Happy holidays, Ellen! Thanks so much for sailing by planDisney with your question and hello from a fellow Pennsylvanian!
First of all, what a wonderful surprise you’re planning for your family. A Disney Cruise is such a special gift, and I love that you’re keeping it under "wraps." I actually just returned yesterday from a holiday sailing with my adult kids, and the memories we made were truly priceless. I have no doubt your family is going to feel the same magic. I also want you to know you’re not alone in finding
online check-in a bit frustrating. Even when I have every document ready, logging in at midnight and working through each step can still feel overwhelming.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to view or select a Port Arrival Time without completing the full online check-in process. The system requires each section to be completed in order, including uploading travel documents and security photos, before a Port Arrival Time becomes available. Travel agents aren’t able to complete this step for guests, but the good news is that only one person per stateroom needs to handle the online check-in for the occupants in that room once you have everyone’s information.
If you’re able to gather everyone’s documents after you’ve surprised your family, you can absolutely go back in and finish the online check-in together. I find it helps to have photos or scans of
passports, government-issued photo IDs, or birth certificates saved in one folder ahead of time, along with security photos, which makes the process much smoother.
If completing online check-in still isn’t possible, please don’t worry. You can check in at the port on embarkation day with all original travel documents.
Guests who have not completed online check-in may arrive up to 90 minutes before the scheduled all-aboard time listed for their sailing. For example, if all aboard is at 3:00 PM, you would be able to arrive at the terminal starting at 1:30 PM to complete assisted check-in. You’ll still be able to sail and enjoy every bit of the magic.
No matter how you check-in, everything will work out just fine. And before you know it, you’ll all be together, waving goodbye during Mickey’s Sail Away Deck Party and officially starting your vacation.
If you have any other questions, we’re always happy to help.
Sea ya real soon,
Eean