Ahoy, Lindsay! Welcome aboard planDisney! I love the planning you are doing already, you are a sailor after my own heart! I am the same way and love having all the details lined up well before it is time to set sail!
I am so excited that you are planning what I like to call a “bookend” Walt Disney World trip on both sides of your Disney Cruise Line sailing! This is such a magical way to
vacation! We have started doing this for our sailings too, and it gives you the best of both worlds. Arriving a few days early lets you experience the parks or enjoy your resort at a relaxed pace, and having time after your cruise makes the return to reality a little bit softer… because let’s be honest, it is never easy to say goodbye to vacation!
Lindsay, if your Walt Disney World resort stays are already booked for before and after your cruise, you can call and add
ground transportation now! It is never too early, and getting it set up ensures your spot on that magical Disney transportation to the port. And your first cruise… I am so excited for you! That moment when you step onboard and hear your name announced is true Disney magic! You will feel like royalty from the very start, and that is just the beginning of everything waiting for you at sea!
One of my favorite perks of Disney Cruise Line ground transportation is how smoothly it gets you started on embarkation day. When you complete your online check-in, you will receive a Port Arrival Time, but Guests using Disney transportation often arrive and are able to begin boarding earlier than that assigned time. That means the magic starts even sooner! You can head straight to lunch, take a dip in the pool, and start exploring the ship while you wait for your stateroom to be ready. And of course, it is the perfect time to grab that first ice cream cone of the cruise!
A little tip to make day one extra smooth, pack a day bag with swimsuits, any must-have items, and what you will want for dinner that evening. Your luggage will be delivered to your stateroom later in the afternoon or evening, so having those essentials with you keeps everything stress free and easy breezy. On that same note, on the last night of your cruise you will place your luggage outside your stateroom for pickup, so be sure to keep a small bag handy for pajamas and toiletries for that final night onboard.
If you find yourself not wanting the magic to end, you are not alone! There is a great onboard bonus to help with that feeling. You can book a
Placeholder Reservation while you are sailing, which is a deposit toward a future cruise. You will have two years to use it, and it unlocks special offers that are only available to Guests who book through their Placeholder Reservation. It is a great way to keep another adventure on the horizon!
To keep everything running smoothly with your transportation plans, Disney will provide the details you need right before your sailing. You will receive information about where and when to meet your bus prior to embarkation, and on your last night onboard, you will get your instructions for returning to Walt Disney World the next day. It is all well organized and makes the process seamless from start to finish.
Lindsay, I know your cruise may feel like it is a ways away right now, but it will be here before you know it! Welcome to the
Castaway Club family! I am excited for you and all the memories waiting ahead! Come back anytime with more questions as you continue planning, we are always happy to help!
Happy sailing!
Kimberly