arriving at the port questions - HELP

[cgdmom]

Lots of questions---
In the past we have stayed at the radison -- and either used their shuttle or a taxi to get to the port very early( 9:00-10:00). It seems like that secret is out and EVERYONE is now getting their early . Recent cruisers---Did you arrive early ? If so - was it crowded? Some recent posts have indicated a line of cars there before the doors even opened. My problem--if I am in a taxi does the meter keep running while we wait in this line of cars? Or Do the dcl employees direct shuttle or taxi arrivals to the tent for luggage drop off? THis trip we are trying ron jons---what is the earliest time for their shuttle---when can we sign up? Finally--Since we are driving our car to ronjons would it be easier for dh to drop dd and I off at the pier to check in while he returns our car to ronjons to park in the free parking ---then he can take the shuttle. If we would do this CAN I really check in for all of us even if dh is returning the car? I Thought all members of your party need to be present. Sorry this is long--I thought I had everything ironed out from earlier trips -but - things seem different this trip---thanks Jill

 

[aprilgail2]

We got there around 1025 and I woujld say we were in the top 100 to board. We also had a car and were staying at the Raddisson but to avoid the shuttle or hassel of one person dropping the rest off and then going back we just parked the car at the port, its 70.00 but in the grand sceme of vacation things it was worth it.

 

[DrCavin]

Can only answer part of your question. You can check everyone in your party in, even if they are not there. Your DH will only need to have his photo-id to be allowed into the terminal.

Then he will need to go back to the CM who checked you in & get his KTTW card. I have read that sometimes the CM will give you his KTTW card, but that was not the case for us.

HTH

 

[cgdmom]

Thanks! anyone else?

 

[CarolJean]

cdgmom,
I'm unfortunately not going to be any help to you but I am going to use your thread to clarify something about checking in for others. You'll get a bump anyway!
I have 2 cabins in my name. One for my nuclear family and one for FIL, MIL, BIL. Exactly what documentation do I need to check them in? I,m going to Pittsburgh this weekend to see them and this will be my last opportunity to obtain said documents.
I figure I need cruise docs. Do I need birth certs. as well? What about a credit card? Do they need to have it at the terminal or can it b shown and applied to their KTTW cards at G.S onboard?
Another ?. Would you let your DIL take all of these documents with her and trust that she knows what the heck she's doing and that you won't be left at the dock, waving?

 

[cgdmom]

If she knows who she's dealing with she will! Your mil is SO sucky to have a wonderful daughter in law willing to do this.

 

[CarolJean]

bump

 

[kcashner]

As to arriving at the port....the port opens to incoming traffic at 10. The terminal counters open for check in at 10:30. We arrived about 11, and were in the first 100 or so people checking in.

Yes, the secret is out on these boards, but a lot of people don't read the boards. The busses from WDW don't run till 12:30, so....busses from the airport start about 9 or 9:30 depending on the incoming flight schedule. There is really very little sense in trying to be "first" unless this is just something you have to do. You still won't be the first on unless you are in the concierge/handicapped category.

In order to "check in" someone else...you will need all your own travel documents. Usually, you are "checking in" a husband, in which case, they will usually process everything and he will only need to show his photo ID to a CM (you will have already shown passport or Birth Certificate, travel docs, etc. However, you can't count on this option being available--depending on the level of security in effect at the time of your sailing, they may not allow this. It is safer to leave him with all his docs to get into the port. Again, the CM will usually make his KTTW when she makes yours, and then just allow him to collect his when he shows.

I really don't believe you can check in your extended family to another cabin. Unless security precautions are very down and you have a cooperative CM...it won't fly. Since 9/11, they have become much more strict. In any event, you couldn't sign their credit card authorization, etc. Perhaps they should check themselves in, then join you in the boarding line.

When we arrive at port, DD gets into the boarding line and I check us in....I then meet her in the line (I'm a single mom travelling with daughter). Obviously, we didn't do this at age 7, but now that she's a big 13...it's worked well on the last several cruises.

 

[jin diesel]

Originally posted by kcashner
When we arrive at port, DD gets into the boarding line and I check us in....I then meet her in the line (I'm a single mom travelling with daughter). Obviously, we didn't do this at age 7, but now that she's a big 13...it's worked well on the last several cruises.

I'm a single-mom too. Although my DD is only 7; not quite 13 yet! I wondered about having her wait in the boarding line while I checked us in - but there's no way I'd let her out of my sight.

I figure it doesn't matter if I'm in the 1st 100 or the last 100 to board - as long as we're together!

-jindy

 

[CarolJean]

Kcashner...
THANK YOU!!! That was the exact kind of answer(s) I was in need of. Unless you can draw me a picture, that was as clear as can be. Now I can process and move on! You're right, it doesn't matter if we're first or last. What matters is that we are there to have a great time as a family and to celebrate my in-laws 60th anniversary! Some times it's easy to get hung up on some tiny detail and fail to look at the big picture. Thanks!

 

[lookingforward]

Does anyone know if the lines are as long on the 3 and 4 night cruises? I was wondering about this because many of these passengers are coming from WDW to the ship? Anyone?