Ahoy AnnaKay!
So happy you made your way to planDisney in anticipation of a Disney sailing. I'm always thrilled to have new Guests here and to offer a helping hand when it comes to cruise planning. So let's get right to business, shall we?
Disney Cruise Line anticipates that Guests will differ on what they will need during their voyage. To that end, there are some wonderful resources available concerning accommodations, including a list of
Services for Guests with Disabilities or Medical Conditions and a very thorough
Online Guidebook. These are great roadmaps on how to make arrangements for your travel party.
Since you asked specifically about the assembly drill, here’s what I have found. Disney Cruise Line definitely understands the drill procedures might pose a challenge for some Guests as they usually take about 20 minutes to complete. In those instances, Captain Mickey requires that all members of the party arrive at the assembly station approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled drill time. Once the Assembly Leader has checked in everyone in the stateroom party, one adult member from that stateroom would stay for the duration of the drill.
As far as getting on and off the ship, there are some helpful tips for those times, too! First, make sure you complete online check-in for the cruise at least 72 hours prior to the sailing. This process will allow you to select an arrival time. Since the first few hours are typically the busiest, it might prove beneficial to select a terminal arrival time for later in the day. Once you have arrived, make sure you speak to a Cast Member for check-in assistance.
While no one likes to have to LEAVE the ship, even that experience can be smooth sailing for your party with a little pre-planning. First, have all your forms ready and ask for additional assistance from any available Cast Member. Disney Cruise Line recommends the following time intervals for disembarking: 1) participating in Express Walk Off; 2) choosing to exit the ship at the beginning of the second breakfast seating; or 3) staying on the ship and being some of the last Guests to leave (but note: you cannot stay in your stateroom past 9:00 A.M.).
There's also a
Special Services Team that will ensure your vacation is practically perfect in every way. At least 60 days before your sail date, fill out the
online form to let Captain Mickey prepare for your arrival. Or simply contact the Special Services team at (407) 566-3602 or SpecialServices@disneycruise.com. Disney Cruise Line cannot guarantee all requests will be honored, but you can rest easy knowing that they will do their very best to accommodate your party.
After reading this, I hope you feel totally shipshape for your adventure at sea. If this raised more questions, feel free to come back to planDisney. It is always our pleasure to be able to help Guests plan their magical vacations.
Happy Sailing!
Sherry