Getting into the terminal?

[poohs4me]

After reading several posts, I am a bit confused on what is required to get into the terminal. We are thinking of renting from budget and then having one person return the car while the other checks in. I understand this works quite nicely. But what does the returning person need to get into the terminal. I have read different things. I know they need ID but do they need the cruise document? If they need the cruise document, how does the other party check them in?

 

[DrCavin]

They will only need a photo ID.

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

They need an ID to get into the terminal, and then again to get their room key from the check-in desk. I think you can check them in, but they won't be issued their key until the ticket agent has verified their ID and proof of citizenship.

 

[NYDisneyMom]

Originally posted by Lloyd Dobler
They need an ID to get into the terminal, and then again to get their room key from the check-in desk. I think you can check them in, but they won't be issued their key until the ticket agent has verified their ID and proof of citizenship.

We did the drop off/rental return on 5/15. I had a very nice CM check us in, Tom. He took all my docs, gave me all of our KTTW cards and sent me off. I asked him what my husband had to do to check in. He just smiled and said "not a thing, you have his card, he's checked in." so, I guess it varies depending on the CM.

 

[cgdmom]

bump

 

[ivanova]

do you need your cruise docs to get past security, or just photo ID?

 

[NejTheLion]

You only need a photo ID to get past security and get into the terminal. You'll need your cruise docs at the check-in counter. I guess it varies whether everyone needs to be there at check-in. When I was traveling with some older relatives, the cast member helping us just gave them one look and said they could wait elsewhere while we handled the paperwork. Now, everyone will need to sign the waiver, so you may just want to wait until everyone has arrived at the terminal to check-in and make things simpler. But you can wait inside the terminal to meet the rest of your party, even if you don't have your cruise docs. Disney security has a list of all passengers and that's what the check with your photo ID. Finding everyone's docs probably takes too long to bother with.

 

[Zandy595]

OK, say DH and BIL drop us off and go to return the rental car. The rest of us get checked in at the terminal. When DH and BIL get back to the terminal do they need to stand in line to get their KTTW cards? I've heard that they can just go up and get them without standing in line, but I don't think others would like the idea of them cutting in front. How does this work without making other people upset?

 

[CarolJean]

Hello out there!
I, too, am very interested in an accurate answer to this ?. I will be traveling with my DH,DS-11, DD-6, DD-4,BIL,and inlaws-83and82. If I were able to check-in for all of us and not require my in-laws to stand in line at the terminal, a rather large weight would MAGICally be lifted off my shoulders(imagine a mother duck being followed by a string of 7 ducklings in a totally foreign lake, trying to keep everyone together!). Anyone with official information, PLEASE LET US KNOW!
We are on the 7-3 magic.

 

[gamom2three]

We're just back from the 5/23 Wonder and I can tell you the check-in was what I most dreaded and was most surprised at! While still in your car, security will check photo ID for each adult in your car and direct you on. The road up to the terminal door is one way (you go in one way and continue out the other).

My husband dropped me, DS15, DD15 and DS9 off (a porter took the luggage), we went in the terminal (again showing photo ID) and husband went to park the car. We had already gone through the metal dector and were upstairs when DH came in. He showed his photo ID again (I had his cruise docs) and he joined us in line (which moved very quickly) to check in. There is a Cast Member at the front of the line telling you which CM to go to for check in (sort of like a bank line but with many more tellers (CM).

So, you could stand in line and have the elder members of your group sit across the room (there are plenty of seats and TVs showing Disney cartoons) and watch to join you when you get to a check-in CM. Or have someone stand with you and go fetch the elders when ready to check-in.

Likewise, a member of your group that gets up to check-in after you have finished could tell the CM at the front of the line and the CM would send them to the desk to obtain their KTTW card.

Or, some people have just let others behind them in line, go in front of them until all their group is there. Either way is OK.

Have fun!

 

[KennyK]

When we were on the Easter Magic cruise, I dropped my wife, adult daughter and grandson off at the terminal, with all our baggage, My wife took my cruise docs, passport, credit card and off she went while I went to return the rental car. I was told all I needed was a picture ID for re-entry into the terminal area.

When I arrived back at the terminal from the rental shuttle, I was droped off across the street from the terminal at the tent. Walked across the road, showed ID at the gate and again at terminal screening and up the stairs.

My wife met me at the top and said all was done, check in completed. All I had to do was go to the CM who checked her in, show my photo ID and she handed me my KTTW card. You do not have to stand on line, just go up to that CM, that easy. Disney sure makes it easy that way.

My grandson was on line at about the 20th spot and played his video games with a bunch of other kids while we mingled with other DIS'ers going on the same cruise. When it came time to board we just got in line also.

Good luck on your checkin, it's really quite easy.

Kennyk

 

[CarolJean]

KennyK,
Thanks for the report!
If everybody dosen't mind, I'm going to ask for an opinion.
My family and I will be coming to port from Ron Jon(no real timing issue there), the in-laws will be coming to port from MCO that a.m.(flight arrives @ 9:30). We have a car set to be at baggage claim when they get there. By my approximation, I am guessing they will arrive at the port around 11:15 or so(am being generous with time due to ages and the fact that the car cannot park right outside the terminal so will need extra time for driver to retrieve car). The question is, shuold I take their docs with me when I leave home?, or should they keep them . We will be leaving on 7/1 they on 7/3. Is it possible for me to check them in before, say, 11:30?
I know I seem to be obsessing about such an odd aspect of the whole thing, but I have planned the entire trip from the very first idea to the limo to the airport on the 10th. I really want this to be a MAGICal vacation for all of us, but especially for my MIL/FIL. After all, how many people get to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary at all, much less on a Disney cruise surrounded by all the people who love them most?! Ijust want it to be as perfect as I can possibly make it.
Thanks for letting me go on and on.

Jeannie

 

[CarolJean]

bump

 

[Alexander]

Are you staying in different staterooms? If you are, would that make a difference do you think? Will they let you check in someone else's stateroom without them present? I'm guessing no, unless the stateroom is in your name. If you are all staying together, I don't see why you couldn't get everyone checked in and all they would need to do is get their KTTW cards when they get there.

 

[KennyK]

Jeannie,

Don't forget you will need their proof of birth/citizenship when you check in, also, how will you handle the on board chargers. Will all the kttw cards be charged to one card or individual charge cards. You will need those also when checked in and they need to match what is written on the cruise docks.

Just remember that boarding usually starts around 12-12:30 and the boarding line gets pretty long as it gets closer to boarding time.

good luck and don't fret it, it will work out in the end.

Kennyk

 

[cgdmom]

bump