Disney Cruise Line: Debarkation Day and What to Expect

After days of gluttony and making lasting memories, it is time to say goodbye – womp womp. Debarkation Day starts in the early morning, with first guests allowed to leave around 7:30 AM (Express Walk-Off only). Staterooms are expected to be vacated by around 8:00 AM, with all guests disembarked around 9:00 AM. I know what you are thinking – why so early? The early start is to allow crew members ample time to prepare for the next group of excited sailors. Between the early rise and checklist of things to do before bidding farewell, Debarkation Day can be a bit daunting. However, so long as you are prepared, disembarkation will go smoothly (amongst all the tears of course!).

Preparing the night before

As you are soaking in the last day of your magical vacation, there are a handful of housekeeping items that need to be completed.

Luggage

There are 2 options for your luggage on Debarkation Day. You can either disembark with all your luggage in tow or have the crew members unload it for you. The option you choose will be dependent on your travel arrangements. If you will have time constraints, such as an early flight home, you might consider the Express Walk-Off option. If not, the timeliness of when your luggage will be available is at the mercy of the crew members. This is also a beneficial option if you want to get a head start and beat the crowds. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to confirm what time Express Walk-Off is available.

If you are not in a rush to disembark, having the crew members unload your luggage will give you a lighter load in the morning. This is especially helpful if you plan to eat breakfast with your little ones in tow. However, this option does require you to have all your luggage packed and ready the night before, so be sure to plan your last evening accordingly. Also keep in mind, this means you will not have access to your packed luggage once it is picked up. I suggest utilizing your carry-on luggage as your carry-off luggage for all items you will need the last night and morning. Read more about what we packed in our carry-off luggage. Your stateroom host will provide you tags with a Disney character to place on each luggage piece prior to pick up. Remember your tag character as this will be your assigned disembarkation group.

Breakfast Planning

Figure out ahead of time where you want to enjoy your last meal on the ship. You will have the option for either your rotational dining table, or the buffet. If you choose the rotational dining option, verify with your head server the dining location and time. There are two breakfast times – usually 6:45 AM and 8:00 AM – and they will be assigned to you based on your rotational dinner time. We opted for Marceline Market on our Disney Treasure sailing as our breakfast time was assigned at 6:45 AM!

Placeholder Reservation

Already thinking about your next Disney Cruise? Take advantage of the Placeholder Reservation. With a $250 deposit, DCL is offering 10% off the voyage fare for most future sailings that take place 24 months from your disembarkation date. The deposit is refundable if you change your mind but does go towards your future cruise if you choose to book one. This is only available DURING your cruise, so don’t forget to make your reservation! It is an easy process that can be secured through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.

Gratuities and Your Account

Prior to your last evening’s dinner, your stateroom host will leave a copy of your gratuities paid. Disney Cruise Line has an option for your account to be automatically charged a standard gratuity rate of about $16 per person/day. If you opted for this option, there will be a receipt showing the amount tipped to your Head Server, Server, Assistant Server, and Stateroom Host. It is customary to place this receipt in a provided envelope to hand them out personally. If you choose to, you can also use these envelopes to give a little extra where you see fit.

It is also important to settle any concerns with your account prior to disembarking. Guest services will be open and available for any questions. But do be prepared for the possibility of long lines!

Oceaneer Club Band

If your little one(s) spent time at the Oceaneer Club during your sailing, be sure to return their borrowed Oceaneer band by the end of the last night. If not, you will be charged the deposit fee, which is around $25. You are also welcome to keep the band as a souvenir if you prefer (of course, with that $25 charge). Keep in mind this band is only usable on Disney Cruise ships and not at the Disney Theme Parks.

Disembarkation Morning Tips

• Do a thorough search of your stateroom for all your belongings. While it is possible for you to recover an item left behind, there are no guarantees. Our routine is for me to triple-check a room as my family is walking out, just in case a little one accidentally dropped something along the way! Oh, and if you decorated your stateroom door, don’t forget those items too!
• Grab one more cup of joe at a specialty cafe. At least one cafe will be open on Debarkation Day. **Note: if you purchase a DCL souvenir coffee tumbler, you will get a free fill to go!

• Be on the lookout for a Disembarkation Questionnaire. This is an optional survey, but your feedback will be greatly appreciated. Not only will it help Disney Cruise Line in their overall quality, but it will also reflect directly on the crew members that provided their service during your sailing. Be sure to make mention if a particular crew member added a little extra pixie dust during your travels!
• While you are taking in the last few moments of your Disney adventure, keep your ears and eyes out for your disembarkation group to be called. There will be an announcement on the PA system as well as digital boards stating which groups are now able to disembark.

• Once off the ship, you will pick up your luggage and exit the terminal via Customs and Border Protection. They will review your travel documents and possibly ask the typical customs questions.

While there are a lot of things to remember prior to disembarkation, the last day of vacation is always a bittersweet one. With a head start and a little planning, your final day on the high seas will bound to be a magical one!