arriving at the port

[Kurby]

what happens?

we're coming in from okw and will prob be ther early - what time does it open?

when do you get the boarding passes? is there a line up when we arrive then we just relax or to people come in and wait until they open then run (move in an orderly fashion) to the check in counter? or are you given a number when you walk through the door and called up to check in?

i would hate to be there early waiting only to be back in line because we didn't know we were supposed to stand on the square not the circle

know what i mean?

 

[lbgraves]

They open the parking lot around 10:30 and the terminal shortly after. Once you go through security you will get a boarding pass at the top of the stairs [they may now do this at check in...we last boarded in LA and things were different there]. You then get in line to check in. Only one person has to stand in line with the IDs. With the boarding pass you don't need to stand in a line after that. Just listen for your number and then go to the giant ears.

 

[Kurby]

oh thats good to know - is there anything to do after we check in or just hang around like at the airport?

can we go take pics of the ship or is that beyond where we have to wait?

 

[scottie]

oh thats good to know - is there anything to do after we check in or just hang around like at the airport?

can we go take pics of the ship or is that beyond where we have to wait?

We love to arrive around opening time and never find ourselves bored for the hour or so wait. If you have kids sailing with you, you can check them in and get the pagers. There is a scale model of the ship to look at. There are character apperances off and on to start your photo taking. There is also a giant set of windows at the far end nearest the ship and a balcony you can walk out on to take a good look at the ship up close and snap a picture or two and watch them load the luggage/food etc. That is just to name a few things to do
Enjoy your trip!

 

[WDW Princess 71]

We were just on the 1/11/09 Wonder cruise. On Sunday we dropped our rental car off at Hertz at 9:45 and the shuttle dropped us off at the port at 10:00, and it was already open...we were through security and in line to checkin inside the terminal just a few minutes after 10. Very short process, then plenty of seating to relax and wait, plus characters come out as others have mentioned. We had boarding group number 4, so we were on by 12:00.

 

[Kurby]

you were there so early and still only got group 4?

maybe we should take our time if it doesn't make any difference.

what do you have to do to get boarding 1, 2 or 3?

actually is there even a 1? i've never seen anyone post a pic of a 1 card - only seen 2 and above.

We were just on the 1/11/09 Wonder cruise. On Sunday we dropped our rental car off at Hertz at 9:45 and the shuttle dropped us off at the port at 10:00, and it was already open...we were through security and in line to checkin inside the terminal just a few minutes after 10. Very short process, then plenty of seating to relax and wait, plus characters come out as others have mentioned. We had boarding group number 4, so we were on by 12:00.

 

[jilljill]

what happens?

we're coming in from okw and will prob be ther early - what time does it open?

when do you get the boarding passes? is there a line up when we arrive then we just relax or to people come in and wait until they open then run (move in an orderly fashion) to the check in counter? or are you given a number when you walk through the door and called up to check in?

i would hate to be there early waiting only to be back in line because we didn't know we were supposed to stand on the square not the circle

know what i mean?

How are you going to the port? If using DCL transport you are at their mercy when you arrive at port. If arriving on your own the port parking opens around 10:00. After going thru security you will be given a boarding number and then you check in at the appropriate check in counter - they are all labeled - then you just wait to hear your boarding number called around 11:45. As others have said there are several things to keep everyone occupied while waiting in the terminal. Once you board you can head to Parrot Cay or up to deck 9 for the buffet. Cabins open about 1:30.

 

[ohioworkingmom]

what do you have to do to get boarding 1, 2 or 3?

actually is there even a 1? i've never seen anyone post a pic of a 1 card - only seen 2 and above.

We were on the 12/27/08 Magic and got to Port around 10, we were the first people through security, and got a #2 pass. I think the only ones that get to board first are those in concierge, or with wheelchairs, etc. We were thrilled, and what a feeling to be the first one up the elevator and into the terminal.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

you were there so early and still only got group 4?

maybe we should take our time if it doesn't make any difference.

what do you have to do to get boarding 1, 2 or 3?

actually is there even a 1? i've never seen anyone post a pic of a 1 card - only seen 2 and above.

Yes we were there that early and only got #4, but it was only 5 minutes from the time #1-3 were called that it was our turn. I agree with another poster that it seemed like the only ones before us were those in concierge or wheelchairs, the "family of the day", etc. Having number 4 was like having number 2 for me. But I guess to answer your question, to get a lower number I guess you need to arrive before 10:00 and hope they open early, which must have been the case on our day because we got there 10:00 sharp and there was already a 10 minute line ahead of us in checkin past security. IMO I wouldn't go earlier than 10:00 because I wouldn't want to stand around outside if it weren't open yet.

 

[kcashner]

1 is concierge and mobility impaired--they have a special waiting area. We were number 2 on one recent cruise, number 3 on another. But, as above poster said, it is a matter of only a few minutes for each numbered group.

The number system just avoids having to stand in line for an hour or more--it allows you the freedom to move around the terminal and still know that you'll be able to get on quickly.

 

[ibouncetoo]

The one time I got a number 13, we were still on the ship by 12:20.

Actually, if you arrive at the terminal between 12:30 and 1P you pretty much walk up to the check in and onto the ship. The early birds have boarded and the buses from the resorts haven't arrived yet. So, if you don't have pressing business (Palo/dining changes or need to hit the pool) and have party memebers who hate waiting around, this is a good option.

For me, these days, getting there early is mandatory so I have time for all the screaming and hugging when I meed my DISboard cruisemates!

 

[jlowejd5]

I'm almost ashamed to ask this, since this is like our fifth cruise, but this is the first one we're not using the Magical Express, and I'll admit to not having paid any attention on previous trips.

When we arrive at the port, what do we do with our luggage? I know it won't come up into the terminal with us (other than carry-on), but I can't for the life of me remember a luggage desk or drop off area.

Help?

 

[scottie]

I'm almost ashamed to ask this, since this is like our fifth cruise, but this is the first one we're not using the Magical Express, and I'll admit to not having paid any attention on previous trips.

When we arrive at the port, what do we do with our luggage? I know it won't come up into the terminal with us (other than carry-on), but I can't for the life of me remember a luggage desk or drop off area.

Help?

We have had our car for most cruises and we pull up next to the terminal and a porter takes our luggage right there and we tip him. We take our carry on bag then inside and upstairs to check in and one of us parks the car. We had a driver last time and he pulled up just a bit further away at what appeared to be an assigned area for hired drivers and a porter took our luggage from that area and we headed in.

 

[jlowejd5]

Thank you. I fogot about the army of porters there. This will be a weird one for us. We'll actually have to claim our own bags at MCO, have to go to the rental car area instead of the Disney bus terminal, and we'll miss the video on the bus ride over.

Oh, well. We'll survive, I guess...

 

[DutchsMommy]

Is there an equivalent of 'kiss and ride'? My tentative plan is:
1) Arrive around 10am
2) Have luggage taken away and hop out of rental car
3) DH and DS leave to kill time in Cocoa Beach and return rental car
4) Go through security, get boarding passes, check-in (hope for upgrade LOL)
5) Kill time and wait for DH and DS arriving on Budget shuttle

Is this feasible? I know DH and DS need a piece of ID to get through security, and I need their passports and the cruise docs signed to check us in.

Not sure where the best place is for DH to pull in to if I am just hopping out, and don't know if he should take luggage back to Budget and bring it in the shuttle of if we should drop it off at the same time he is dropping me off? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[scottie]

Not sure where the best place is for DH to pull in to if I am just hopping out, and don't know if he should take luggage back to Budget and bring it in the shuttle of if we should drop it off at the same time he is dropping me off? Any help would be appreciated.

I would think DH could just pull along side the terminal and drop you off and have the porters grab the luggage out of the trunk. That would be one less thing for DH and DS to drag back onto the shuttle.