Question

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Hi. Tomorrow, we leave Syracuse, NY for Disney World. We arrive in Orlando at about 10:45 in the morning. Unfortunately, we're not able to check in early. My Mom called yesterday and asked. When we arrive, can I go into the Contemporary Resort and check out the gift shop? We're staying at Bay Lake Tower.

 

[belledream]

Are you doing Disney's Magical Express? You should be able to leave your luggage with them and go off and play, whether it be at a park or a resort. They will deliver your bags to your room when it's ready.

If not, you can still definitely peruse Contemporary while you wait! People do that all the time and aren't even guests of BLT or CR. It's a good way to take a break from Magic Kingdom.

 

[SarahBella82]

You are free to explore while you wait. Have fun!

 

[cw1982]

I thought being able to check in early depends on room availability when you get there... so how can they know now that you won't be able to check in early already?

Either way, my understanding is that you can check in early but that if your room isn't ready you leave it with bell services and go on your way. They can even text you when the room is ready. I've seen that option in MDE.

Edit: that should have read "you can leave your stuff with bell services" lol

 

[stevehousse]

I thought being able to check in early depends on room availability when you get there... so how can they know now that you won't be able to check in early already?

Either way, my understanding is that you can check in early but that if your room isn't ready you leave it with bell services and go on your way. They can even text you when the room is ready. I've seen that option in MDE.

Exactly this!

 

[mickeysshoes]

We have always checked in when we arrived, as early as 7am. Some times our room was ready some time not. When its not we just give what we dont want to carry to the bell hop to store until our room was ready. My DD check in a week ago at 7am at POFQ and they got their room right away. I would not wait around for the official check in time...go ahead and do so when ever you arrive. Good Luck and have a great trip..

 

[jpittore1]

Are you using magic express? If so they will bring your luggage, then you can just check your carry ons at the bell hop stand and go to the park. Your luggage will be delivered to your room when ready. Remember not to pack your magic bands in your checked luggage.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Thanks. We're not using magical express. We're renting a car. I guess our plan is to arrive in Orlando, get our luggage, grab something to eat. After that, we'll drop of our luggage and then go to WalMart to buy groceries.

 

[slappy magoo]

Hope things worked out.

 

[SarahBella82]

It sounds like you've got a good plan for that morning. When you drop of your luggage, be sure to check in. If your room is ready, you will be able to drop your luggage in your room right away, alleviating any worry you might have. If your room is not ready, they will simply hold your luggage for you and text you when your room is available. That way, you can go off and do anything you need to do while you're waiting. A trip to Walmart, a snack in the hotel's dining spots, or shopping in their shops: the time is yours.

 

[DVCPluto]

For anyone else who may be in this situation - as the OP is, I hope, past this point... You can also store cold items with Bell Services. Since we typically use ME, I have some groceries delivered (by Garden Grocer) and these are stored with no problem - you don't even have to be there for the delivery.

Then when your room is ready, you receive a text with your room number. With magic bands, you should be able to go directly to your room and call to have your luggage and "other stuff" delivered. This makes the day of arrival much more enjoyable.

To echo slappy magoo - hope it all worked out!

 

[psukardi]

Like others have said, it shouldn't be an issue.

More often than not the room was already good to go...this even occurred during the last week in December. If it's not ready - just hit up the gift shop or heck just go to the park for a bit since you're so close. If you don't mind walking it might be easier to just walk from the Contemporary to the park (note I don't know the age of the people in your party)