PORT ARRIVAL TIME WINDOWS ... ? enforced

[DVC4US]

I recently read about the port now opening at 11am from these boards, but I just check our port arrival time again and it still has us for 10:30 - 11a for our August 25th cruise.

We are on the Aug 2nd cruise which is only 22 days away and the port arrival times for the non-concierge guests in our party still show up at 10:30 - 11. DCL is saying that they are in the process of changing that but I think they will just leave it for the ones who have done online check-in already. Just my guess so it wouldn't hurt to keep checking.

We sail with PoohJen in two weeks also but may not arrive until after our scheduled port arrival time. We got an online check in time of 11-11:30 but shuttle does not pick us up from hotel until 11:00. I'm hoping that won't push us back to the end of the line because we may be a little late. Does anyone know? What time do the DCL buses arrive at the port? I have a feeling there will be a big rush when they get there.

As of right now DCL is not enforcing port arrival times so you should not have any problems. According to DCL, when the new opening time for the terminal goes into effect on Aug 2nd they will start enforcing port arrival times.

THe above points are exactly what Concierges told me on Friday when they called. They told me that if you currently have a 10:30 arrival time they are in the process of changing those times. So you will not keep that time. If you choose to arrive earlier than your time you will be told to go and wait in the "holding area." Concierges confirmed that there will be no exceptions and it will not be there fault if you arrive earlier and are made to wait. The 11:00 times will only be for those that have it reserved online and those who are concierges!!

I totally agree with what kritter posted. This is basically what concierge told me on Thursday. I am still in touch with the shoreside concierge manager and she is trying to find out more information for me. I could be totally wrong but it sounds like they will have different queue areas for each boarding time and another queue area for those who did not select a port arrival time. If you show up before your arrival time then they will make you wait in the queue area.

It will be interesting to see what really happens on Aug 2nd.

 

[eva]

When can you do online check in? I've done it before, but can't seem to remember. Thanks!

 

[PoohJen]

Jackie, thanks for the info. I agree DCL probably really needs to open the terminal later to help with congestion - no issues here!

Re: folks needing to lecture about "rule breaking" - I have to disagree here as to that characterization (and as I said, I have 10am check in, so no rule breaking issues here, meaning, I'm not disagreeing in defense of myself). The way it is set up isn't in everyone's control to arrive exactly in their window time. I really do feel for the folks who fly in and shuttle over that morning - they'll get there when they get there. And there are lots of Platinum and Gold cruisers who will scoop up the early boarding times, whether or not they fully intend to arrive at that time. Just sayin'

This isn't a dig a DCL - I'm sure they'll try different things until the logistics get worked out.

And, by the way, I wonder if the congestion at port opening thins a bit with longer cruises (week long, or at least 5 days) (that's been my experience in the past with Magic vs Wonder).

P.S. - Jackie, what the pixie dust were you doing up at 6:45 on a day off??? I know what I was doing (sending the twins off to Scout camp!).

 

[eva]

I think that PoohJen answered my question. It looks like you can do online check in once your cruise is paid for and you have entered your booking window for excursions and Palo. Is this the case? If so, it sure stinks for first time cruisers. Not only do they get the bottom of the barrel (if any) of online reservations for things like Palo and Remy, but now they can't even get to port early to see if they can book them onboard. We are Gold members, but are bringing 3 cabins or others with us that are first or second time cruisers with DCL. We are starting to get very discouraged on ever getting reservations for Palo or Remy on our Fantasy cruise next year. Plus we will likely have to wait till 1:00 or later to get to port because we have so many first time cruisers. I love DCL, but I am beginning to wonder if we should look into a Celebrity cruise. Since we are all adults, we really want reservations at Palo and Remy. Wonder how likely we will be able to get reservations for 8 at those restaurants...

 

[jenanderson]

I have NO problem following the rules...if Disney follows them.

By this I mean that I HAD a 10:30 port arrival time and my time was switched to 11:30. If Disney is going to do this to my time, then ALL 10:30 arrival times should also be switched to 11:30. I feel very upset every time I read that others still have their 10:30 arrival time. I would really like to know why some people were pushed back and others are not being changed.

It also means that if I wait and show up at 11:30 AM, I had better not find out that Disney made exceptions and let people in early.

I know some people don't get why others would be concerned over a 1 hour time change and this new policy. For me, it has changed a lot of things about my vacation. The first is that I am vacationing with friends from all over the WORLD. Many of us booked this 2 years ago and have spent 2 years making plans with one another. Some of those plans include visiting and hanging out in the terminal before we even board. Now, with this new change, that will not be happening.

I also feel that Disney should have communicated this better before our window for checking in. I did not get up in the middle of the night to do my check in (I have done it in the past) but rather waited until morning. If I had known that selecting a port arrival time would mean that I could not get into the terminal to be with my friends, I would have been up at midnight. The policy was not in place at the time of our online check-in process.

I just feel like it is not being handled the best by Disney and being a rule follower....we will arrive at our newly assigned time that I did not pick. I will have some words for Disney about it though if I continue to find out others do not have their times changed as I did and especially if I find out that people got in early.

If we are going to talk about the rules, then things should be fair and at this point, I do not feel like they are.

 

[ibouncetoo]

I think that PoohJen answered my question. It looks like you can do online check in once your cruise is paid for and you have entered your booking window for excursions and Palo. Is this the case?

Yes, and it is this inequity that is really the issue. UNLESS DCL will only be allowing so many people to book each time 'window' at 120 days, 105, 90 etc. (You know, like the CLAIM they do for Palo reservations)



P.S. Jen, it was actually 3:46am MY time! This is what happens when you "accidently" go to bed at 5:30PM.

.

 

[keishashadow]

I am new to this forum and cruising, and am constantly chaking my head at what I read here...
"Yes, the dress code says no shorts for dinner, but we do it all the time."
"I know my check-in is 1:30, but I plan on arriving by 10:00. Surely they will let me check in..."
"The kids club age is 3, but can I put my 2 year old in there?"
"Will the break the rules on the age restriction for excursions for me?"

I'm all for DCL to start enforcing the check in time along with other rules. Rules are put in place for a reason and if they aren't enforced then what's the point.

until Disney starts to actually enforce their myramid of rules & regs people will do as they will figuring that said edicts are merely a suggestion. If they bar people from entering prior to their arrival time, they're going to have to provide somewhere with shade/refreshments or it's a lawsuit waiting to happen when the 1st guests keels over from the heat.

I have NO problem following the rules...if Disney follows them.

By this I mean that I HAD a 10:30 port arrival time and my time was switched to 11:30. If Disney is going to do this to my time, then ALL 10:30 arrival times should also be switched to 11:30. I feel very upset every time I read that others still have their 10:30 arrival time. I would really like to know why some people were pushed back and others are not being changed....

oh man, guess i better check my port timeI waited up to sign in & select the 1st slot. It's not that I expect to be bumped to board ahead of concierge, just want a fair shake at a chair in the terminal since i have some mobility issues & cannot stand in one place for long periods of time.

 

[Weedy]

Perfect solution to having to wait two hours in the hot sun...... show up at the time that was assigned to you.

 

[keishashadow]

Perfect solution to having to wait two hours in the hot sun...... show up at the time that was assigned to you.

so true, im with you on this, but so many repeat cruisers are used to showing up 'whenever' & if they don't hang on the DISboards will be put in a bad situation. How should DCL go about wording it to future guests? We're not kidding this time (stomping our big old mickey foot!) even all the special pixie dust, lime greeners must abide?: We live in a litigious society such as it is.

 

[cypressmom]

I think that PoohJen answered my question. It looks like you can do online check in once your cruise is paid for and you have entered your booking window for excursions and Palo. Is this the case? If so, it sure stinks for first time cruisers. Not only do they get the bottom of the barrel (if any) of online reservations for things like Palo and Remy, but now they can't even get to port early to see if they can book them onboard. We are Gold members, but are bringing 3 cabins or others with us that are first or second time cruisers with DCL. We are starting to get very discouraged on ever getting reservations for Palo or Remy on our Fantasy cruise next year. Plus we will likely have to wait till 1:00 or later to get to port because we have so many first time cruisers. I love DCL, but I am beginning to wonder if we should look into a Celebrity cruise. Since we are all adults, we really want reservations at Palo and Remy. Wonder how likely we will be able to get reservations for 8 at those restaurants...

I very well maybe wrong, but I thought I read that if your dining reservations are linked, that you would be able to book Palo/Remy reservations for others in your party. Can someone confirm/deny this?

 

[renda460]

Well, one would hope that adults are able to know the difference between right and wrong and the importance of following directions. If you have a 12pm check-in, you shouldn't arrive at 10am. Teaching children that the rules DO apply to them is a great way to start a family vacation!

I think the big issue here is not people who don't want to follow the new rules, but the fact that DCL never told anyone these rules were coming. They should have had better communication about it, and given more advance notice. Many people with a 10:30 arrival time have been bumped to 11:30 for my August cruise. Personally, I have a rental car that needs to be returned by 10am. I had thought this would work out ok, but now obviously it wont. If I change my rental car reservation this late, I forfeit my good rate that I got months ago. So our choices are to end up in that holding queue on the curb, hang out at the Budget rental shop until the terminal opens, or pay the late fees for the rental car.

I am sure once this new process begins, it will eventually all run smoothly and make for less people waiting in the terminal.

 

[Evan&Kimberly]

Well, one would hope that adults are able to know the difference between right and wrong and the importance of following directions. If you have a 12pm check-in, you shouldn't arrive at 10am. Teaching children that the rules DO apply to them is a great way to start a family vacation!

Well Said!

 

[eva]

I very well maybe wrong, but I thought I read that if upir dining reservations are linked, that you would be able to book Palo/Remy reservations for others in your party. Can someone confirm/deny this?

From my understanding, you can book for eveyone but not until their booking wondow opens too. So we will have to wait till 75 days out to book our party of 8. Our reservations are linked. It sure would be great to be able to do this at 105 days out. But I am betting their names will not show up till their booking window opens.

 

[lbgraves]

.... We are Gold members, but are bringing 3 cabins or others with us that are first or second time cruisers with DCL. We are starting to get very discouraged on ever getting reservations for Palo or Remy on our Fantasy cruise next year. .... we really want reservations at Palo and Remy. Wonder how likely we will be able to get reservations for 8 at those restaurants...

I very well maybe wrong, but I thought I read that if upir dining reservations are linked, that you would be able to book Palo/Remy reservations for others in your party. Can someone confirm/deny this?

Yes, as long as you are linked and all of the rooms are paid in full, when you go to make your reservations at the time for gold members you should be able to make a reservations for all of the adults, as long as there is space at that time. You cannot do this for excursions, just Palo. Also, if you are only able to get space for 6 out of the 8, you can still get to the terminal at your earlier time and board, then go to the spot for Palo and request to have 2 more added to your reservation. Just have their reservation number with you.

 

[Stephieann]

Also, I thought I read that the busses unload at a different place and that if you had purchased DCL transfers you don't select an arrival time.

I have Disney transportation and i was asked to select a time!

 

[TIGGER/POOH4]

Currently my family are all gold and can do the checkin at 105 days. My MIL and SIL in another room and ressie will be joining us but they are newbies. The cruise is a June 2012 Fantasy that will be full of platinums, golds and silvers. I will most likely get a 11am time but my MIL and SIL being newbies would get a much later time. Can we exchange one member of each party and that way both ressies will a gold member and can checkin in at 105 days? If we can, does that gold member need to be the lead name on the ressie to complete checkin at 105 days?

 

[Stephieann]

Perfect solution to having to wait two hours in the hot sun...... show up at the time that was assigned to you.

I understand what you are saying on this but, some people that take the Disney Transportation from the airport do not have much of a choice of when they get there.

 

[TIGGER/POOH4]

I understand what you are saying on this but, some people that take the Disney Transportation from the airport do not have much of a choice of when they get there.

Would DCL keep cruisers at MCO instead? It would not make sense for DCL to bus people over to the port at 10am if they can not board until 12:30pm. I would think they would not allow people to board the busses and arrive earlier than they are scheduled. We'll see.

 

[lbgraves]

It will also be interesting to see if they continue to hand out boarding passes when you check in at MCO, at least when you get on the DCL bus. If you are getting an early boarding pass and are already checked in, the time you arrive at the port should be a moot point, since your boarding pass would already be secured.

 

[cypressmom]

Yes, as long as you are linked and all of the rooms are paid in full, when you go to make your reservations at the time for gold members you should be able to make a reservations for all of the adults, as long as there is space at that time. You cannot do this for excursions, just Palo. Also, if you are only able to get space for 6 out of the 8, you can still get to the terminal at your earlier time and board, then go to the spot for Palo and request to have 2 more added to your reservation. Just have their reservation number with you.

Thank you!