what is Port Evergaldes like boarding etc.?

[daniluvsdisney]

Anyone know? We are on the Wonder 9/27 moved from PC to PE. We are flying into Ft. Lauderdale now and also need to know how far from the airport to the port? Help please!

 

[bbowers]

I would check with DCL to see if they are offering busses from the airport to the port - they did for the 9/9 Wonder. It is just a short ride between the two, though, if you do have to get a cab. (We were able to ride the bus even though we had not previously purchased transfers - DCL was great about it.)

The port itself is pretty boring, compared to what I could see of DCL's area at PC (we have never been inside yet, and were outside the locked gates, but it looks soooo cool!). It's a huge warehouse area - you go through security, then there are tables scattered about to finish up your paperwork that SHOULD have been done already, then on the far right is the long row of CM's ready to check you in. There is no potty that we could find, and no place to eat, get a drink, etc. There aren't a whole lot of chairs, either, and really nothing to look at.

But hey - at least you're still going!

 

[mostyn17]

There is a bathroom...it's outside though....which means...if you have to go..you have to get out of the LONG LONG lines, go to the bathroom, and then go through security and hop back in line again. It's such a pain!

Disney's port is so beautiful...Port everglades on the other hand is not to cruiser friendly.

I would hate to have to go to this port again. It was Disney's first time here so it was new to them, but it was so hectic...people yelling at CM's.... people getting the same rooms....and the list goes on and on....

If you have a suite...you don't get priority check in here. You have to stand in the lines just like everyone else.

Sorry if this post scares you..We were used to the regular disney experience and when we got to thie port...WHOA were we suprised!

I just wanted to warn you before you get there. Just incase you get the same experience as we did!

Have a great cruise!

Travis

 

[inkkognito]

Port Everglades looked like a giant warehouse to me! The Wonder was in slot 25, so far away from the entrance that it took us a while to spot it. It was not on any of the signs, so the Thrifty driver drove around while we watched for the familiar red smokestacks. The area was wide open, and Disney had brought the Port Canaveral crew and set up lots of check in desks. You go through Security first, then check in and walk outside to board the ship on deck 1. Makes for a very interesting embarkation photos.
Barb

 

[paulmc80]

Yes, the Port Everglades terminal we used on 9/7/04 was one BIG warehouse. Just about all you can say about it. The check-in line was one very, very long snake. I kept checking with my wife if that was actually the check-in or the complaint line. LOL
I guess everyone got there very near timing to each other. Think it took us about 45 minutes to an hour in that line.

Good luck! Have fun!

 

[bbowers]

Oh my GOSH - I am so glad we drove down instead of taking the bus! We got there before 11 and there were about 10 people already there - we walked right in and there were only 2 other CM's helping people! (The rest were standing around being very bored, I bet.) We got in line to board at about 11:40 and stood in line maybe 10 minutes before they let us board - we were among the first 25 people to board.

Whoa - had no idea it was so busy later.

 

[inkkognito]

Something out to watch out for...your key card may not work. They may have this resolved by now, but on 9/9 just about everyone we talked to had to have theirs recoded by Guest Services. I think this was due to not having the usual computer system at Port Everglades.
I admire the port crew...I can't even imagine an 8-hour total commute to and from work.
Barb