Your Disney Cruise Embarkation Day is an exciting day indeed! The first day of your cruise is sure to be a whirlwind, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. We are here to help you figure it all out. From when to be at port, to what you need to check in, and what to do once you’re on the boat. Here we’re sharing everything you need to know for the first day of your Disney Cruise!
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Disney Cruise Embarkation Details
If you’ve ever taken a cruise before you know that the day you arrive at port to board the ship is the best day ever. Finally, you’re here and ready to start vacation. It can, however, also be the most confusing. Luckily, since you already Checked In for your Disney Cruise, you’re half way there. Here’s a quick look at what to do next.
- Have Your Disney Cruise Carry On Bag in hand
- Arrive during your Port Arrival Time
- Hand Off Your Luggage
- Go to the Terminal for Check-In and Documentation
- Get Checked through Security
- Wait for your Boarding Group to Be Called
- Grab a Family Photo Op
- Board the Ship
- Take the Safety Drill
- Get Your Key to the World Cards
- Attend the Sail Away Party on Deck
- Explore the Ship
Disney Cruise Port Arrival Time
Choosing your Disney Cruise Port Arrival Time is part of the Disney Cruise Online Check-In Process. To get an early time slot, you will need to check in on the My Disney Navigator app or Disney Cruise website right around midnight of your check-in day because the earliest port arrival times go fast. Take note of your Disney Cruise Check-In Date noted by Castaway Club Status below.
Disney Cruise Booking Window for Online Check-In
| First-Time Guests | 30 days prior to sail date |
| Silver Castaway Club Member | 33 days prior to sail date |
| Gold Castaway Club Member | 35 days prior to sail date |
| Platinum Castaway Club Member | 38 days prior to sail date |
| Pearl Castaway Club Member | 40 days prior to sail date |
| Concierge Guests | 40 days prior to sail date |
If you’re a new cruiser or even a Silver level, it’s possible the earliest spots will be gone by the time your check-in opens. Hakuna Matata! Just choose whatever is the earliest by the time your window opens up.
If you’re not looking for the earliest time, just choose a port arrival time that will work with your traveling party’s schedule for the day. If you arrive too early before your arrival time, you will have to wait to board. Keep in mind, that unless you’re taking the Disney Cruise Line Bus, you will be held to your Port Arrival Time. You won’t be allowed to board earlier just because you show up earlier.
Can I Arrive Earlier than my Disney Cruise Port Arrival Time?
You can, however, you won’t be able to get checked in until your Port Arrival Time arrives. If you’re taking the Disney Cruise Line bus from your Disney Resort or Orlando International Airport, you’re exempt from this rule. Disney Cruise Line Bus guests get to arrive whenever the bus drops them off. Concierge guests and Disney Cruise Line Bus guests are the only ones not held to their Port Arrival Times. This is why it’s important to choose a time that works for you.
What if I’m late for my Port Arrival Time?
If you arrive later than your designated time, Disney Cruise Line staff can check you in when you get there. Keep in mind, however that the cruise won’t “wait” for you if you’re running later than the embarkation time. So, if you’re flight was delayed, or your transportation was compromised, the ship may leave without you. As a result, we never, ever recommend flying in the day of your cruise.
Instead, check into the Hyatt Regency at Orlando International Airport, or another local hotel, the day before. This will ensure you’re in the area, or able to grab the Disney Cruise Shuttle for your Cruise the following day.
Disney Cruise Boarding Time
Generally, Disney Cruise Boarding Times are between 11AM- 4PM. Also known as your Port Arrival Time, your ability to be up at midnight to claim the earliest “port arrival time” and your Castaway Cay Club Status plays a part. Also, keep in mind that you can only arrive during your designated Port Arrival Time that was chosen by you during online check-in.
What is the earliest you can board a Disney Cruise?
This completely depends on what port you’re sailing from. But usually, Port Arrival Times start between 11am-11:30am. Guests with the earliest boarding times usually start getting called to board around 30 minutes after the earliest Port Arrival Times.
Disney Cruise Embarkation Time
Typically, the Disney Cruise embarkation is between 4PM and 5PM. This is the the Disney Cruise Embarkation Time when the ship leaves the port.
Disney Cruise Embarkation Process
Embarkation Day with Disney Cruise Line is an exciting day! Whether it’s your first Disney Cruise or your 10th, I don’t think it ever gets less exciting. But one thing to keep in mind is that it can be a long day. Between traveling to the port, going through security, waiting for your Boarding Group, finding lunch, checking out the ship, and all of the things, it can be a lot. Here are all the things that happen during a Disney Cruise Embarkation Day.
Have Your Disney Cruise Carry On Bag in hand
Since all your luggage will be brought to your room, it’s important to have some things that you’ll keep with you until your room is ready, which may not be until dinner time. An empty water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, a camera, and activities for little ones is always a good idea. Check out our favorite things to keep in your Disney Cruise Carry On Bag.
Arrive during your Port Arrival Time
When you arrive at Port Canaveral on Embarkation Day, you will either be dropped off by the Disney Cruise Line bus, private transport, rideshare or park your car in the parking garage. If you’re not on the Disney Cruise Line bus, be sure to double check your approved Port Arrival Time so that you arrive at the right time.
Hand Off Your Luggage
If you arrive via Disney transport, they take care of your luggage for you. If you are being dropped off, there are porters to help you with your luggage. And the same goes for if you park a car at port.
Go to the Terminal for Check-In and Documentation
Once your luggage has been handed off, there are Cast Members who will guide you to the correct line based on your port arrival time. Once your Port Arrival Time has been called, you can go inside the terminal to check-in. They’ll scan your Port Arrival Form, and Check your Passports, and you’ll be on your way. You can also inquire about cruise upgrades at this point as well.
Get Checked through Security
Security at a cruise terminal is much like going through security at the airport. Whatever you’re bringing must fit through the scanner and you’ll have to walk through a metal detector. You’ll also have to empty out any drinks and water bottles. After you’ve cleared security, you can go up the escalator into the terminal. For a list of prohibited items onboard a Disney Cruise Ship, check here.
Wait for your Boarding Group to Be Called
Once you’ve passed security and are in the terminal, you just wait for your boarding group number to be called. Right about this time is when we pull up our Disney Cruise Navigator App and try to access the onboard features of the app. If you’re able to connect to the Disney Cruise wi-fi, you’ll see the list of activities scheduled, excursions, classes, and menus to browse while you wait. This is also where that Disney Cruise Carry On Bag comes in handy, if you need a snack.
Grab a Family Photo Op
When your boarding group is called, you can head through the Mickey-shaped entrance and grab a photo op. The photographers will often try to sway you to get a picture, and it is a fun pre-boarding opportunity. But it’s optional. So it’s up to you!
Board the Ship
Once you’ve cleared the photo op, you get to step foot on the boat! Your name will be announced as you enter in to the grand hall of the ship and you’ll see the characters, and hear the music to help get you in to the vacay mood!
And now that you’re officially on the ship, you have a couple options. You can head to lunch at a sit down restaurant or one of the quick serve counters. A tip regarding your Embarkation Day Lunch. While you can definitely grab a bite to eat at the counter service restaurants like Cabanas, or Marceline Market, choosing to start your cruise with a sit down meal is so much nicer! It gives you the chance to see one of the rotational dining restaurants on board and the food is better. Not to mention far less crowded! It doesn’t cost anything extra, and if you have an early port arrival time is highly recommended.
Or you can head to the pool, explore the ship or get your safety drill out of the way. Depending on when you board, your room may or may not be ready yet. Typically Disney Cruise Rooms are ready by dinnertime, so there’s no point in waiting for it to be ready when you could be doing fun things in the meantime.
Take the Safety Drill
Every Disney Cruise Guest must take part in the Safety Drill. or Muster Drill before the ship sets sail. This is a mandatory safety drill. Just check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for where you should go on the ship to take yours. You will meet the cast member overseeing your group, and learn what to do in case of an emergency. They will track you down, if you don’t attend.
Get Your Key to the World Cards
While your stateroom onboard may not be ready until 3PM or later, you will still have a chance to get your Keys To The World Cards, or the KTTW card. They are typically placed in an envelope just outside your stateroom door. These access cards get you into your room, and include all your details, including your dining rotation group and times.
Attend the Sail Away Party on Deck
The Sail Away Party varies from ship to ship, but it’s a super fun little party that takes place on the top deck, near the pool and Funnel Vision. It’s about 15 minutes, and the time it takes place will be in your Disney Cruise Navigator.
Explore the Ship
After the Sail Away Party, the ship is all yours! Check out the activities, the Broadway shows, your dinner rotation, and the layout of the ship, and enjoy your vacation!
Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn all about embarkation day with Disney Cruise Line. It’s an easy process, just be prepared! If you’re a Disney Cruise Line newbie, check out our Disney Cruise Line tips for beginners! This will give you a lot of helpful information to make the most of your cruise. Happy Sailing and Bon Voyage!
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she’s not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she’s seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip
