But this article doesn't really explain what first-time visitors would be missing by using the online system... I have been researching the heck out of everything I can think of related to our trip in early June... I feel like I have a good handle on the way the magic bands work and have been to WDW before, just not as the responsible party (all other trips were with my parents, when I was under 18). Is there really that much mystery to all of this that I wouldn't be able to figure out or ask about if need be? I only ask because we may be getting to the hotel a few hours before the 3 pm check in, and I have read that they are more likely to have a room ready if you do the online check in early.
That was my thought too...
15-30 minutes may not seem like a big deal, but are the check-in lines really that short on a consistent basis? If we are checking in on a Sunday, maybe this won't be as big of a deal (since typically, Sunday at most hotels is a bigger check-out day than check-in), but I thought I had read somewhere that the check in lines do tend to get fairly long.
It *might* be worth mentioning here that we are going for our anniversary. I've already called and had a note made on our reservation about the occasion, but would we possibly be risking missing out on a benefit of that notation by checking in online?
The reason I recommend that a first timer or infrequent traveler not use online check in is two fold.
1: In spite of extensive research, you just might not know or remember everything. Is it really worth possibly missing something to save yourself a few minutes? I know no matter how well prepared I thought I was for a test, I liked to read over the material just once more before I took it. You have more than likely just dropped 4 figures on a vacation. A last minute review of what you have coming to you just might help you to get the most out of your trip.
2: Simply out of respect for the others in line. The online check line is designed for people to grab their packets and go and is staffed accordingly. When you run into a guest that has done online check in and has questions, the line comes to a screeching halt and can make the online check in line longer than the regular one. I would never want to be "that guy" and I suspect most other people would not either.
If online check in saved saved you a ton of time, got you an ADR at Be Our Guest, of a free fast pass I would tell everyone to use it. The reality is that online check in is not that gigantic of a perk. At absolute most your room might be ready a bit earlier, and that is a big might. I have noticed that it has increased the frequency that our room has been ready, but it is also worth noting that we rarely to never make special requests. That more than anything helps in getting a room early. If you are checking in around 3 your room will most likely be ready regardless of if you use online check in or not.
All it online check in really does is save someone from having to hear their vacation packet explained from them and, in theory, provides a shorter wait time because all the people in line should just be grabbing and going.
Since nearly 100% of resort guest use express check out, very few people will clog up lines checking out of the resort. Those that typically are there are disputing a charge on their bill. Check out time is also at 11:00, so you will be well past if it if you are getting in around 2-3.
As far as perks go for an anniversary, the only one there is are celebrating buttons. Those will typically be in your packet no matter which way you check in if it has been noted on the reservation.
I recommend it. See what you think.
I think I might just do the normal check in though. I've used the KTTW cards before but not the MB, plus its my girlfriends first trip to Disney, it might be a good idea for her to learn her way around all this too. Cause she's planning the next trip. (Even though she isn't aware of this fact yet.)
