What should our game plan be...hubby dropping us off at port.

[dtuleya]

Ok I have some questions since DH will be dropping us off and then returning rental car to Budget before taking the shuttle back to join us.

What time should we arrive at the port?

Will he be able to drive up and just drop us off or will he have to park?

Are there are tips for making this process go more smoothly?

Can anyone explain this whole process of checkin? This is our first cruise and I'm a little nervous.

TIA!

 

[DrCavin]

We arrived around 10:15 - 10:30. You will be able to drive right up to the terminal & drop you & all the luggage off. Make sure he has his drivers license. He will need it when he returns on the shuttle to get into the terminal.

You can go & get everyone checked in. If he is not back before you get checked in, no problem. Once he gets back just go back to the CM who checked you in & they will ask to see his ID & will give him his KTTW card & stuff. You don't have to wait in line again to do this, just stand by them until they are done with the person they are currently checking in.

Have a great time!!!

 

[NYGiantsRule!]

We have done this several times. It is very easy to drive in and drop your stuff where the porters are waiting to check in luggage. As long as your DH has ID with him when he returns he will get back in. I have also checked everyone in ahead of his return. When your DH gets back he will show his ID to the CM who assisted you and they will hand him his KTTW card. Couldn't be easier.

 

[O&WMOM]

When I check us in, do I need to keep his "travel booklet" from DCL or does he need it with his ID to get in?

Starting to get major nerves!!!!!!

 

[DrCavin]

You will need his document pack. He will only need to have his ID.

 

[LuvTravelToo]

As stated previously this is very easy to drop the family/luggage off, return the car, grab the shuttle, an rejoin the family. It's the only way I'll do it from now on....

 

[fredms]

On our cruise its me and my sister and her four kids. I don't want to miss checking with the kids, going up the escalator to the huge pier, seeing their reaction when they first see the ship etc. Is it insane for all of us to go to Budget and drop off the car and then all take the shuttle to port so I don't miss their first impressions? Let me know if you think I am nuts.

 

[DisneyBill]

Originally posted by LuvTravelToo
As stated previously this is very easy to drop the family/luggage off, return the car, grab the shuttle, an rejoin the family. It's the only way I'll do it from now on....

Just a note to the wise, you will be very busy and excited. Just remember to tip those dock porters when you drop everyone off. Last summer, 1 of the families we traveled with forgot to tip and had all their luggage tags cut off, and didn't get it sorted out until late. Turns out, many families had the same problem with tags being cut off, and in each case, they neglected to tip.

fredms, most of the really big wow is driving up to the ship, which you won't miss if you drop others off. Also, many people do indeed return the vehicle as a group and take the shuttle. it is just double handling the bags that is a hassle. Enjoy!

 

[plutospup]

On our three DCL cruises we always dropped off the rental car, and the family took the shuttle to the port. Watching the reactions of others, and sharing their excitiment is a part of the cruise not to be missed!

 

[fredms]

Thanks for all the info. I am a little more comfortable taking all 6 of us to Budget.

Any experience with Budget? What time should I leave the Disney Boarwalk to get to port? I don't want spa, but I do want Palo and all the kids stuff.

Thanks!

 

[momof3luvs2run]

We did the same thing last week. After dropping off our luggage, DH and son left to return the car to Budget. My 2 daughters and myself checked through security and waited for dh and son to return via the Budget shuttle. It didn't take too long -- maybe 45 minutes. But he did stop at a liquor store on the way and got a few goodies ;-) (12 pack of beer, 2 bottles of wine and a bottle of Rum). And the lady at Budget was nice enough to box it all up. DH dropped the box off with the same guy who took our luggage and it was all delivered to our room. I need to send the owner of Budget a big thank you.

Also yesterday when we returned Budget was right there with a shuttle to pick people up. All 5 of us and our luggage got on the van and headed over to Budget. Worked out well.


The only complaint I had about Budget was the long wait when we returned yesterday. There was only one person working and it took a long time to get through the line and finally get our car. Amazingly though we were able to get our car by 10:20 a.m. and to the airport and on an 11:45 a.m. flight!! We weren't scheduled for that early of a flight, but called to see if we could switch. We made it with minutes to spare.

 

[jlawall]

Sometimes the drop-off can be quite stressful! It might be better if you all stay together. Also, the earlier the better either way. I think that things get backed up the later you go.