Choosing a port arrival time...

[Mskay1216]

The time has finally come and on wed I'll be able to check in for our first Disney cruise leaving on Labor Day
I've read mixed thoughts on arriving early vs later
A 12 noon PAT would be better for my family-- I'm thinking we'll be on the ship by at least 1

Is it just as bad, worse or no different than choosing an earlier time?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

The time has finally come and on wed I'll be able to check in for our first Disney cruise leaving on Labor Day
I've read mixed thoughts on arriving early vs later
A 12 noon PAT would be better for my family-- I'm thinking we'll be on the ship by at least 1

Is it just as bad, worse or no different than choosing an earlier time?

Arriving at 12 (or a bit later) is really a good choice. By that time, there are generally no lines at check in at the terminal. And you most likely will board as soon as you've checked in (or pretty quickly thereafter).

 

[teacher31]

This past Memorial Day weekend, we checked in with our PAT of 11:30. We pulled in the gates right about then, dropped the luggage off, parked, walked in, checked in and were surprised to be told that we could just go ahead and board! We were on and at lunch within 30 minutes of getting through the gates. Enjoy your cruise!

 

[over50visits]

I think an arrival time of 12 is a real sweet spot. The initial rush is basically through, and a lot of the busses have not arrived yet (WDW and airport). Short security lines, short checkin lines, and walk on board fairly quickly. The only drawback might be a crowd at lunch, but seems like the MDR option is generally easier. All in all, 12 sounds pretty good to me!

 

[xlxo]

I like prefer an earliest time available....

• more time at the welcome lunch trough before it closes (2pm???)... I'd paid for it
• you can always show up date
• more quiet time at popular services while everyone is still boarding