Ahoy and welcome back to planDisney, Caitlyn!
I am so glad you are here asking this all-important question. Disney can work some magic, but if you arrive at the port without the documents required by the US State Department, no Fairy Godmother or pixie dust powers are enough to get you on board the ship.
I am going to share all that is required in two steps of the check-in process, just in case you have not yet completed the pre-arrival online check-in.
Pre-arrival Check-In happens 30-40 days before your cruise, depending on your
Castaway Club level. For this process, you will need photographs of your
passport or other proof of citizenship, photos of each person in your stateroom (headshots against a plain background), the form of payment you want to use for onboard charges, and information on your travel plans (flight numbers and how you are getting to the port). You will get to pick your Port Arrival Time unless you are traveling to the port with Disney Cruise Line transportation. I like to get the earliest arrival time possible, so I am online at midnight with all of my documents handy.
To complete pre-arrival check-in, go to
Disney Cruise Line, sign in, and look for "Already Booked" on the top navigation bar. Select the dropdown option for "Online Check-In." You can also do this on your phone using the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. I find the app to be easier for uploading the photos, but both work well.
You will get your check-in information, which you can print. You will also have the option to add this to your wallet on your phone. I love this option because my phone will be with me. All of these documents - the passports or original state-issued birth certificates - go into a folder so I have them ready to go when we leave for our vacation.
Check-in at the Port is when all the planning and packing (and laundry to get clothes in the suitcase) pay off! You can arrive and start the check-in process at your Port Arrival Time. You need to have your proof of citizenship and your online check-in form. You may want to check
the list of documents for check-in just to make sure you have everything. These documents need to be with you, so pack them in your carry-on bag.
You will not be able to get in your stateroom until the afternoon. In addition to the required documents, you may want to pack your carry-on with any medications; swimsuits (or wear them under your clothes) if pools are a priority; sunscreen; and anything else you do not want to be without the first few hours on the ship.
With your check-in complete, you be assigned to a boarding group. When your group is called, it is your turn to cross the bridge and hear that magical "Welcome Aboard!"
If you have any questions about
Port Adventures,
Onboard Activities, dining, anything...
planDisney is here for you! I cannot wait for you to be dancing with the sailaway party and greeting all of our Disney pals!
Bon Voyage!
Jana