Arriving early

[AllieBoo]

We are coming in a day early and will be staying at a Disney Springs area hotel before we check into the CR. I am planning on doing online check in. We want to go to MK for rope drop (or shortly thereafter) on our check in day and want to park at CR, so we can walk to MK. I am guessing I will have to go by the front desk to get a parking pass? Anything else I will need to do before we hit the parks? Magic bands should already be activated right?

 

[dansdad]

We are coming in a day early and will be staying at a Disney Springs area hotel before we check into the CR. I am planning on doing online check in. We want to go to MK for rope drop (or shortly thereafter) on our check in day and want to park at CR, so we can walk to MK. I am guessing I will have to go by the front desk to get a parking pass?

You can check in as early as 6AM. You may or may not get a parking pass. Some resorts use Magic Bands exclusively.

Anything else I will need to do before we hit the parks? Magic bands should already be activated right?

Nothing else to do. Magic Bands are activated when they are shipped.

 

[AaronInWI]

Unless things have changed in the last three months since I was there, you should receive a parking pass when you check in at the gate. There should be no need to go to the front desk before heading to the Magic Kingdom, unless you wanted to check on/verify your room location.

 

[writerguyfl]

Although it sounds like a hassle, make sure to hand off your luggage to Bell Services when you arrive at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Even on a mild day, a car can turn into a miniature oven in the Florida sun. Toiletries like makeup and deodorant will melt.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Unless things have changed in the last three months since I was there, you should receive a parking pass when you check in at the gate. There should be no need to go to the front desk before heading to the Magic Kingdom, unless you wanted to check on/verify your room location.

This. You shouldn't have any issues getting a parking pass. Im a bit paranoid so i'd probably go to the front desk just to make sure the magic bands are connected properly. I know I wouldnt want to have to go back to CR....I went through this one time. Only I was staying at pop and had to take the bus back from MK to Pop. I wasnt happy!
And definitely leave your bags with concierge.