Early boarding time

[Ratpack]

We will be at WDW the day we board the Dream for our first cruise. Since we will be close and checking out of our resort, we would like to get to the port and on the boat as early as possible, what strategy do we need to employ in order to get the earliest boarding time possible? I realize it will be after 10:30, but if we could get on then, that would be great.

 

[Jestocost]

You need to check in as early as possible when your window opens and get the earliest Port Arrival Time you can. As a first-time DCL passenger, however, you won't be able to check in until later than the returning cruisers and concierge guests are able to do so. Not that all of them will take advantage of the early check in, but many will.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We will be at WDW the day we board the Dream for our first cruise. Since we will be close and checking out of our resort, we would like to get to the port and on the boat as early as possible, what strategy do we need to employ in order to get the earliest boarding time possible? I realize it will be after 10:30, but if we could get on then, that would be great.

The terminal opens at 10:30. Actual boarding begins around 11:15-11:30 with Concierge guest and Platinum Castaway Club members going first. Then boarding numbers are called. Your boarding number is tied to the Port Arrival Time you select during the online check in process. You will receive the same boarding number, regardless of when you actually check in.

Once the number being announced for boarding catches up to the number being issued at check in, Open Boarding is announced. This typically happens around 12:45-1:00. At this time, anyone holding any boarding number may board.

The earliest you would be boarding is 11:30ish.

Transportation via DCL transfers typically arrives at the port sometime in the 12:30-2:00 window. The trip from WDW to port is about an hour.

 

[cedricandsophie]

Usually the earliest you can get on...and we are platinum so we get number 1 boarding...is about 11 15 to 11 30, sometimes a little later, very rarely earlier. If you aren't eligible for preferred boarding, you need to do online checkin as early as you can and see what PAT you get assigned to get into the terminal. Once you check in at the port you will get a number that allows you to get on the ship once boarding begins.

 

[CamColt]

Princessshmoo gave a great description of the procedure.

You best chance to get the lowest boarding number possible for you is to do online check asap, and of course choose the earliest Port Arrival Time available at that time.

 

[Ratpack]

If I remember correctly, online check in starts at 75 days out right? Also, my son is in my father's room, so will I need to do anything special to get him on the boat with us since we are all traveling separately?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If I remember correctly, online check in starts at 75 days out right? Also, my son is in my father's room, so will I need to do anything special to get him on the boat with us since we are all traveling separately?

First time cruisers online check in is at 75 days out. Returning cruisers have different windows (depending on how many previous DCL cruises they have).

Each room must check in separately (online). I believe at the port, each person can check in separately (although DCL prefers a whole room check in together), unless it's a minor.

 

[tink1970]

When we did our family cruise this Jan, I was worried about the same thing--DD was in the room with my brother, sister in law and niece. However, they allowed her to board with us which was nice, since I wasn't excited about waiting at the terminal for 3 hours until they showed up!

Just my experience but I'd worried and fretted about it and it wasn't a big deal. She was even allowed to wait in the Concierge Lounge while we did our Concierge things.

 

[Weedy]

If I remember correctly, online check in starts at 75 days out right? Also, my son is in my father's room, so will I need to do anything special to get him on the boat with us since we are all traveling separately?

Just an FYI: If your son in under 18 years old and in your fathers cabin you will need to go to Guest Services and have your father sign a paper so your son can get off the ship with you. A minor can only leave the ship with the adult of the cabin they are assigned to.

 

[Mrslissaaa]

This may seem like a dumb question. But how do I do my online check in is it similar to airline online check ins? This is my first Disney cruise.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

This may seem like a dumb question. But how do I do my online check in is it similar to airline online check ins? This is my first Disney cruise.

When your window opens (75 days out from the cruise) you'll find, under the "My Reservations" link on the DCL site that "Online check in" has been added to your reservation. There are about 9 pages that need to be filled out, with passenger identification info, travel plans, port arrival time selection, onboard account set up, contract, and signature page.

One note, you cannot access the Port Arrival Time page until all previous pages have been completed, you cannot jump directly there.

 

[Mrslissaaa]

When your window opens (75 days out from the cruise) you'll find, under the "My Reservations" link on the DCL site that "Online check in" has been added to your reservation. There are about 9 pages that need to be filled out, with passenger identification info, travel plans, port arrival time selection, onboard account set up, contract, and signature page.

One note, you cannot access the Port Arrival Time page until all previous pages have been completed, you cannot jump directly there.

Thanks, your comments are always extremely helpful.

 

[DizneyNutz]

Thanks, your comments are always extremely helpful.

When you complete your online check in, there is a form you need to print off and sign and there is also a health question form to be filled out (very short). you will need both of these when you check in at the port. If you have trouble locating them however, they can be obtained and filled out once inside. You may want to carry some quarters (around $6 total one way) for the toll booths between WDW and Port Canaveral. If you don't want the hassle of having to pull off to drive through the tolls, you can order the Sunpass for $5 I believe and just pass them by. Not sure on exact amounts because our sticker from our state works for Florida's tolls also. Have a great trip.

 

[Ratpack]

Just an FYI: If your son in under 18 years old and in your fathers cabin you will need to go to Guest Services and have your father sign a paper so your son can get off the ship with you. A minor can only leave the ship with the adult of the cabin they are assigned to.

Thanks for the heads up, does this apply at the stops on the cruise or just at disembarkation? The latter will be no issue since we will all be leaving together, but at the other ports it could be an issue as we are early risers and would most likely be getting off as soon as they allow, especially at Castaway Cay.

 

[Flossbolna]

One note, you cannot access the Port Arrival Time page until all previous pages have been completed, you cannot jump directly there.

However, you can fill it out with things that are easiest at the time. You can always go back and edit things on the previous pages. For example, it will ask for flight details if you say that you arrived by airplane and that you will depart by airplane. So, instead of filling out all these details, just pick the easier option of self-driving. Or if two people share a cabin but are going to use seperate credit cards, don't bother with the second person's card, just say that they use all the same card. Once you got ot Port Arrival time and chose what you liked, go back to the previous tabs and change the details there.

 

[lanejudy]

Thanks for the heads up, does this apply at the stops on the cruise or just at disembarkation? The latter will be no issue since we will all be leaving together, but at the other ports it could be an issue as we are early risers and would most likely be getting off as soon as they allow, especially at Castaway Cay.

It applies to debarking at any port. Since your son is registered in the room with his grandfather, you'll need to have the form signed allowing him to get off the ship with you in the event your father isn't debarking at the same time.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Ratpack]

Is there anyway to get the form done early? My fear is forgetting about this and my son being stopped from getting off the ship with us in Nassau (if we get off the ship). We are early risers and my father is not, so I see us doing things earlier and him catching up later.

 

[DizneyNutz]

Is there anyway to get the form done early? My fear is forgetting about this and my son being stopped from getting off the ship with us in Nassau (if we get off the ship). We are early risers and my father is not, so I see us doing things earlier and him catching up later.

Here is the address for the form.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/...edia/ParentalDebarkationAuthorizationForm.pdf

 

[Ratpack]

Thanks for the link. So my father needs to sign it since my son is in his room even though I am the parent or guardian?

 

[Weedy]

Is there anyway to get the form done early? My fear is forgetting about this and my son being stopped from getting off the ship with us in Nassau (if we get off the ship). We are early risers and my father is not, so I see us doing things earlier and him catching up later.

You can go to Guest Services the first day as soon as you board the ship and fill out the paperwork. It will list all the port stops on your cruise and you will check the ones he can get off the ship.