PAT 10:30-10:45 a.m. - When to arrive at MCO?

[UNDDisney]

We are setting sail on Sunday for our 6th Disney Cruise! We are so excited. For the first time (maybe because we are Gold?) we received an early PAT. Also for the first time, we are flying down to Orlando the night before the cruise. All previous cruises we have flown down the day of, boarded the bus at MCO, and arrived at the Port basically at open boarding time. This process has worked well and we have avoided crowds/waiting at the terminal. However, since we got an early PAT and are going down the night before, we are going to change it up and try to maximize time on the ship on embarktion day! What time can/should we get to MCO? I seem to recall 9:30 a.m. is when the buses start loading? Also, how bad are the crowds at the port? Even with an early PAT, should we just leisurely arrive at the Port and avoid the rush of those that want to be first? TIA!

 

[FigmentSpark]

If I recall, with our 10:30 PAT, we planned to arrive at the parking lot around 10ish. We parked, got our stuff together and got in line, which wasn't too bad.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are setting sail on Sunday for our 6th Disney Cruise! We are so excited. For the first time (maybe because we are Gold?) we received an early PAT. Also for the first time, we are flying down to Orlando the night before the cruise. All previous cruises we have flown down the day of, boarded the bus at MCO, and arrived at the Port basically at open boarding time. This process has worked well and we have avoided crowds/waiting at the terminal. However, since we got an early PAT and are going down the night before, we are going to change it up and try to maximize time on the ship on embarktion day! What time can/should we get to MCO? I seem to recall 9:30 a.m. is when the buses start loading? Also, how bad are the crowds at the port? Even with an early PAT, should we just leisurely arrive at the Port and avoid the rush of those that want to be first? TIA!

I'm an advocate for "a little later is better". Even if you get on the first bus from MCO, arriving a little after 10, boarding doesn't begin until 11:30ish anyway. You'd just wind up sitting/standing around in the terminal (with a whole lot of other people who want to "maximize they time onboard" by being first on).

Arriving around 12:00-12:30 generally means much shorter check in lines, and you typically get to board immediately after checking in.

 

[lanejudy]

What time can/should we get to MCO? I seem to recall 9:30 a.m. is when the buses start loading?

Buses from MCO begin loading shortly after 9am. People may start gathering in the area 8/8:30 to be on that first bus. The first bus departs as soon as it's filled, typically 9:15 or so. If you are arriving at MCO by DCL transfer on one of the very first buses, they'll let you into the terminal early. Your PAT will determine your boarding number. You should be boarding around 11:30. The terminal will start to get crowded by 11am.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[TeamRipper]

I'm an advocate for "a little later is better". Even if you get on the first bus from MCO, arriving a little after 10, boarding doesn't begin until 11:30ish anyway. You'd just wind up sitting/standing around in the terminal (with a whole lot of other people who want to "maximize they time onboard" by being first on).

Arriving around 12:00-12:30 generally means much shorter check in lines, and you typically get to board immediately after checking in.

Well, technically, PAT = Port Arrival Time so that is when you should plan to be at the port, so.....

I think we will be using the PrincessShmoo idea next time. I plan to get to the terminal around 1130a and walk on the ship by 1215-1230.
We travel with our friends and their kids and it is understandable that the kids cannot wait to get on the ship. However, after 6 cruises, it simply isn't worth the hassle of getting to the port at 945-10am, just to wait in an overcrowded lobby with people jostling for position for the embarkation to begin at 1130. In this case, the cost of "maximizing time on the ship" might get you on board 30-45 minutes earlier at the cost of waiting for an hour and half.

 

[FigmentSpark]

My issue is that sweetspot of when I will get the best parking in the covered parking garage.

 

[bbn1122]

Well, technically, PAT = Port Arrival Time so that is when you should plan to be at the port, so.....

I think we will be using the PrincessShmoo idea next time. I plan to get to the terminal around 1130a and walk on the ship by 1215-1230.
We travel with our friends and their kids and it is understandable that the kids cannot wait to get on the ship. However, after 6 cruises, it simply isn't worth the hassle of getting to the port at 945-10am, just to wait in an overcrowded lobby with people jostling for position for the embarkation to begin at 1130. In this case, the cost of "maximizing time on the ship" might get you on board 30-45 minutes earlier at the cost of waiting for an hour and half.

I agree, it’s almost better to arrive later or choose a later PAT. Last year in NYC we had a 1p-1:30pm. We just sailed thru the terminal and right on the ship. Cabanas was already beginning to clear out and our room was ready after we had lunch.

Now, we were not looking to go to Guest Services or book Palo. We really enjoyed not hanging around the terminal.