So, you’ve just booked a magical trip aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, and you can’t stop thinking about it, right? You’re counting the days until you’re getting a tan next to Goofy and watching Frozen while taking a swim in the main pool. Relax, friend. We are here to make the wait a little easier and to tell you all about the check-in process. This is, after all, the first step to truly kickstarting your Disney vacation.
We are going to list a very basic step-by-step check-in process, and then dive a little deeper, sharing a few secrets along the way and answering some popular questions. This will show you that the process is honestly very simple, though you’ll need to pay attention to a few small details to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
In this guide, we will answer things like:
- When online check-in becomes available
- What to do when online check-in becomes available
- The advantage of completing the online check-in early
- The concierge stateroom perk related to online check-in
- The Step by Step Check-in process with Disney Cruise Line
When exactly do I check-in?
That’s one of the most popular questions out there. Exact check-in dates depend on your Castaway Club level or whether you booked a Concierge Stateroom. Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s loyalty program, and the higher your tier, the more time you have to complete your online check-in.
Online check-in opens according to the following table:
- First-Time Disney Cruisers: 30 days before your cruise
- Silver Castaway Club members: 33 days before your cruise
- Gold Castaway Club members: 35 days before your cruise
- Platinum Castaway Club members: 38 days before your cruise
- Pearl Castaway Club members and Concierge Stateroom guests: 40 days before your cruise
What should I do when check-in becomes available?
You can begin your check-in right at midnight. The website might be a bit glitchy if many people are logging in at the same time. Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to check in exactly at midnight, you can certainly do it in the morning. People typically check in at midnight if they want to secure an ideal arrival time for the big day. You can check in from the moment that check-in opens all the way to 3 days before your sailing.
Here’s how to check in:
- Go to the Disney Cruise Line website and sign in to your Disney account
- Hover over the “Already Booked” tab
- Click “My Reservations” under “My Disney Cruise”
- Select the “Online Check-In” section
- Click the “Check In” link
- Enter the requested information
What is the advantage of completing online check-in early?
The main advantage of completing online check-in early is securing an early arrival time at the port. This allows you to board the ship before most guests, meaning the ship will be less crowded when you first arrive. You can enjoy a peaceful lunch, relax by the pool, and even ride attractions like the AquaMouse inside the Disney Wish with little to no wait time.
The earliest check-in arrival time is usually at 11:00am.
Check-in and the Concierge Stateroom perk
Concierge Stateroom guests can arrive at the port whenever they like. While they still need to complete online check-in, they receive priority boarding and have a separate check-in area. Want to arrive early and be one of the first guests onboard? No problem, you can do that. Prefer to sleep in and arrive later? That’s fine too. You don’t have to worry much about timing on the big day.
Disney Cruise Line Step by Step Check-in process
First step: Clicking the online-check in & Documents
When selecting the online check-in option on the Disney Cruise Line website, make sure to have all your documents ready. You’ll need to upload a photo of one of your IDs, and if you're traveling with minors, you'll also need to provide some information about them. During online check-in, the following information will be requested:
- Your identity and contact information
- Payment option (where you can enter a credit card to use once onboard)
- Travel plans to/from the port (if you are flying to the port)
- Port arrival time selection (one of the main reasons to do an early check-in)
- Emergency contact (write down someone that is not traveling with you)
- Youth Activity Registration (if traveling with minors)
- Accepting the cruise contract
Step 2: Upload a picture of your required citizenship documents
During online check-in, you will be required to upload a picture of your citizenship documents. The easiest way to do this is to take a photo or scan the main pages of your passport, including your signature, photo, legal name, and passport number. If your cruise only takes place within the USA, you can also upload your original birth certificate along with a government-issued photo ID. Honestly, uploading your passport is always the easiest, safest, and most convenient option.
For check-in purposes, it is necessary to have images of the required documents for all members of your party, including minors.
Step 3: Fill details about children
Let’s be honest: if you are traveling with Disney Cruise Line, there is a 99.99% chance that there will be children in your party. You’ll need to enter their details and upload a document with a photo. Once again, the passport is the best option. This is also the part where you can register your children for the kids' club. Do it now, as Disney Cruise Line has some of the best kids' clubs across all cruise lines.
Step 4: Select a port arrival time
This is one of the most important steps and the main reason for doing an early check-in. After entering all your personal information, you can finally select a port arrival time. Concierge Stateroom guests may arrive at any time, but everyone else must choose a specific hour, usually ranging from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Most guests opt for the earliest time available, allowing them to board the ship early and take advantage of various activities without facing long lines.
Step 5: The Port Arrival form
Once you have completed filling in all the important information, you will receive the Port Arrival form. This is one of the most essential documents you need for your vacation. Make sure to download it and have it emailed to you. The Port Arrival form contains all the important details about your trip, along with a QR code that you can show at the port during check-in. Both printed and digital forms are acceptable, and you can access it on your cellphone through the Disney Cruise Line app.
Step 6: Answer the Health Questionnaire
Many people forget about this step since the Health Questionnaire isn’t technically part of the online check-in process. However, it’s an important and essential part of your trip! You will receive the Health Questionnaire in your email on the day of your trip, with a subject line that usually reads “Mandatory Health Questionnaire / [NAME] Party / Reservation Number.” Make sure to fill it out before heading to the port!
Step 7: All set!
Yay, you’re all set for the big day! Just a heads up: the Disney Cruise Line website may show “pending” for some of your check-in information, but don’t stress too much about it. Disney Cruise Line uses real people to verify all the important details, and this process takes some time. Just make sure to pack your bags and arrive at the port about 15 minutes before your selected check-in time.
Have fun!
Ever wanted to work with us? Send us a message on vacationlab.io/join and let's talk! Best of all, clicking the link is completely free - no dues or fees from us, ever!
