Online check-in for 1st timer...want earliest PAT possible

[Ozarkglittergirl]

When does open boarding begin?

 

[ceecee]

Thanks! AND thanks for posting the photos, not at all what I had pictured in my mind that it would look like!!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

When does open boarding begin?

Once the boarding number being announced for boarding catches up to the number being issued at check in. No set time, but typically around 12:30-12:45.

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

Once the boarding number being announced for boarding catches up to the number being issued at check in. No set time, but typically around 12:30-12:45.

Princess Shmoo, explain to me how the DCL buses operate, please. We are staying at POFQ. About how many stops do they make and approximately what time will they be at our resort? How long can we expect to be on the bus? thanks

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Princess Shmoo, explain to me how the DCL buses operate, please. We are staying at POFQ. About how many stops do they make and approximately what time will they be at our resort? How long can we expect to be on the bus? thanks

The night before your cruise, you'll receive a letter in your room telling you what time to have your (checked) bags ready for pick up inside your room in the morning (typically at 8:00). It will also tell you where/when to go for checking in for your bus trip.

Buses pick up anytime in the 10:45-12:30 window. One pick up per resort. Each bus may stop at up to 3 resorts before actually heading for the port. There's no way of knowing beforehand when you pick up is, as DCL sets the pick up schedule that last day before the cruise, based on how many people from what resorts need transporting. They try to schedule the buses so that they are as full as possible before heading out. Sometimes, if a lot of people from the same resort require the DCL transfer, it's possible for a bus to only make the one stop.

The trip (from final pick up to port) takes about an hour. If you are the first pick up, or, if there's bad traffic on the highway, you may be on the bus up to 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

The night before your cruise, you'll receive a letter in your room telling you what time to have your (checked) bags ready for pick up inside your room in the morning (typically at 8:00). It will also tell you where/when to go for checking in for your bus trip.

Buses pick up anytime in the 10:45-12:30 window. One pick up per resort. Each bus may stop at up to 3 resorts before actually heading for the port. There's no way of knowing beforehand when you pick up is, as DCL sets the pick up schedule that last day before the cruise, based on how many people from what resorts need transporting. They try to schedule the buses so that they are as full as possible before heading out. Sometimes, if a lot of people from the same resort require the DCL transfer, it's possible for a bus to only make the one stop.

The trip (from final pick up to port) takes about an hour. If you are the first pick up, or, if there's bad traffic on the highway, you may be on the bus up to 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

As usual, very helpful. What do you mean by (CHECKED) bags?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

As usual, very helpful. What do you mean by (CHECKED) bags?

The bags that you will not be carrying on. As in the larger bags that you would normally check on an airplane.

You keep your carry on bags with you.

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

Oh for crying tears. I am totally losing it...zeesch. I Used to know what checked meant, honestly

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

Testing trying to change my ticker why won't it change
It shows up changed on my profile and I saved changes..,

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Testing trying to change my ticker why won't it change
It shows up changed on my profile and I saved changes..,

What's wrong with it?

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

I wanted the castaway cay umbrellas ticker so I deleted the other one and created the new ticker. It shows up on my personal info but not on my posts

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I wanted the castaway cay umbrellas ticker so I deleted the other one and created the new ticker. It shows up on my personal info but not on my posts

Only suggestion I have is - Were you in the "Signature" window? Did you actually delete the old ticker? And then put the new ticker (new code) in, and then click "save changes"?

Maybe click "save changes" after deleting? And then put in new, then "save changes" again?

Beyond that, I'd suggest posting over on the Technical Support board and asking.
http://www.disboards.com/forums/technical-support.43/

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

I wasn't in signature what would I do without you Princess Shmoo!

 

[Justin91]

Thanks princess shmoo!!!

 

[mlink461]

When you reach the top of the escalator in the terminal
View attachment 167735

You'll see this:
View attachment 167738

Check in line on the left, seating (such as it is) on the right. The Mickey Ears in the back are the entrance to the gangway.
Just find your line (there are two on the left - first time cruisers, and Castaway Club members). There's usually a CM there to direct you.
View attachment 167746
View attachment 167747

Wow what time did you get there to take the pictures? Looks so empty!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Wow what time did you get there to take the pictures? Looks so empty!

Well, those were a combination of pictures I took on our Dream, WDW, Fantasy B2B trip a couple of years ago.

 

[Justin91]

So The earliest time a Mears transport can drop us off is at 11:00? I know We will be waiting in line awhile, so what would be the advice one would give us for morning of arrival...thanks! I am the type that goes overboard on the planning prior to the trip so I can relax my mind during vacation. ANY advice is appreciated!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

So The earliest time a Mears transport can drop us off is at 11:00? I know We will be waiting in line awhile, so what would be the advice one would give us for morning of arrival...thanks! I am the type that goes overboard on the planning prior to the trip so I can relax my mind during vacation. ANY advice is appreciated!

Well, my personal preference is to arrive around 12:30. That way there's very little time in line (for check in) and they are generally already at Open Boarding, or close to it. So no waiting once checked in.

 

[Justin91]

If we arrive at 12:30 how does this effect our 11:00AM PAT, or do PATs really don't matter? This is our first cruise (pretty sure that is obvious!) so thanks again for the info!!

 

[Weedy]

So The earliest time a Mears transport can drop us off is at 11:00? I know We will be waiting in line awhile, so what would be the advice one would give us for morning of arrival...thanks! I am the type that goes overboard on the planning prior to the trip so I can relax my mind during vacation. ANY advice is appreciated!

Check with your private transportation company. Some may drop off earlier than 11.
The 1st DCL (Mears) buses from the airport leave about 9am drop off about 10am
The DCL buses from the resorts don't pick up from the resorts until 11ish (some a little later) and it's about a 1.5 hour drive.
Also even if they drop you off at 11 by the time you check in they should just begun boarding (11:15-11:30)You will receive the same boarding # no matter what time you arrive. Your boarding # is tied to your PAT.