PAT time of 10:30...what can I expect when we get to the terminal?

[Frwinkley]

Sailing on our first Disney cruise is 2 weeks (Dream). I've picked the earliest PAT time possible since it is only a 3 day cruise and we'd like to spend as much time on the ship as possible.

What exactly happens once you get to the terminal? What time can we expect to board the ship? Since it is only a 3 day trip, we will be carrying on our luggage.

Thank you!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Sailing on our first Disney cruise is 2 weeks (Dream). I've picked the earliest PAT time possible since it is only a 3 day cruise and we'd like to spend as much time on the ship as possible.

What exactly happens once you get to the terminal? What time can we expect to board the ship? Since it is only a 3 day trip, we will be carrying on our luggage.

Thank you!

The terminal opens at 10:30. If you're arriving via personal transportation (driving) the garage sometimes opens around 10:15.

Once you drop off your (checked) bags with the porter outside the terminal you go inside and through security. Very similar to the airport, remove jackets/belts/metal objects (coins/watch/whatever), keep shoes on.

Then up the escalator to the lobby




Check in lines on the left. First is Castaway Club members, then first time cruisers line:


After check in go to the seating area (warning - not a lot of seating). This directly behind you when standing at the check in counter.


About 11:15-11:30 they will start calling boarding numbers (you'll get this when you check in). First is Concierge guests followed by Platinum Castaway Club members, then boarding numbers


Once onboard, you can go to either Cabanas or Enchanted Garden for lunch. Be aware you will be required to keep your bags with you as rooms are not ready until 1:30.

 

[Frwinkley]

Thank you so much!

 

[ktate82]

Something we found very helpful when boarding, is limiting our carry ons. When we fly, each of us has a backpack and then we usually have one (rarely two) rolling carry ons between two adults and two kids. Our first few cruises, we each carried our backpacks and brought the rolling carry ons. We were always so crabby by the time we got to the room because the kids were sick of carrying their bags, they are hot to carry, and it is just ugh. So we decided to try something different our 3rd cruise. When we board the ship, we pack a large duffle and put all of our backpacks into it and check it. I carry on a small purse with our documents and DH brings our carry on. In our carry on, we have any drinks (I have to have Mt. Dew), a change of clothes, swimsuits, and any medicine. We were all so much happier by the time we got to the room, and it helps start the cruise off without everyone grouching.

 

[Sytrace]

Just a little reminder...make sure you have your ID handy for all adults in the vehicle (if using private transportation)
There will be two checkpoints with security guards to direct where you want to go in the car line. The first will ask ID and cabin number and will verify that the folks in the car are on your reservation.
Then you will either choose to go to preferred parking where you will be asked for ID again and then directed to pull around to unload bags.
If you park in the garage then I believe this process just goes thru one person checking the ID and guests sailing. Then drop off any checked luggage and park in the garage.

Once in check in line, you will need your ID and passport or birth cerficate (proof of Citizenship) as well as the health questionnaire that they give you in line. Keep necessary travel documents and ID, medication and anything you will need until you are your bags are reunited later in the day. Your cabin will be available after 1:30 PM so you might want to check that luggage in and just carryon a bag.

PrincessSchmoo always has the best pictures.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

PrincessSchmoo always has the best pictures.

Why! Thank you.

 

[Napoleon Dynamite]

We just did the same cruise last Friday. I got to the port at 9:30 AM and saw other people disembarking still from the previous cruise. They let us in the garage with NO issues at all. Told me to park at level 3 (you pay for parking when you go into the lot, not when you leave after your cruise). We got in line with our luggage on level 3 in the garage, with about 5 or so other families in front of us. A porter came through collecting luggage from the line, and we tipped him accordingly. They opened the security point at about 10am, then we all moved down the bridge to wait to go into the terminal. We went through security inside the terminal about 10:15ish. We went right into the check in line with our documents ready (cruise contract and ID's), got our pictures taken, given our Navigator (printed schedule of activities), then walked away from the line and were planning on heading to the Character greeting line (they weren't out yet) and were chosen as family of the day, so we skipped the lines and we boarded first at 11:30. By that point the terminal was jam packed though. So my motto is, the earlier the better!

P.S., we were not asked for ID's when pulling into the terminal lot before getting to the garage. The only point we were asked for ID was to get through the first checkpoint before the bridge. There is no more "preferred" parking, it's all the same now, and the price is $22 a day.

 

[Sytrace]

We always park preferred in the lot next to the terminal building for $20.00 more for the length of the cruise. They had preferred parking as of May 30th so hopefully they still offer it in September for our next cruise. We find it a really good option and worth a few extra dollars. And since my car is parked in the Florida sun everyday anyway, it doesn't bother me that it is parked in the sun at the port.

 

[Napoleon Dynamite]

We always park preferred in the lot next to the terminal building for $20.00 more for the length of the cruise. They had preferred parking as of May 30th so hopefully they still offer it in September for our next cruise. We find it a really good option and worth a few extra dollars. And since my car is parked in the Florida sun everyday anyway, it doesn't bother me that it is parked in the sun at the port.

Upon pulling into the lot last Friday, I was told we can park in the garage or lot, both are the same price now.

 

[Sytrace]

Upon pulling into the lot last Friday, I was told we can park in the garage or lot, both are the same price now.

Even better! It was worth the extra money to us before so this is like a little bonus. Thanks for the heads up!