Ahoy, Cassie!
Welcome to planDisney. I'm happy to help as you prepare for your upcoming Disney Cruise Line sailing.
I'm glad to see you've already started the
Online Check-In process, which will
expedite your boarding experience on embarkation day. After submitting your proof of citizenship (be sure to bring the same documentation with you on your sail date), emergency contact information, credit card for onboard purchases, and a "selfie-style" photo of each guest in your stateroom, you'll be assigned a Port Arrival Time and accompanying form to bring to the port. I completed this process for my family's sailing on
Disney Dream last fall, and was excited to have the option to save my Port Arrival information as a QR code to my phone's wallet, but I still printed a hard copy to keep in my carry-on bag just in case.
I understand that sometimes plans change and guests need to adjust their Port Arrival Time after check-in. You can typically do this (if other times are available) online or from the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, as my pal
Tracie explains here. If you aren't able to adjust based on her instructions, you may need to wait for your documentation review to be completed. I actually received an email a week or so after completing my Online Check-In, requesting new selfies for two of the guests in my party. Once I uploaded new pictures, the review process was completed quickly.
Though I didn't adjust my arrival window, my family ended up arriving at the port about an hour before our scheduled Port Arrival Time. I was worried we wouldn't be allowed to enter the area ahead of schedule, but we were still able to drop our luggage with the porters and park our vehicle. We were then directed to a waiting area just outside the terminal until it was our turn to enter. Several other families were waiting when we arrived, but we were all directed through the process fairly quickly. We completed the security screening and remaining check-in process in person, then relaxed in the terminal waiting area until our boarding group was called.
All in all, it was a simple process, so even if you aren't able to adjust your arrival time to an earlier window ahead of your sailing, things should go smoothly as long as you're prepared to wait a bit. Just be sure to arrive with ample time before the final Port Arrival Time/
All Aboard Time for your particular sailing. Nothing is less magical than watching your ship sail away from the port without you on it.
Cassie, if you have additional questions or concerns, please come back and let us know. You can also
reach out to a Disney Cruise Line Crew Member by phone for assistance with your reservation specifics. Wishing you a magical vacation!
"Sea" you real soon!
Amy