Disney Cruise Line-Port Canaveral

Port arrival time is one of those things that everyone has their own opinions about. Some people hang on the iron bars of the security gates like kids trying to get into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory and others stroll in barely in time to catch the ship.

So what's the deal with port arrival time? It really breaks down to your vacation style and preferences. I personally, am a gate hanger. I have an insistent paranoia that if I don't fly in the night before my cruise I'll miss the ship. When I wake up at my hotel near the port I'm ready and raring to go. No sense in hanging around the hotel you've already seen when the port is waiting! 

 Port Canaveral is really where it's at when it comes to Disney Cruise Line. You can tell the terminal has the Disney touch all the way through. There are no normal archways here...a Mickey head leads the way to the start of your Disney Cruise!

So what can you do at Port Canaveral?

• Check-In for your cruise! Make sure you have all of your documents in order before approaching the counter the documents can be filled out online prior to your arrival at the port, present your signature page and i.d. for quick service!
• Register your kids for the Oceaneer's Club and Oceaneer's Lab
• Meet and greet Disney characters in their cruise attire
• Go to the viewing deck and get some pictures of the ship in dock 

 

•  Check for room upgrades

Practical Planner Tip: If you're hoping to upgrade your stateroom, you'll want to arrive at the port as early as possible. Upgrades are based on a first come, first served basis so the experienced cruisers are always at the front of the line to try to get upgrades. 

So if you want to get to the port early to check for those upgrades...what do you do with the kids? There are a few TVs playing old Disney cartoons and movies near the kids registration area. This is also a good place for your kids to meet some of the other kids they'll be playing with during your cruise. It's never too early to start making friends!

If you encourage your kids to keep a travel journal this is a great place for them to start. There is a lot of excitement in the port and having something to look back at that captures your child's excitement pre-cruise is truly priceless.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for some of your favorite friends!