Disney Cruise Line Online Check In 101
Written by Cheyenne Broyles
So you’ve booked a Disney Cruise and you’re preparing to set sail in just a few short weeks! You’ve got a tropical print shirt, your new swimsuit, your favorite pair of flip flops and now it’s time to do your online check in!
But wait, you’ve never done this before and have no idea what it means to do an online check in for a Disney Cruise! Fear not! We have the details on what you need to know! Read on sailors!
Q: What is online check-in?
A: Before you depart on your Disney Cruise, you will be required to complete online check-in: a simple process via your Disney Cruise Line account. This guide will walk you through all the necessary steps to prepare you and your family for your upcoming sailing, including gathering passport information, selecting your port arrival time, registering for the kids clubs and more!
Q: When can I check in?
A: This depends on your Castaway Club level! (What is Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club?)
For first-time sailors, you can complete your online check-in 30 days before you sail!
Pearl / Concierge Level = 40 days prior to sailing
Platinum Level = 38 days prior to sailing
Gold Level = 35 days prior to sailing
Silver Level = 33 days prior to sailing
First time Disney Cruise Line cruisers = 30 days prior to sailing
Check-in time is Midnight Eastern Time on your check-in day.
Q: Where do you find online check-in?
A: Under the “Already Booked” tab of your Disney Cruise Line account! Your People Mover Travel agent can help ensure our reservation is linked correctly to your account.
Q: What do I need to have prepared for online check-in?
A: There are a few very important things you must have to complete online check in.
Ensure each passenger provides a clear, glare-free photo of their passport. The passport number, name, issue and expiration date must be easily readable, and the photo should be clear.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your debarkation date and have several blank pages available (specific requirements may vary by country).
Provide a clear solo photo of each passenger, different from the passport photo, showing the guest from the shoulders up against a plain background.
Share your flight details (even if not using Disney transportation).
Include pre- and post-cruise hotel information.
Have a credit card available for onboard purchases.
Provide the name and phone number of an emergency contact not traveling with you.
Q: Why should I complete my online check-in as early as possible?
A: We recommend being ready for your online check-in opening for two main reasons: first is to ensure everything is accurate and set for your arrival. Taking care of online-check in before your cruise helps make your embarkation process as smooth as possible. But even more importantly, completing online check-in as soon as you can increases your chances of an early port arrival time and low boarding group number which means getting onboard sooner which means more magical vacation time!
Q: What happens once I complete the check in process?
A: Once you finish the check-in process, you will receive a port arrival form. You can opt to download it or have it sent to you via email.
The arrival form will indicate your port arrival time and boarding group, and it will also contain QR codes for each member of your party. THIS FORM IS REQUIRED AT THE PORT! So remember to bring it with you (both printed and electronic versions are acceptable).
Hurray! You are now ready to sail! Grab that sunscreen and hit the pool deck!
Of course, processes and timelines are always subject to change by Disney Cruise Line, so check with your travel agent if you have any questions and review your confirmation email(s) for the fine details. If you have any further questions feel free to reach out to your People Mover Travel agent and they can assist you with any issues you may have!
You could say Cheyenne has loved Disney her entire life... literally! She made her first trip to the Disney parks when she was only an infant (with her parents of course) and her love for all things Disney has only grown ever since. She visited the Disneyland Resort once a year throughout her entire childhood, even after her family moved to Idaho (hello 14 hour road trips!) She always knew that Disney would be a huge part of her life and was ecstatic to become a Disney travel agent in 2017. She loves creating magic for all of her clients by helping them plan their dream vacations. Cheyenne still lives in Idaho, now with a husband and two black Labradors added to the gang. She visits the parks as much as she can to enjoy both the nostalgia and all the new magical experiences that only Disney can offer!