How to Embark on the Disney Cruise Line Ships
The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder both sail out of Port Canaveral, Fla., about an hour from Orlando, and share a terminal building. The embarkation process is smooth, but you can cut down your waits and make it even more efficient by following some simple steps.
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Instructions
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Embarking on Disney Cruise Line
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Complete your embarkation paperwork online before you get to Port Canaveral. Go to Disney Cruise Line's website anytime after your final payment, up until three days before your cruise. This will save time during the check-in process.
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If you have children, sign them up for the kids' clubs online. Doing it after you board the ship could land you in a long line.
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If possible, arrive in the Orlando area the day before your cruise. If your flight is delayed or canceled and you miss the ship, you're responsible for meeting it at the next port. If you don't have trip insurance, it will be at your own expense. Even if you're insured, you'll be inconvenienced and miss part of your vacation. You can stay in the Orlando airport area or near Port Canaveral. Reasonable hotel rooms are available via Priceline and Hotwire.
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Consider private transportation to the ship rather than using Disney's buses. If you have more than two people in your party, a private town car or limo may be cheaper. It also allows you to choose your pickup time rather than potentially wait in line for a bus. If you stay in the Orlando area the night before, you can be picked up right at your hotel instead of returning to the airport to meet the Disney buses.
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Get to the port by 10:30 a.m. It usually opens between 10 and 10:30, and passengers are given embarkation numbers based on their arrival time. When the boarding process starts, usually between 11:30 a.m. and noon, passengers are called in groups based on their numbers.
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Tips & Warnings
There is plenty to do at Port Canaveral before boarding, so don't be afraid your children will be bored if you arrive early. You'll see a cut-away model of the ship and televisions that continually play cartoons. Mickey Mouse and other characters often come out for photo opportunities. Being among the first to board gives you the best opportunity to get spa appointments or reservations for Palo, the adults-only restaurant. They are very limited and given out on a first-come, first-served basis. You can bring a carry-on bag when you embark. Carry swimsuits in the bag as the pools are very uncrowded during embarkation.
Boarding can be delayed by a variety of circumstances, such as weather or Coast Guard inspections. This is why the Disney Cruise Line website lists the official boarding time as 1 p.m. Staterooms are not ready for occupancy until 1:30 p.m. You will be able to eat lunch when you board, and be prepared to do other things, such as touring the ship or swimming, until the rooms are ready.
