Miami PAT & Port Opening Time Are the Same - How Does This Work?!?

[TigerLaw]

We are leaving for a cruise on the Magic next week out of the Port of Miami with a 11 a.m. PAT. I just read that the port does not open itself up until 11 a.m. as well, so how does that all work out? Can anyone who has done similar early PATs out of Miami give me all the details as well as any thoughts on how it works out in practice? Is it a zoo in there then?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Spork24]

Show up at 11, haven’t done Miami, but expect it to be organized but crowded

 

[dcassetta]

There will be a line of people outside waiting for the doors to open. We heard that sometimes they open the doors earlier than 11:00, but this was not the case of either of the cruises we took out of Miami. Once inside, it will be similar to Port Canaveral with lines for first timers, Castaway Club, and concierge. The waiting area will have touches of Disney decor, but not like PC. Boarding will likely begin between 11:45 and noon.

 

[steph12]

We went out of Miami last month and were let in at 10:30

 

[Weedy]

Typically with Disney cruises the port opens before they start boarding.
When you arrive you will check in and will be given a boarding number. Your boarding number is tied to your PAT. The earlier your PAT the lower your boarding number.
At Miami the earliest PAT is 11:00. They usually start boarding the ship 12:00.
Concierge and Platinum board first and then they start with everyone else.
And it’s always a zoo. Lol

 

[lanejudy]

PAT = Port Arrival Time. The first PAT is when the terminal first opens. Most likely there will be people lined up to enter when the terminal opens. Whether that is 11:00am in Miami or 10:30am at Port Canaveral, it's pretty much the same thing. Boarding starts later, generally 45-60 minutes after the terminal opens. For early PATs, expect crowds. People arrive and check-in before boarding starts. Once boarding starts, the terminal usually empties within about 30-45 minutes . You are always welcome to arrive later than your PAT and after the crowds have thinned out.

Enjoy your cruise!