Welcome aboard, Linda! Your family is in for so many magical memories when you all set sail on the Disney Dream.
If this is your first sailing with Disney Cruise Line, you'll be able to begin your
online check-in at 75 days prior to departure. You'll want to log in around then to begin check-in as it's when you'll not only choose a
Port Arrival Time, but will also then have access to booking some fun extras like special character events or Port Adventures, which sometimes book up quickly. I suggest logging in as soon as your check-in window opens, since guests who have sailed with Disney before have earlier access, 90 or more days prior to departure. There will be a page where you select a Port Arrival Time from a list of remaining available times. That time is when Disney expects you to arrive at Port Canaveral to check in. Simply choose one of the times that is available during online check-in and plan to arrive at the port at that time.
Once you arrive at port, you'll check in your luggage and go through security with your day bags, up the escalator and into the port terminal where you'll check in. It is then that you'll receive a boarding number. Once boarding begins, Concierge Guests are boarded first, then they begin calling numbers. You may find that if you have an earlier port arrival time, you'll have to wait a bit as boarding begins until your number is called to board. With two young kids, it's a good idea to bring a few snacks or activities to keep them busy as you wait. But, there are televisions with some classic Disney cartoons playing, and Mickey and Minnie pop out to visit with guests for photos too!
Before you know it, your number will be called, and you'll be onboard the Dream ready for your magical adventure! Have so much fun, Linda!
Marcy