Embarkation Day
Cabanas Embarkation Food Offerings
Pre-Arrival
Prior to arrival at the port you will need to have completed online check in
Click button to learn more
Once that is completed you will have a Port Arrival From with all the cruise information.
I recommend to have both digital and paper copies of these
Port arrival time when can get into terminal
Boarding group when you get on to the ship
Port Arrival
DCL will email you Mandatory Health Questionnaire the morning of embarkation
The ship will typically leave between 4 and 5 pm depending on the itinerary
Check In Windows
Pearl/Concierge 40 days
Platinum 38 days
Gold 35 days
Silver 33 days
First Time Cruisers 30 days
Check in opens at 12 a.m. E.T on the Disney Cruise Line website or in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app
Check in Process
During the check-in process, guests must upload
Their citizenship with pictures of their passport or other citizenship documents
A security photo which is a photo you take of yourself. It should resemble a passport photo: shoulders up and in front of a blank background
This is the photo Cast Members will see on their computer when you disembark so they can correctly identify you
After uploading these photos, guests must put in the credit card that they would like on file for any stateroom charges
The last step is to select a port arrival time
The earlier you can check in; the more port arrival times are available to choose from.
The earlier you get on the ship the more time you have for lunch, pool time or a chance to explore the ship before it gets crowded.
Port arrival times are in 15-minute increments, usually beginning when the terminal opens at 11:15 a.m. and ending in the afternoon.
If you do not complete the online check-in or otherwise do not have a port arrival time, you can arrive after 2 p.m.
DCL Ground Transfer
You will receive an email the evening before about directions and meet up time
If you are using this service a port arrival time will be pre-selected for you and boarding group
Embarkation Day on Disney Cruise Line Overview
It is time to board your Disney Cruise Line Ship because it is Embarkation Day
You have waited a long time for this day but here are a few tips and tricks to navigate the special day
Health Questionnaire
First thing in the morning you should have received via email and push notification in the DCL app asking you to fill out a health questionnaire
It will have under 5 questions and will only take a few minutes
You will need to fill this out once PER stateroom not per guest
DCL Luggage Tags
Before the sailing you should have received luggage tags in the mail (2 per guest)
Please do not put these on the luggage until heading to the port and only place them on the bags you want DCL to bring to your room
If you don’t have them or need more, you can pick them up at the port
Please follow directions and only remove the small part that says remove it and not the full tag as it will make it easier to remove from luggage
Carry On Bags and cruise documents
Make sure to place any essentials (medications), electronics, and jewelry or travel documents in your carryon bags (luggage, backpacks, small bags or etc.)
If you are brining on any drinks you must have them in your carryon bag
DCL allows anyone 21 years and older to bring a 6-pack of beer or 2 750 mL bottles of wine or champagne per person
Tip: You can do this also at each port of call
Heading To The Cruise Terminal
Make sure to look at your port arrival time form and any traffic in the area to plan the best route
If you are wondering how to get to the cruise terminal
There is self-parking therefore you can drive and pay for parking
Take a ride share like Uber or Lyft. You can pre-book these.
Disney Ground Transfer from a participating airport or hotel. Explore this offering on the DCL website but this is my favorite way to go. It is more expensive because it costs per person and must book at least 3 days before sailing.
Public transportation such as bus or train can sometimes get you to or within walking distance of the port
Last open is a private car service
Once At the Port
Leave your tagged checked bags with the porter who will transport them to the ship and they will magically show up outside your stateroom
Please remember to bring cash to tip them a few bucks per bag
Find Your Time Slot Line
DCL cast members will line everyone up by their port arrival time
Try to get to the port within about 15 – 30 minutes of this time
Have all your travel documents and Port Arrival Form ready for checking
If you plan to use Disney Band + or MagicBands have them ready also
Once Through Security
Once in the waiting area please keep your Port Arrival Form out as you will need to show it a few more times before stepping on the ship
There might be some photo opportunities in the cruise terminal if you want to participate
While waiting for your boarding group to be called now is a great time to connect to the ship’s free DCL-Guest WiFi that’ll be necessary to make the DCL app switch into onboard mode. Check out what restaurant you eat at tonight.
Tip: start to explore each day and heart everything your family is interested in as the DCL app will remind you 15 minutes before it starts. Make sure your notifications are turned on. Click on “My Plans” and it’ll show you a list of things you’ve selected as well as activities you’ve booked previously so you can start to put together plans for your days.
Once you have gone through all the check points the DCL cast will ask you your name to announce it as you step onto the ship.
What to Do Once On the Cruise Ship
Are you hungry?
If you want a sit down lunch there is typically one restaurant one most likely the once in the atrium/grand hall
Each ship has a buffet (Cabanas or Marceline Market). Try to grab a table first and then go get food. This can be quite crowded.
Quick service food on the pool deck
This is mainly pizza, grill items, sandwiches that are all easy and can be quickly picked up and many tables in the local area or bring it back to your pool lounge chairs
Did you miss making a reservation or need to make changes
Based on what you need to do ask to see where they are meeting to make those changes.
Go to Guest Services is another option
Other ideas
Explore the ship
Check out the kids club
Enjoy the pools
Grab a coffee or drink of the day
Head to the spa to explore it
Your Stateroom Is Ready
You will find your card keys hanging on the fish extender sealed for you to open or if you connected Disney Band+ or Magic Bands you can use those
Inside, you’ll find Castaway Club gifts based on your status and any onboard gifts you may have ordered before the sailing
If your checked backs are outside your stateroom feel free to bring them in and start to unpack or unpack your carryon bags
We use this time to rest and decorate our stateroom door
Is it time for the Muster Drill
This is a requirement for everyone sailing and usually takes place around 3:30 or 4:00
You will both hear announcements and see the information in the DCL app
The location of your assembly station will be on the back of your stateroom door and the letter on your Key to the World card
You do not need to wear or bring the life jackets
Sail Away Party
The pool deck party will typically start right after the drill is complete
I will typically run up to the pool deck to save our family a spot and will typically go up one more deck in order to look down to see the show
It is hard to see when on the same deck as the show
Enjoy the countdown of the show as the cruise ship starts to set sail
Do I need to purchase the Internet Packages
DCL-Guest Wifi is a free Wifi during your sailing with limitations
It will allow you to use the DCL app, send and receive iMessages, and use WhatsApp
If you want to check social media, browse the internet, or check in your flights you’ll need to buy access.
You will have a few options with different levels of WiFi and if you want it for a day or whole sailing and can choose how many devices you want to be able to access the internet at one time
Your family can share the internet package even purchasing a 1 device plan by logging in and out of each device when using and done
No matter what make sure all phones and devices are in airplane mode so there are no roaming fees
Now it is time to sit back and relax and get ready for dinner or the Broadway style show basically anything else. Have a magical sailing.
Health Questionnaire
Fantasy May 2024
Welcome Aboard Booklet & Luggage Tags
Mickey Mail is always magical to receive
You should expect your luggage tags for your Disney Cruise to arrive 1-3 weeks prior to your cruise.
However, if your luggage tags do not arrive in time for the sailing no worries! Simply ask the porters for tags when you arrive at the cruise port and they will be happy to help you.
When you arrive at the cruise port, you will drop your luggage with the friendly porters. They will double check each of your checked bags are tagged, then you will not see your bags until they magically appear outside your stateroom door (usually a few hours after you board).
Because you will not have immediate access to your bags, keep a day bag with you that includes your cruise documents, passports, medication, phone, chargers, and anything else you will need. I usually toss in my swimsuit in case I want to head straight to the pool!
Luggage
Before your trip you will receive a Guest travel booklet from Disney Cruise Line, this will hold two luggage tags per person.
Luggage tags come with your name, ship name, stateroom number, sail date, and reservation number on them and all you have to do is attach them to any bags you want the porters to take from you
Porters will appreciate a tip for getting your bags safely onto the ship. Appropriate tips are roughly $5 for one or two bags, $10 for three or four bags, and $20 for five or more bags.
Once you board, your luggage will be in your stateroom waiting for you.
staterooms are usually not ready until about 1:30 to 2 p.m., so be sure to put necessities in your carry on.
Do not put the luggage tags on until you are on the way to the port (after your flight, bus, or train ride).
Include photo of luggage tags
If you have a car with you, proceed to the onsite garage for parking after you’ve dropped your bags.
If you arrive via Disney transport, they take care of your luggage for you.
Carry-On
Each guest is allowed 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal bag (such as a purse or backpack).
You will want to be sure all of your travel documentation is easily accessible in one of your carryon items.
Because the staterooms are not ready until 2 - 3 p.m. you will also want to put things like bathing suits, sunscreen, cell phone chargers, etc. into your carry on bags.
Luggage tags and holders
Do not worry if you do not receive luggage tags in the mail
The porters at the port will have them or any DCL employee (see below as an example of a blank one)
Security
Once your port arrival time is ready the cast members will invite you to approach the security area. You must first check in with Disney, then go through a Customs & Immigration ID check, and then a general security screening.
You will need your Port Arrival form for these also.
Bring the exact form of citizenship documentation that you uploaded during online check-in and have them ready.
Security is just like the airport so make sure your bag will fit through the scanners
Make sure you check the prohibited list
Click on button below to learn more
If you have any prohibited items with you, they will be confiscated and held for you until disembarkation but first you will be directed to the Confiscated Items desk before being allowed into the main terminal.
Boarding groups
When you checked in, you got assigned a boarding group
It starts with one and the number goes up
Typically your boarding group number should be similar to your port arrival time therefore your boarding group will be called almost immediately
Boarding group is when you get on the ship
Once On the Ship
Once on the ship what to do first
Cast Members will be at the doors to ask the name of your family and then as you step into the atrium or Grand Hall, they announce your arrival.
Hungry? Try the pool deck offerings, buffet or one of the restaurants Cabanas, Marceline Market)
If you need to book spa or salon services find out where they are in the app and go there most likely the spa itself
If you need to book dining at Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Remy, or Enchante find out where they are in the app and go there
Need to discuss allergy or want to change dining time find out where they are in the app and go there
See if there is a waitlist for a tasting or port excursion find out where they are in the app and go there
Want to check out the kids club? The kids clubs typically have long open house hours on embarkation day therefore adults can enter and check it out with or without their children.
Fantasy has Animator’s Palate open for lunch and Royal Court for concierge
Wonder has Tiana’s open for lunch
On Embarkation day the service might not be top because the staff has been working since very early in the morning for the previous ship’s disembarkation
Once my stateroom is ready
Make sure everyone’s key to the world card works or Disney Band Plus
Great time to order room service and unpack your luggage if It is outside your room
Embarkation Sit Down Lunch
Safety/Muster Drill
Around 3:30 pm you will have to attend the drill
Your station will be posted both in the app, on your key to the world card and on the back of your stateroom door
You will hear announcements over the ship when you have to make your way to the location
There will be a lot of cast members to direct you
Once there one person in the party will check in with the key to the world card
Once everyone is there they will explain how to put a lifejacket on and what to do in case of an emergency
Sail-A-Wave Celebration or Set Sail On A Wish
As the cruise countdown begins your excitement will build! Then, at the sound of the ship’s loud horn you will begin your departure. Dance with Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy, Donald and more friends.
You will typically go from the Muster Drill directly to the pool deck to get a spot for this. Grab some ice cream on the way.
Typically starts between 4 and 5 p.m.
DCL Navigator App
I would highly recommend all people in the party download the free app before getting to the port
Once at the port and you connect to the free ship Wi-Fi you can see all the activities on board
Get familiar with the app and heart anything you want to get reminded about attending 15 minutes before it starts
Welcome Aboard Booklet
2019 - 2020
March 2022
October 2022
Overall Notes From Sailings
Day you set foot on the ship aka board the ship
Documents
Passport, birth certificates, paperwork if traveling with not your biological child, divorce paperwork allowing one spouse to take the child out of the country approved by the other spouse
Make sure to pack them and scan them for digital copies also
One thing that is not fixable before a sailing
Kids documents
Sealed/stamped birth certificate
Closed loop cruise and American citizen
Passport is always on option also
Arrive at port one day before and stay locally
Download and update the Disney Navigator App
Health survey do before you get to port
Do not overestimate what you can carry with you once on the ship before your room is ready
You will bring it to lunch and anywhere on the ship
If kids want to use the pool carry on bathing suits
Make sure to carry on any medications and valuables (laptops)
Tip the porters
Carry on the alcohol and see policy before
If you did not get the luggage tags they will have them at the port
Port arrival time
Not boarding the ship time
Time to get to the port within 15 minutes of that time
They will not let you in early
Go through security
Wait for boarding group to be called
Want main dining there will be a dining time switching to request the time change location
Palo reservations
Food allergies (time listed in app to meet dining staff and head chef to discuss your needs for the meals)
Spa
Check out the spa if plan to use it
Rain forest passes
Day or length of sailing passes
Raffles, discounts and give away
Port Excursions
Drink tasting, excursion changes, character meet ups,
Sit down lunch restaurants
Enchanted Garden and many more
Cabanas or Marceline Market (very long lines on embarkation day)
Pool deck food options
Kids club
Even if you are pre-registered will need to stop by to get the bands locked and check who can check out the child and secret word and any allergies
If you do not have a DisneyBand+, they will put a red DCL band on your kid(s) so that they can “track” them in the kids club and if lost on the boat
There is a charge for the DCL bands but if you return them to the kids club the last night they will refund you the money
You can keep the band and be charge roughly $20
These bands will not work anywhere but the DCL ship
Only if 3 year and old and entering the Oceaneer’s Club/Lab
Open house on embarkation day so parents can go into the club also
Great way for the kids to get comfortable and orientable to the area
Get the kids warmed up to the clubs
Can make friends and look forward to getting back to the club
Chat with the staff about any special needs
Stateroom roughly ready 1:30 – 3 pm
Stateroom attendant will come by and say hi
Be extra nice to them and they work very hard to keep your room clean and organized
Soap on the rope sponges?
Sail away show get a spot early
Fantasy May 2024 cabanas Embarkation Offering
