75 day cruise booking window

[kateandy08096]

Ours opens tonight at midnight. As a 1st time cruiser should I stay up to log on and get our PAT or does it not matter at this point? We are spending 12 days before the cruise in Disney but I would love to get on the ship as early as possible. Also IF we book excursions now can we cancel them if we choose to do them on our own?
Thanks all

 

[erionm]

Also IF we book excursions now can we cancel them if we choose to do them on our own?

You can cancel excursions, spa treatments, etc. online up until 3 days prior to departure with no penalty. Inside of 3 days and you have to wait until you board and you may be subject to a cancellation penalty.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Ours opens tonight at midnight. As a 1st time cruiser should I stay up to log on and get our PAT or does it not matter at this point? We are spending 12 days before the cruise in Disney but I would love to get on the ship as early as possible. Also IF we book excursions now can we cancel them if we choose to do them on our own?
Thanks all

It may or may not pay to do your check in/excursion bookings at the stroke of midnight. There have been many reports of people doing their check in at 75 days (or even closer) still being able to select the earliest Port Arrival Time. That's what you are selecting at Port Arrival Time, not a boarding time. Boarding doesn't begin until around 11:30ish, with the majority of people being onboard by 12:30 and the lastest.

You can cancel DCL excursions at any time up until 3 days prior to the start of your cruise without penalty. If you cancel later than that, you'll still be charged. Unless DCL can "sell" your spot to another person.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Are you taking Disney transportation from WDW? Someone here can comment more, but I think if you have Disney transport, you don't pick a PAT. Someone here can maybe comment more.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Are you taking Disney transportation from WDW? Someone here can comment more, but I think if you have Disney transport, you don't pick a PAT. Someone here can maybe comment more.

The system is hit and miss. Many times, using DCL transfers from a DCL booked resort you don't select a PAT. Also, DCL transfers from Hyatt MCO (booked through DCL) you don't select a PAT.

Sometimes, just using DCL transfers garners no PAT selection during the checkin process.

Other times, you have to select a PAT.

If you're prompted to select a PAT - do so.

 

[MommyBear09]

Don't know if this help you, but if you can, book any available on-board activities (character breakfast, meet and greet) that you might want to do. They fill up fast and can be unavailable when you board. Just past experience and knowing better the second time around. Have fun!!!

 

[Jwhittin]

Are you taking DCL transfers from a resort? If so, don't count on getting to the port early. If I remember correctly, you get there around early afternoon.