What to Expect on Your Disney Cruise: Embarkation Day
Your bags are packed, your passport is ready, and the day you’ve been waiting for has FINALLY arrived! Yes, it’s Embarkation Day, and today you set sail on your long-awaited, much-anticipated, magical Disney cruise!
Photo: Disney
Disney Cruise Line offers a range of exciting itineraries on a fleet of enchanting ships, including Disney Dream, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish.
No matter which ship is your (floating) home away from home, Embarkation Day can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’ve never cruised before. Luckily, MickeyBlog is here to help you sort it all out ahead of time so you can tackle Embarkation Day feeling calm, confident, and totally in control.
Credit: Disney
Come along with us as we tackle Embarkation Day on the Disney Fantasy!
Make Embarkation Day Easier With Pre-Arrival Services
A seamless and stress-free Embarkation Day begins WAY before you set foot on your Disney Cruise Line ship. In fact, you can begin Disney’s online check-in process somewhere between 30 and 40 days before your sailing date.
Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Membership Levels
To determine when your online check-in process begins, refer to your Castaway Club membership level. Pearl Members (guests with 25 Disney Cruise Line sailings under their belts) can begin the online check-in process 40 days before sailing, while first-timers can check in 30 days out.
When your check-in window arrives, you’ll begin Disney’s online check-in process.
Disney Cruise Line Online Check-In
This involves submitting all required documentation as required by the Disney Cruise Line website. Depending on your itinerary, this may include a valid driver’s license, passport, and/or birth certificate.
As part of the check-in process, you will also enter payment information (for use during your sailing) and your expected port arrival time.
Disney Cruise Line Port of Arrival Time
Disney’s online check-in process also allows you to select your seating time for dining. You’ll choose between an earlier seating time (like the 5:45 PM option pictured below) or a seating later in the evening.
If an early seating time is important to you, be sure to complete your online check-in as early as possible, as the Main Seating sometimes hits capacity.
Disney Cruise Line Seating Selection
Finally, online check-in allows guests to input information about their traveling party, make arrangements for kids’ clubs, and complete other family-specific forms.
Disney Cruise Line Guest Information
When the process is finalized, you will receive verification that your online check-in is complete.
Disney Cruise Line Check-In Process
You will also receive a cruise contract along with a Port Arrival Form. Be sure to bring the Port Arrival form with you on Embarkation Day!
Disney Cruise Line Check-In Finalized
Pack the form, along with your driver’s license, birth certificate/passport, and MagicBand+/DisneyBand+ SEPARATELY from the rest of your luggage.
You will be separated from your luggage during the embarkation process and will need these items on your person as you board the ship.
Health Questionnaire
Another big part of preparing for a Disney Cruise is the health questionnaire! You MUST complete this before boarding — they will not let you board your ship without it completed.
Photo: Disney
You will typically receive an email prompting you to complete the health questionnaire on the morning of your Embarkation Day.
The health questionnaire involves three routine questions about the health status of everyone in your party, and it can be completed online.
Photo: Disney
Cast Members will check at the terminal to see if you completed your health questionnaire. If you don’t, you will be directed to Guest Services.
We recommend keeping your eyes peeled on your email to keep the process moving smoothly!
Photo: Disney
Navigating Embarkation Day
On Embarkation Day, you’ll arrive at your departure port with your documentation, Port Arrival form, and your MagicBand+/DisneyBand+ in hand.
Disney Cruise Line Terminal
As you step into the terminal, you may be asking yourself…now what?
Hopefully, you’ve heeded Disney’s instructions and arrived no more than 30 minutes before your listed port arrival time. Upon arrival, follow the posted signage and prepare to enter the terminal.
Disney Cruise Line Port Arrival Signs
This is where Embarkation Day truly begins!
Note that we boarded from the Port Canaveral terminal, so your terminal location may look a bit different, but the boarding process is generally the same for every sailing.
Disney Cruise Line Embarkation
Once inside, you’ll join another line (sound familiar?).
Have your documentation ready, as you’ll need it at the first checkpoint. This is where Disney Cast Members will check your Port Arrival form, verify your required forms of identification, and link your MagicBand+/DisneyBand+ to your reservation.
Disney Cruise Line Embarkation Day
With your documents cleared, you’ll continue on to security and then head upstairs.
On the second floor, you’ll find Guest Services, where you can address any issues or concerns. This is also where you’ll find the Mickey-shaped entrance to the gangway!
Disney Cruise Line Gangway Entrance
Stop for an Embarkation Day photo op before proceeding through the Mickey entrance! Just inside the entrance, Cast Members will scan your Port Arrival form or your MagicBand+/DisneyBand+.
Then, you will continue across the gangway.
Disney Cruise Line Gangway
On the other side of the gangway, you’ll join one last line before boarding the ship.
When your turn arrives, your family name will be announced in the ship’s beautiful atrium — and your magical Disney cruise will officially begin!
Disney Fantasy Atrium
Kick off your vacation by exploring the ship or grabbing a bite to eat while you wait for your stateroom to be ready.
While staterooms are generally ready between 1:30PM – 2:00PM, the timeframe can vary by ship and by day. When your room is available, you’ll find your Key to the World card right outside your door.
Disney Cruise Line Key to the World Card
Be sure to note the letter that appears on your Key to the World card. This letter corresponds to your muster drill station and will be important during your (very mandatory!) muster drill.
Most Disney Cruise Line muster drills occur sometime around 4PM, but be sure to check your DCL Navigator app for an exact time. Once the muster drill is over, the party truly begins!
Disney Cruise Line Sail Away Party
Head to the pool deck to enjoy the festive Sail Away Party with Mickey, Minnie, and all their friends!
Disney characters (dressed up in their best nautical gear!) perform a song and dance, followed by a boisterous countdown to departure. Listen for the horn as your ship pulls away from port!
(Note that the Sail Away Party is a little different on every ship.)
Sail Away Party on Disney Fantasy
With Embarkation Day behind you, you’re free to enjoy all the food, entertainment, and Disney magic your cruise has to offer!
