Hi Jason,
Welcome aboard, and thanks for bringing such an important question to planDisney. I sense your concern and understand the stress of wanting to get this critical travel documentation correct. Let’s look at the details together to be sure you will have smooth sailing for this special vacation.
I reviewed the
Authorization for Minor to Travel Without a Parent or Legal Guardian – this
official Disney Cruise Line form is required to be completed when a child is traveling on the cruise with an adult other than their parent or legal guardian. This safeguard is in place to protect the littlest sailors from the scariest potential dangers in this world (such as child trafficking) and gives legal authorization to empower the adult to retain care, custody, and control of the child during the span of a
Disney Cruise Line vacation. A reminder of this required form becomes available during the Online Check-In process 30 days prior to sailing if the traveler confirms that the parent or guardian is NOT traveling on the cruise with a child on the reservation.
If this situation applies to your travel party, the form must be completed by the parent granting authorization for the adult traveler to retain that care, custody, and control of the child for this Disney Cruise Line vacation. Given the weight of this delegation of responsibility,
yes – the form must be notarized. As you observed, there is a spot for a notary seal on the form. This step must be completed by the parent and then the notarized form must accompany the authorized adult on the cruise. This form will be validated in person upon arrival at the port terminal by Disney Cruise Line. Disney solemnly informed me that without this notarized form, the party will not be allowed to sail. This is a critical distinction and I appreciate you reaching out to confirm before your vacation in a few weeks, Jason.
Notaries can typically be easily found in your hometown if you know where to look. I often use the local U.S. Post Office or shipping service stores, making a quick phone call to ask what hours the notary is available before I stop by. Hopefully a quick Internet search will find one convenient to your travel party - they are often found in banks, city and town halls, law offices, and even pharmacies.
Thank you for using our planDisney site for your research! Our team works hard to give the best answer to each Guest given the information we have available at the time but unfortunately mistakes and confusion can happen. Your input will make us a stronger team, and will surely help other Guests, so thank you again for reaching out for clarity on this critical documentation.
With the serious stuff taken care of, I hope you are getting excited for this amazing vacation! Be sure to stop by the
youth club open houses on embarkation day to check out these special spaces for kids of all ages. My family always makes a beeline for the soft serve ice cream machine on the pool deck to officially slip into vacation mode that first day.
There’s nothing like a magical Disney Cruise Line vacation! Whether you’re seeking active adventure fun or relaxing moments staring at the sea, you’re going to have an incredible time. Please
let me know if there’s anything else you need, and I'll be sure to answer in time for your upcoming sailing.
Wishing you sunshine and calm seas,
Amy