Ahoy, Robert! Welcome to planDisney and thanks for sailing over with your question about Disney Cruise Line. I certainly understand wanting to step onboard your ship on embarkation day as soon as possible, so let me explain the Port Arrival Time process.
Disney Cruise Line assigns your
Port Arrival Time when you complete the Online Check-In process. First-time guests can complete their Online Check-In up to 30 days prior to sailing beginning at midnight Eastern time, but
Castaway Club members get earlier access based on their specific membership level. When you login to your MyDisney account on the Disney Cruise Line
website or via the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to complete your Online Check-In, you must provide your travel documents and other information, then once you complete those steps, you will have the opportunity to select your Port Arrival Time.
Since you will be selecting your own Port Arrival Time, you will only be able to select from the times that are still available for your particular sailing whenever you complete the Online Check-In process. The earliest Port Arrival Times are usually around 11:00 AM, but can vary by sailing and departure port. Just like you, most guests want to step onboard as soon as possible and the earliest Port Arrival Times typically fill up quickly. Unfortunately, you are only able to select your Port Arrival Time from the options listed no matter the specifics of your starting location on embarkation day. However, even after you complete your Online Check-In, you do have the ability to go back and review the current options to see if there may be an earlier time that opened up as other guests change their travel plans. Keep checking in the weeks leading up to your cruise and you just might get that earlier time with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust!
Best of luck getting your perfect Port Arrival Time. If you have any other questions, then we are always happy to help at planDisney. Happy sailing!
Catherine