If you’re hoping to get a head start on Disney Cruise Line check-in by uploading your passport early, here’s the truth: you can’t. Disney does not let you upload passport photos or complete travel document steps until your online check-in window officially opens, which is usually 30 days before sailing at midnight Eastern for first-time cruisers.
Many guests try to prepare everything ahead of time because they are also trying to grab a Royal Gathering reservation the very second it unlocks. For first-time cruisers, both check-in and the Royal Gathering open at the same moment. It can feel chaotic, and it is very common for people to be caught off guard by how quickly reservation slots disappear.
The smartest strategy is to divide and conquer. Have one adult focus on check-in right at midnight to secure the earliest possible port arrival time. Have another adult log in separately and go straight for the Royal Gathering reservation. One person trying to switch between tasks usually moves too slowly for both.
To make check-in smoother, get your passenger ID photos ready ahead of time along with clear scans or photos of your passports saved on your computer. That way you can upload everything instantly without losing valuable minutes.
Once check-in opens and you have your port arrival time, you can finish the passport upload step as part of the process.