PORT ARRIVAL TIME WINDOWS ... ? enforced

[Makayna]

If people are honestly unaware of this change, than I truly sympathize. However, i'm quite skeptical that people are unaware or do not understand; I think, rather, that the majority who arrive early do so in an attempt to deliberately "jump the queue" because they want to maximize their time on board (because NO ONE ELSE wants to get the most out of their vacation time!) . In this case, perhaps sitting out in the hot sun with a bunch of miserable children will drive home a very important lesson about courtesy, humility, and the importance of following the rules...

Here's the thing. I can see this situation happening: Someone (who doesn't read here) does the online check-in thing for their first cruise, gets a time of, say, 1pm because that's all that was available and shows up at that time. They go to possibly get an upgrade, and find out that there aren't any left. Then, they go to Palo to get reservations (because there weren't any left at 75 days for them to do it online) and find out that there any. Then, they find out (through talking to other cruisers on the ship) that Disney doesn't really adhere to the online check-in time and they COULD have shown up at 10am and gotten to check in then!

So then, the next time they cruise, they get there early (even though their check-in time was, perhaps, 1pm). They get into boarding group 2, get their Palo reservations, get an upgrade, get in early to lunch, tie up all of the other loose ends they need to tie up, and they're good to go!

Now, they're cruising on August 2, 2011. They still get all their paperwork saying they have to show up at 1pm, yada, yada, yada. They know from experience that that's not REALLY true! So, they show up at 10am just like they did last time. But this time, they're told they can't go in until 1pm. Their taxi dropped them off so they can't go anywhere else. The kids are complaining because it's hot. Mom and Dad are grumpy because they're standing in the heat, possibly holding little young ones, and their backs hurt and are in pain. They're hungry, the kids have to go potty (so one parent has to leave the line and take them to the parking garage and come back), and everyone's sweaty and in a bad mood.

They finally get to go in, and by that time, they're all starving, not in good moods, and are extremely mad at Disney for not communicating the changes very well to them. Yes, sure, they should have shown up when they were supposed to. But they were rewarded the last time they cruised for NOT adhering to that, so they showed up early like everyone else!

In the end, this family will blame Disney - not themselves - for their experience. And Disney will develop a poor reputation for customer service because of it.

However, I DO think it's a step in the right direction. I just wish they'd done it sooner.

 

[Cerberus9]

Here's the thing. I can see this situation happening: Someone (who doesn't read here) does the online check-in thing for their first cruise, gets a time of, say, 1pm because that's all that was available and shows up at that time. They go to possibly get an upgrade, and find out that there aren't any left. Then, they go to Palo to get reservations (because there weren't any left at 75 days for them to do it online) and find out that there any. Then, they find out (through talking to other cruisers on the ship) that Disney doesn't really adhere to the online check-in time and they COULD have shown up at 10am and gotten to check in then!

So then, the next time they cruise, they get there early (even though their check-in time was, perhaps, 1pm). They get into boarding group 2, get their Palo reservations, get an upgrade, get in early to lunch, tie up all of the other loose ends they need to tie up, and they're good to go!

Now, they're cruising on August 2, 2011. They still get all their paperwork saying they have to show up at 1pm, yada, yada, yada. They know from experience that that's not REALLY true! So, they show up at 10am just like they did last time. But this time, they're told they can't go in until 1pm. Their taxi dropped them off so they can't go anywhere else. The kids are complaining because it's hot. Mom and Dad are grumpy because they're standing in the heat, possibly holding little young ones, and their backs hurt and are in pain. They're hungry, the kids have to go potty (so one parent has to leave the line and take them to the parking garage and come back), and everyone's sweaty and in a bad mood.

They finally get to go in, and by that time, they're all starving, not in good moods, and are extremely mad at Disney for not communicating the changes very well to them. Yes, sure, they should have shown up when they were supposed to. But they were rewarded the last time they cruised for NOT adhering to that, so they showed up early like everyone else!

In the end, this family will blame Disney - not themselves - for their experience. And Disney will develop a poor reputation for customer service because of it.

However, I DO think it's a step in the right direction. I just wish they'd done it sooner.

People like you've described will always find something to complain about. Pandering to those with a smug sense of self-entitlement is never a good idea.

 

[twindaddy]

People like you've described will always find something to complain about. Pandering to those with a smug sense of self-entitlement is never a good idea.

Your thread has been merged with a similar thread about wearing jeans to palo.

Just kidding, like I have that kind of power?

I dont see a huge need to pander to those who dont take the time to plan, at least a little. I realize you dont have to scope out every last detail before you get there (like I do), but I (on behalf of disney) am not going to invest more energy into your vacation that you do (unless you pay me). If you dont care enough to be educated, you end up in the sun.

 

[Tinkerbellcrafter]

When we cruised the Wonder last year in September (9.9.10--our first cruise and we read these boards and knew we could get there early but didn't want to wait around in the terminal), we were never given a time to arrive at the port other than the information in the cruise documents that said boarding "usually starts around 1pm and everyone has to be on board by 4:00pm." We actually didn't arrive at the port until between 1:00 and 1:30pm and it was pretty empty. We were able to actually go through the mouse ears whenever we wanted, we were not given a boarding number or anything..we basically looked around and decided to go on board. It was empty enough that we posed for pictures under the mouse ears.

I think that if the situations are crazy and there are crushes of people, I think this is a better system. We have an arrival time of 11-11:30 on Sept. 4th and that is when we will get there. Park our car in the garage and go into the terminal. I think that everyone has to be responsible to read all rules and regulations whether it is their first cruise or 15th. Things change.

You sign a document indicating you agree to all terms and conditions and that you have read them...it is your own fault if you don't. If some choose to blame Disney for their lack of preparedness then they will do so no matter what they are told. There are just people like that.

I think that Disney will adhere to the boarding times and I think it will work out ok.

 

[Makayna]

People like you've described will always find something to complain about. Pandering to those with a smug sense of self-entitlement is never a good idea.

If it were not for this board, I would not know that things have changed (however, if it were not for this board, I also wouldn't know that in the past, you COULD show up before your arrival time and check in early either, since I've never cruised before ). Not everyone reads this board. I'm fortunate that I do, but not everyone does. Disney should put something in big, bold, red letters saying that their policy about arrival times is changing August 2nd.

 

[twindaddy]

If it were not for this board, I would not know that things have changed (however, if it were not for this board, I also wouldn't know that in the past, you COULD show up before your arrival time and check in early either, since I've never cruised before ). Not everyone reads this board. I'm fortunate that I do, but not everyone does. Disney should put something in big, bold, red letters saying that their policy about arrival times is changing August 2nd.

That seems very reasonable, and how hard would it be to send an email to everyone booked in August and September and CC the TA if any, advising them of the new policy. That would be a reasonable and small price to pay to make a good faith effort to notify everyone.

 

[ppiew]

Hmmm/. What if all 4000 passengers showed up at 10AM? Is that DCL's fault too??? Get a grip and HELP not hinder the boarding process. It will be smoother for EVERYONE if there is staggered times. Where does is say who is better than the next guy???

 

[ibouncetoo]

Well, if it turnes out that DCL offers up all available arrival spots to start with, THEY are saying concierge/platinum are better than gold (since they don't even have to bother), who are bettter than silver, who are better than first time cruisers because DCL is giving them early check in privlidges (provided they pay in full). So apparently, DCL will be 'pandering' to those they are referencing as 'important' people.

Concievably 2500-4000 people could have showed up at 10AM on any given cruise that has sailed so far.

.

 

[twindaddy]

Well, if it turnes out that DCL offers up all available arrival spots to start with, THEY are saying concierge/platinum are better than gold (since they don't even have to bother), who are bettter than silver, who are better than first time cruisers because DCL is giving them early check in privlidges (provided they pay in full). So apparently, DCL will be 'pandering' to those they are referencing as 'important' people.

Concievably 2500-4000 people could have showed up at 10AM on any given cruise that has sailed so far.

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I am honest enough with myself to know my opinion on this will change between now (first time cruiser) and when I am platinum (many years down the road). I will think "hell yeah, this is my 11th Disney Cruise, of course I should get on first". As far as concierge goes, if you paid that many thousands more, I have NO problem with you getting on first!

It reminds me of when I went to see Bill Cosby in Reno. He started talking to some drunk guy in the first row, the guy said "I gots thees seets freee from da cashino!" and Bill said "Buddy, they werent free!"

Looking forward to reading the trip reports new month...

 

[Dizzyworld]

Not only should DCL get the word out to upcoming cruisers, TAs should too. Not a peep out of our TA. This really surprises me.

 

[twindaddy]

Not only should DCL get the word out to upcoming cruisers, TAs should too. Not a peep out of our TA. This really surprises me.

Thats disappointing, especially if you booked a Disney specialist. My wife did not, so I am seeing the depths of uselessness out of her TA. Luckily she has me to get all this info for her

 

[Otimon]

Well, if it turnes out that DCL offers up all available arrival spots to start with, THEY are saying concierge/platinum are better than gold (since they don't even have to bother), who are bettter than silver, who are better than first time cruisers because DCL is giving them early check in privlidges (provided they pay in full). So apparently, DCL will be 'pandering' to those they are referencing as 'important' people.

Concievably 2500-4000 people could have showed up at 10AM on any given cruise that has sailed so far.

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I don't think that's what Disney is saying at all! Get a grip.

We are platinum not because Disney thinks we're more important but because we have paid a lot of $$$$$$$ over the years and this is a thank you for that continued loyalty.

Just as with your workplace or elsewhere, "seniority" has its advantages and that is just what it's about - nothing more. No one is more important or less important than the next person.

As Reagan used to say, "consider the alternative", and enjoy your cruise whether you are a first timer, silver, gold, or platinum. The cruise is what YOU want to make it and that's what's important.

 

[ibouncetoo]

I don't think that's what Disney is saying at all! Get a grip.

We are platinum not because Disney thinks we're more important but because we have paid a lot of $$$$$$$ over the years and this is a thank you for that continued loyalty.

Just as with your workplace or elsewhere, "seniority" has its advantages and that is just what it's about - nothing more. No one is more important or less important than the next person.

As Reagan used to say, "consider the alternative", and enjoy your cruise whether you are a first timer, silver, gold, or platinum. The cruise is what YOU want to make it and that's what's important.

I think you misunderstood my post (or I just wasn't clear enough...which happens more and more lately!). I was responding to previous posters who were saying DCL guests were feeling/acting 'entitled'. It's DCL that created the rewards for their repeat guests and it will be DCL who determines how they will allocate the time slots...which we don't even know yet, it's all speculation at this point. IF, at 120 days,they submitt all available spots into the computer or IF they only offer up a percentage of bookings in each window it could greatly impact the new cruisers even being able to get a spot in the earlier time slots.

Of course, evey guest is important to DCL and once on the ship I have never been treated any differently between my first cruise and my tenth. (Well, except for one that was exceptionally 'magical' but that didn't relate to this topic!) But when discussing online booking windows, terminal arrival and order of boarding, yes, the platinum cruisers are treated as 'important' guests.



(By the way, I think I lost my 'grip' with menopause!)
.

 

[Cerberus9]

For what it's worth, one of the only times I've been frustrated enough to lodge a formal complaint with a company was when we showed up at the specified time for our recent Disney cruise and was told that we'd have to wait 2 hours longer than expected due to the amount of people who took it upon themselves to "show up early".

 

[PoohJen]

Well, if it turnes out that DCL offers up all available arrival spots to start with, THEY are saying concierge/platinum are better than gold (since they don't even have to bother), who are bettter than silver, who are better than first time cruisers because DCL is giving them early check in privlidges (provided they pay in full). So apparently, DCL will be 'pandering' to those they are referencing as 'important' people.
Concievably 2500-4000 people could have showed up at 10AM on any given cruise that has sailed so far..

Yeah, but that doesn't help the many Gold (etc) folks travelling with family who aren't that level; DCL is saying "come at the later time of your travelling companions". And don't get me started with how they are even doing the "levels" of Club membership - I'm all for it being the number of NIGHTS - not cruises - that earn your way up. But I digress. Sigh...we'll see how it all works out for my family this Sunday!!!

 

[PoohJen]

For what it's worth, one of the only times I've been frustrated enough to lodge a formal complaint with a company was when we showed up at the specified time for our recent Disney cruise and was told that we'd have to wait 2 hours longer than expected due to the amount of people who took it upon themselves to "show up early".

Seriously? You boarded 2 hours later than you expected? I hadn't heard of a recent back up of astronomical proportions like that.

I think this specified boarding (actually, "arrival") is nonsense; DCL is trying it and will ultimately see that they need to make other arrangements, like expanding the terminal area. I do think later check in will help a little. Meanwhile, I'd prefer coming early and waiting without complaint, with all the other early arrivers, as in the past. Arrive early = wait. Arrive after boarding starts = walk on board with little wait. It's a choice/preference.

 

[ibouncetoo]

For what it's worth, one of the only times I've been frustrated enough to lodge a formal complaint with a company was when we showed up at the specified time for our recent Disney cruise and was told that we'd have to wait 2 hours longer than expected due to the amount of people who took it upon themselves to "show up early".

As well you should have!

However, once again, DCL repeatedly told the people who asked that the online boarding times had no relation to boarding numbers and they were only using the information to determine how to staff the counters. And the people who asked reported back on the various fan-sites that was what they were told. So the folks who were forced to select later times on the web site were lead to belive that the could still arrive whenever they had planned to (in order to get early boarding for possible upgrades/getting on to the ship for dining/Palo changes, etc).

The issue here is DCL not advising guests what is really going on, not following the regulations they have set up, telling people to ignore them, and now determining that they are going to hold to these regulations and inadequately advising people of the fact. They are going to have a mess of their own creating in August and a lot of unhappy people.


.

 

[Cerberus9]

Seriously? You boarded 2 hours later than you expected? I hadn't heard of a recent back up of astronomical proportions like that.

I think this specified boarding (actually, "arrival") is nonsense; DCL is trying it and will ultimately see that they need to make other arrangements, like expanding the terminal area. I do think later check in will help a little. Meanwhile, I'd prefer coming early and waiting without complaint, with all the other early arrivers, as in the past. Arrive early = wait. Arrive after boarding starts = walk on board with little wait. It's a choice/preference.

It was our first (and only) cruise, so phaps my expectations were unrealistic (I had assumed that processing would take no longer than half an hour, as that was the specified "port arrival time" interval). I assure you, it took *considerably* longer than that to get through the initial check-in.

 

[RJAYL]

DCL needs to open up another boarding entry! This would speed up the process & thin out the crowding!

Most other cruise lines with Mega Ships have multiple entry gangway's for embarkation & debarkation, DCL should follow.

They should implement an express entry gangway for those who have cruised before & want to skip the grand entry into the foyer!

Just my opinion!

 

[Otimon]

I think you misunderstood my post (or I just wasn't clear enough...which happens more and more lately!). I was responding to previous posters who were saying DCL guests were feeling/acting 'entitled'. It's DCL that created the rewards for their repeat guests and it will be DCL who determines how they will allocate the time slots...which we don't even know yet, it's all speculation at this point. IF, at 120 days,they submitt all available spots into the computer or IF they only offer up a percentage of bookings in each window it could greatly impact the new cruisers even being able to get a spot in the earlier time slots.

Of course, evey guest is important to DCL and once on the ship I have never been treated any differently between my first cruise and my tenth. (Well, except for one that was exceptionally 'magical' but that didn't relate to this topic!) But when discussing online booking windows, terminal arrival and order of boarding, yes, the platinum cruisers are treated as 'important' guests.



(By the way, I think I lost my 'grip' with menopause!)
.

My apology that I misunderstood your post.