After wrapping up a fantastic Disney Cruise filled with great experiences and wonderful memories, the next step is navigating debarkation day.
No one wants to face this. And the process can be confusing for first-timers.
But there’s no need to worry.
Debarkation day can be a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
This guide takes you through the most common mistakes cruisers make on debarkation day and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
With these insider tips and a love for all things Disney, anyone can glide through the process like a seasoned pro.
Not Planning Transportation Ahead
This one’s a biggie.
You’ve had a fantastic cruise, but now you need to get home. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out your transportation from the port.
Whether it’s a shuttle, taxi, or rental car, make those arrangements ahead of time.
Disney offers ground transportation options that can be added to your reservation, but you need to book them in advance.
This way, you’re not left scrambling and can smoothly transition from your magical cruise back to reality.
Related: How to Get from Orlando International to Port Canaveral
Booking a Flight Too Early
Now, here’s a crucial tip that many first-time cruisers overlook: booking a flight too early on debarkation day. Disney Cruise Line recommends booking flights no earlier than 11.25 for domestic flights.
However, if you want to make the process less stressful I would recommend not booking a flight any earlier than 12 PM and if it’s an international flight then I wouldn’t cut it any closer than 1 PM.
The security lines at Orlando International Airport can be ridiculously long.
This allows ample time for disembarkation, customs, and travel to the airport.
Booking an early flight can lead to unnecessary stress and the possibility of missing your flight if there are any delays.
So, give yourself a buffer and enjoy a relaxed journey home.
Related: Disney’s Port Everglades Cruise Port – The Essential Guide
Skipping the Final Bill Review
Don’t skip the final bill review.
Mistakes can happen, and you want to make sure everything is accurate.
You need to do this the day before your cruise ends.
Take a few minutes to go over your bill and address any discrepancies before you leave.
You can review your charges via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App or request a printed statement from Guest Services. It’s all about ensuring your cruise ends on a high note.
You can go to Guest Services to get any mistakes corrected. The line on the final evening tends to be long, so plan ahead.
Not Packing an Overnight Bag
Here’s a golden nugget for you: pack an overnight bag.
I can’t stress this enough.
You’ll need essentials like toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes.
And any documents you will need to disembark. These will be the same things that you need when you boarded the cruise.
Whatever you do, do not forget to pack an overnight back!
Why?
Because your larger luggage will be collected the night before. Disney asks that you place your checked luggage outside your stateroom by 10 PM the night before disembarkation.
Having an overnight bag ensures you have everything you need right at your fingertips. It’s all about convenience and keeping things easy, right?
You don’t want to go to breakfast in your pajamas. Yes. We really have seen that.
Ignoring Breakfast Options
Don’t skip breakfast on debarkation day.
Disney Cruise Line offers some great breakfast options, and you don’t want to miss out. You’ve paid for it, so why not take advantage?
You can either dine in your assigned rotational dining restaurant or head to Cabanas or Marceline Market for a buffet-style breakfast.
Plus, a good meal sets the tone for the rest of your day. So, make sure you know where and when breakfast is being served and enjoy that last bit of Disney magic.
Related: Disney Cruise Breakfast Options
Misunderstanding Luggage Procedures
Now, let’s talk luggage.
There are two main options: self-assist and checked luggage.
If you go the self-assist route, you’ll carry all your bags off the ship yourself. It’s quicker but can be a hassle if you have a lot of stuff.
Remember just how crowded those elevators are going to be when everyone is trying to get off the ship.
Checked luggage means you leave your bags outside your cabin the night before, and Disney takes care of the rest.
Just make sure you understand the process and choose what works best for you.
Disney provides luggage tags the day before disembarkation, so make sure to attach them correctly. It’s all about making your departure as hassle-free as possible.
Overlooking Customs and Immigration Requirements
Customs and immigration are unavoidable, but you can make the process smoother by being prepared. Have all your necessary documents ready and easily accessible.
Know what you can and can’t bring back with you.
A little preparation goes a long way in making this part of your journey as painless as possible.
Rushing to Leave the Ship
Here’s a pro tip: don’t rush to leave the ship.
Now we don’t mean just ignore all the announcements and procedures so that a Cast Member has to ask you to leave!
Disney has a very organized debarkation process, and you’ll have a designated time to disembark. Rushing only leads to stress and unnecessary waiting.
Look at the guidance that Disney Cruise Line will give you about the morning that you disembark. They have done this thousands of times and know how to make the process easier for everyone.
Guests are called to disembark by their luggage tag color and character. You will have filled in a form letting DCL know what your plans are when you leave – so they will prioritize disembarkation for guests with early flights.
Relax, enjoy your final moments on board, and leave when it’s your turn. You’ll thank yourself later.
Forgetting to Check for Lost Items
Before you say goodbye to your stateroom, take a few minutes to check for any lost items. Look under the bed, in the closets, and in the bathroom.
It’s easy to leave something behind in the excitement of getting off the ship.
A quick sweep can save you from losing something important. Disney provides a Lost and Found service, but it’s always better to double-check before leaving.
Not Booking a Placeholder
One thing that many Disney cruisers overlook is the Placeholder.
It’s easy to do and you can find instructions in the Navigator App.
By doing this, you can secure a discounted rate and receive onboard credit for your future cruise.
It’s a fantastic way to save money and ensure you have another magical Disney Cruise to look forward to.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
For more details, check out this comprehensive guide on Disney Cruise Placeholders.
There you have it! Follow these tips, and you’ll have a smooth and stress-free debarkation day on your Disney Cruise. Enjoy the magic!
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.