Hi Joshua!
Well, hooray for a
first Disney cruise! This makes me so happy to hEAR! I remember when we made that same decision, and it was a game-changer for our family. My kids were instantly hooked from the moment we set foot onboard. I totally wish that for you and your crew!
I totally understand why you want to get that Disney Cruise Line vacation started ASAP. You’ll be able to sign up for a Port Arrival Time during Online Check-In as early as 30 days before your sail date. Depending on when your flight arrives at Orlando International Airport, you can potentially be on one of the first motorcoaches bound for
Port Canaveral. But here’s the kicker: for now, Guests are being asked to time their arrival at the terminal to coincide with their Port Arrival Time. For the health and well-being of everyone, Guests are currently NOT permitted at the terminal or in parking areas before their scheduled Port Arrival Time and will be turned away if arriving early. What this practically means when arriving by motorcoach is that you will have to wait outside the cruise terminal until your time slot.
Under these circumstances, you will need to consider your scheduled flight arrival time, add time for deplaning and retrieving your luggage, then boarding a Disney Cruise Line motorcoach to determine what will be the best Port Arrival Time. Be mindful that travel time from Orlando International Airport and the terminal is approximately one hour, depending on traffic. Choosing a Port Arrival Time that fits with these constraints would be up to you to minimize any standing around time at the terminal.
Naturally, lots could change in the protocols between now and next February when you set sail, so stay on top of all the developments by checking the
Experience Updates page on Disney Cruise Line. You could even reach out to us again just prior to your 30 day Online Check-In and see what the current rules are. My guess is that it will be a whole new situation by then.
Hope this helps you in your cruise planning and in having the most amazing adventure at sea! Let us know if we can be of assistance again!
SEA ya real soon!
Sherry