Check dates of travel, names, birthdates, etc. - Review your booking to make sure that you are on the correct ship leaving from the port you selected - on the date you wanted. Errors can be made and the sooner detected the better. Also, check to make sure names and birthdates appear on the booking exactly as they do on your passports. Name changes may result in additional fees to correct and failure to have matching documents may result in being denied boarding.

Review your travel timeline - arrive early and plan a timely return - Plan to arrive at least the night before your cruise to minimize the possibilty of missing embarkation. If traveling to the west coast or Europe, consider arriving two or more days early to allow time to adjust to jet lag. Splurge a little on pre and post cruise hotels. Keep in mind time zone changes when traveling east or west. Know the ship's return time and plan your return flights accordingly.

Protect the cost of your vacation from unforseen events - Most travel arrangements are non-refundable. What if ... a family member gets sick; your luggage is lost; you miss a flight connection; your trip is delayed; or you lose your job - with travel insurance, you can be covered. What if you lose your passport; have a medical emergency; require medical evacuation - Travel Guard can help! From 24-hr emergency travel assistance to a suite of travel insurance products to fit any family budget. Travel Guard plans are your top source for covering your trip. Click here to get a quote and review policy coverage options. AREA Vacations recommends gold or platinum coverage for most trips - be sure to obtain the coverage best for you. For maximum benefits, purchase travel insurance within two weeks of making your initial deposit.

Use passports when traveling outside of the United States - AREA Vacations recommends the use of passports valid for at least six months after the completion of travel for ALL trips outside the U.S. Closed-loop cruises (leave from and return to the same US port) allow for the use of an orginal or government certified birth certificate AND a government issued photo ID. Names on both must match. Marriage and divorce papers can be used to support name changes. However, in the event of an emergency return to the US, a passport will be required. For more information check out the website of the U. S. Department of State. For the latest travel warnings click here.

Online Check-in - After your booking is paid in full and you are within 75 days of the cruise (90 days for past guests), you will have access to online check-in. To get started you will need to create an account to access the Disney Cruise Planning Center. You can do that by clicking here. Then follow the instructions for setting up your account. With your online access you will be able to see a summary of your reservation and complete online check-in. You will also be able to plan many of your onboard activities and arrange an exciting "character call" to your children. Looking for alternatives to the excursions offered by Disney? Please try one or more of our affiliate shore excursion specialists - either Shore Excursions Group, Shore Trips, or Port Promotions for a variety of exciting excursions that may offer more for less and allow you to participate with smaller groups.

Print Boarding Pass - Disney is one of the last cruise lines that will mail your luggage tags to you. Luggage tags should arrive a couple of weeks prior to the cruise. However, once you complete online check-in you will be able to print out your Boarding Pass and let the ship know your arrival time. The boarding sequence is tied to the online check-in system. So, the sooner you complete online check-in the early your boarding time may be. Completing your online check-in and coordinating your arrival time will expedite your boarding of the ship - so, you'll be enjoying a delicious buffet lunch in Cabanas or Enchanted Garden just minutes after arriving at the port. For additional information about your Disney Cruise please see Disney Cruise Lines FAQs by clicking here.