Hi April!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I can feel your excitement about your upcoming Disney Cruise through your question! I'm so excited for you and your family, too! Squee! The Disney Fantasy is filled with fun from bow to stern. I can't wait for you and your pirate crew to experience all the onboard activities that Captain Mickey has planned for you!
As a fellow cruising mama to a buccaneer with special needs, I completely understand how important it is to plan ahead! I'm so glad you came to the Disney Parks Moms Panel to ask this question and am honored to help you! I'm not sure if there is a way to ensure that you are able to board the ship as early as possible. With that being said, I DO know the group of people who could best assist you! When you can, please reach out to
Disney Cruise Line's Special Services Team. I recommend calling them at (407) 566-3602 to share a little about your daughter's needs and explain the importance of boarding the ship in an earlier group in order to get her more settled. There's no guarantee that they'll be able to put you in an earlier group, but I know firsthand that Disney Cruise Line wants each Guest to have a smooth-sailing experience and that the Special Services Team will do their best to accommodate passengers with special needs!
April, I can't wait for you to call the Special Services Team because the representative over the phone might suggest an accommodation for your daughter (that you didn't even know existed!) that would make her cruising experience more enjoyable! I've had nothing but incredible conversations with the Special Services Cast Members! Each person whom I've spoken with has been compassionate, attentive and knowledgeable. I'm confident you'll have the same experience!
If you have any future questions, please come back and visit us again!
Beth