Mickey and Minnie Mouse with The Wish
  • On Feb 28, 2026
    Andrew from OH Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello! I am an autistic adult, and I am wondering how assisted boarding procedures are completed for customers with disabilities at Port Canaveral, specifically if arriving via the DCL bus system from WDW. Charge On! Andrew N.

    Hiya, Andrew!

    There are multiple adult members of my family on the spectrum too. While every individual is different, I can relate to how helpful it is to know in advance what to expect to help make your trip as magical as possible.

    I recommend reviewing the following ahead of your Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line vacation.

    During your vacation, this is about how you can expect things to go.

    1. Complete your cruise online check-in form at least one day before embarkation.
    2. Check in to your Walt Disney World Resort hotel, where you may receive a welcome letter that will detail when Bell Services will pick up your luggage and when you should meet your motorcoach on embarkation day. Call the Disney Cruise Line Contact Center or your travel professional for details if you don't get the letter.
    3. Pack your checked luggage and attach the Disney Cruise Line luggage tags that were mailed to you to prepare your luggage for Bell Services to pick up from your room. Keep your passport or other travel documentation, your port arrival form, medications, and other essentials in your personal belongings that you carry on to the ship.
    4. Check your email for a link to the Mandatory Health Questionnaire to fill out on the morning of your cruise.
    5. Meet your motorcoach at the designated time and place at your resort.
    6. Complete the check-in at the cruise ship terminal and pass through security, including having your carry-on items scanned while you pass through a metal detector.
    7. Relax in the terminal as you wait for your boarding group to be called.
    8. Board the ship and enjoy your cruise!

    While there aren't specific accommodations offered for autistic adults during this process, you are welcome to advocate for yourself appropriately at each step. For example, you might choose to wait to board the motorcoach last if you prefer minimizing time sitting in a vehicle. Or you might ask the driver if there are any seats reserved for Guests with disabilities. At the port, you are certainly welcome to board the ship as soon as your boarding group is called. But you are also welcome to wait longer in the terminal if you would prefer to enjoy more time in that space, perhaps to wait until your stateroom is expected to be ready to enter if you feel like you would like to have a quiet, private place to use on the ship.

    Tony's Tip: Embarkation day is exciting for everyone. That excitement can also bubble over into a somewhat tumultuous atmosphere. If you happen to prefer more subdued activities, I recommend choosing quick-service or full-service options for lunch rather than the buffet. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for activities that may interest you. For example, there is often a first-run movie scheduled that may offer a relatively quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the upper decks. The various lounges or the adult-exclusive areas onboard often provide a quiet escape as well.

    Have a magical vacation, Andrew!
    ~Tony

thumbnail image for Tony

Meet the Panelist: Tony, Utah

Coming to you from the Beehive State, I’m a Disney-loving dad and husband, buzzing with excitement to share advice and tips for making your Disneyland Resort vacation as magical as possible! I’m excited to help you discover the storytelling magic of the “Happiest Place on Earth!” Learn More About Tony

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Disney Cruise Line First Timer Tips | planDisney Podcast – Season 2 Episode 1

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.