What time does Port open on Saturday?

[ljql_5969]

Okay. Got a question...

What time does the Port officially open. 9:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m.? What time can you start checking in? And then you can get in line and they let you on the boat around noon, right?

I have some non-early people and want to be sure I do not make them get up too early if at all possible. But I also have some procrastinators going that I have to tell over and over again what time to be ready!!!

 

[lbgraves]

Well, most days it is 10:30 for the DCL terminal but I have been there for a cold custom's inspection where we had to wait in our cars in a line across the street for over an hour. Just when I thought that DD was going to have to drop her drawers with a towel around her on the grass, they let us in. She was newly PTd & having her hold it any longer wouldn't have worked.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

When we went in 2003 we got to the port at 10am and they were just opening.

 

[cathyscrapper]

I was wondering about these questions also. In addition, can you park your car and walk your luggage acrosss to the terminal? Are there porters there to take your bags if you do this instead of waiting for the cars to be allowed through. Would love to get in line asap as being on the ship early is so much fun.

Thanks,
Cathy

 

[Lew]

You need to go through port security prior to being allowed to drive your vehicle into the terminal area. Have your photo IDs, birth certificates and passports ready when driving up...we didn't think we would need them until entering the terminal.

After you clear this initial security, you'll be directed to the luggage drop-off area. You'll remove all luggage here, separating checked and carryon. Leave your people here while you drive to the parking lot entrance...less than 100 yards.

 

[lbgraves]

If you are sailing on The Magic, you don't get out of your car until you have entered the parking lot that is right in front of the terminal. We were directed to the Wonder parking lot to line up to enter. We got out of the car with the luggage on the curb of the terminal & then DH just parked the car. It was great to have it right outside when we got of the ship. Very convenient.

 

[ljql_5969]

What if we are renting a car? My DH was going to drop us off as I have heard some people say they do and then take the car back to the rental agency. Will he have to show his ID and birth certificate twice then? Is this difficult to do it this way?

 

[Princess Tink]

Yes, my DH dropped us off, took the car to drop off at Avis, then came back on a shuttle. He had to keep his ID with him. I went ahead and checked us in (stood in line for almost an hour), then when he got back he just walked up to the desk with his ID and they gave him his KTTW.

He said he had to wait at Avis until the shuttle was full, because one just left. That's what took him so long. Yes, he was a little irritated at me for this, but he was quite happy he didn't have to wait in that line. So, I think you'll just have to weigh the PRO's and CON's.