Disney Cruise Line: Embarkation Day and What to Expect

The day has finally arrived! Embarkation day is likely the most exciting day of a Disney Cruise. Those sounds of sheer joy and excitement coming from the kiddos is a moment in time I will never forget. It is also one of the more stressful days of the trip due to all the steps involved before you can get into vacation mode. I wanted to share with you how our Embarkation Day went and what to expect. Hopefully our experience will help to make yours a little less stressful!

What to Consider before heading to the Port

• Checked luggage – Be sure to tag all luggage you plan to drop off with the porter prior to leaving your accommodations. This will allow for a more seamless process when you arrive at the port.
• Carry-on luggage – Depending on your Port Arrival time your stateroom and checked luggage may not be available when you board the ship. I suggest packing a carry-on bag with all your essentials, such as medicines, pool attire (if you plan to take advantage on day 1), valuables, etc. Be mindful it may be hours until your stateroom and/or luggage are available, so be sure your carry-on bag is easy to take around. Read more about what we packed in our carry-on luggage.
• Documents – Double-check what documents are needed to board your ship (especially if you are traveling internationally). Travel requirements could change from the time of booking, thus it is imperative to stay in the know.

Transportation to the Port

It is important to have a transportation game plan well in advance of your Embarkation Day. Every port is a little different, so it is best to familiarize yourself ahead of time. There are several ways to arrive at the port, such as ride shares, taking a personal car, or possibly transportation from a hotel nearby. If you are in need of assistance in either determining the best way to arrive, or arranging transportation, Disney Cruise Line will always be happy to help.

If you are sailing out of Port Canaveral (as we did), Disney Cruise Line offers convenient bus transportation from Orlando International Airport, as well as Disney Resorts in the area. This is a very convenient and hassle-free option, if it is available to you. Disney Cruise Line will pick you up from their designated sites and take care of your luggage from then on. All you then need to do is sit and relax in an air-conditioned motorcoach for the hour drive to the port. Another great perk is you do not need a Port Arrival time as your boarding check-in group will be assigned when you arrive at the terminal. This allows you the luxury of completing the pre-check-in at your convenience.

Just a tidbit: Since we live about 1.5 hours from Port Canaveral, we opted to drive and park our car in Disney Cruise Line’s designated parking garage. Prior to parking, we were able to drop off our checked luggage with a porter, which lightened our load for the walk to the terminal. The process was quite seamless. At the time, the daily fee for parking was $17, and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fortunately for us there was ample parking available when we arrived. But be sure to arrive early to give enough time for your Plan B option, if the garage is full. For reference, we arrived just over 2 hours from our Port Arrival time.

What to Expect at the Port Terminal

As always, Disney does a great job with crowd-control, thus ensuring a streamlined check-in process. There were clear signs showing where to line-up based on your Port Arrival time. Cast members were also readily available to answer any questions. Once in line, we waited until we were directed inside the terminal. Keep in mind you cannot enter the terminal until your Port Arrival time. If you are early, you will be waiting outside in the elements.

Once inside the terminal, you will wait in another line (in at least a nicely air-conditioned building!) to complete the check-in process with a Disney Cruise Line agent. Be sure your travel documents are readily available. At this time, you will also go through the security check point. If you will be using a Magicband+ during your sailing, let the agent know so that they can activate your account during the check-in process. This will allow you to use it immediately.

After you have completed your check-in and passed through security, you will head to the second level to access the ship. If your Port Arrival time is earlier in the day, you may need to wait until your boarding group is called. While waiting, you can step outside onto a balcony to gain up close views of your ship. This is a great photo opportunity! **Our Port Arrival time was at 12:45, and by this time all boarding groups were being called so we were able to walk straight on.

Ahoy Matey!

As you make your way through the ship’s doors, you will be greeted by cheerful crew members welcoming you aboard. After you have made your royal debut, it is now time to turn on vacation mode and explore – but of course after a few housekeeping items:

• Disney Cruise Line Navigator App – Be sure to download this app if you have not done so already. The Disney Cruise Navigator App will be your lifeline during your sailing. Everything you need to know is in there, such as the daily activities schedule, dining hours and menus, and information about the port days. There is also messaging capabilities to communicate with your group for free via the ship’s Wi-Fi, instead of using your data plan. Once on the ship, be sure the app is switched to the “on board” mode.
• Wi-Fi Package – If internet is a must during your trip, DCL offers various Wi-Fi packages. There are daily rates available, as well as discounted rates for multiple days. The best bang for your buck is to purchase Wi-Fi for your entire cruise. However, this rate is only available on Embarkation Day. Wi-Fi packages can be purchased through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.

• Dining Reservations – Stop by guest services if you weren’t able to snag a coveted reservation to one of the adult-only restaurants. A crew member can check if there are any openings or place your name on a wait list.
• Port Excursions – If you were unable to sign up for a port excursion prior to sailing, the Port Adventure desk can help you out.

Activities on Embarkation Day

• Water Activities – Embarkation Day will be one of the slowest days around the pool deck. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some pool time with smaller crowds. You might even be able to snag a ride down the AquaDuck or AquaMouse!

• Kids Club – Check out the daily activities schedule for the Kids Clubs. There are usually icebreaker events to introduce your kiddos to their new friends for the trip!
• Muster Drill – The dreaded Muster Drill is a “must” on Embarkation Day. For those that don’t know, think fire drill back in your school days. Just remember, the quicker you arrive at your station, the quicker the drill will be over!
• Eating! – Of course, the most important activity of Embarkation Day. Before going on a search for your first meal, be sure to check dining hours. Not all eating establishments are open and available on day one.

• Sail Away Party – Join Mickey and his friends on the pool deck for this bon voyage celebration! Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigation App for the start time. And be sure to arrive early to secure your spot.

When it’s all said and done, the number one thing to remember on Embarkation Day is to enjoy! Afterall, you will only have “day one” once, so savor every moment as much as you can. Happy Sailing!