Hi there, Michael! Thanks for sailing to planDisney. Welcome!
There's nothing quite like the day you get to board your Disney Cruise and say hello to an adventure at sea! I'd love to help you feel prepared for embarkation day, so I reached out to a Crew Member at Disney Cruise Line to ask about your situation. They said that because you will be dropped off by a shuttle, it will be okay for you to arrive a little early.
I recommend that you pack some water, snacks, and some activities to keep you occupied till it's time for you to board the ship. I usually bring a book to read, but I'm often too excited to focus. The cruise terminal at
Port Canaveral has some space to walk around, a model of a cruise ship to investigate, and from time to time, Disney Characters to greet!
If you'd like to enjoy the
pools on the ship shortly after boarding,
pack a swimsuit in your carry-on bag and you can be relaxing poolside in no time. The first afternoon onboard is a great time to enjoy the thrilling waterslides, the AquaDuck (on
Disney Fantasy) or AquaMouse (on
Disney Wish). If you are looking for a more relaxed vibe, check out the adult-exclusive
Quiet Cove Pool. That's my favorite place to read a book (or take a power nap!) in a plush lounge chair.
Have a lovely Disney Cruise! Thanks again for visiting us at planDisney. It's a pleasure to help.
Adrianna