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Dream; full boat; sailing in water
  • On Jan 12, 2026
    Cristina from FL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    What time is it available on the day you can start making itinerary reservations on DCL? What time zone? Does it open at 12:01 on that day? Same for the first day you are eligible to check in?

    Ahoy, Cristina! Thanks for bringing your Disney Cruise Line question to planDisney. Just like Cinderella, you need to listen for when the clock strikes midnight Eastern Time (EST) because that is the controlling time and time zone for managing your sailing plans.

    Advanced reservations will open for you once your cruise balance is paid in full and your personal advance booking window arrives, which is determined by your Castaway Club membership level or status as a concierge guest. If you are a first-time guest, then the advance booking window opens 75 days prior to sail date, but the earliest advance booking window opens 130 days prior to sail date for concierge guests. Activities can be booked at midnight Eastern Time both online or through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App when your advance booking window opens.

    First-time guests can begin the online check-in process 30 days prior to embarkation, but Castaway Club members get earlier access with the exact number of days being determined by their membership level. When your online check-in date arrives, be sure to have all of the necessary documentation ready before you begin, especially if you plan on logging in right at midnight Eastern Time. The online check-in process requires a lot of information, so make sure you have the following documents and details ready:

    • Guest contact information for everyone in your sailing party
    • Photos of everyone's travel documents
    • Security photos for each person (these are used as you get on and off the ship throughout your cruise and can be taken with your cell phone as long as they are forward-facing with a plain background)
    • Travel plans for before and after sailing
    • Form of payment you plan to use for any onboard expenses.

    If you have any other questions about your upcoming adventure at sea, we are always happy to help at planDisney. Happy sailing!

    Catherine


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Meet the Panelist: Catherine, Virginia

Get ready to set sail for adventure! I’m a wife, mom to one son, and public defender, originally from Richmond, Virginia. As a Platinum Castaway Club member, I have been sailing away, savoring churro Mickey waffles, and successfully completing my Disney trivia character medallion collection aboard the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Now I’m ready to help answer all of your questions as you prepare to embark on your own journeys to where magic meets the sea. Learn More About Catherine

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Panelists have received/will receive a Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort or Disney Cruise Line® vacation for panelist and up to three family members and/or park tickets for their planDisney participation. The views expressed on plandisneypanel.com are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Disney Destinations prior to posting.

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