When to get to ship?

[Littlezee]

Hi, Thanks so much to Mamasita and all the others on this forum, I was able to make our arrangements for our DC. I still have a few grey areas to fill in. The day before the cruise we will fly to Orlando, use travel2disney's roundtrip transportation for 4 adults and two children to the Radisson on the Port. We have a choice as to what time we want to take the shuttle to the ship terminal in the morning. I signed us up for the first shuttle at 10 AM. Is this a good Idea? We will have our 2 and 4 year old grandkids with us....should we wait until later? What time does embarkation begin? Also, what happens with our luggage? We take it with us on the shuttle bus and then just keep dragging it around through security and check in...and then it disappears and magically shows up outside our room ? What time are we able to enter our rooms? I've read that lots of people go to the Topsider or Prirate's Cay for lunch and then go swimming...must we wait for our luggage to be placed by our rooms to get into our rooms? Sorry for all the tedious questions---I'm a bit of a detail/control freak---not a good combination. My husband and I are "treating" my two stepdaughters, their husbands and four grandchildren to this trip---just want to be well organized and well prepared to avoid meltdowns---from both the grankids and the adults .

 

[lbgraves]

Welcome to the DIS boards!

We have always gone to the terminal ASAP so the 10 am shuttle would work well for us. Be sure to get there around 9:30 & keep an eye out for the guy with the clipboard to make sure that you are on one of the first shuttles. It is very unorganized in the front of the hotel after the person finally shows up.

There is a big terminal to explore, a ship model, TVs with Disney cartoons, you can go out on the balcony & look at the ship & watch it being loaded with goods for the cruise, and meet other DISers & their kids.

You will get your luggage to the person loading the shuttle, get the luggage after it is taken off of the carrier behind the shuttle, give it to the porter at the gate where they drop you off, then see it when it is placed outside your room.

You can usually start boarding around 11:30 but last time it was delayed due to extra cleaning. I really don't know how late we boarded because I was so busy meeting DISers & getting updated room numbers from them if they upgraded. I would suggest PC for lunch since you can put your bags down at the table & order your drinks instead of carrying them thru the line at TS's. You can get to your rooms at 1:30. Your luggage probably wont be there that early.

 

[mommasita]

Hi there..Glad to hear it is going well..

We have the EARLIER is better mentality, so I would take the 10am shuttle. You should get there right in time to check-in. Your luggage is taken right away, you don't even have to hardly handle it.

Boarding starts between 11:30 to 1pm. I would say the average is noon. There are movies playing in the waiting area, and characters walking around. If you check in early enough, you will get a low boarding number. They board from 1 onwards...1 being those needing assistance, and concierge...They will announce WE ARE NOW BOARDING 1-3 ..(only an example)

Your rooms are blocked off until 1:30 PM, to allow the workers enough time to service them for you. We bring a small carry on back with us, and have the kids dress in their swimsuits under their clothing. We go straight to Parrot' Cay to eat, relax, then go swimming with the kids. The pools are practically empty, and they SOOOO enjoy this time.

By this time the rooms are usually ready, and one of us will go up (or more) and explore the room, and the luggage will magically appear until 5pm.

 

[christophfam]

Quick question along the same line...

If you are driving in, what time would you arrive? Still 10AM? How early would you have to get there to get one of the first boardings and do you recommend it?

Thanks!!

 

[lbgraves]

We drive there & arrive around 10 am. It gives us time to park in the lot across the street & say hello to fellow DISers before being able to go in the parking lot for the cruise at 10:30.

 

[livvysmom]

My travel agent didn't mention having to sign up for the transfer bus at the Hyatt in Orlando. She said to just make sure I am there before 10am. Do I need to call there and sign up beforehand? I am cruising June 3? Put me in the control freak/want to get on the boat asap group also. I am traveling with my toddler for the first time!

Thanks!
Kim

 

[lbgraves]

No, that is DCL transportation. It is first come first served. The OP is staying at the Raddison & taking that hotel's shuttle.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

My travel agent didn't mention having to sign up for the transfer bus at the Hyatt in Orlando. She said to just make sure I am there before 10am. Do I need to call there and sign up beforehand? I am cruising June 3? Put me in the control freak/want to get on the boat asap group also. I am traveling with my toddler for the first time!

Thanks!
Kim

We'll be on the same cruise. DH, myself, DS (9) and DD (3).

See ya there.