The day you set sail on your Disney Cruise (otherwise known as Embarkation Day) has arrived! After months of planning, packing, and keeping excited kids from bouncing off the walls, this is the day you finally step on board and let the Disney magic take over.
But don’t let that anticipation turn to stress as you try to navigate your way through the big day. With a little preparation, Embarkation Day can be smooth, simple, and full of joy.
Why Embarkation Day Matters
Embarkation Day sets the tone for your entire cruise. I know that my kids pick up on my energy, so when the morning feels calm and organized, the whole day becomes easier.
This is your chance to ease into vacation mode, soak up those first magical moments, and start making memories before the ship even leaves the port.
Arriving at Port Canaveral
So you’ve flown into Orlando (or whatever city your port is in) the day before, have gotten a good night’s sleep, and are making your way to the port.
If you have taken Disney Cruise Line transportation, there is very little for you to do at this point. DCL will handle your luggage while a cast member leads you to security with your carry on bags. You will go through the security check point much like you do in the airport, and then make your way to the cruise terminal.
If you take another type of shuttle, or your own car, porters will take your checked luggage at the curb. Make sure you keep a day bag with essentials-swimsuits, medications, chargers, and anything you’ll need before staterooms open and luggage is delivered.
Once in the terminal, it is time to check in and show your documents (boarding pass and passports). If you took DCL transportation, this will have been done before boarding the bus. (Are you picking up on all the ways DCL transportation is highly convenient?)
You will then wait for your boarding group to be called. This is a great time to use the bathroom, have a snack, or start to meet some of your fellow cruise-mates.
Boarding Time Strategy
Your Port Arrival Time (PAT) determines when you can enter the terminal. This is decided by you way back when you did your online check-in. Or, if you use DCL transportation, the PAT is chosen for you (and sometimes means an earlier arrival time!).
It makes sense that a lot of people want to arrive at the port and board the ship as soon as possible so that they can start enjoying their vacation right away. But I have also heard the reverse where people prefer to sleep in, have a slower start to their morning, and even enjoy having lunch elsewhere before coming aboard. It really is whatever floats your boat (pun intended :).
Just know that boarding usually begins late morning and continues into early afternoon. If you arrive early, you may be asked to wait outside until your PAT. If you arrive late, you’ll still board- just after the earlier groups.
First Magical Moments On Board
Once your boarding group is called, you’ll walk through the gangway and into the grand hall- and this is where the magic hits. Cast members announce your family’s name, characters wave from balconies, and your kids faces light up in a way you’ll never forget.
It truly is a special moment. We used to record this because it is so iconic, but recently we have put our phones away and tried to just soak in the moment.
Now What?
After making our grand entrance on our first cruise we were absolutely giddy. We walked through that grand hall and then…stopped dead in our tracks. Now what? We didn’t know what to do first, or next, or where to go, or where anything was! We walked in a circle and then got our minds right.
The next logical step was lunch.
Lunch Options
There are a couple of options for your first lunch onboard (and I highly recommend everyone eat so that you are not dealing with any hangry family members!).
- A Main Dining Restaurant- these are the restaurants that you will go to for your dinner rotation. One of them will be open for a sit down lunch each day. If you’re not sure which one just ask a cast member or check your Navigator app.
- The Buffet (Cabanas or Marceline Market depending on the ship)- this huge buffet has lots of choices, but can be crowded. If you know your child will be too excited to sit still this is a great choice. They can make as many trips to the food counters as they want. The buffet is also ideal for picky eaters, families who want to sample everything, or husbands content with a massive plate of crab legs.
- Quick Service Counters- these are located on the pool deck and depending on the ship, could include pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, salads, tacos, or BBQ. This lunch is perfect for the family that is ready to hang at the pool!
Stateroom Access and Luggage Timing
By this time you may be very eager to get to your stateroom. Please know that your stateroom host is working very hard to get your room spotless and inviting for you and your family. Usually the staterooms are ready by 1:30pm and an announcement will be made when you are able to access them.
Once you locate your room you will find your Key To The World cards hanging outside. These will unlock the door to your home away from home!
This is when my kids dash to the verandah, or climb into the porthole window, or turn on the TV to “make sure it works”.
If our luggage has not yet been delivered, we usually leave to explore other parts of the ship. If the luggage has arrived I typically send the kids off with their dad so that I can have the space I need to get everyone unpacked and the room organized.
*Mom hack- order the “All Hands on Deck” (cheese tray) from room service to snack on while you “work”. You won’t be sorry!
Must-Do Tasks Before Sail Away
Believe it or not you will have some free time between lunch and leaving the port. This is when you will want to complete the following:
- Make sure your Navigator app is connected to the ship. I also send a test text to anyone else in my party that I will need to communicate with
- Check your dining rotation and table number which can be found on the Navigator app. You will need to know where you are eating dinner tonight!
- Visit Guest Services if you need to adjust plans
- Book or modify spa, adult dining, or nursery reservations
- Visit the Oceaneer’s Club open house. This is the only time parents are allowed in and you definitely don’t want to miss being able to check it out! You will also get wrist bands for your kids if they do not already have Disney Bands.
- Attend your muster drill. This is the mandatory safety drill that must take place before the ship leaves the port.
I know that you and your family will want to explore the ship as soon as you can. But remember- we are making the most of Embarkation Day so that the rest of your time on board will be stress free. Get these tasks out of the way and I promise you will have time to experience the ship to your heart’s content!
The Sail Away Celebration
In true Disney entertainment fashion, this is one of the most joyful moments of the entire cruise. Mickey, Minnie, and friends dance on stage, music fills the air, and the ship slowly pulls away from the port.
My advice here is to arrive early (usually right after the muster drill) to the upper decks. Bring sunglasses, water, and a fully charged phone- you’ll want photos and videos!
*Iconic moment- when the ship’s horn plays “When You Wish Upon A Star”. Chills.
After Sail Away
Once the celebration wraps up the ship settles in to its evening rhythm. This is a great time to:
- finish unpacking
- explore other parts of the ship
- grab a snack or drink
- change clothes or freshen up for dinner
Exhale.
Relax your shoulders.
Smile.
You made it!
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