A question about swithing and checking into resorts

[pyrxtc]

okay on the day I arrive, we will be checking in to the Holiday Inn but may not be there for the 4 pm check-in time. How long will they hold the room for you? If I call will they check us in so i don't lose the room or do I have to be there physically so they don't lose my reservation?

The next day we are moving over to the BWV's. Again check-in time is 4pm. I'm sending my DH and the older kids to TL for the morning and figured I could get food for the room at Walmart or hit DTD since I'm there. (How long to get to DTD from HI? Should I drive or can I walk?) Then i would head over to BWV's and check-in. can I call over there? I don't really want to go there first and then come back to DTD since I'm already there. It will be just me and DS 2.

Whatever I buy at DTD, can i have it delivered to the BWV's or do I have to check in before I can do that? After check-in (if I don't get a room right away) can my DS and I use the pool while waiting?

Also, if I food shop before I'm checked in to BWV's, what do I do with my refridgerated stuff? is there a place they will hold it? I'm thinking of buying sandwhiches for eveyrone in DTD and putting them in the fridge for super.

Most importantly, I heard that you can get into MK with your MNSSHP ticket after 4 pm. So, if I don't have a room yet, then I miss out on time at the party? What are my chances of getting a room before 4 pm?? I will arrive on Oct 2nd to the BWV's. I was really hoping to have some early time in MK since we will all be so much in awe on our first trip that I'm sure it will take forever just to get down main street. (I also am hoping to make it into MK before 5 pm so my boys can get their haircut so it will look good in all the photo's instead of waiting 3 days. Both boys will have their 1st haircuts, do you think they'll be out of the 1st haircut ears??

So many questions.......so many days to worry!!

 

[safetymom]

You can check into the Disney resort at any time. Your room may not be ready until 4 but they will give you room keys. If the room isn't done they will give you a phone number to call to check when it is done.

At the Holiday Inn they have a time usually 6 PM that they will hold the room. You should check your reservation. You can always call and tell them what time you will be arriving. If you reserved with a credit card they will hold the room.

 

[pyrxtc]

Please, does anyone have any more info for me?? I'll be extremely grateful!!

 

[pyrxtc]

bump please help??

 

[barb45]

If you guarantee your room at the Holiday Inn on your credit card, they don't care what time you are going to arrive because you are paying for the room even if you don't show up at all. So guarantee the room on your credit card and don't worry about it. As far as walking to DTD - I'm not sure because I don't know where the Holiday Inn is.

When you go to the BWV you can check in any time and quite often they have a room available immediately. If not they will give you the number to call later and you can leave your luggage with Bell Services. Also they will keep your food cold until you get your room also. Someone correct me if I'm wrong (or if they've changed things) but when you check in you get your tickets right then and there so that you can use the parks.

Also I'm sure you can use the pool before you get your room also.

It seems like you have a pretty ambitious day planned - are you sure you have enough energy for all that????

 

[Desnik]

I'll try to help you.
Well, I can't help you out on the Holiday Inn question. I would just call the day you arrive and see what they can do for you.

As far as BWV, you can check in any time, but if it is before 4pm your room may not be ready. It probably won't be ready so here is what I would do. Since it will only be you and DS, I would check out of Holiday Inn. Drive over to BWV. Check in. Are you renting points or paid cash through CRO for a villa? If you rented points then the policy for DVC is "room ready". Basically meaning the earlier you check in the better chance you have at getting all your room requests, such as view, etc.. They will hold your luggage and give you a number to call to check when the room will be ready. Then I would drive to a grocery store, not on Disney property, it will be much cheaper than the store near DtD. Shop at your liesure, then head back to the BW. They will store your groceries with your luggage. They will even put your cold stuff in a fridge. We've done this before. If your room still isn't ready then you can explore the resort, the BW and surrounding hotels. There really is alot to see. You can certainly go swimming. There are bathrooms around the pool area to change.(make sure you have a seperate bag with your swim suits with you!) You can't call the resort directly to "pre check in" or hold a room. The grocery store won't be able to deliver your stuff to the resort. That you have to do yourself. You can look into online grocery stores that deliver in Orlando. There's more info on that on the budget board. I believe a popular one is wegoshop.com.

Go to the MK whenever you want. Your room will be there when you get back. They aren't going to not have a room for you! If you don't check in earlier in the day, you can check in that night. You will have a room, you just may not have all your room requests met.

Also, keep in mind the wait to get a haircut at the Harmony Barber shop is LONG!!! Especially if you are doing it in the middle of the day. We got our kids haircuts there in Nov. We went at opening at the MK. By the time we got to the shop there were 5 kids ahead of us!! They also only have 2 people cutting hair. It is a small place. We waited a really long time. It was definately worth it! I'm sure they have plenty of first haircut ears, so I wouldn't worry about that. If you were worried about missing time at the Halloween party, then perhaps you should get their haircuts a different day? It will take away alot of time. You may also get lucky and not have a long wait. I would just see how it was that day.

If you want to get to MK before 5pm. Then the rest of your family would have to be back at least by 3pm. Is that enough time for them at TL? They would have to get back and shower while you would also be just getting in the room. Which may not be ready till 4pm anyway. It takes awhile to get to MK from BW, even if you take your own car. If you drive yourself there, you have to park, take the tram to the monorail/or boat. then take that to the entrance. It could take awhile depending on the crowds. If you take the bus, you will be dropped off at the main entrance but it takes awhile to get to MK from BW. Once it took us 45min!

All of these things that come up are reasons why when we check in, especially from another resort, we don't do any parks on that check out/in day!LOL!! If it were me I would just have everyone together, see if you can get a room at the BW early, go shopping for food, explore the resort, maybe swim and head to the MK early. Can they do TL another day?

Hope that info helps! Good luck and let us know if you have any more questions!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

We had no problem getting our room before 4pm at Disney. It depends on how full they are the night before.
Yes, I do think you need to check in before they will deliver a package. Even though they hold it for you in the front office, you have to provide a room number.
The best time to get a haircut is during a parade. If you go right before the start of the parade, you might even be done in time to see the parade- like us. The fastest way to get down Main St. from the hub area at parade time is to cut through the gift shops - there is an entrance at the back of Casey's (towards the Crystal palace/first aide). The barber is near the 'firehouse.' By the way, there is a great 101 Dalmations penny press in the firehouse!

I'm not sure, but I think there is a parade before the park closes for the party - After all, when is there NOT a parade at Disney?

 

[msr709]

About TL, the SAB pool that BWV has is a little mini water park in itself. You might want to use that pool and leave TL for another day. There is a great area for your toddler at TL, I just think he shouldn't miss out and that way you can all stay together and explore BWV. HTH

 

[pyrxtc]

Okay, I am staying on points that I have rented. I will have my own car (driving down from NH) so I will have no problem going grocery shopping (it's finding the store I will worry about). DH doesn't want to sit around at resortand we will have the options so he thought he might as well use them. We are going to a water park again on the day we leave so my DS will get a chance but I want the older kids to be able to enjoy the water park without having to hang around the kids area since they are too big for that but not big enough to go off by themselves.

I think I will check in first, before anything, I don't have many requests, (non-smoking & a tub) so I will take whatever. I wanted to do DTD to hit once Upon A Toy Store for the Mr. Potatoe head stuff. I don't think we'll make it to DTD again during our visit.

I am looking forward to exploring the resort a little. MY Dh has no clue about anything for this vacation. I figured He could leave when he woke up for TL and I would check us out and check us in at BWV's. He would be taking the bus to and from TL. We also have more family flying in and they arrive at MCO around 2 pm. As long as we have time to grab our costumes (i'll have them in a backpack already) to take with us to the park, I think we'll be okay. I have never been one to just sit around in a hotel room, I hate waiting. I would hate for the end of our vacation to come and not having got my Mr. Potatoe Head stuff. One is a present for a teacher back home. How long would it take to park at DTD and go get the stuff just at the one store?

I also think we'll be waiting til Wednesday to get their haircut. You can only plan so much on paper, especially when you have never been in person, you know?

I f we leave our luggage and food stuff at the desk, will it be in our room when we get back to it? Also, I have a couple kids who are staying with my MIL (in her room) how do I separate the luggage so we are not worrying about it when we get back? Would it just be easier to have everyone crash in our room for the night and fix it in the morning? As for tickets, I have our tickets already, i have the old PH's I bought them in December so we'll have those on us already. YAy!

 

[pyrxtc]

Oh, and THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

 

[gigi1313]

About TL, the SAB pool that BWV has is a little mini water park in itself. You might want to use that pool and leave TL for another day. There is a great area for your toddler at TL, I just think he shouldn't miss out and that way you can all stay together and explore BWV. HTH

SAB aka storm along bay is NOT at the boardwalk (BWV) it is at the beach and yacht club... the BWV has a wonderful pool, from what i've been told, w/a great big water slide (kiester coaster) but it's not SAB... depending on the ages of the OPs children, they may or may not be satisfied with that instead of TL...

OP, a question about your tickets... how are dh/older kids getting in to TL if you won't get your tix 'til check in at BWV?

 

[YCFAN]

Just for your info, SAB is at YC/BC not BWV. The pool at BWV is Luna Park.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

"I wanted to do DTD to hit once Upon A Toy Store for the Mr. Potatoe head stuff. I don't think we'll make it to DTD again during our visit."


They also sell the Mr. Potato Head accessories at the MK. Back in Toon Town there is a building where the character meet & greets are held. They have a very large Mr. PH display right in the middle of that store.

That might save you one trip that day.

I understand being a person who doesn't like to wait, but does your 2 year old still take naps? If so, you may want to build a break in somewhere. Some kids can sleep on a chair at the pool, some can't. But really busy days can make for really cranky, tired kids at the Halloween Party.

 

[Jackie H.]

You asked if you can walk to BWV from HI? No....it is a really long way. Since this is your first trip, you are probably unaware of how spread out Disney World is. For instance from the Boardwalk to Animal Kingdom is 5 miles.

I am not sure which Holiday Inn you are talking about.....the last time I stayed at a Holiday Inn at WDW was in 1985 ...it was the HOliday Inn Maingate. If that is the one your are referring to, it is very close to the main gate of WDW.....but the actual parks and hotels of WDW are not right next to that gate.

Check out the home of these boards: www.wdwinfo.com for maps and driving distances etc. Here is hoping you have a great time!

 

[Lewisc]

Almost any hotel will hold a room for late arrival. You have to call and guarantee it with a credit card.

Are you staying at the DTD HI with the almost free pricing mistake? They might be enforcing the rules more than normal.

 

[pyrxtc]

OP, a question about your tickets... how are dh/older kids getting in to TL if you won't get your tix 'til check in at BWV?

I have old PH's so they will be using those.

They also sell the Mr. Potato Head accessories at the MK. Back in Toon Town there is a building where the character meet & greets are held. They have a very large Mr. PH display right in the middle of that store.

That might save you one trip that day.

I understand being a person who doesn't like to wait, but does your 2 year old still take naps? If so, you may want to build a break in somewhere. Some kids can sleep on a chair at the pool, some can't

I understand that they have a bigger selection of items at the toy store in DTD. I also figure that my DS will nap in the stroller or in the car, but would never if there was something to play with nearby...i.e. pool. So unless we have a room, he'll sleep whenever he's tired. So far, he'll fall asleep just about anywhere. Very easygoing little guy.

You asked if you can walk to BWV from HI? No....it is a really long way. Since this is your first trip, you are probably unaware of how spread out Disney World is. For instance from the Boardwalk to Animal Kingdom is 5 miles.

I actually want to walk from the Holiday inn to DTD. It is in the DTD hotel area. As I read it, it is across from DTD and is within walking distance but does anyone know how long it would take to walk over and back? The less driving the better.

I am seriously considering WEGOSHOP.com for my groceries.

Thanks again! I am hoping that this trip will convince my Dh that we need to go again.

 

[pyrxtc]

Almost any hotel will hold a room for late arrival. You have to call and guarantee it with a credit card.

Are you staying at the DTD HI with the almost free pricing mistake? They might be enforcing the rules more than normal.

I am staying there is this is why i am worried. I only booked the one night so we would not be so tired on Sunday. I figured if they didn't honor it, than we would just leave a little later from home and be tired on Sunday.

My family is a "party-hearty" family and the kids can go on and on for hours. My Dh get tired before they do...LOL

 

[Lewisc]

BWV is a DVC property, the units are rarely available before the checkin time.

HI is basically giving you the room for free. I'd call them a day or two before with your expected arrival time. Call the hotel not the 800 number. Call them again from the road betwen 4 and 6 to confirm your arrival time. In this case the hotel might assume people who aren't going to be using their reservation might just be a no-show. Not sure how many guests will call to get a $1 refund.

Normally a credit card will hold your room for a late arrival but it's not really fair to expect a hotel to hold a (basically) free room if they don't know if you're really coming and if they can rent the room to a paying customer.

 

[k_k_100]

May I suggest another itinerary? I would get up & check out of the Holiday Inn (around 10:00). Then either walk or drive to DD (depending on distance – probably drive since you have no need to go back to the Holiday Inn). Enjoy DD for an hour or so (10:30 – Noon) – then go do your grocery shopping. Depending on how critical your budget is – just shop at the store that is closest if you are only planning to get a few “staples” for your family (milk, bread, etc.) – take the time to drive to Wal-Mart or another large store if you plan on doing a “Major” grocery run.

Considering your schedule I would not use We-Go shop – I think you have to be in your room to receive your groceries – somebody please correct me if I’m wrong . If your room is not ready till 4 (or later) that would cut into your MK time at MNSSHP.

Drive from the grocery store straight to the BWV(probably around 2:00). Check in. If they have your room great! If not they will store your groceries till your room is available. IF you have extra time enjoy the resort (w/ all you have planned you might not have any extra time) When the rest of your family arrives (by 2:30 if you want to make it to the MK by 4) either have them change in the room or by the pool (if your room is not ready). Take off & enjoy your night at the MK! If your room was not ready before you go the MK it definitely will be ready when you get home!

Now - be prepared to take this plan and throw it out the window. Enjoy your time & be flexible.

 

[pyrxtc]

May I suggest another itinerary? I would get up & check out of the Holiday Inn (around 10:00). Then either walk or drive to DD (depending on distance – probably drive since you have no need to go back to the Holiday Inn). Enjoy DD for an hour or so (10:30 – Noon) – then go do your grocery shopping. Depending on how critical your budget is – just shop at the store that is closest if you are only planning to get a few “staples” for your family (milk, bread, etc.) – take the time to drive to Wal-Mart or another large store if you plan on doing a “Major” grocery run.

Considering your schedule I would not use We-Go shop – I think you have to be in your room to receive your groceries – somebody please correct me if I’m wrong . If your room is not ready till 4 (or later) that would cut into your MK time at MNSSHP.

Drive from the grocery store straight to the BWV(probably around 2:00). Check in. If they have your room great! If not they will store your groceries till your room is available. IF you have extra time enjoy the resort (w/ all you have planned you might not have any extra time) When the rest of your family arrives (by 2:30 if you want to make it to the MK by 4) either have them change in the room or by the pool (if your room is not ready). Take off & enjoy your night at the MK! If your room was not ready before you go the MK it definitely will be ready when you get home!

Now - be prepared to take this plan and throw it out the window. Enjoy your time & be flexible.

This is exactly the advice I was looking for!! Awesome plan! I needed to get it from someone who knows.