Resort Check-in Online Question

[Disnee4Me]

So, by 12 noon today, we'll be heading to the WORLD, and yes from Connecticut, we are probably reaching the DC area during rush hour traffic. Question is ... I got an email saying I could check in early on-line. Should I do that tomorrow morning, when we are just about reaching Florida. I am hopeful that we should reach the resort by the 3 p.m. check-in anyhow. At least we won't have to deal with huge snow storms like we did in '08 and '09. I didn't even need a coat at all yesterday.

 

[officialtom]

We always check in online as early as possible. From what I understand, resorts start assigning rooms up to 7 days in advance, so it makes sense to get your special requests in early if you have any.

I have a separate question/issue with online check in right now. I made special requests during online check in a couple of weeks ago, and based on more research into the layout of OKW, I would like to edit one of my requests. I do have an Edit button, but all of the check-box options are now greyed out. Can you not edit your requests once you've saved them?

 

[LAKid53]

You should be able to do so by selecting Modify Check-in on the resort reservation in your MDE account.

 

[DisneyJeff]

I have heard that sometimes the resorts will give out a free room upgrade upon arrival. Does checking in online affect the chances of getting one of these upgrades? Such as: "Well, we have an upgraded room available, but this guy is already assigned to this room so we will give the upgrade to someone who hasn't already checked in."

 

[officialtom]

You should be able to do so by selecting Modify Check-in on the resort reservation in your MDE account.

Yep, that's what I'm trying but the options (upper floor, lower floor, near hospitality house, etc.) are greyed out. Think I'll have to call.

 

[marissieviolissie]

Not roomrelated but flight arrivals. I change my resort after I booked and suddenly my flight details were gone and I could only call to let Disney know for the ME.
After a 10 minute call (international ) I found out it was still in their computer.

But if I'd change flights there seems to be now way to change flightdetails other than phoning. To be fair I find that quite customerunfriendly and rather strange. To me it seems the site has a few flaws here and there, which is a bit of a nuisance if it comes to changing or even cancelling things. Staff was always pleasant btw to talk to, but I feel it shouldn't be an obligation imo to edit your flight details by phone only

 

[ToTBellHop]

I have heard that sometimes the resorts will give out a free room upgrade upon arrival. Does checking in online affect the chances of getting one of these upgrades? Such as: "Well, we have an upgraded room available, but this guy is already assigned to this room so we will give the upgrade to someone who hasn't already checked in."

It can, although upgrades are more rare now. However, if you online checkin and make a request (e.g. Fifth floor near elevator) they will strive to meet that request and not think of you if an upgrade is available. But, again, upgrades are rare. I personally prefer to put in my request and get what I was hoping for when I booked the room rather than cross my fingers for an upgrade and risk getting a room that is (in my view) crappy.

 

[ARO]

a check-in related question- We are staying on site for the first time. When are bands activated (fast pass and dining)?

 

[Rob562]

a check-in related question- We are staying on site for the first time. When are bands activated (fast pass and dining)?

I guess it depends on what you mean by "activated".

Generally, if you have a dining plan, you won't be able to use it until you check in to your hotel.

FastPass+ requires you to enter a park with your park ticket. If your park ticket is part of a package (which is presumable since you also have the dining plan), then you will not be able to use the park ticket until you check into your hotel. (Though if you purchased the ticket separately and linked it to your MDE account, then you can use the ticket whenever you want.)

Of course, some people are being offered a direct-to-room online checkin experience. In *that* instance, apparently all aspects of your reservation are active starting first thing in the morning...
(Confused yet?)

-Rob

 

[ARO]

ok thank you. so hopefully we'll get a direct checkin. Will we know this in advance? or the day of? I may have to change a ADR.

 

[Rob562]

The direct to room is something that you'd get an email about, I believe.

Also, even if you don't get the direct to room, you don't have to wait until checkin time at your resort. You can stop by the front desk as early as 7am to check in. Your room may not be ready, but you'll be registered and everything involving your package will be activated.

-Rob

 

[ARO]

great thanks

 

[maxime29]

All I know is we did not do online check-in this year and still got our request to have first floor and adjoining rooms. Guess it depends on where you stay and when you go.