What's the advantage to on-line check-in?

[kangaroodle]

We will be arriving late in the evening on Sunday. Is there any advantage to doing the on-line check-in vs. just waiting till we arrive? We've never checked-in on-line.

 

[Snurk71]

We've arrived after 10a few times and checked in on line before hand. There was no line at the desk, but it was faster basically just picking up our package/tickets that were already put together (and CC put on file for room charge). Check in only takes maybe 2 minutes tops.

 

[disneynutz]

Online check in was implemented to save Disney money and to shorten the check in process. Your reservation packet and keys are made in advance and in theory, you walk in, pick up your packet and go to your room.

By reducing the contact time with CM's Disney saves money and it reduces the number of guests trying to get the perfect room. Room changes take up the CM's time and causes a waterfall effect with the room assignments.

The problem with a late check in is if you made specific location requests, there is a good chance that your originally assigned room may have been given to another guest looking for a better view.

I have heard that some late arriving guests who really want a specific room pay for the day before their actual arrival and let the room set empty hoping to improve their chances that their request will be filled.

Bill

 

[Disneylvr4]

I've wondered this also. I'd imagine that checking in either at the desk or online prior to your vacation would be the same. As someone has already said, it's very possible that your requests will be pushed back anyway when someone who has physically checked in earlier then you starts to make changes to their own room i.e. better view etc. My guess is you're best to put in your most important request (flr #, view type etc) FIRST and then hope for the best with other wants. I've read that Disney looks at the first request and does everything to make that happen, but it's when one family puts in numerous requests that issues begin and they aren't as willing to help.

Sorry, I can't be more help. I'd be interested in hearing what others have to say, we've never done the online check-in, but then we've never checked in too late either. I'd call MS directly too and express your concerns to them, maybe if you get someone really helpful they'll make a special note on your booking!?

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

In the past we have always done packages and this year with staying DVC I have added the dining plan already, but as far as park tickets go, I was just planning on getting them added to our KTTW card when we check in. What do you think I should do?

 

[AmyB2006]

I always do online check in. I walk in, go to the counter, they hand me my packet, and I walk away. But I'm not one of those that make a ton of special requests, either. My last stay at BWV we arrived at 9am and my room was ready! I was so happy. I don't know if it was because of the online check in, or if that was just a fluke but I was happy. It just makes the process faster. I would imagine online check in would help with some special requests but like you said, does someone walking in before you get what they want just because they are there? I can't answer that. But it does go much faster.

 

[Minniesgal]

We did online check in in February for both Kidani and BLT, not only was our package ready when we walked up and we were saved from waiting in a very long line at Kidani but the rooms we had been allocated were great locations. We arrived at Kidani late so early check in was not an issue but we were checked in early at BLT as the online check in had told them we would be there early.

In fact at Kidani several families waiting in the regular check in line were very upset I was checked in quicker than them with online check in which I assume would only have happened if they had already been waiting quite a while.

 

[davedmaine]

We will be arriving late in the evening on Sunday. Is there any advantage to doing the on-line check-in vs. just waiting till we arrive? We've never checked-in on-line.

Sometimes it's quicker, sometimes it's not.. Try it, but there's a chance you'll still be waiting in line.

 

[bakerworld]

We arrived late at 12:30a - because of online check-in we were in the room and bed by 1:30a. I don't believe it would've been that quick without online checkin

 

[lucyem]

Sometimes it's quicker, sometimes it's not.. Try it, but there's a chance you'll still be waiting in line.

This has been our experience as well.

 

[crabbie1]

We wont arrive till around 17.30 and have never done online check in as new to dvc. As we have a split stay and not 101 room requests Im thinking of checking in for our first resort stay at WLV then just leaving BLT till the day as we will be there arnd 10am.
Not keen on adding card details though but im sure they will remove when we get there. Intend paying by cash or preloaded card.

 

[DMKEDM]

If you do online check-in (assuming you can--my last trip the system wasn't working and it wouldn't let me!), you will be asked to enter your CC number, but you do not have to provide it.

Nor do you need to give your CC number at the front desk if you check in in person.

Disney does like having your CC...but doesn't require it.

I've gotten in the habit of simply not ever using my CC for room/check-in. If I want to buy something, I use cash, a gift card, or my actual CC...KTTW card charging privileges can be an advantage--e.g., if you are paying for someone else in your party (e.g., my college-age son), but it's not "necessary."

The online check-in process does not make it obvious that you can proceed w/out entering your CC info...and if you skip that step, it will ask you again...but your check-in will proceed (if it's going to anyway--Disney's IT is such that as often as not it isn't working!) w/out CC info being entered.

Happy trip!

 

[The Jordans]

How likely is it to be able to upgrade ad what doesn't usually cost?

 

[twoj]

I just hit back from a stay at Disney over spring break. We stayed at Kidani and did online check in. My room could not have been more perfect and both of my requests were met -- to be close to The elevator and lobby.

The family in front of us did not do online check in and their time at the counter was 10x longer than ours. I do believe they pre arranged my entire packet with maps and keys and room assignment... I think it would help protect from the early checkins a not liking their rooms and asking for changes. I don't think they would redo my entire packet...

The only thing is, you need to have a cc on file to do online checkin.

As a sidenote, I did the online checkin the night before we left. Having to cancel a trip in the past at last minute due to a broken leg, I was nervous to commit o the checkin before arriving...