Welcome aboard, Cara! It is so much fun to explore all of the exciting
Port Adventures that Disney Cruise Line offers its guests at each port! There are some times when my family and I have such a hard time deciding between two favorites in one port. The good news is that you really can't go wrong with any of the magical adventures Disney has planned!
The Personal Navigator (the ship's daily newsletter with schedule of activities) will list an all ashore time for each day you're in port, as will the itinerary you can view on Disney Cruise Line's website when selecting your specific sailing. That is the estimated time when the ship will be cleared for guests to go ashore. There is not a set time that guests must leave, but guests can come and go on their own anytime between the all ashore time and the all aboard time, so feel free to take the day easy and head out whenever you'd like if you plan to explore the port on your own.
Now, if you book a Port Adventure through Disney Cruise Line, the start time listed for the adventure is actually the meeting time onboard the ship. Guests meet up with their adventure guide at a specified location onboard and then the whole group walks off together to begin the excursion. If you were asking this question because you were concerned about being to shore in time for the adventure, you've got nothing to worry about. All the other guests on your adventure will be onboard with you and the guide meets you there, so you won't miss the adventure even if the ship pulls in a tiny bit late to port.
Another thing you might like to know is that towels are provided at the onboard check in location for any Port Adventures that involve water. No need to bring your own, since you get to borrow the Disney towels for the day! I hope those details help as you get ready to head out on these exciting adventures, Cara!
Marcy