Check-in Recommendations

[Cosmo]

Hi Everyone...need a bit of advice, please. My wife and I are annual passholders and usually go to wdw about 2x/month. When we go, we're pretty laid back and just kind of take it as it comes, heck, we don't even usually get there till about 2 or 3 (or later) in the afternoon. We check in, and since its late in the afternoon are rooms are always ready, freshen up and then head to the parks. This works well for us since we don't HAVE to see anything, and can usually come back the next weekend if needed.

However, my in-laws are coming into town this weekend. They are first-timers to wdw. My father-in-law is a very frugal man and wants to get every penny out of his $$$$. Because of this, we'll be leaving the house at the crack of dawn to make sure we get to the parks asap and enjoy every single minute. He also wants to get his $$$ out of the resort (all-star music). So my question is this: we'll be getting to wdw at or before 9am. Should we check-in first and then head to the parks? I'm guessing the rooms won't be ready at that time of the morning. Or should we go to the parks first, then check in later in the afternoon, or even after the parks close?
We'll only be staying there one night (saturday).
What does everyone think?

Thanks! :wave:

 

[crazycalf]

if you want to get the most out of the parks, go there first and check in later.

Most likely your room won't be ready, offical check in time is much later in the day

 

[Thrawn]

Official check in is 3pm. Anytime after 12 you are usually all set though.

 

[The_CEO]

Should we check-in first and then head to the parks? I'm guessing the rooms won't be ready at that time of the morning.

Thanks! :wave:

Nope they won't, they will give you a card with a number on it. By calling it, you will be able to find out if your room is ready or not. Just bring a cellphone or go to a pay phone in the parks! Have fun!

 

[JPVonDrake]

I would agree with The_CEO, that you can register at the resort, drop off your luggage, and get your resort ID cards as early as 7 AM, but your room will most likely not be ready until much later that afternoon.

Its up to you if you would like to register, get the card The_CEO mentioned and head over to the parks with Disney's transportation, or just go to the parks first.

Hope this helps! :sohappy:

 

[parker kim]

when we stayed at the caribben beach resort a few years back we arrived there at 8:30 am , because we needed to get our tickets before heading to the park. We didn't think we be able to get in our room yet,but thay checked us in and our room was ready.this was in may. our last trip we arrived at 6:30 pm at the all star movie. And was diappointed that thay could not met our room request in the toy story area. the cm told us that it go works on first come first services bases not when you make your reservations. Thay did transfor us there after our first night when I told them how dissappointed the kids would be. So if you have a room request check in first even if the rooms not ready your request will be met.

 

[crazydaveh]

I would go ahead and check in! Get that out of the way so when you need the afternoon break, you can come back and take it without having to deal with more lines at the check-in counter.

I do this all the time. I often get lucky and my room is ready that morning. We've been able to get in a room at the All Star Music Resort as early as 7:30 AM.

If your room isn't ready, that won't really be a problem. Just call the number and come back when it is. If you're tired and want to head back to the hotel, you can hang out at the pool with a drink or something!

CM's inside the parks will call the number for you if you ask!

Have fun!

 

[Cosmo]

sweet...thanks everyone for the advice. i think what we're going to do is go ahead and check in when we get there (not expecting a room, but if its ready, that'd be fine). then we'll just go to the parks and that way when we get tired of lines and stuff we can just have our room. i'll just have to tell my dad-in-law to be patient while we check in, and that's its ok not to be the first person in the parks!

 

[wannabeBelle]

sweet...thanks everyone for the advice. i think what we're going to do is go ahead and check in when we get there (not expecting a room, but if its ready, that'd be fine). then we'll just go to the parks and that way when we get tired of lines and stuff we can just have our room. i'll just have to tell my dad-in-law to be patient while we check in, and that's its ok not to be the first person in the parks!

Great attitude!!!!!! You will have an amazing time!!!! Belle

 

[Dwarful]

If he is really in a hurry to get to the parks (and who isn't?) perhaps you could go ahead and check in to the resort, and while your checking in put them on the bus to MK. They could browse Main Street USA, take some photos etc., and meet you at a set place at a set time. When you get to the resort you'll be able to see the line and can guestamate how long it will be before your all checked in. I did all of the check in for our family gathering w/ 3 rooms so it shouldn't be a problem. This is of course if he is a Clark Griswold type of person who will be absolutely miserable for the remainder of the day if he isnt there when the park opens....hey its ok we all know someone like that
good luck and have fun

 

[bgraham34]

I have never gotten into my room earlier then 2pm.

 

[tinkish]

Great advice everyone! Thanks!

 

[Polyman]

You should absolutely check in first. You will get your resort ID card as well as your parking pass (I assume you are driving). Now you can drive to your favorite park and not have to pay the $8. (frugal). You can also start charging to your room while in the park. :hammer:

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I would go and check in first. If your rooms are ready it will be a quick chance for you to put your stuff down. If your room isn't ready, you will at least get your room keys which will allow you to charge if you want. The resort will also hold your bags and put them in your room when it becomes available.

 

[Moustronaut]

sweet...thanks everyone for the advice. i think what we're going to do is go ahead and check in when we get there (not expecting a room, but if its ready, that'd be fine). then we'll just go to the parks and that way when we get tired of lines and stuff we can just have our room. i'll just have to tell my dad-in-law to be patient while we check in, and that's its ok not to be the first person in the parks!

I would have said the same thing but, since my last trip, I've decided that if you are the first one in the park you really can get a lot more done. By getting to MK 30 minutes before it opened on a non-EMH morning, I was able to hit all 3 mountains in the first hour with almost no wait at any attraction. That same trip we checked into All-Star Sports at 11:30pm. No wait for the room, no wait in a check in line, just got my room and went straight to bed. So if you're in a rush to get things done, might want to think about an early start in the parks