Welcome aboard, Neelaveni! Isn't it exciting when you have just a bit of time left until you head out to sea with Captain Mickey and his crew? We get excited from the moment we book the cruise, but those last couple of months of planning before we set sail are so magical!
You mentioned a boarding time. What you are referring to is actually a
Port Arrival Time that you chose during online check-in, not a boarding time. That Port Arrival Time is the time when Disney expects you to arrive at port. If you do arrive a bit earlier, no problem, you're still welcome to check in at the terminal desk and you'll be given a boarding number. Once boarding begins, the numbers will be called and you can all board together when your number is called.
If you have young kids, you may consider packing some pre-packaged snacks for them to enjoy while you wait, as there is not food for sale in the port terminal. (Though a delicious lunch awaits you as soon as you board the ship!) There are televisions around the terminal waiting area with Disney cartoons, (if you're sailing out of Port Canaveral) that will keep the kids entertained for a bit. Mickey and Minnie are also known to pop out into the terminal for photos with guests occasionally too, so you may see one of them!
Soon, it'll be time for you to board the ship and your magical adventure at sea will begin. If you haven't already, be sure to download the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to your mobile devices. You'll want that to be able to easily access the schedule of activities onboard, a ship map, and a fun texting feature to keep in touch with friends and family while onboard. Have such fun, Neelaveni!
Marcy