You will receive a designated time to meet a Disney Cruise Line representative at a location in your resort.
When we were departing from the Boardwalk Resort we met in the BelleVue Room at 12:30 p.m. The DCL rep met everyone and made sure we all had our documentation. We had to meet at 12:30 p.m. for a 12:45 p.m. departure. Departing from the Beach Club, I had to meet at 11:30 a.m. in the Solarium for an 11:45 a.m. departure.
There is usually one meeting time at each resort approximately between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
The Disney Cruise Line bus may also stop at other resorts after your family has boarded. This adds some additional time but each stop is highly organized. Once en route, it takes about an hour to reach the port. Most DCL buses arrive Port Canaveral between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. I like arriving at this time and being able to go directly to my stateroom.
Also, you'll be instructed to leave your luggage inside your WDW resort room by a certain time the morning of your departure. Be sure to put the DCL tags on your bags. And remember that you won't see this luggage until it reaches your stateroom.
On my last two cruises, I slept in and therefore kept my luggage. At the Boardwalk Resort, my family brought our luggage to the BelleVue Room and the DCL Representative put our bags on a cart. Note that we were not the only family that didn't get up in time to have bags ready at 8:00 a.m.
While at the Beach Club, I went down to the DCL desk around 9:00 a.m. and the rep called to have my bags picked up. By the time I returned to the room to retrieve my carry-on bag, my other luggage had already been picked up. Fantastic service!
DCL's
Ground Transporation is exceptionally organized.