How long does it actually take to board

[tony64]

Hi
We are going on our first disney cruise this year and I've read a few reports and seen the queues to board; I was wondering how long it actually takes?

 

[disneyholic family]

Hi
We are going on our first disney cruise this year and I've read a few reports and seen the queues to board; I was wondering how long it actually takes?

it's my understanding that you get a number and you board by that number....

when we were there the first people to board were the concierge passengers, the castaway club members (those who've sailed with DCL before), and handicapped passengers....

since both times we sailed we were concierge, i don't really know how long it takes....but people seemed to be boarding for a long time...

and if you're going on the Dream that means 3000 or 4000 people are boarding..

but it could be that the number system will make it easier..

in any case, waiting is sort of fun...we got to the port right when it opened and boarding didn't start until 2 hours later.....so we spent the time chatting with everyone around us....the time passed very quickly..

once on board, you eat before going to your stateroom....which is good, because by that time we were very hungry...

in any case, you should post this question on the Cruise Forum (of the dis boards) - people will know the answer and will answer you right away...

 

[tony64]

Thanks Beth

 

[MrsJobba1]

Hi,

When you enter the terminal you get given a number - No 1 is for concierge and people who need extra assitance.

So it starts at No2 depending on your arrival time.

It used to be that they allowed people into the terminal @ 10am however since the Dream I believe its now 10.30 . (you'd need to check this)

I've also read that you now need to book your arrival time slot via the online check in.

At the port there is a model of the ship, cartoons playing on screens for chn , small snack bar , kids club reg place and characters come out to interact and have photos.

Boarding usually starts around 11.30-11.45ish and they call out the numbers.

When your number is called you go through 'the ears' they then swipe your key to the world card and you show your passport .

There are photographers (which we usually skip) and you go onto the ship and they ask your name the officers are all lined up and they announce over the PA ' WELCOME THE .... FAMILY FROM ...

As for how long it takes - they are still working handling the larger numbers of people due to the dream - it also depends what time you get to the port.

How r u getting there? DCL bus transfers dont usually leave wdw till around 12 which means you dont get to the port until 1.30 - 2ish. (we've used them 2 -3 times but I couldn't stand the hanging around at the hotel knowing people were already on the ship So we book a town car now.

Oh when you are checking in they have a separate line for 'non- US' visitors Look for this sign (excuse my goofy excited picture)

Hope that helps - feel free to ask any other questions
But be warned DCL is addicitive
We r now doing out 7th cruise this year

 

[tony64]

Thanks Helen

We are doing 7 nights on the Magic and will be driving over as we are looking at renting a car one way for the week before.

 

[crabbie1]

I have read a lot about this as this will be our first cruise and I dont see how booking a time slot will work if we are going on the DCL transfers .Helen my mom will be taking her wheel chair to disney but we were not going to take it on the cruise as she will be ok walking short distances.She will have her sticks though. So I dont look a wally should we just get in the regular line or do I need to inform someone she has walking difficulties? She hates a fuss.

 

[aaronandterri]

tell them when you get there are they will board you first.

 

[gemmybear83]

We used dcl transfers queued for about 5 mins (non us line was much shorter) and then walked on board with no need for numbers we arrived at 1pm.

 

[MrsJobba1]

I have read a lot about this as this will be our first cruise and I dont see how booking a time slot will work if we are going on the DCL transfers .Helen my mom will be taking her wheel chair to disney but we were not going to take it on the cruise as she will be ok walking short distances.She will have her sticks though. So I dont look a wally should we just get in the regular line or do I need to inform someone she has walking difficulties? She hates a fuss.

Hi,
I would let dcl know before you arrive, not really for boarding but for the 4pm muster drill. No lifts r working and depending where your room is it can be quite a long walk down stairs. If Dcl knows someone has walking difficulty their cm's will help and extra time will be given.
I would email them or give them a call.

 

[MrsJobba1]

We used dcl transfers queued for about 5 mins (non us line was much shorter) and then walked on board with no need for numbers we arrived at 1pm.

If you have dcl transfers you don't need to fill in your arrival time at the port as part of the online checkin.

 

[crabbie1]

tell them when you get there are they will board you first.

Thankyou

Hi,
I would let dcl know before you arrive, not really for boarding but for the 4pm muster drill. No lifts r working and depending where your room is it can be quite a long walk down stairs. If Dcl knows someone has walking difficulty their cm's will help and extra time will be given.
I would email them or give them a call.

Thankyou i will email DCL about a month before. Seems ages away. X