Deb T.
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 1999
- Messages
- 3,531
I think I'm going to have to quit my day job just so I can keep up with this thread!!! 
Do you think DH would go for that? 
"So, Dear, I thought I'd let you know that I quit my job today so I could keep up with my new DIS friends. Hope you're not mad." Yeah, probably not. 
You could move here... our school system is just a tad bit larger than yours... 163 and growing! There are 103 elementary schools, 32 middle schools, and 24 high schools. And yes, that is just one school system!
No apology needed. Your question was completely appropriate for our Meets thread!
It's my understanding that people with Disney transportation don't have to choose an assigned check-in time. (Did you check the "Disney Transportation" box when filling out your online cruise documents?) Additionally, Concierge and Platinum cruisers can arrive anytime. Evidently, all the eager Maiden Voyage cruisers were at the port early and completely overwhelmed DCL cms. So, DCL is trying this new "check-in time" method to attempt to spread out the crowds. Personally, I don't see how it could possibly work, but that's just my humble opinion.
So, what is the real experience, you ask? Well, as long as you have tagged your suitcases with DCL's luggage tag strips before checking them in with your airline, then you are correct that the next time you see them will be outside of your cabin door, sometime between 2-5pm. So, be sure to take anything you'll need/want before then with you in a carry-on bag. This would include such things as your cruise documents, passports, sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits, highlighter (for marking all the fun things to do on your Navigator), camera, medicines, etc.
After your flight lands, you'll proceed to the Magical Express/DCL Welcome Center in the main terminal, Side B, on Level 1. You have to go all the way to the far side of Side B to get to Level 1. Once there, you will most likely complete the entire cruise check-in process. (I say "most likely", because as we all know, DCL can change this between now and April 17th!) You *should* receive your Key to the World cards, Sunday's Navigator, Boarding Number, and Bus Number. There is a seating area nearby to wait for your bus group to be called.
There will be a video on the bus (Disney commercial). Then you'll go over a smaller bridge, then the big bridge where you'll be able to see the ship off slightly to the right! *Gives me goosebumps every time!!!*
When you arrive at the port, everyone wants to jump off the bus, but you have to wait until a DCL rep greets you and tells you what to do, which is to go inside. Really, I'm not sure why they feel the need to greet you, but hey, just go with it. You will proceed into the port terminal, go through security screening like at the airport, then up a long escalator to the main waiting area. Since you're already checked in from the airport, you can just spend the time exploring the building and the ship. We like to go to the balcony and watch all the stuff being loaded and unloaded on the ship. If you have kids, you can pick up their wristbands. There are cartoons playing in various seating areas. You can check out the cut-away model of the Disney Magic. Characters come out for photo ops. It's fun to people-watch, too. 
I'm going to pass. I plan to sit at the water's edge on Serenity Bay until they drag me back onto the ship.
Ness, I'm lovin' your list ala Deb T. style!
Unfortunately, they aren't out all the time. But, boy are they goooooood when you can find them!
Do you think DH would go for that? "So, Dear, I thought I'd let you know that I quit my job today so I could keep up with my new DIS friends. Hope you're not mad." Yeah, probably not. You could move here... our school system is just a tad bit larger than yours... 163 and growing! There are 103 elementary schools, 32 middle schools, and 24 high schools. And yes, that is just one school system!
No apology needed. Your question was completely appropriate for our Meets thread!
It's my understanding that people with Disney transportation don't have to choose an assigned check-in time. (Did you check the "Disney Transportation" box when filling out your online cruise documents?) Additionally, Concierge and Platinum cruisers can arrive anytime. Evidently, all the eager Maiden Voyage cruisers were at the port early and completely overwhelmed DCL cms. So, DCL is trying this new "check-in time" method to attempt to spread out the crowds. Personally, I don't see how it could possibly work, but that's just my humble opinion.
So, what is the real experience, you ask? Well, as long as you have tagged your suitcases with DCL's luggage tag strips before checking them in with your airline, then you are correct that the next time you see them will be outside of your cabin door, sometime between 2-5pm. So, be sure to take anything you'll need/want before then with you in a carry-on bag. This would include such things as your cruise documents, passports, sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits, highlighter (for marking all the fun things to do on your Navigator), camera, medicines, etc.
After your flight lands, you'll proceed to the Magical Express/DCL Welcome Center in the main terminal, Side B, on Level 1. You have to go all the way to the far side of Side B to get to Level 1. Once there, you will most likely complete the entire cruise check-in process. (I say "most likely", because as we all know, DCL can change this between now and April 17th!) You *should* receive your Key to the World cards, Sunday's Navigator, Boarding Number, and Bus Number. There is a seating area nearby to wait for your bus group to be called.
There will be a video on the bus (Disney commercial). Then you'll go over a smaller bridge, then the big bridge where you'll be able to see the ship off slightly to the right! *Gives me goosebumps every time!!!*
When you arrive at the port, everyone wants to jump off the bus, but you have to wait until a DCL rep greets you and tells you what to do, which is to go inside.
Really, I'm not sure why they feel the need to greet you, but hey, just go with it. You will proceed into the port terminal, go through security screening like at the airport, then up a long escalator to the main waiting area. Since you're already checked in from the airport, you can just spend the time exploring the building and the ship. We like to go to the balcony and watch all the stuff being loaded and unloaded on the ship. If you have kids, you can pick up their wristbands. There are cartoons playing in various seating areas. You can check out the cut-away model of the Disney Magic. Characters come out for photo ops. It's fun to people-watch, too. Me too, me too
I doubt you really have to reserve in advance, but I did just in case since it was available to reserve. I ought to do like Deb T. and create a list of bike riders...Let's see...
Riding Bikes
Ness2289
guarn3md (maybe if not tired from 5k)
svcutler
Anyone else?
Paddle boats.... Hmmmmm.....
I'm going to pass. I plan to sit at the water's edge on Serenity Bay until they drag me back onto the ship.
Ness, I'm lovin' your list ala Deb T. style!
oh YUM!!!
Also how about the chocolate covered strawberries. Are they free? or are they in one of those places where it will ocst you something. If they were free I would be asking for the whole tray!
Yup, all free! They are in the cabinet in Cove Cafe...just have to ask for them! I brought back 2 for me and 2 for Michelle but she didn't want them so I ate all four...
Unfortunately, they aren't out all the time. But, boy are they goooooood when you can find them!
and snow is finally melting
and there is no snow in the forecast for the next 7 days 
.
