DCL transfer question

[crabbie1]

Hi
To all that have done the DCL anyone seen roughly what time the DCL transfers arrive? I am trying to remember what time I saw them come at AKL last time but cannot remember.I am doing online check in and dont know what time to put for port check in. TIA

 

[wilma-bride]

The DCL buses usually leave the resorts between 11.30 and 12.30 so I would go for around 12.30-1pm. Because you are on a DCL transfer, I wouldn't have thought it would matter if you arrive earlier than your check-in time as Disney will know you had no control over it.

 

[crabbie1]

Thanks Wilma.I have provisionally booked 12.30-1300 on your recommendation.

 

[wayneg]

I can't remember your reasoning for using transport, is there no way you can get a taxi or car rental? I would not be happy arriving at the times they do.
This time we arrived 10:45am just a little early, we had to circle the car park 3-4 mins until they opened up, parked up, checked in, lined up for photos with Donald & Daisy, toilet etc boarded 11:45 straight to Cabanas for opening at 12 noon. We didn't get 2 mins to relax from arriving to sitting at our meal at 5:55pm(arrived 10 mins late)
OK we fitted in a DISmeet but that was only 45 mins. Below is the experience of someone on our cruise, I would hate to be boarding at 2:45pm, especially on a 3 or 4 night cruise, its so rushed with meal, unpacking, lifeboat drill & sailaway party all by 4:45pm.

"We'd thought about trying to make the DIS meet, but the DCL ground transfer from the WDW Beach Club didn't get us to the terminal until 1:45 p.m., and we didn't get on board until 2:45 p.m. (At which point I rushed to get us on the waiting list for Palo, my wife found the stateroom, and we rushed to get food at Cabanas before they closed it down. I will never use the DCL ground transfers again.)"

 

[disney_princess_85]

I can't remember your reasoning for using transport, is there no way you can get a taxi or car rental? I would not be happy arriving at the times they do.
This time we arrived 10:45am just a little early, we had to circle the car park 3-4 mins until they opened up, parked up, checked in, lined up for photos with Donald & Daisy, toilet etc boarded 11:45 straight to Cabanas for opening at 12 noon. We didn't get 2 mins to relax from arriving to sitting at our meal at 5:55pm(arrived 10 mins late)
OK we fitted in a DISmeet but that was only 45 mins. Below is the experience of someone on our cruise, I would hate to be boarding at 2:45pm, especially on a 3 or 4 night cruise, its so rushed with meal, unpacking, lifeboat drill & sailaway party all by 4:45pm.

"We'd thought about trying to make the DIS meet, but the DCL ground transfer from the WDW Beach Club didn't get us to the terminal until 1:45 p.m., and we didn't get on board until 2:45 p.m. (At which point I rushed to get us on the waiting list for Palo, my wife found the stateroom, and we rushed to get food at Cabanas before they closed it down. I will never use the DCL ground transfers again.)"

Yikes! We've got DCL transfers booked, as we're not hiring a car and there are only two of us so a taxi would be too expensive. Hopefully it won't be too bad.

 

[wilma-bride]

Yikes! We've got DCL transfers booked, as we're not hiring a car and there are only two of us so a taxi would be too expensive. Hopefully it won't be too bad.

I'm sure it will be fine hun. Even if you don't arrive at the terminal until 1.30ish, by that time you will board pretty much straight away and, to be honest, there is nothing much going on before the lifeboat drill at 4pm anyway.

I am not sure what the delay with the people Wayne has quoted was, but even if you miss the embarkation buffet, in my opinion it's probably not the best meal of the trip anyway.

If your best option is to use DCL transfers then you just need to be aware that you will probably arrive at port later than a lot of people. If you're there too early, it's just a lot of hanging around anyway.