DCL transport & flight questions

[we4blairs]

We're headed out in less than a month. (Yipee and Yikes!)

My DS (11 & 6) have never flown before so I'm a little nervous about that whole airport thing.

I know that we fly out at 7 am and arrive in Orlando at 10 am.
What then? We do have DCL transportation (whatever that is) - I'm guessing a shuttle? and from what I've read they handle our luggage (yeah!) but how do i know where to go and what to do?

I know we'll eventually get paperwork from DCL but I hear it can take awhile. I'm the kind of traveler that likes everything in order way in advance.

Also, getting in at 10 am - about what time would you guess we'll get on the ship, provided we have no delays??

thanks!

 

[repeatcruiser]

I'm presuming (1) that you purchased the DCL transfers, and (2) you are going straight to the ship (vs. WDW).

You will be sent special DCL luggage tags (2 per person) - put these on your bags before you leave home, and the DCL staff will retrieve all your tagged luggage and deliver it to your state room some time that afternoon (we've usually gotten ours around 3 PM).

All you have to do is procede to the DCL welcome area, which is on the lower level (side B?) - all of which will be spelled out in the cruise document pack you should receive any day now. You then board a very nice, yellow, DCL bus and travel to the port - this should take about 1 hour - they show a nice welcome to DCL video on the ride to get you in the mood for the cruise.

Allowing a bit of time for you to deplane, find the bus area and for the bus to fill up, you should be at the port by noon. They typically do not start boarding the ship until about noon or slightly after, so your arrival time should be good. Make sure to fill out all of the forms before you arrive (the bus trip is a good time to do this), so you can go straight to the check in line - this will expedite your trip through the terminal and get you on the ship quicker. Also, sit in the front of the bus - this will at least guarantee that you are in line ahead of the other people on your bus.

We purchased Disney activity books for our 2 kids (10 and 7) for them to do on the plane - keeps them busy/passes the time and gets them thinking obout the trip vs. worrying about the flight (if that is an issue).

Also, make sure to bring something for them to eat/drink for takeoff and landing - ear pressure / pain can be a real problem for kids, particularly if they have not flown before - sure way to get things off on the wrong foot!

 

[poconoboatniks]

I know that we fly out at 7 am and arrive in Orlando at 10 am.
What then?

Look for the CMs with the Mickey Hands and DCL clip boards and they will direct you to the shuttle bus. DCL CM uniforms are blue, khaki and white and very nautical looking. The shuttle ride takes about 45 mins. and there will be a video which explains how to check in once you are at the port.

We do have DCL transportation (whatever that is) - I'm guessing a shuttle? and from what I've read they handle our luggage (yeah!) but how do i know where to go and what to do?

In your cruise docs. will be luggage tags which you will be directed to attach to you luggage before leaving home. You don't have to worry about your checkin luggage until you are in your stateroom on the ship. Make sure you have all your docs. in your carry on luggage. We also pack the kids bathing suits in our carryons so they can go swimming as soon as you are done with lunch.

I know we'll eventually get paperwork from DCL but I hear it can take awhile.

You should be seeing your cruise docs. within the next 2 weeks.

Which cruise are you on? We are on the 4/8 Western. If you are on that cruise, come on over to our meet thread.

Enjoy your trip

Pocono

 

[we4blairs]

thanks so much! We are on the April 6 Wonder.

Where did you order/buy the disney activity books?

 

[repeatcruiser]

I think these specific ones were from the Disney Store (they were the appearing ink color/activity type - one clear marker that turns colors on the page), but I've seem other Disney books at places like Target, Costco, etc.