Will we have to pay to park at MK before we check-in?

[Man In the Red Hat]

Checking in to SSR on March 1, but going to MK in the morning before we check-in to our rooms and get a parking permit. Will we still have to pay for parking at MK that first day? If so, can we somehow get a refund after check-in?
Not trying to sound cheap, but with 3 sons I need every dollar I can get!

 

[Metsoskil]

Not sure if you can get a refund, but you can check into SSR at 7AM, and then go to MK. Your room won't be ready, but they'll give you your KTTW cards and parking permit. They'll call you on your cell when your room is ready, and you won't have to check in again later.

 

[Man In the Red Hat]

I hadn't even thought of that-very clever. Thanks

 

[Metsoskil]

I hadn't even thought of that-very clever. Thanks

No problem. That's what the DIS is for.

If you are on the dining plan, this will allow you access to your dining credits early as well. Good luck!

 

[disneymayz]

Isn't the front desk open 24 hrs. Why do they need to wait till 7? Was this just a time you picked? I am changing hotel during our trip and I am a early person unlike my family so I was going to check in to other hotel while they slept. When we were at Disneyland I checked into rooms at 5 am.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Isn't the front desk open 24 hrs. Why do they need to wait till 7? Was this just a time you picked? I am changing hotel during our trip and I am a early person unlike my family so I was going to check in to other hotel while they slept. When we were at Disneyland I checked into rooms at 5 am.

Depends on the computer system. Most times DVC resorts recommend you check in after 7am to ensure the system has updated. I've done the same, check into new resorts while family slept, but have always waited until at least 7am just based on what I was told in the past.

That's about as early as I want to be anyway.

 

[Metsoskil]

In the past when I've called to do this, they have told me I could check in any time after 7AM. I've checked in at 7AM a few times and never had a problem (wanted to avoid the parking charge, like the OP). I've never tried earlier. Never needed to, because I can get to the parks by rope drop if I check in at 7.

 

[disneymayz]

What about the new online check in that can be done the day before? When this is up and running I wonder what time that desk will be open?

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I would be willing to bet if you stop at the gate and explain your situation and show your reservation confirmation, they wouldn't dare give you any crap. That's what I'd do if I didn't want to go by check-in first though checking in would certainly be what I would normally do.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

...Your room won't be ready...

More than likely, it won't be, but we did luck out one year and got in our room at 7:30 AM.

You could also check in on-line, then you wouldn't even have to check in at the resort. You could just swing by and pick up your packet, as it should all be ready for you.

 

[gatordoc]

I would be willing to bet if you stop at the gate and explain your situation and show your reservation confirmation, they wouldn't dare give you any crap. That's what I'd do if I didn't want to go by check-in first though checking in would certainly be what I would normally do.

This does indeed work. I've done it many times, as I live in Florida, and so often get to a park on the first day well before I could get into my room (thus not worth stopping to check in). Sometimes they do ask to see the reservation confirmation, but most of the time they just take your word for it.

 

[CarolA]

What about the new online check in that can be done the day before? When this is up and running I wonder what time that desk will be open?

When it is up and running... the desk will still be open 24/7. They proably still won't process you until 7 am.

 

[Dean]

Depends on the computer system. Most times DVC resorts recommend you check in after 7am to ensure the system has updated. I've done the same, check into new resorts while family slept, but have always waited until at least 7am just based on what I was told in the past.

That's about as early as I want to be anyway.

I don't recall anyone being turned away to "check in" after about 4:30 AM. Once the computer system has completed it's nightly conversion, you should be all set. I've done it many times at 6 am.

 

[disneymayz]

When it is up and running... the desk will still be open 24/7. They proably still won't process you until 7 am.

I was talking about the online check in. I thought it was not up and running at all resorts yet.

 

[buzz5985]

When it is up and running... the desk will still be open 24/7. They proably still won't process you until 7 am.

You can check in at any time you want. I have never had an issue over the past 20 years going earlier than 7 am. Who made up that number?? You will not get a room, but you can get your key card and your dining plan. Back in the day of the Gold Key Plan - when all your meals, recreation (boats/golf carts), tips and tax were included - you always checked in early so you could start the plan right away. Probably one of the reasons why they did away with it. LOL