We arrived at 10:20 via rental car. First, we had to go through security (about 10 min. wait in that line) on the ground floor before making our way upstairs to the large check-in/waiting area. On the second floor, we were immediately directed to a table to sign a health form stating that no one in our party had been sick within the last 24-48 hours. Then we were directed to check-in (no wait!) where we presented our passports and online check-in signed forms we printed out and signed back home. Had our photos taken and were each distributed a World key. The key looks like a credit card that allows you to pay for everything extra on board (alcohol, items in shops etc.), shows you your dining rotation, allows you on and off the ship, allows you into your room and controls all the lights/tv in your room as well (there is a key holder just inside the room that you stick your card in when you are in the room. Be sure to pull it out when you are the last person to leave. And dont pull it out if someone is in the bathroom. It gets awfully dark in there!
After receiving our keys, we went over to the check-in area for the Oceaneers Club/Lab. I checked in my two boys, 6-8 online at home but we still needed to obtain their wrists bracelets. These bracelets stayed on them for the duration of the cruise and were removed the last night. Dont lose them. Theyll cost you $50 each.
Waited in the open waiting area with the family for about an hour and a half after check in was completed. It got pretty darn crowded in the terminal. Be sure to save some seats if you arrive early otherwise youll be sitting on the floor or standing which is what most people end up doing. The televisions were not easy to see from where we sat so there wasnt much for my boys to do other than go out on to the viewing deck to see the ship for a few minutes, quickly scan the small replica of the Disney Magic and watch the insanely long line of people waiting to meet Mickey or Minnie. I read somewhere that there was a snack bar/shop in the terminal area but I never saw it. You may want to eat before you arrive or bring food with you, especially if you are in a later group.
Because we arrived fairly early we were placed in group 4. For our cruise, each group consists of 25-30 people. I was thrilled being among the first 100 to board, which was approximately at 12:30. It allowed us to go directly to Cabanas, the outdoor/indoor buffet restaurant on Deck 11, without fighting any crowds. Others were directed to Enchanted Garden, a nice restaurant on Deck 2 but lacks waterviews. Though I have to say it probably was much quieter and less chaotic than Cabanas was by the time we left. After lunch, we hit the pools and the Aquaduck. Hardly anyone was in the pool or on the Duck at the time. Our stateroom wasnt ready until 1:30. Luckily, we thought enough to pack sunscreen and bathing suits in our carry on bags. Luggage didnt arrive until 2:30.
After receiving our keys, we went over to the check-in area for the Oceaneers Club/Lab. I checked in my two boys, 6-8 online at home but we still needed to obtain their wrists bracelets. These bracelets stayed on them for the duration of the cruise and were removed the last night. Dont lose them. Theyll cost you $50 each.
Waited in the open waiting area with the family for about an hour and a half after check in was completed. It got pretty darn crowded in the terminal. Be sure to save some seats if you arrive early otherwise youll be sitting on the floor or standing which is what most people end up doing. The televisions were not easy to see from where we sat so there wasnt much for my boys to do other than go out on to the viewing deck to see the ship for a few minutes, quickly scan the small replica of the Disney Magic and watch the insanely long line of people waiting to meet Mickey or Minnie. I read somewhere that there was a snack bar/shop in the terminal area but I never saw it. You may want to eat before you arrive or bring food with you, especially if you are in a later group.
Because we arrived fairly early we were placed in group 4. For our cruise, each group consists of 25-30 people. I was thrilled being among the first 100 to board, which was approximately at 12:30. It allowed us to go directly to Cabanas, the outdoor/indoor buffet restaurant on Deck 11, without fighting any crowds. Others were directed to Enchanted Garden, a nice restaurant on Deck 2 but lacks waterviews. Though I have to say it probably was much quieter and less chaotic than Cabanas was by the time we left. After lunch, we hit the pools and the Aquaduck. Hardly anyone was in the pool or on the Duck at the time. Our stateroom wasnt ready until 1:30. Luckily, we thought enough to pack sunscreen and bathing suits in our carry on bags. Luggage didnt arrive until 2:30.
