How early to arive at the port?

[ClarabelleCow]

My flight arrives at 9:40 in the am, if all goes smooth, we could be out the door and at the port by 11:00-11:30, is that to early to arrive? Can you check in and get on the ship, are there things to do, or do you just wonder around until later in the day?

 

[xABearx]

They usually don't start letting people onboard until around 11:45am - 12pm so getting to the port around 11am should be just fine .... once on the ship, you can wander about and check out what they have .... Andy

 

[Tluvs2talk]

I like getting to the port around 10:30 or 11:00. I like getting checked in and having a chance to take picture's before the crowd arrives. ANTICIPATION IS A WONDERFUL THING!!!



Teri

 

[rcdisneyfam]

Got there 10-10:30 and was the 1st in line to board. They(cm) let my kids do the countdown to board the ship.

 

[jrabbit]

Perfect time to arrive. You will probably be arriving at the port closer to 11:30 because of haveing to pick up your luggage (at least a 20 minute process) No wait. If you have DCL transportation they will get your bags for you (we've never had that happen (always been in Orlando at least a day early).

Waiting in the terminal is NOT a painful thing at all. It is very pretty, the characters come out, there is a large model of the Magic to look at, there's the real ship outside to look at, the floor is a huge map of the Bahamas and of course there are Mickey Mouse cartoons playing on the many, many tv's throughout the terminal. The chairs and couches are very comfy too.

The earlier you board, the earlier you can do the ressie rush for Palo, spa, wine tasting, signing the kids into the clubs. We like to do these first (because the lines are shorter first thing and who wants to stand in line on the ship?) We then go to lunch and feel that the cruise has officially started.

 

[DVCcruise]

That is a perfect time to arrive. You'll get checked in. Take some pictures with Captain Mickey and just let the excitement build! The line starts moving close to noon. Be one of the first people on the ship. Have a great cruise!

 

[currycook]

I dont think that is too early at all. Good time actually.

 

[over50visits]

I agree with everything here except one thing.....it is a lot of fun to arrive early (no lines, nice terminal to visit, upgrades are available for purchase), but it isn't much fun to stand in the line for an hour just to get on board faster. Last week we just walked around the terminal, visited with the characters and cast members, all the while watching to see if the boarding had started. Once that happened, we joined the line, and were on board in 10 minutes flat and up to eating lunch minutes later (no line there - skip the restaurant!)

We thought it was a good trade - didn't have to stand in line for an hour in exchange for getting on 10 minutes later.