You count down the months, weeks, days, and even hours until you arrive at your Walt Disney World Resort. You have carefully chosen your resort, perhaps even the location of your room as well. When you arrive at your Walt Disney World resort, the magic truly begins. As you drive through the gates you are greeted with a “Welcome home”, and directed to the main building to check in and start your magical vacation. When you arrive at Walt Disney World, you may want to start your activities as soon as possible, perhaps visit the pool, head to the parks, or start your trip with a dinner at Chef Mickey’s. Great ways to start! But the trip can truly start even before you leave home, and today we are going to talk about the arrival and check in process at your Walt Disney World Resort.
What is Online Check In, and should I complete this process? Online Check In is a benefit for guests staying on site at Walt Disney World Resorts. This is found on your My Disney Experience account, just under your Resort Reservation number. Online Check In can be completed 60 days before arrival. When you complete the Online Check In process, it is a huge time saver upon physically arriving at Walt Disney World. First, you can set your PIN numbers for charging privileges and to redeem dining entitlements. Second, you can choose two resort location requests. For example, “Near Transportation” and “Upper Floor” are some popular ones. Some resorts, such as Caribbean Beach, are broken down into sections. Upon Online Check In, you can request specific areas of the resort. These are only request, and are never guaranteed. Online Check In also allows you to link a credit card for incidentals at the resort and sign up for text alerts so you can go directly to your room! It also gives you the option to tell the resort approximately what time you are arriving.
What time is check in at my Walt Disney World Resort? Resort check in is 3PM. However, if you arrive before 3PM, be sure to go to the main lobby and let them know you have arrived. Occasionally, your room may be ready. At this time, you can also start using the pools, dining, and other amenities of the resort. Before you know it, you may be receiving a text or phone call with your room number and you can go directly to your room.
Is my room assigned at Online Check In? No, it is not. Rooms at Disney Resorts are not assigned until about 5 days before arrival or so, depending on various factors. Some guests choose to do a lot of research and request certain rooms at their Walt Disney World Resort. These are always requests, and are never guaranteed. However, it does not hurt to ask.
Upon arriving at my resort, where do I go to check in? You will go to the main building. The Cast Member at the entrance to the resort will direct you where to go. Look for the signs that say “Online Check In” and proceed to that area of the desk if you completed Online Check In. If you did not, then proceed to the area that says “Check In”.
When I arrive and my room is not ready, what do you suggest I do to enjoy my time while I wait? The Walt Disney World Resorts are so full of fun and activities! Once you have arrived, and have checked in, you can take advantage of all the amenities of your resort! My family likes to go to the pool, as well as explore our resort. We like to check out the dining area, the gift shop, and get a feel for any actives that are happening at our resort. Another great option is to go to Downtown Disney for a few hours if your room is not ready. You can leave your luggage in your car, if you drove. Or, if you took the Magical Express, your bags will arrive at your resort room about 3-4 hours after your plane has landed. You are welcome to have your carry ons stored at the Concierge desk while you go out and enjoy yourself!
Knowing what to expect, and being prepared for your arrival will start your Disney trip off well! You’ve planned a long time for this Disney trip, and it will be fantastic! Your resort is ready for you!
Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Contact one of our amazing Dream Team Travel Agents!