Terminal procedures and times

[charwac1]

We've heard that they encourage/ask you to leave if you show up too early at the terminal. How early can we show up? How early does the terminal open? What are the pre-boarding procedures? (Can one person check in luggage for the entire party?) When does boarding start?

We're trying to decide how to get from the Radisson to the terminal. One option is the Radisson shuttle. (We're concerned about getting an early reservation.) Another is to drop off one person and all of the luggage and have the other person return the rental car and then take the rental shuttle or a cab. (Can one person check in luggage for another?) Or, we could take a limo/cab from the Radisson. Is there another good option?

Thanks,
Charlene

 

[MoranClan]

Hello Charlene..

We have the 10:30 Shuttle booked from the Radisson..

I believe Check in starts at 11:00..

We are the frist shuttle to leave..

While waiting to board after check in..Only 1 person has to wait in line for your entire Party..

DCL has the characters come out to make the time go faster..

Hope this Helps..

Happy 4th

Bobby

 

[Lew]

Does everyone in our party need to be present for check in?

I plan to drop my family off at the port and then return the rental car to Budget.

If they can check me in without my being present, do they need to have my passport for that? What ID do I need to get into the terminal after returning the car?

Thanks...

 

[ivanova]

I've been told people have been turned away from the terminal if they showed up before 10AM ... we got there closer to 11AM and had no problems!!!!

 

[MarkRG]

The terminal opens at 10:30.

All luggage that you intend to check must have the tags that are included with your cruise documents on them. You are also limited to the number of pieces of luggage by that many tags. You drop these curbside outside the building, and they will deliver them to your stateroom. For all the luggage, the same rules airlines impose stand. Don't check anything of high value, do not bring anything remotely considered a weapon or such onboard in anything. All carryons must go thru an airport scanner and the entire party will have to go thru a metal detector before entering the terminal. No hardside coolers and no softside ones that won't fit thru the scanner (think the size of the small airline rollaways) Do not bring anything onboard packed in ice. No open food.

For the actual documents check-in all adults of the party must be present for the ID check. So if you do drop your party off then return the rental car, make sure you have your documents and ID with you to get back in, they WILL check for them on entry to the terminal area and again when you actually enter the building.

Check-in is reasonably orderly with enough castmembers to process with reasonable lines and boarding is organized and begins at approximately noon, when the Port Authority clears the ship for boarding.

 

[Lew]

Thanks for the info, Mark...

One more questions: Does everyone need to be physically present in order for the entire party to check in? Does my family need to wait for me to return from dropping off the rental car in order to go through the check in process?

 

[MarkRG]

I believe the rest of your party can go thru the documents checkin as long as they have your valid form of ID (passport would work) for verification purposes. But you will need some form of ID(drivers licence would do) to get back to the terminal area after returning the rental.

 

[Lew]

Thanks, Mark...

 

[jilljill]

All adults must be present to be checked in at the desk and be given their KTTW card. I usually check in DD and myself and then DH will check himself in after parking the car. It's just like at the airport, they have to see the person whose ID they have in hand.

 

[MarkRG]

Yes, I forgot that part. His party can do the check-in and get all the paperwork stuff done, all he'll have to do is show up with his ID to pick up his KTTW card.

 

[Lew]

Originally posted by jilljill

It's just like at the airport, they have to see the person whose ID they have in hand.

That sounds reasonable.

Thank you!

 

[anlashokna]

Question I had to get Disney to answer. From what they say unless you're sailing you can't even go into the terminal. Security reasons. I had parents who wanted to come along and see me off but that isn't going to work now.

FYI for those that might have been wondering.