Hello again, Leslie!
Though the sight of our Disney Cruise Line ship as we near the Port Canaveral cruise ship terminal is exhilarating, to me, the official start of our Disney cruise is when we step into the ship's atrium or grand hall and a Cast Member invites their fellow crew members to welcome us aboard by name. Naturally, you'll want to enjoy that special beginning together with your travel party.
In the final days before your Disney Cruise Line vacation, there are a few more tasks to complete. When you complete your online check-in (up to 30 days prior to sailing for first-time cruisers, or as many as 33-40 days for returning Castaway Club members) those not arriving by Disney-provided ground transportation will select from available Port Arrival Times. You'll have the most flexibility for your party by choosing the earliest Port Arrival Time offered.
On embarkation day, everyone should attach their Disney Cruise Line luggage tags to baggage that won't be carried on to the ship. (Remember to keep medications, any allowed alcohol, passports or other travel documentation, and other important items with carry-on bags.) Those using Disney Cruise Line transportation will have their checked luggage picked up from their Disney Resorts Collection hotel room and proceed to the pickup location at the designated time. At the cruise terminal, they will be guided into the terminal check-in area immediately. Those arriving by car will drop off checked luggage outside the terminal, park their car in the garage, then walk to the terminal where they will wait in the line designated for their assigned Port Arrival Time before final check-in.
Because your group is traveling to Port Canaveral separately, you will likely have different Port Arrival Times and possibly different Boarding Group Numbers as well. But, Hakuna matata! It means, "No worries!" That's because when your Boarding Group Number is called in the terminal waiting area, you aren't obligated to board the ship at that moment. You are welcome to relax and enjoy the space as long as you care to, up until the final boarding time for your sailing (usually 3:00 PM). So if the other portion of your travel party hasn't arrived and passed through security yet, the first to arrive are welcome to wait longer in the terminal so everyone can board together any time after all of the boarding groups assigned to your travel party have been called.
Tony's Tip: Usually, the DCL-GUEST WiFi service is active and available for the Guests while waiting inside the cruise terminal on embarkation day. Even if you don't plan on purchasing an onboard Internet plan, you may connect to the WiFi to use the complimentary Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Even while waiting before actually boarding, you may be able to begin checking dining menus and activity schedules.
Thanks for visiting us again, Leslie. Have a magical vacation!
~Tony