Welcome aboard, Dorothy!
When my family and I get ready to sail, we enter our embarkation date into our mobile devices on the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App and watch that countdown each day until it's finally time to set sail! If you haven't done so already, I encourage you to do the same! Plus, then you'll have the app ready for once you arrive at the port and all the features like maps, schedules, texting, and more become available. It's a really valuable resource onboard!
During your online check-in, you'll choose a
Port Arrival Time. This is the time Disney will be expecting your family to arrive. Plan to arrive within that window of time that you've chosen, or as closely as possible. This allows them to space out guest arrival so you won't find such long waits. If you do arrive earlier, go ahead and check in and you'll receive a boarding number. Once boarding begins, the numbers will be called and you'll be free to board when yours is announced. Arriving earlier than your Port Arrival Time means you'll probably have to wait longer to board, so if that's necessary, be sure to bring some little activities and snacks for the kiddos to keep them occupied.
Mickey and his friends have been known to pop out to greet guests in the terminal before boarding, so go on over for your first photos of the trip! Before long, your number will be called and your family will get to board the ship, taking an embarkation photo as you head up the walkway. Then, the Cast Members will announce your family name and applaud your arrival as you first step into the gorgeous atrium of the ship and officially begin your adventure!
Have such fun on this journey, Dorothy, and please stop back again with more questions as you continue to plan! We're happy to help!
Marcy