How important is online checkin.

[Brad Bishop]

Online check in is really designed for the seasoned Disney traveler that knows what everything in their package is for and how everything in the parks and the resorts work. If you will have questions and/or are unsure about a few things use regular check in.

I don't know that it saves you much of anything. Being the seasoned Disney traveler, it always seems like I'm waiting in a line with online checkin and the questions being asked at the desk are always the same with the person(s) in front of me (them taking their time trying to figure things out, me being stuck in line). When I get up there they start putting me through all of the same stuff with asking for ID, which is necessary, and reiterating some of the questions I already answered online, and then presenting me with the packet of info.

What I wish it were:
- hand me the keys to my room
- hand me a map of the resort with my room circled
- hand me the parking pass deal for my car
- send me on my way

 

[Master Yoda]

I don't know that it saves you much of anything. Being the seasoned Disney traveler, it always seems like I'm waiting in a line with online checkin and the questions being asked at the desk are always the same with the person(s) in front of me (them taking their time trying to figure things out, me being stuck in line). When I get up there they start putting me through all of the same stuff with asking for ID, which is necessary, and reiterating some of the questions I already answered online, and then presenting me with the packet of info.

What I wish it were:
- hand me the keys to my room
- hand me a map of the resort with my room circled
- hand me the parking pass deal for my car
- send me on my way

This is why I always advise people not to use online check in unless they want to just grab and go. That is what it is meant for and when people use it properly the lines move very quickly.

 

[righttrack]

It seemed to shave a few minutes off at recent stays. They are with it at the resorts, no question. I think they push just a little harder to make it quick for you if you did the online check-in

 

[BoarderPhreak]

If you've been to WDW before and know the drill, just use online check-in. In the grand scheme of things it won't make that much of a difference. But every little bit that speeds up the process - means that much more time you get to do what you came for.

There are separate lines at the check-in counter for "regular folk" and those that used online check-in. However, depending on how busy a time it is (or how many people did the online check-in) in the end - it might not really make much of a difference.

 

[mikenatcity1]

I directed my friend who had never been to WDW before to check in so she could request specific things. When she got to her resort around 10am, she was able to go directly to her room- the cast member said online check in was the primary reason. She got the dish about EMH, meal plan, all of that.

I've checked in online and am always asked if I knew what to do, what was in the packet, etc...and this is by me staying at a DVC resort being a DVC member. The only time I didn't get an offer to explain is when I said I was excited to stay for my xx time at that resort. I like online checkin...everything is ready for you and hopefully your room is too!

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Exactly. Online check-in really just speeds up the drudgery of registering credit card(s) to your room, etc. and gets your keys/etc. prepared ahead of time. Again, not huge - but still a timesaver. Same as checking in online with your airline. Is it necessary? No, of course not - but it's faster if you do.

 

[Blairnicol]

In my experience the online check in & the regular check in doesn't vary much beyond them knowing when to expect you & thus the probability of having your room ready when you arrive (vs not until 3pm) increases. At my last arrival they actually had more CMs devoted to online check-in than old-school check-in. I don't think they are going to begrudge anyone for asking questions, the CMs usually encourage them as they go through their song and dance with you. They want to make sure the guests are informed. I think it comes down to personal preference of the guest. The online check-in I think is really more for Disney's benefit, so they know when guests are arriving (although Magical Express, I'm sure helps with this some).

 

[Tink28]

I used the online checkin last trip but pointless as the online checkin desk at the resort wasn't open so had to join the regular checkin anyway

 

[NormC]

I use it but it does not seem any faster.

 

[Dad 2 M & M]

My experience has been delays are possible regardless of which method you choose.

May '14 and Aug '14 trips we found not only the on-line check in lines to be much longer than regular check in, neither line seemed to move faster than the other.

We chose not to use online Early Dec '14. The online line was longer again, but 4 of 5 Cms were dedicated to the online line, and it moved much faster.