Getting ready for your Disney Cruise? Here’s your step-by-step cheat sheet for online check-in—whether it’s your very first voyage or you’re already a Castaway Club pro!
When Can I Check In?
- Pearl Castaway Club members & Concierge Staterooms: 40 days before sailing
- Platinum Castaway Club members: 38 days before sailing
- Gold Castaway Club members: 35 days before sailing
- Silver Castaway Club members: 33 days before sailing
- First Time Cruisers: 30 days before sailing
Check in opens at midnight EST.
Here are all the sections you will need to complete to be checked in.
A green tick mark will show once the section is completed.
What You’ll Need to Enter
- Home address
- Primary language
- Emergency contact (must be someone not sailing with you)
Acceptable Identification for Each Guest
Bring ONE of the following for every traveler:
- Passport book or card (highly recommended )
- U.S. driver’s license (adults, closed-loop U.S. sailings only)
- Nexus, FAST, or enhanced tribal card
- Certified birth certificate (no photocopies)
- Consular report of birth abroad / Form I-872
Whilst you do not need a passport for closed loop cruises we highly recommend that you sail with one.
Related: Do I Really Need a Passport for a Disney Cruise?
When a minor (age 17 and under) travels without a parent or legal guardian, an accompanying adult must present an Authorization For Minor To Travel Without a Parent or Legal Guardian Form, completed and signed by that child’s parent or legal guardian.
Here is the Disney Cruise Line Official Guide to Required Documents
You will need to upload a copy of your id when you check in. Many people have said that it is better to take a photo of this rather than use a scan, as a photo is less likely to be rejected. Make sure it is a clear photo showing all relevant details.
Security Photo Upload
Upload a clear, color photo (shoulders up, facing forward) of each guest.
Note: This can’t be the same as your passport or ID photo.
We suggest that you have this ready on your computer to upload rather than using the “take a photo” feature option in the check in process. It will most likely speed up the process if you already have photos for everyone ready.
Don’t Forget!
Bring the same ID you used to check in—pack it in your carry-on for the port.
If you need to, you can update your ID info in your reservation before you arrive.
Setting Up Onboard Accounts
- Choose a credit/debit card or cash to put on file.
- Decide who in your party can make purchases on board (kids can be included if you wish).
Enter Your Travel Details
- Add your flight info, hotel plans, or select “parking at the port” if you’re driving.
- If you’re staying at a Disney World resort before your cruise and using Disney Cruise transportation, just list the resort—skip the arrival flight info.
Picking Your Port Arrival Time (PAT)
- Choose a 15-minute window for when you’ll show up at the port.
- Even if you have Disney transportation, select a PAT that works with your schedule.
- Pro tip: Earlier slots might open up closer to sailing—keep checking!
Final Steps: Contract & QR Code
- Sign your cruise contract online.
- Once done, you’ll get a QR code—print it or save it on your phone; you’ll need it at the port!
After You Submit
Your check-in will show as “in review” for a while (sometimes weeks). This is totally normal—don’t stress if it doesn’t say “complete” right away!
Do I Really Need to Check in at Midnight?
Why does everyone scramble to check in right at midnight? What’s the real reason behind the “Cinderella time” rush?
First let’s clear up something that so many people are confused about.
The difference between Port Arrival Time and Boarding Group.
This really is one of the most misunderstood and stressed about things I see in my Disney Cruise Groups!
This may sound obvious, but it causes confusion.
Port Arrival Time is the time you are actually permitted inside the terminal.
Boarding Group is the order in which you will board.
The main reason guests rush to check in at midnight is that they want the earliest possible Port Arrival Time which in turn will give them an earlier Boarding Group.
Guests have become increasingly anxious to get onboard as soon as possible.
Being among the first on board means you get a few rare moments of calm before the crowds. You can snap incredible photos of empty spaces, be first in line for last-minute spa or adult dining bookings.
But here’s the thing: if you’re not planning any last-minute onboard errands, the difference between boarding at 11:00 and, say, noon or 1:00 probably won’t impact your cruise much at all.
Plus, not everyone wants to board early! There are plenty of guests who actually prefer a later port arrival time—maybe their kids nap in the late morning, they’ve got work or school calls to wrap up, or they just want to arrive after staterooms are ready (usually around 1:30 p.m.).
If you have a later Port Arrival Time you will not be waiting in the crowded port terminal. This is all part of the excitement for many, but if you have young children this might not be your idea of a great start to your vacation.
With staggered check-in windows, Pearl and Platinum Castaway Club members almost always get their pick of arrival times, and Concierge guests can arrive whenever they like.
Concierge Guests will always be the first to board. The next will be Pearl Castaway Club Members (those who have sailed 25 cruises and above).
Is there any other way to get an early Boarding Group?
Yes and it’s a way that is becoming increasingly popular if you are sailing from Port Canaveral.
Book Disney Cruise Line Transportation.
Here is a Complete Guide to How DCL Transportation to Port Canaveral Works.
You can take DCL transportation from any Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando International Airport and if you stay at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport.
If you book DCL transportation you will no longer have a Port Arrival Time as you will just be allowed into the terminal as soon as the bus arrives.
You will get a “low” Boarding Group. I have seen these recently from Groups 3 to 5.
Whatever time you get onboard there are ways to make the most of those first few hours on board. Here is a guide which is all about how to avoid the overwhelm and get the most out of the experience:
How to Maximize Your First Hours Onboard Your Disney Cruise.
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.