Hi, Randi! Welcome to planDisney.
I'd be happy to help you make plans for the end of your Disney Cruise Line vacation. While not the most fun part of your trip to plan, it’s nice knowing that you’ll be returning home with wonderful memories.
Disney Cruise Line recommends 11:45 a.m. as the earliest departure time from San Diego International Airport. If you’d like to be among the first Guests off the ship, you can utilize Express Walk-Off. Once local authorities have cleared the ship, an announcement will be made that you can disembark.
You'll receive Character luggage tags the evening before disembarkation and be asked to place your bags outside your stateroom. They will be collected and transported to the terminal, where you will pick them up once you disembark.
If utilizing Express Walk-Off, you will not place your luggage in the hallway but keep it inside your stateroom. When you hear the announcement that the ship has been cleared, you can take your luggage and disembark the ship. My family always utilizes Express Walk-Off. It helps that we only have carry-on bags because there is no luggage assistance. Keep everyone’s Key to the World card with you. They will be scanned one last time as you exit the ship.
Randi, I contacted Disney Cruise Line, and they said that for
San Diego, Express Walk-Off typically begins around 8:30 a.m. Keep in mind that this is subject to change based on when local authorities clear the ship. I hope this information helps you plan for your trip home.
SEAS the adventure!
Tracie