Another strange question

[beckylola]

Are there places to sit in the port area while you're waiting for your turn to board the ship? Or do we just sort of mill around?

 

[dcassetta]

Yes, there are benches, but not really enough for everyone.

 

[beckylola]

I knew someone would have the answer! Thanks for the picture.

 

[noahdove]

that's a great picture!!!

 

[chefmb]

How long do you typically end up waiting to board??

 

[kiford]

How long do you typically end up waiting to board??

Depends on a combination of what time your port arrival time is and when you show up for it.

If you have an early PAT, you'll probably have to wait in line to check in because lots of people want early PATs, but then you may not have to wait long to board. If you have a later PAT but arrive early, you'll wait in line to check in and wait to board. If you have a later PAT and arrive for that time, you'll probably breeze through check in with little to no wait for boarding.

We always come by Disney transfers which typically arrive after open boarding is called (except in the Med where we arrived at noon-ish, got boarding number 11 and bypassed many people who were waiting). There's no waiting even in line to check in if you arrive after open boarding.

 

[Weedy]

These times are estimates they change a little per cruise.
10:00am Parking opens at the cruise terminal
10:00am the 1st buses from the airport arrive
10:30 the terminal opens and check in begins. You will receive your boarding # when you check in-the # you receive is tied to your PAT (port arrival time)
11:15-11:30 boarding start
12:30 there is no longer a line to board they have gone to "open boarding"
1:00 the buses from the Disney resorts begin arriving

 

[smootenloopers]

Yes, there are benches, but not really enough for everyone.

Of course, it seems most people prefer to stand as close to the boarding area as possible despite not being anywhere near their turn to board, thus making it very difficult for those whose number has been called to get to the entry. Never could understand that. Just like people who stand right in front of the elevator doors so the people on the elevator can't get off! LOL!

 

[DahliaRW]

We had a PAT of 10:45 I believe when we went over a year ago. It took nearly 30 minutes just to get into the terminal and then to checkin. We checked in, stood in line for Mickey/Minnie (probably a 15 minute wait) and our number was called while we were in line. Got our picture taken, then headed right on board! I think we were on around 11:45.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Are there places to sit in the port area while you're waiting for your turn to board the ship? Or do we just sort of mill around?

Both

 

[smadath]

Two thoughts from 1st pic:

1) Why is Guy wearing one giant Mickey glove? Is he Michael Jackson Mickey?

2) Love the Vera Bradley backpack! Must get one.

 

[MelSpees]

The CMs wave good-bye with a giant Mickey glove.

 

[smadath]

The CMs wave good-bye with a giant Mickey glove.

I guess that makes more sense than MJ Mickey. Thanks!

 

[bumbershoot]

The CMs wave good-bye with a giant Mickey glove.

And hello.

 

[MunFam]

Well, in Miami, there are about 30 chairs for 2,000 people. So you sit on the floor, you mill around, you make mooooo sounds like cattle being herded in to tight quarters. LOL

 

[Quellman]

The only time I ever had to wait to board was in 1998 when DCL was new. Since then, any time we arrive at or later than PAT, we get on without issue. I hope you have the same luck.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

The CMs wave good-bye with a giant Mickey glove.

 

[beckylola]

The only time I ever had to wait to board was in 1998 when DCL was new. Since then, any time we arrive at or later than PAT, we get on without issue. I hope you have the same luck.

From your lips to Mickey's ears!

 

[Patsydust]

Your PAT is also partly based on your cast member status: Silver, Gold or Platinum. The wait isn't too bad and there is always so much excitement going on to help pass the time! There is also character pictures with Admiral Mickey etc and penny machines!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

cast member status

Not sure what you mean here?

But, selection of PAT is entirely up to each person when they do their online checkin. Yes, when you can do that online check in is based on your Castaway Club level (Platinum, Gold, Silver), but it has no bearing on what PATs you can select from. There are X number of PATs in each window, when they are taken that particular window is greyed out and cannot be selected.