Ahoy there, Sanne!
Welcome aboard planDisney! You’ve chosen very wisely to let Disney take care of your ground transportation, which is one of my favorite ways to start a sailing. It really lets you settle in and enjoy the journey, almost like hopping on a magic carpet ride from Aladdin, just without having to steer.
Before I jump in the deep end, I do need to caveat that the process for
ground transfers is frequently updated, so you will want to rely on the email that you will receive a day or two prior to your sail date. This email will usually outline what to do with your luggage, when and where to meet in the hotel lobby, and any final details to make your transition from land to sea as smooth as possible.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, a Disney Cruise Line representative is typically available at the cruise desk in your hotel from around 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the day prior to sailing. This is a great time to stop by, ask questions, and make sure everything is set for embarkation day. If your travel plans have you arriving later than that, no worries at all. Just check in with the
hotel’s front desk, as they will usually have a “Welcome Letter” waiting for you with all the important details you may have missed.
On embarkation morning, things start moving bright and early. Around 8:00 AM is when your checked luggage will need to be ready for pickup. After that, you will meet at the designated location about 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time, and then you will be on your way to the port with the rest of your fellow cruisers.
One tip I always like to share from my own sailings is to be very intentional with your carry-on bag. Since your
checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the afternoon, make sure you have everything you might want for those first few hours onboard. Travel documents,
DisneyBand+ (if using one), medications, sunscreen, swimsuits, and anything you would want for the day or the pool deck are great to keep with you. It is a little like packing your own adventure kit so you are ready the moment you step onboard.
I hope this helps you feel confident about what to expect as you make your way from your hotel to the ship. With Disney handling the details, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride as your vacation officially sets sail.
Sea ya real soon as springtime magic begins to ripple across the water,
Dustin