Welcome aboard, Solange! You must be getting ready to set sail on your very
first cruise with Captain Mickey and his crew for a magical adventure! It's so much fun to
cruise with Disney, but planning for your adventure is half to fun too!
When your window for online check-in begins (75 days prior to sailing for
first time cruisers, or 90 or more days prior for those who have sailed with Disney before), you'll get to choose a
Port Arrival Time. As you click through the online check-in process, you'll be prompted to select from a few available options of when you'll arrive at port. This way, Disney knows when to expect you. This isn't really a boarding time, but just an arrival time at the port. Once at port, you'll check in at the desk to let them know you've arrived and it is then that you'll receive a boarding number. Concierge guests and Platinum Castaway Cruisers board first, followed by the boarding numbers. Once your number is called, make your way onto the ship to begin this magical adventure, Solange!
My family and I used to think that arriving at port as early as possible was the best. However, after many sailings, we've come to appreciate a later arrival, because the crowds in the port terminal have died down by then, and most guests arriving after 1:00 or have a much shorter wait to board, or even just get to walk right on the ship after checking in and head to enjoy the first delicious lunch onboard! Or, if your kids are like mine, they wear their swimsuits under their clothes and want to head right to the pool deck for a ride on the AquaDuck or slide down the Twist n' Spout!
Have fun planning your trip, Solange, and please stop back with more questions before you set sail!
Marcy