Online ? and "surprises" at check - in?

[disneygirl76]

Hi All,

I had a thought/question. The past few times we have checked in, we've had fun surprises and special things happen to us. For example, this last trip, we were family of the day and got upgraded to concierge level. With the theme "What will you Celebrate?" I would assume that this practice would not stop. Am I wrong? If they continue this practice - do you think it will still happen if you check in online?

Thoughts? Answers?

Thanks!

:wave:

 

[Monty]

Hi All,

I had a thought/question. The past few times we have checked in, we've had fun surprises and special things happen to us. For example, this last trip, we were family of the day and got upgraded to concierge level. With the theme "What will you Celebrate?" I would assume that this practice would not stop. Am I wrong? If they continue this practice - do you think it will still happen if you check in online?

Thoughts? Answers?

Thanks!

:wave:

I was wondering the same. I think a lot of the 'spontaneous' stuff that happens at check-in is semi-scripted at best [as an example, if there are more bookings for Standard View than rooms, someone will be upgraded, but they might leave it to the discretion of the check-in CMs who gets it]. If that's the case, it would seem better to not check-in on-line if only so you have a longer interaction with the CMs.

If it's all automatically assigned in advance, then it wouldn't make any difference which way you checked in.

I was planning on checking in in person regardless for the same reasons that I don't use automated tellers at banks, self-serve gas or self-check-out at grocery stores, I don't like that companies are trying to save staff costs by making me do the work for them. I prefer human interaction and keeping humans employed.

 

[accord99cutie]

What I've been wondering about this whole online check in thing is this: If I check in online, does that make my chances of getting the room requests I want better or the same either way? Say I check in online 10 days prior to my arrival, does it at that second assign my room to me? or is it still not until we arrive that they assign the room? If my chances were greater to get my requests by checking in online then I would do that, but if they are the same chance either way, then I would want to wait and check in in person.

 

[GymLeaderPhil]

They are still doing family of the day and week surprises at the resorts regardless of how you check in.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

When I booked my room I mentioned I was going to be there during my birthday. The CM said oh this will be even better for you..I asked.."Really?" She said "you'll have to wait and see"...Now I just have to wait 198 days (as of this post) to find out what she meant..I'm all in suspense!

 

[brent2124]

What I've been wondering about this whole online check in thing is this: If I check in online, does that make my chances of getting the room requests I want better or the same either way? Say I check in online 10 days prior to my arrival, does it at that second assign my room to me? or is it still not until we arrive that they assign the room? If my chances were greater to get my requests by checking in online then I would do that, but if they are the same chance either way, then I would want to wait and check in in person.

When I used online check-in it allows you to make general requests like ground floor or near transportation but not specific building or room numbers. I called the resort a few days ahead of my arrival with a few requests for a ground floor room and to stay in a building near the front of the resort giving 3 building numbers. I ended up in the back of the resort but did get a ground floor room. So i would say it doesnt help your chances and may even hurt them. But it is only a request afterall.

 

[disneygirl76]

Although it would be cool to do the online checkin - i think I am going to do it the old way. When I made the ressie, I specified requests at the time, along with what we are celebrating. I like the personal interaction so I think i'll check in the old way this time around. I'm glad to hear they are still doing the surprises at check in. It's never an expectation and I know I've been lucky in the past, but it's a nice perk when it does happen. :lol: I'll be anxious to hear about others on-line check in experiences!! :sohappy: