I am a chronic early riser (even on vacation)...my usual ritual is to leave whatever hotel we are in and drive to our new hotel about 5:30 or 6AM and do check in. There is never anyone at the desk that early and the night staff actually seems glad to have something to do and are quite helpful. Usually there is not a room available...but then I don't expect it, but the check in is taken care of, you have your parking pass and room keys in hand. (you can also check at that point to see if your room request has been honored and if not it is MUCH easier for them to rearrange room assignments then, as opposed to later in the day after other people have checked into rooms and there may not be a way to accomodate your request). Then I pick up some coffee and breakfast and drive back to the old hotel and by then everyone else in the family is up and moving (usually).
We can hit the parks early and when we are ready to go back to the hotel you just call the number they gave you at check in and they give you your room assignment.
It always makes me happy to walk right past the long check in line as we head to the room mid to late afternoon. (especially the Sunday afternoon line at Old Key West!! It is the worst!)
I have done this many times at OKW, Swan, AKL, WL, Poly, CR and YC. So you can check in whenever you want, and save some time later in the day when you would rather be in your room getting settled.
