PAT and Boarding Group Question

[EddieK76]

We are taking Disney transportation from Saratoga Springs to the port so I know our PAT doesn't matter but how do we get a good boarding group? Or is that determined by our PAT?

 

[TestingH2O]

You’ll get your group when you do your online check in at 30 days. I read somewhere that DCL transportation people were getting group 2 so that they knew they could board right when they arrived and not cause additional congestion in the terminal.

 

[EddieK76]

You’ll get your group when you do your online check in at 30 days. I read somewhere that DCL transportation people were getting group 2 so that they knew they could board right when they arrived and not cause additional congestion in the terminal.

So the boarding group isn't determined when I check in (like say virtual boarding groups for Rise) but rather tied to transportation I'm taking and or luck?

 

[lanejudy]

The boarding group is usually tied to the PAT, but since those taking DCL transfers from resorts don't select a PAT the boarding group will be assigned. It's usually group 2 because the buses from resorts arrive fairly early.

 

[MIndy S]

We just did online check-in last week. Based on what people in our cruise group said, those taking DCL transportation from a resort were given group 2. We are taking DCL transportation from MCO though and our group was assigned based on our PAT, which was 11:30 and BG6.

 

[mmouse37]

This was not the case in Miami when we cruise earlier this month. We booked DCL transfers after we had already gotten our boarding group # after check in.

It was such a cluster when we got off the bus with everyone who needed to be tested (we had a 14 month with us) was made to stand outside for about 40 minutes (well after our PAT time) until they had the testing set up. We were told they were going by the boarding number on your PAT form and didn't matter that you were on DCL transportation.

I do believe this was an exception and may not be the case at Port Canaveral.

Just to clarify....even if you have boarding group 2 that does not mean you will board as soon as you get to the port. You still have to wait until boarding begins...usually around 11:30-12:00. Even at PC.

MJ

 

[TestingH2O]

So the boarding group isn't determined when I check in (like say virtual boarding groups for Rise) but rather tied to transportation I'm taking and or luck?

Probably not if you are taking DCL transportation (and it sounds like resorts trump airport.) However, for people with other ways of arriving at the port, the earlier their PAT, the lower their boarding group. Most people pick the earliest PAT they can so they can get the lowest boarding group.

 

[vetrik]

I just did check in for our August Wish cruise. We’re taking DCL transfers from a Disney resort, no PAT and we got boarding group 4. My friends taking DCL transfers from the Hyatt got group 3.

 

[EddieK76]

Thanks all for your feedback and answers. It was the one thing I wasn't sure of as I've never done a cruise and haven't researched the heck out of that one