Ahoy There, Mary!
Welcome to planDisney, and thank you so much for sailing by with your question. How exciting that you are getting ready to sail to the great wide somewhere on a
Disney Cruise Line cruise. Our family has enjoyed many sailings with Disney, as adults-only and with our kids as infants, school-aged kids, and recently as teens. At every age and stage, the sailings have been magical, and it's such a wonderful way to enjoy the Disney experience in a new way.
Mary, if you are driving yourself to Port Canaveral, you will need to
transfer your luggage with you. If you booked a
Disney Cruise Line transfer, the luggage travels with you on the bus. But at both arrival and departure at the port, there are Porters who can assist you with your luggage at the terminal. Disney won't transfer your luggage without you being with it.
When you are planning for your Port arrival day, be sure to note the timing of your arrival window, as you may not be allowed into the parking area before then. Additionally, I always recommend
packing all important documents, passports, medicines, and anything you need immediately in your carry-on, as your suitcases will be taken to another area and will be delivered to your Stateroom later in the day. You may not have access to them until the late afternoon, so be sure to also pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, book, and sunglasses in your carry-on as well. Typically, once you get on the ship, you can head straight to lunch and then have time to enjoy the pool or walk around. Our family likes to make the most of the day, so we bring our swimsuits to enjoy the pool area on that first day.
I hope this helps you, Mary! If you have any further Disney vacation planning questions, sail back here to see us, and we will be so happy to help you.
Anchors Aweigh,
Keri