Streamlined Check-in?

[Ember]

Updated our arrival time for online check-in and received this message when I was done:

I assume this is the new Direct to Room thing? I was under the impression that you could literally go directly to your room when you arrive, but I guess it makes sense for them to have to check your id when you get there. Has anyone done this yet?

 

[JasonDeyoung]

That still looks like the online check in as before where you'd go to the online check in at the lobby and show your Id and if not ready they'd text you when it's ready. The straight to room I did last month and I never had to go to the lobby they just texted me when my room was ready. I think this message is just a updated wording that your online check in is complete. I could be wrong though

 

[Ember]

OK good I was wondering why they would make a big deal about it being different if it was not, in fact, any different that before lol. They are supposed to be doing the direct at CBR by the time we check in so maybe the wording will change? I'm really hoping to do the direct so we can bypass hitting the resort first.

 

[JasonDeyoung]

I can't remember what resorts are in the testing phase right now or will (obv all will be soon) I was at POR when I did it so hopefully it'll be up for you at CBR because im a fan of this option. I'm hoping I get the direct to room again my next visit

 

[Figaro928]

We did it last week and it worked very well - except one thing.

We got a text and an email while in route on the DME. Perfect room; perfect location - just as we had requested. The only think to take note is that we were unaware of was that our magic bands needed to be set up with a pin code . We went straight to the room, dropped our stuff of then bolted to a park. In the park we were ready for lunch, after I ordered everything, I realized about the pin code, couldn't use my magic band and had to pay out of pocket. WHOOPS - oh well - rookie mistake and no big deal.

So I'm guessing online checkin doesn't work all that great with first time magic banders because you still need to visit your front desk to set up the pin code. Just a heads up!!

 

[Halloweenhead]

We did it last week and it worked very well - except one thing.

We got a text and an email while in route on the DME. Perfect room; perfect location - just as we had requested. The only think to take note is that we were unaware of was that our magic bands needed to be set up with a pin code . We went straight to the room, dropped our stuff of then bolted to a park. In the park we were ready for lunch, after I ordered everything, I realized about the pin code, couldn't use my magic band and had to pay out of pocket. WHOOPS - oh well - rookie mistake and no big deal.

So I'm guessing online checkin doesn't work all that great with first time magic banders because you still need to visit your front desk to set up the pin code. Just a heads up!!

We've checked in online for our up and coming trip and we had to set the pin code when checking in. So we'll still have to go to reception anyway?

 

[Figaro928]

We've checked in online for our up and coming trip and we had to set the pin code when checking in. So we'll still have to go to reception anyway?

After paying out of pocket for our meals and finished up at the parks, I visited the front desk. They said that your pin code from your last visit should carry over, but because our first and only other MB's were during the very early testing phase we had to reset them anyway. I never tried our old pin code but that might work. Someone else may confirm that.

I would assume if you've never had a pin code and never had a MB before you would absolutely have to go to front desk to check in

 

[Halloweenhead]

So is there any benefit for a first timer to check in online?

 

[Ember]

So is there any benefit for a first timer to check in online?

IMHO it's better to go to the desk if you're a first timer. It's a really nice experience and they can answer any questions you may have. If you have any room requests you can call two weeks before your trip and they will add it to your notes.

 

[Ember]

Another question, if you do direct to room, what about special occasion pins? Do they deliver them to your room or do you have to go request them at the desk? We already have a pin, so no worries there.

 

[Mr Toad]

I love checking in at the front desk. My Magical experience starts then!

 

[Ember]

So we got our official email for direct to room check-in, but it says nothing about parking? We are renting a a car this time so we will need a parking pass. Are they scanning your magic band now instead of using a parking pass?

 

[Tuvalu]

So we got our official email for direct to room check-in, but it says nothing about parking? We are renting a a car this time so we will need a parking pass. Are they scanning your magic band now instead of using a parking pass?

Yes you scan your MagicBand to enter your resort. At the theme parks, we presented a MagicBand to be scanned by the parking attendant, but we were simply asked which resort we were staying at and waved on through.

 

[Tuvalu]

Another question, if you do direct to room, what about special occasion pins? Do they deliver them to your room or do you have to go request them at the desk? We already have a pin, so no worries there.

We had NOTHING in our room...no resort literature, no theme park guides, no times guide, etc...nothing that you would normally get at check in. Had to get it ourselves from the concierge desk. So I am certain there will not be any celebratory pins in your room. I don't think the rooms are "prepped" for a specific family's arrival, they are just cleaned.

 

[Ember]

We had NOTHING in our room...no resort literature, no theme park guides, no times guide, etc...nothing that you would normally get at check in. Had to get it ourselves from the concierge desk. So I am certain there will not be any celebratory pins in your room. I don't think the rooms are "prepped" for a specific family's arrival, they are just cleaned.

Boo! That stinks! I think we'll just stop by the desk when we get there. I like having all of that stuff, especially since this is our first time at CBR.

 

[Betsyboo]

Boo! That stinks! I think we'll just stop by the desk when we get there. I like having all of that stuff, especially since this is our first time at CBR.

If you are taking Magical Express to the resort you'll be dropped off at the Custom's House and then take an internal shuttle bus to your building. The Custom's House has check in desks and concierge so you'll be able to get buttons, times guides etc. there even if you don't need to actually check in.

Edit: Sorry, just read your other thread. There's also a concierge desk in the building where the food court is so you won't need to travel back to the Custom's House to get the pins and time guides.