Contribited by Bruce Johnson
Online Checkin 30 Days before the Cruise
MM/DD/YYYY Midnight Eastern Time Zone
Note that Online Checkin is NOT the same as booking activities, which has already started and will follow a schedule based on your Castaway Club level!
Before the suspension of cruising in 2020, online check in was completed simultaneously with the selection of onboard activities & excursions once your Castaway Club window opened. The updated process allows check in by all passengers at just 30 days prior to sail date. Please set a reminder on your phone now!
Technical issues are common using the online planning center. If you are having issues during check in -try using incognito or signing out/back in. If issues persist, try again in the morning. Remember if you are having issues, so is everyone else. If you continue to experience challenges, contact tech support (they open at 8 AM) 800-951-3532.
At 30 days prior to your sail date (and you’ve paid in full), you may begin your online check in. Be prepared at 12:01AM if you plan to do this as soon as it is available.
Below is information about what you’ll need to complete the process:
Guest Information - You’ll complete details about yourself and your travel party. Here you’ll be asked to upload a photo of your passport (or other citizenship document…and a photo of yourself). You are now asked to upload a security selfie of your sailing party so be prepared for that. You can upload a previously taken photo or take a new one, but make sure the photo has a clear background and that your face is clearly seen… no eyewear or hats. This takes place of the photo that was taken at the port.
Pre/Post Cruise - This information has to do with your transportation. You can select "driving" regardless of your intentions. You do not need to enter your flight info if you are coming in a day early, but if you are flying in day of the sailing, be sure to have that information with you as you complete the check in.
Onboard Account Information – You will be required to input your credit card information, establish charging privileges, etc...
Port Arrival Time (PAT) – Select a time period that reflects when you will arrive at the cruise terminal. Choosing a port arrival time is very important if you are arriving via private transportation. Keep in mind that if you are using Disney Cruise Line transfers, you will not need to choose a Port Arrival Time. Guests will not be permitted at the terminal or in parking areas before their scheduled arrival time in order to help maintain physical distancing in the terminal. Guests who arrive early will be asked to return at their scheduled arrival time.
NOTE: many of us have heard or even experienced less than rigorous enforcement of this, but if you get there much earlier than your PAT don’t be surprised if they don’t let you in the parking garage!
Cruise Contract – Please complete the cruise contract. Once check in is completed, you will see your Port Arrival Form. You may print the form or you can add it to your Mobile Wallet.
Please be sure to continue to review the information available in the Know Before You Go section of the Disney Cruise Line website for answers to many frequently asked questions. That is where you will always find the latest info, as there have been many changes to rules and regulations in the last couple of years.
For that reason remember that all information in this post is subject to change!