Getting ready to check in for your Disney Cruise? So exciting! This means your cruise is due to set sail soon. Here’s what you need to know and what you can expect during the Disney Cruise Online Check In Process.
Disney Cruise Online Check In Dates
You’ve paid off your balance, booked your Disney Cruise excursions, and now it’s time to check in! The check-in process for Disney Cruise Line is currently online. You can start your check-in as early as 40 days, depending on your Castaway Club status and we recommend you check-in as soon as you’re able so you get the port arrival time that works best for you. The following schedule for check-in now applies as of May 1, 2023
- Pearl or Concierge – 40 days before your cruise
- Platinum- 38 days before your cruise
- Gold- 35 days before your cruise
- Silver- 33 days before your cruise
- All other cruisers- 30 days before your cruise
If you’re unsure when you can start check-in, just check your Disney Cruise account, and it will give you the exact date.
The process takes about 10-15 minutes if you’re prepared, but this also depends on how many people you have in your party, as you need to check in with each person.
What do I need for Disney Cruise Online Check-in?
Before you start online check-in, you’ll want to have your passport or required citizenship documents. You’ll also need a photo of each person, with a blank background, shoulders up. We recommend getting everyone’s photos beforehand, so when you get to that screen, you can just upload and move along.
You’ll also need the credit card that you’d like on file for room charges and tips. Try to have in mind what time you’ll want to select for your port arrival time so when you get to that screen, you’re prepared. A lot can affect this, so try to be realistic. Having these documents needed for disney cruise online check in ahead of time will help you get through the process easily.
What to know about your Port Arrival time
Your port arrival time is just what it sounds like. It’s the time that you’ll arrive at the port on the day of your cruise. It’s important to pick a time that actually works for you, rather than just the time that will get you on the boat fastest. If you arrive early, then you just have to wait outside the port. A lot of people like to try to get there earlier than their Port Arrival Time so they can get an earlier boarding time. But currently, it doesn’t work like that. If you arrive early, they’ll make you stand in a line outside. And if you arrive late, sometimes they allow you to just go right on the boat, but other times, it will delay your boarding even further.
The only groups of people this does not apply to is concierge guests and those who are taking a Disney Cruise Line bus via their ground transfers. Concierge guests are generally escorted right into line when they are ready to board. Basically, they get to cut the line at a certain point. And those who are taking Disney’s transportation are generally allowed to arrive at a different time since there isn’t a guarantee of when the bus will actually get there in the first place.
Disney Cruise Online Check In Time
If you’re wondering about your Disney Cruise Check in Time, we’re here to help! You can Check In Online for your Disney Cruise at Midnight EST on the date your Online Check In window opens.
What Time Can I Check in for My Disney Cruise?
Disney Cruise Online Check-In Time is Midnight 12:00 AM EST. on the date your online check-in window opens. You can do this on the computer or in your Disney Cruise Line App, but be sure to have all your digital files of photos and documents ready. Checking in as early as possible once your window opens allows you an earlier Port Arrival time, which is a nice perk if you want to get on the boat, explore or grab lunch before the Sail Away Party begins.
How do I check in for my Disney Cruise?
Start by making sure you have a Disney Cruise Line account. You should already have this set up since you need it to manage your booking and port excursions. And your account should be linked to all the other travelers in your party. When you’re allowed to begin to check in, there will be a link on your reservation page telling you it’s time to check-in. Click that link and follow the prompts. Easy!
You’ll add in your citizenship documents, and photos, add a credit card on file and complete the cruise contract. You can choose to settle your balance with cash. See below for the screen that explains that.
Once you’ve uploaded all of your documents, you can choose a port arrival time. Choose the time that works for you! If you get there, early, they’ll just make you stand in a line to get inside. On our last cruise, we arrived 5 minutes early and still had to wait outside.
And that’s it! Super easy, and you can usually get this done within 10-15 minutes depending on how large your party is, and if you’re prepared with all of your documentation.
Need help booking your Disney Cruise Line vacation? We can help with that! Click here for a no obligation Disney Cruise Line quote.
We hope this has helped you prepare for check-in with Disney Cruise Line! Bon Voyage and happy sailing!
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 .
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