Western-time to check in, time embark, time for Palo etc

[kpgclark]

I'd like to know some times if some folks would be kind enough to post them:

1. What time should we get to the port for the Western?
2. How long does the whole check-in process take?
3. What time can you embark? What do you do while you wait?
4. Do you need to rush as fast as you can to make Palo ressies? How about spa ressies? What would be the latest time you'd recommend to get Palo ressies?
5. What time can you usually get into your room?
6. When do your bags generally come?
7. Is there anything to do at the port when you disembark? (we have a late flight and are wondering about killing time) Do you have to drag your bags around if you poke around the port?

Thanks much. I can't seem to search to find this information.

 

[alexandrew]

1.get there as early as you can. from what I understand, they open the terminal for new passengers at 10am. I'm not 100% sure of that though
2. Check in takes 5 minutes if you have your docs correctly completed
3embarkation begins approximately 12;00-12:15
4. i would recommend going directly to rockin Bar D to make your Palo ressies upon embarkation. The wait should not be long...at most 10 minutes
5. DW and I usually meet in front of Parrot Cay after I have made Palo res's and she has made Flounders res's and has registered my DS for Oceaneers. We have a nice lunch and then go to our stateroom around 1:30. Most of the time our luggage is just about all there, so we begin to unpack at that time
6. bags for us have never arrived later than 2:30
7.????we usually drive straight home after disembarkation.

hope this answers your questions...

 

[Michelle]

I'll try and help.

Don't get to the port before 10:30 or so, that is when they start the check-in. Check-in takes about five minutes. Lately we have been getting to the port AFTER embarkation begins and totally avoiding lines, but we used to get to the port around 11:00 or 11:30. There are characters in the port terminal for photos and a replica of the ship, plus a VERY small snack bar. There are also a few TVs with Disney cartoons on them and a seating area.

The stated boarding time is 1:00 pm but they usually start boarding around 12:15.

Definitely DO go make Palo ressies right away. If you're not picky about days and times for your spa treatments you can wait until after lunch but I would also recommend doing that as soon as possible too. Then you can relax about both things.

Staterooms are generally ready between 1:00 and 1:30.

Bags can come anywhere from 2:00 to 6:00.

There is absolutely NOTHING to do at the port when you disembark, you go straight to your bags and go through customs and then you're outside. They will not let you back in to the port terminal. If you have a late flight you might consider renting a car and visiting the Kennedy Space Center nearby.

Hope that helps a little!

 

[kpgclark]

Michelle, I like the idea of Kennedy Space Center however we will be using a Limo service for transportation. Our flight leaves at 3:15. Any suggestions on what to do to kill time or should we just hang out at the airport?

 

[lpursell]

kpgclard, we're in the same situation. There are 7 of us, my DD flight is at 1pm and the rest of us leave at 3:30 from MCO. I have booked Yourride to pick us up at the port at 9am. I asked on the board if there are any parks or malls near MCO and someone said there's a mall about 15 minutes from the airport but not walking distance. What I'm thinking about doing is having Yourride drop 6 of us at Downtown Disney and take DD to MCO. I would have to arrange for Yourride to come back in a few hours to take us from Downtown Disney to the airport and that's an added expense. I would like to postpone making the decision until after I get a look at Downtown Disney when we're there a few days before our cruise.

You may not have your luggage with you because, depending on your airline, you can check them at the port. I think Kennedy Space Center is about $26 and I don't know if 3 hours would be enough time for it (planning to be at MCO 2 hours before flight.) HTH, Linda

 

[kpgclark]

Thanks for the info Linda. Anyone know if you can check your bags in the port for USAIR?

 

[cathy59]

We also have a late flight back (8pm!) but we have a rental car booked. Here's my 2 cents on activities. They all require transportation:

1. Hang out at the beach. I have heard that Cocoa Beach has a beautiful beach area.
2. Go to some of the shops/restaurants in Cocoa Beach.
3. There's the Space Center as previously mentioned.
4. Go to some of the attractions/shops/restaurants in Orlando.
5. Go to one of the WDW theme parks or water parks.

Just FYI, if you decide to rent a car instead of limo for the last day, there is an Avis office at the Raddison near the port, and Hertz, National and Budget all have offices in Cocoa Beach. Some have shuttles to pick you up, and one has you take a cab and they reimburse you so much. Then you can drop off the car at MCO.

We are planning to make it a fun day, not a what-a-bummer-we've-got-to-go-home day.

Good luck!