Check-in Questions

[Naterfan]

Not too sure about a few of the aspects of embarkation day:

Can I drop my family and luggage off at the terminal and then park our car? Will the route through the terminal area that I have to drive allow me to do this?

As with the airlines, are locks forbidden on our luggage? I guess I'm asking if DCL will open our bags, or just scan them.

Thank you.

 

[mmouse37]

Disney will scan all checked bags behind the scenes (carry ons are x-rayed as well but you put them through the x-ray machine upon entering the terminal).

If disney find something in your checked bag that is questionable they will open it. If it is on the prohibited list it will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise (pick up in terminal).

Yes, you can drop your family off at the curb and then go park the car. They can wait for you before they enter the gate to the terminal or they can proceed into the terminal and you can meet them inside. There will be porters at the curb to take your checked luggage (tip is customary).

MJ

 

[Sir William]

Not too sure about a few of the aspects of embarkation day:

Can I drop my family and luggage off at the terminal and then park our car? Will the route through the terminal area that I have to drive allow me to do this?

As with the airlines, are locks forbidden on our luggage? I guess I'm asking if DCL will open our bags, or just scan them.

Thank you.

Can't address the car issues as we've never arrived that way.

Airlines don't forbid locks; in fact they encourage their use. However, if TSA can't open the lock they will cut it. We put TSA approved locks on our checked bags, both airline and cruise. TSA and cruise line security personnel can open these locks with a special key (some locks even have a visual indicator that shows the lock was opened). I've had my luggage "inspected" lots of times but with one exception the lock has always been replaced (the one time TSA didn't secure the zipper correctly, and in fact left the zipper partly open). I've had friends who had their non-approved locks cut by TSA and placed inside their suitcases.

I feel that locks keep honest people honest, and may provide just enough frustration to dishonest people that they'll look for an unlocked bag to pilfer.

 

[Bishoparc]

Yup, no problem dropping the family off first. It can be a little confusing for your first time. Depending on the time you get there, traffic can be a little backed up but basically they will put the cars in two lines and then as space opens up in front of the terminal they will wave you over to drop off your family and your luggage. The parking garage is right across the street so if you're there early you may even luck up and get a great spot too. (We got there in September about 12:30P and I was still able to park on the first floor.) Overall it's very easy, just be on the lookout for the folks waving you up to the terminal and you'll be set. Enjoy your cruise!