Ahoy there, Larry,
So glad you sailed by planDisney with your question. Welcome aboard!
Oh, that tragical morning when you must bid your magical
Disney Cruise Line vacation farewell. The good news is that you will have so many magical memories to think about while flying home!
Larry, the exact debarkation time will depend on which Disney Cruise Line ship and itinerary you are sailing. If you are sailing from
Port Canaveral, ships typically return to port by 7:30 a.m. ET and Guests are free to go ashore shortly after that. Now, this timing can fluctuate depending on a number of factors, so keep your ears open for announcements from your Cruise Director. After you debark the ship, in my experience, the U.S. Customs process moves fairly quickly. It all depends on how many Guests are debarking at the same time. So, to be safe,
Disney Cruise Line recommends that you book your departure flight home from Orlando International Airport no earlier than 11:25 a.m. Of course, your timing can depend on several factors, so let’s think through a couple that might help you plan.
Your timing is also dependent on your ground transfers between Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral. If you choose
Disney Cruise Line’s airport transfers, I recommend booking in advance by calling (800) 951-3532. Please be prepared to provide your inbound and outbound flight details. Private transportation options are also available.
All Guests will be asked to depart their staterooms at 8:00 a.m. so Crew Members can begin preparing the rooms for the next cruise. If you want to disembark the ship quickly, I suggest that you opt for Express Walk-off, which means you take your luggage with you that morning as early as the ship is cleared rather than opting to have it delivered to the cruise terminal by the Crew. The latter option will require you to place your luggage outside your stateroom the evening before, usually between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. for it to be delivered to the terminal the next morning. You will then wait for your group to be called to debark the ship and then retrieve your luggage in the terminal.
Another thing to consider is if you would like to eat breakfast aboard the ship before you debark. Personally, I love having one last sit-down meal before heading home. The time and place of your final day breakfast will depend on your
rotational dining schedule, so check your
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App once onboard for the schedule.
I hope this information is helpful, Larry, as you plan your most magical vacation. If you have any other questions, please cruise back by and see us here at planDisney!
Wishing you a pixie-dusted vacation,
Shannon