Disneyland by morning, board cruise ship early afternoon

[MrsMears]

Has anyone gone to Disneyland the same day as boarding a cruise ship out of Long Beach? My husband and I will be at Disneyland for a few days prior to our cruise, though I really like the idea of a boarding for a cruise the same day as being in the parks. My cruise documents state I that I need to be checked in by 3PM for a 4:30 sail away.

I am thinking having our last night be at a DLR hotel. We can check out on Sunday and leave our bags with the desk. Leave the park at 1:30, grab our bags from the desk and have the car take us to Long Beach.

Then, we can board, immediately go to our cabin and shower and start our cruise.

Any Advice?

 

[DarthMole]

Has anyone gone to Disneyland the same day as boarding a cruise ship out of Long Beach? My husband and I will be at Disneyland for a few days prior to our cruise, though I really like the idea of a boarding for a cruise the same day as being in the parks. My cruise documents state I that I need to be checked in by 3PM for a 4:30 sail away.

I am thinking having our last night be at a DLR hotel. We can check out on Sunday and leave our bags with the desk. Leave the park at 1:30, grab our bags from the desk and have the car take us to Long Beach.

Then, we can board, immediately go to our cabin and shower and start our cruise.

Any Advice?

Any advice? Go for it. Sounds like a fantastic way to kick off the trip.

 

[MrsMears]

Any advice? Go for it. Sounds like a fantastic way to kick off the trip.

I forgot to add that.. most cruisers thought I was taking too much of a risk??

Thanks

 

[JacksGirlz]

Many DCL cruisers, myself included, like to be on the ship early to enjoy the ships amenities before everyone is on board. Being at Disneyland is it's own enjoyment though. I might leave slightly earlier, say 12:30 to make sure that traffic doesn't delay you getting on board. They will sail without you if you aren't on board by the cutoff. Have fun.

 

[ballarinamom]

I've cruised several times and it sounds like you maybe cutting it close. You need to leave DL around noon. When you cruise, you go through security just like an airport. Could be a line. There could also be traffic. Just because you depart at 4:30, Homeland Security and customs require all aboard 45 minutes to an hour before boarding.

 

[jetskigrl]

Has anyone gone to Disneyland the same day as boarding a cruise ship out of Long Beach? My husband and I will be at Disneyland for a few days prior to our cruise, though I really like the idea of a boarding for a cruise the same day as being in the parks. My cruise documents state I that I need to be checked in by 3PM for a 4:30 sail away.

I am thinking having our last night be at a DLR hotel. We can check out on Sunday and leave our bags with the desk. Leave the park at 1:30, grab our bags from the desk and have the car take us to Long Beach.

Then, we can board, immediately go to our cabin and shower and start our cruise.

Any Advice?

You would probably make it just fine but I would not be comfortable boarding that late. Depending on the cruise line, they may start letting people on the ship around noon (DCL does) and most people like to be there by that time or shortly afterwards. If it were me, I would leave a little bit earlier than 1:30, just to be safe. If there is a traffic accident, etc, you don't want to be stressed about it.

Also, you didn't mention the cruise line but if it is DCL, they leave out of the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro. There is another port in Long Beach (so I don't want you to confuse the two if you were sailing with DCL). San Pedro is a little bit further away from DLR, but not too much.

 

[MrsMears]

You would probably make it just fine but I would not be comfortable boarding that late. Depending on the cruise line, they may start letting people on the ship around noon (DCL does) and most people like to be there by that time or shortly afterwards. If it were me, I would leave a little bit earlier than 1:30, just to be safe. If there is a traffic accident, etc, you don't want to be stressed about it.

Also, you didn't mention the cruise line but if it is DCL, they leave out of the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro. There is another port in Long Beach (so I don't want you to confuse the two if you were sailing with DCL). San Pedro is a little bit further away from DLR, but not too much.

We're sailing on Carnival. Still working up to DCL

I'm really trying to avoid the rush of cruise pax that rush the Lido deck buffet. It was really overwhelming for me and my ideal cruise would be one where I am able to go right to my cabin, freshen up and then take my time going around the ship

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

go for it!!! I would.

 

[marcemc]

Many DCL cruisers, myself included, like to be on the ship early to enjoy the ships amenities before everyone is on board. Being at Disneyland is it's own enjoyment though. I might leave slightly earlier, say 12:30 to make sure that traffic doesn't delay you getting on board. They will sail without you if you aren't on board by the cutoff. Have fun.

better safe than sorry

Have fun!

 

[KateDrake]

I agree with leaving by at least noon to get on board. I'm assuming you are on the Splendor? It is amazing how many people they manage to pack on board that ship! We got there at around noon for our cruise in January, and the lines just to check in were about 45 minutes long. Then you have to stand in another line for security, etc. So it really is better to be on board earlier. Everyone has to be on board long before the ship sails, so I'm seconding the opinions to leave by around noon.

I should add that I don't know how long it actually takes to be in all these lines first person, as I was traveling with my little cousin who has muscular dystrophy. They plopped her in a wheel chair and walked us to the front of every line, which was awesome! But even then, it took about 45 minutes from the time we were dropped off to the time we were on the ship and off to have fun. But I did hear several people complain about how long it took to get on the ship. You could skip the cheesy photos they do, that would save you some time...

Have a great trip! We had a great cruise, it was perfect for families.

 

[jetskigrl]

We're sailing on Carnival. Still working up to DCL

I'm really trying to avoid the rush of cruise pax that rush the Lido deck buffet. It was really overwhelming for me and my ideal cruise would be one where I am able to go right to my cabin, freshen up and then take my time going around the ship

We may be trying that for the first time on our upcoming cruise also (arriving later). We got an awesome discounted rate on the Wonder, but one restriction is that we don't get to pick our room. So we won't know until right before the cruise what room we will get.

If we are happy with the room, we are going to shoot for arriving closer to when the rooms are ready also...maybe 1 or 1:30 (to avoid carrying around our luggage, drinks, etc).

But if we are not happy with the room, we will be there right when the port opens to try for an upgrade (which means dealing with the lines and crowds)

I hope you have a wonderful time at Disneyland and an awesome cruise!!