How EARLY will they let you on?

[Deb in IA]

OK, I know the "official" embarkation time is 1 pm, but it seems to me that you can actually get on the boat earlier than that.

Does anyone know when is the EARLIEST you can board?


Thanks bunches!!

[cruzindon]

About 12:15 is when they start boarding.

[prymsu]

Hi Deb, from everything I have read you start boarding at 12:15 p.m. I don't know that I have ever seen that someone else has indicated a different time than this...

[StaceyA]

We were in line about 11:00, and thank god because we were about 30 or so back, but that line went on for as far as the Eye could see!!

They let us on about 12:15, but when I walked through the lobby at 3:30 they were still announcing names!

I would recommend to get to the port as early as you can....we arrived at the airport at 9:45 and got right on a DCL bus.

Getting on the ship early helped with the ressie dash!

[mmouse37]

We like to get there early also. Last cruise we were the countdown family!!!! First family onboard after the disabled and suite guests!!!

MJ

[StaceyA]

Thats funny that you mentioned the countdown, because DH and I were commenting on how when everyone was counting down that at least we were close enough where we could at least hear them counting down....I couldn't believe the line of people behind us....yikes!!

Stacey

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Typically between 12:15 and 12:30.

[Deb in IA]

Thanks for the info, Stacey! Those were my concerns precisely!

My head is SWIMMING with all the ressies I have to do (Palo dinner and brunch, Spa, Oceaneer Club/Lab, etc.)

I see you just got back from the Eastern cruise. How was it? We are going on the 7-day Eastern on Aug. 10 -- can't wait!!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Are the dining times still 5:30 and 7:45? We have the late seating, and I was going to try to change it to the first seating. But if it is now 7:45, I may keep it -- 5:30 is just a bit too early for us to finish our afternoon activities!

Thanks!!

[DisneyDarwin]

So what's the countdown thing? We were the first in line on our 4 day cruise last June, but I don't recall any countdown? We were the first aboard after those needing extra assistance. Nor, do I recall a countdown on a previous cruise. Of course, it could be my memory is going.

[din]

Originally posted by Deb in IA
My head is SWIMMING with all the ressies I have to do (Palo dinner and brunch, Spa, Oceaneer Club/Lab, etc.)


I would suggest that you "focus" on the spa and Palo ressies. The kids club you can actually wait till late afternoon or early evening to register the kids. We went after the fire drill before the we left port and had no problems signing up the kids.

[StaceyA]

Originally posted by DisneyDarwin
So what's the countdown thing? We were the first in line on our 4 day cruise last June, but I don't recall any countdown? We were the first aboard after those needing extra assistance. Nor, do I recall a countdown on a previous cruise. Of course, it could be my memory is going.


Just before they let us on we just counted down from 10 to 0 and then they opened the doors.

Deb,
As soon as we got on the ship we were sent into Parrot Cay for lunch, I went up got a plate and started to eat, but I was so worried about my darn ressies that I really couldn't eat...LOL
So at about 12:30 I went up to Palo's and they were taking ressies already.
I went right up and got my dining reservations ( I was prepared as to what time and day I wanted because I had already figured it out for each rotation what night I would want to pick for Palo's as not to miss any of the special nights (master chef, tropical, or small world) we also didn't want to miss the show in Animators Palate.....so once I saw our key to the world card and it had LAPLAPL on it, I knew Monday it was!!) and then after you get your dinner ressie you go over to a seperate table where you do your Champagne brunch and high tea ressies....we were first on the list for each of the days and times I picked...LOL

Then I headed back to Parrot Cay, ate the other half of my dish and ran to the spa for the Surial Ressie.....I must say that almost all of the Surial for the day I picked (Thursday final day at sea) were booked!

We LOVED the cruise!! My DH who is not really a Disney fan and had never been on a cruise before actually said to me one day during the cruise....go talk to the woman about booking another cruise....LOL He liked it THAT much!
I did talk to her, but we had to figure out dates with our work, so we are booking in a few weeks and missing out on the stateroom credit you get by booking on the cruise......:(
I asked if I booked later if I could get a credit with the castaway club but she said that has been replaced with a credit if you book while still on the ship....:(

Our dinner was at 7:45, I don't know how long those times are going to last though, I didn't hear a mention of it becoming permanent, but we liked that time.
I think 5:30 would be way to early, the ship leaves at 5:00 and you would have to be getting ready for dinner instead of seeing all the activities at the sail away party!!

[Deb in IA]

Thanks Stacey! Now I really can't wait!!!

I'm doing the same thing; trying to figure out which days to book the Palo dinner and brunch, and the Spa.


One last question: When was Small World dinner?

Thanks again!!

[cruzindon]

When did they change the dinner hours? It was always 6:00 and 8:15.

[StaceyA]

Deb,
The small world dinner was Friday night (the last night) on the ship.

If you have the LAPLAPL rotation like we did, you would want to make sure you go to Animators Palate on Wednesday because that is the night of the show.

That is how I picked Monday night for Palo's because I didn't want to miss the first night meeting our dining companions and our servers, and I didn't want to miss any of the special nights, which were every other night EXCEPT Monday night!
I had a plan for each Rotation...LOL

Are you traveling with Adults or with older children? In that case you will most likely have the LAPLAPL rotation.

Stacey

[StaceyA]

Originally posted by cruzindon
When did they change the dinner hours? It was always 6:00 and 8:15.

They have changed the times on a trial basis from 6:00 and 8:30 to 5:30 and 7:45.

Stacey

[cruzindon]

Hope they change it back to the old times. 5:30 IS too early.

[StaceyA]

Originally posted by cruzindon
Hope they change it back to the old times. 5:30 IS too early.

You are right, in my opinion 5:30 is too early.
We signed up for the late dinner and loved the 7:45, but I would have been just as happy at 8:30.
I wonder if they will keep these new times or not, I bet there were people complaining that it was too early.

Stacey

[Deb in IA]

Hi Stacey!!

We are a family of 4. Myself, DH, DD age 11, and DS age 7. Last year we did the 3 day cruise, and had a table just for our family.

I am in the midst of cruise planning right now, so your information is extremely helpful!!

[Valerie3kids]

I called as we are booked for early seating in June 2003. They told me that it was still temporary at this point. 5:30 is a little early if you want to do any afternoon stuff and still get cleaned up etc.
Valerie

[StaceyA]

Originally posted by Deb in IA
Hi Stacey!!

We are a family of 4. Myself, DH, DD age 11, and DS age 7. Last year we did the 3 day cruise, and had a table just for our family.

I am in the midst of cruise planning right now, so your information is extremely helpful!!


From what I read on this board, Adult groups or groups with older kids have LAPLAPL rotation and groups with smaller kids have APLAPLA, since you seem to be in between there somewhere you might have PLAPLAP.
In that case if I were you I would book Palo's on Wednesday night.
P- Saturday - First night, you might want to get to know your servers this night.
L- Sunday - Formal night, Master Chef Series
A - Monday - Animators Palate...show
P- Tuesday - Tropical night
L- Wednesday - Lumiere's, regular menu so maybe Palos
A- Thursday - Semi Formal, Captains Gala menu (also knows as lobster night)
P- Friday - Small world menu (also the night you give your servers thier tips)

That is what I did I figured it out for each rotation so as soon as I saw my KTTW card and saw the rotation listed I knew what night to pick!
Hope this helps!
Stacey

[llachance]

Ok for all you over planners out there. We recently returned from the July 6th Western. We took a town car from WDW arriving at the port at about 11:15. Checked in (not in the returning cruise line because it was longer then the others). Got in line, actually closer then we were the previous year although arriving later. On board by about 12:45, lunch in Parrot Cay, in the room by 1:30. Dropped off bags etc. strolled up to the Spa and got every reservation we wanted (added more later in the week), strolled over to Palos (we had decided we wanted to eat there the evening we were in Cozumel because my daughter was going on the teen cruise) made reservations for 8:00, we were normally on the late seating, made reservations for brunch for an hour after one of our spa treatments and went back to our cabin where our luggage had been delivered (it is now about 3:00) unpacked and went to the sail away party.

Please take a deep breath and realize that you are on vacation (meaning it is time to relax:p ). If one of your ressies doesn't work out then it won't be the end of the world and you know what you will have a great time anyway! JMHO

[jwolfe]

Ok, let me make sure I'm taking all this info in correctly......What time should be get TO the port (we are driving) so that we don't have to wait hours upon hours upon hours to get on ship. We should have plenty of time to get there, just checking....Also, should we take a little carry on with us so we can swim before worrying about our luggage???????

Thanks for ALL your help!!!!:cool:


Juli

[Deb in IA]

Well, Juli, it appears that people start checking in as early as 11 am, but they don't actually let you on the boat until 12:15.

You must be on the ship no later than 3:30.

Yes, Disney recommends that you pack a "day bag" with some necessities. Suggested items include: travel documents including proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport), medication, fragile or breakable items, photo/video/computer equipment, baby care items, sunscreen, swim suit, change of clothing, jewelry/valuables.

[Flik]

I had a plan for each Rotation...

Stacey, can you share your plans for each of the rotations? Also I thought I read on the Board that the first time the guest dine at the Animator's Palate is the show, is that true?

Thanks.

[StaceyA]

Originally posted by Flik
I had a plan for each Rotation...

Stacey, can you share your plans for each of the rotations? Also I thought I read on the Board that the first time the guest dine at the Animator's Palate is the show, is that true?

Thanks.

I know with our rotation (LAPLAPL) the first night at Animators Palate was during the Formal night so the show wasn't until Wednesday, I am not sure if during the APLAPLA rotation if they have it the first night or not since that would be your first night on board.

My plan for each rotation was only for the night I would dine at Palo's, I didn't want to miss any of the special menu nights or the show in Animators. You really only have Saturday, Monday or Wednesday night since those are the regular menu's.
Here they are

LAPLAPL--- Palo's on Monday (what we did) You could go the first night but I don't like to, I like to meet our table mates and the servers.
APLAPLA---Palo's on Monday, or Wednesday
PLAPLAP---Palo's on Wednesday or the first night (Saturday)

Hope this helps!

[Flik]

Stacey, thanks for figuring it all out...

[PiperG]

I am a little confused. . . .what is the "show" referred to the night of Animators Palate? Is everyone referring to Disney Dreams?

Thanks:confused:

[llachance]

without telling the surprise just know that it is something, during your dinner time, that shouldn't be missed.:D

[floridaminnie]

On our July 20th cruise they wouldn't allow us into port until 10:30. THey didn't start checking us in until about 11 and we boarded at 12:20. We were hearded into Parrot's Cay and they would not allow us from that area until 1pm. THey were guarding the elevator doors. lol I ran up, yes ran up, to deck ten to Palo's. I got ressies for the first night at 8pm, a ressie for sunday at 8:30 just for my parents, ressie's for Brunch Sunday morning before a day at Key West and also ressie's for Tuesday for afternoon Tea. My dad ran to the Spa and he was the first one in line there. He was able to get ressies for his full body massage, two Elimis detoxic massages and a facial for THursday at sea.
That was the only stress during the trip!