard. If you want a quieter fanfare, you can board without all the applause; just let the crew know when you arrive at the front of the line.
Once on the ship, Disney Cruise Line offers a number of
services for Guests with autism. They are happy to assist and offer suggestions with wait times during the mandatory guest assembly drill, character lines, kids’ clubs, and more. If you have any questions, you can always ask someone at Guest Services for assistance. I hope your vacation is peaceful and full of magical memories.
Bon Voyage!
Tracie