Tendering began at 7:30 a.m. Your whole party needs to go to the Buena Vista Theater to get a "ticket" to get on a tender. If you had an early
DCL excursion, you wouldn't need the ticket. And, after 11:00 a.m., no one needs a ticket. What they are trying to do is to minimize the number of people standing in the hallway, waiting to get on the tenders. It only took about 5 minutes to get over to the pier...so you could make your excursion, depending on where you are supposed to meet them.
Also, if you are in a suite, and have concierge service, you won't need a ticket. Let them know the day before of your plans, and they will tell you what to do to get on a tender.