When do the doors open

[strailys1]

What is the suggested time to get in line to be one of the first ones through the doors at Port Canaveral? I have a 11:30 boarding time, but I would like to check in early and seek an upgrade.

 

[scgustafson]

What is the suggested time to get in line to be one of the first ones through the doors at Port Canaveral? I have a 11:30 boarding time, but I would like to check in early and seek an upgrade.

You actually have an 11:30 Port Arrival Time, which is the time that they will let you enter the port. The first PAT is 10:30 and that is when the doors open and people with that PAT will be allowed in. Your boarding time will be based on your PAT and other factors, but the first guests usually board around 11:30, but it could be later depending on when the ship cleared customs or other factors.

 

[firsttimemom]

If you want to be one if the first in the building, your best bet is to take disney transportation from MCO and be on that first bus (check in starts around 9 and bus leaves as soon as it's full).

 

[lanejudy]

The doors open at 10:30am. It is possible that with an 11:30am PAT you will not be allowed into the terminal earlier, though I haven't not heard of that being enforced recently. PP's suggestion of using DCL transfers from MCO will guarantee you are allowed to enter, and the first bus often arrives before 10:30am so those guests get an early-entry.

I suggest you watch your cruise to see what might be available for an upgrade. Cruises are pulled offline 3 days prior to embarkation, but if there is still something available at that point that you would like it might be worth planning for an early arrival at port. Also, if you are looking to upgrade something like Interior to Oceanview, or Oceanview to Verandah... sometimes those may be available a little AFTER the initial crowds because someone early upgraded Verandah to Concierge which then opened their verandah stateroom (which would not have been available until that guest upgraded). I hope that made sense...

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[FigmentSpark]

If you're driving, will they allow you to park before your PIF or do they check that when you're pulling in?

 

[Weedy]

If you're driving, will they allow you to park before your PIF or do they check that when you're pulling in?

If you're not paid if full 75 days prior to your cruise they cancel the cruise.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

If you're driving, will they allow you to park before your PIF or do they check that when you're pulling in?

I'm assuming you meant your PAT. You can get in to park. My experience has been they don't check the PAT at that point. Where you might run into a problem is entering the terminal. If the terminal is busy, they might not let you enter if your PAT is later. I believe you can get into the garage around 10:00. The terminal doesn't open until 10:30.

 

[FigmentSpark]

If you're not paid if full 75 days prior to your cruise they cancel the cruise.

So much for my ipad keyboard.... I'll go with that. Yes, I meant PAT. Nice catch.

 

[gettygas2]

Get there early, I have gotten there at 9.30 and there was a small line
up grades go fast

 

[ahain]

If you want to be one if the first in the building, your best bet is to take disney transportation from MCO and be on that first bus (check in starts around 9 and bus leaves as soon as it's full).

Yep! This is exactly what we did on a recent cruise. I was actually the very first person up the escalator and into the terminal. it was sooooo cool!

 

[strailys1]

I talked to Disney rep today. Our cruise is almost sold out, but the rep said to get there early like everyone has advised me and there might be a slight chance we can get an update. We will try to get there by 9:30 and improve our chances

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I talked to Disney rep today. Our cruise is almost sold out, but the rep said to get there early like everyone has advised me and there might be a slight chance we can get an update. We will try to get there by 9:30 and improve our chances

One note on that - if you arriving via private transportation (personal car, town car) you won't be allowed into the port area to park until around 10:15 at the earliest.

Arriving via DCL transfers (from MCO) the earliest you'll be there is around 10:20-10:30.

If you arrive at 9:30, it's quite possible you will be directed to "go around again".