Arriving before resort reservation time

[Ozarkglittergirl]

we don't have our flights yet, so I'm borrowing trouble, as they say, with this question. But, if your flight comes in and you get to your Disney resort before check in time, what do you do? There's luggage to consider or else we could just take a look see around.
In our particular instance we are staying at Port Orleans French Quarters. I'm assuming there will be no pool or river cruise privileges until we are checked in? Anyone happen to know how this might work?

 

[RedSox68]

You can check in as soon as you arrive, you just can't go to your room before 3 p.m We always arrive and check in, then they will check all your bags and give you a baggage claim. When you return to your room, you just call them and they bring the bags to your room.

However, we have had a couple of instances where the rooms were actually available to go to and we drop all our luggage off and then go.

Once you are checked in, you can certainly use the pools. If you find you need something from your luggage, they will retrieve the luggage cart it is stored on and let you find what you need.

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

Were you able to access the amenities? In our case the pool and/or river cruise toget to Disney Springs?

 

[RedSox68]

Were you able to access the amenities? In our case the pool and/or river cruise toget to Disney Springs?

Check out my answer -- I amended it about check in. Yes, all amenities should be available to you because you will be officially checked in.

And if your room is not available when you check in, they will text/call your cell phone to let you know when it is ready.

 

[MickeyEarrings]

If you don't make lots of requests about the room you want, you may get a room when you check in!

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

Already have reservations and gave our cc info. Do I still need to be a pest?

 

[Drusilla99]

Last year, my flight got in early and we got to the resort by 7 am. I asked about check in, and it was no problem, we got our room right away, which was good, because we needed a little nap before the hubby got there!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Make sure you do online check in and indicate when you will be arriving. Every time I've done online check in and indicated I'd be arriving early, my room has been ready when I get there. As the PP indicated, even if your room isn't ready, you can drop your bags off with bell services and make use of all resort amenities.

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

I've booked a year in advance ...

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I've booked a year in advance ...

When you book isn't a factor.

 

[Ozarkglittergirl]

How do you do online check in? I don't see that option on the website ?

 

[Maggie'sMom]

How do you do online check in? I don't see that option on the website ?

You'll get an email about it. It used to open up 10 days before arrival but I believe it now opens up 60 days before your stay, the same time as booking fastpasses for the parks. You can do it through the mydisneyexperience.com website.

 

[Sytrace]

You will be able to access online check in 60 days before your arrival date. (at least that is how it was with us)
We also were able to make FP selections at that point as well.
When you choose early arrival then you will be asked if that is your priority over other requests. Like close to elevator or higher/lower floor.

You will be able to use all amenities upon arrival to the resort. I would suggest a carry on bag or packing your swimsuits and a change of clothes etc, into that. So you don't have to dig thru suitcases to get to what you need.
I always do early arrival and online check in and my room is always available.