What time do they start boarding???

[iluvwdw4ever]

I scheduled a 10:00 shuttle pickup time but am wondering if this is too early. When do they usually start boarding??? Also, what is there to do in the terminal while you wait???

THANKS!!!

 

[kcashner]

Boarding starts at 11:45 normally. To do...characters make appearances, there are cartoons on TV monitors, you can get your pager and confirm child participation in the programming, and you can sit around and wait. There is a model of the ship in it's original configuration--it's fun to look at it and talk about the changes they've made.

 

[inmyis]

We try and get there at 10am. You tend to wait the same amount of time whenever you arrive, but if you like to be on asap be there before 10. We have gotten on board as early as 11:30 but no later than noon when we arrive early.

 

[lbuher]

We were at the terminal at 10:00 with the HOPE - based on what I'd read here - that we might be able to start boarding by 11:30. No such luck. Boarding did not start until 12:00, and by then the terminal was PACKED and the kids were VERY restless. But if I had to do it all over again, I would get there at 10:00 again. We were among the first to board, went straight to Beach Blanket, and there was NO line. By the time we left from there, the line for the buffet was VERY long. We were able to be done with lunch and head to check out the kids' clubs, Palo reservations, explore the ship, etc.... all before our stateroom was ready.

As far as what to do in the terminal... after checking in, getting photos for the KTTW card, and registering for the kids' clubs.... Mickey and Minnie both came out for autographs (Mickey first, then Minnie), and there were TVs all around showing cartoons/movies. And there was also an outdoor balcony area where you could go out and see the ship and take pics. Really, the wait wasn't TOO bad - it was made worse by me telling the kids repeatedly - starting at 11:30 - that we would be able to board "any minute", and it ended up being a little more than 30 minutes before it actually happened!!

 

[bats]

We were at the terminal at 10:00 with the HOPE - based on what I'd read here - that we might be able to start boarding by 11:30. No such luck. Boarding did not start until 12:00, and by then the terminal was PACKED and the kids were VERY restless. But if I had to do it all over again, I would get there at 10:00 again. We were among the first to board, went straight to Beach Blanket, and there was NO line. By the time we left from there, the line for the buffet was VERY long. We were able to be done with lunch and head to check out the kids' clubs, Palo reservations, explore the ship, etc.... all before our stateroom was ready.

Exactly as we did. Got a number 2 boarding card, went straight upstairs, found some seats in the sunshine (always wondered what sunshine was!) and off we went to get some lunch. No lines and food as fresh as it comes!
I would book your transport for 9am instead!

 

[dizney-cruiser]

I love the wait in the terminal! It is great to see the kids (old and young!) when they see things for the first time! Very magical!

 

[iluvwdw4ever]

Thanks so much everyone!!!