Can someone explain check in at Universal Orlando?

[kenpac89]

I have been to WDW many times. However, in January we will be staying one night at Universal (Royal Pacific) for the first time.

We are planning on getting into Orlando the night of January 15 and staying off property for that night. However, we have a reservation at Royal Pacific for the night of January 16, with two-day park tickets to use on the 16th and 17th.

Since we will be in Orlando the night before, how early can we show up at Royal Pacific to check in and get our park tickets and express passes on the 16th? Would we be able to go at park opening, or do we have to wait until we are in the room? Do we have to go to the hotel first, or do we go right to the park to get our tickets and leave our stuff in the car?

We only have two days at Universal before going to WDW the rest of our trip and want to make sure we can make the most of our time.

Thanks.

 

[pcstang]

I believe 6 am is the earliest you can check in. You need to check in first to get your room keys. You use the keys to get your express passes at the kiosk next to the check in desk. If your room is ready you can leave your luggage in your car or leave it with bell services. Not 100% about your tickets. We have annual passes so haven't bought tickets in years.

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

Did you purchase as a package? If so, not sure about the tickets. If not, purchase from Undercover Tourist or similar. With UT, you will have the tix before you leave. Other than that - just as pcstang mentioned. Show up early, get your hotel room keys, head over to kiosks, get your Express Pass. Give luggage to luggage services, go to the parks - they will text your cell phone when room is ready. You do not have to leave the parks when you get the text, it is just courtesy.

We did it in mid september, and our room was ready that early - we were shocked. Who knows, you may get lucky

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

In your case, I would definitely go to RP first thing in the morning. You will check in at RP, and they can direct you to everything else. When we had a package, we were able to print the tickets and other included stuff at a kiosk in the lobby and then we used another kiosk for the Express Pass. Another time, I bought the tickets from a 3rd party vendor and ended up getting the tickets at the kiosk outside the park.

 

[macraven]

once the check in system has been set for the day, you can check in.
the earliest i ever was able to checkin was about 5:35 am.

by 6, it should be no problem for early check in.

rooms won't be ready unless they were vacant the night prior.
you will recieve a text/call once your room has been assigned.

check your luggage in with bell services anytime.

once you check in, you can create your express pass in the hotel lobby kiosk.

 

[nkereina]

If you bought tickets through Universal outside of a package and opted to pick them up at will call, you can print them yourself through the kiosk in the RPR lobby at the attractions desk. Next to where you need to print the express passes. Just did this last week and took two seconds. You'll need either the order confirmation number or the credit card you paid with.

As mentioned, you DO need to check into RPR first and print your express pass from the self service kiosk before proceeding to the park.

 

[kenpac89]

Thank you for the replies. We have already purchased and paid for a package through Universal Orlando directly. They sent me the paperwork to print out and bring with me once I paid it off, but I wasn't sure on the arrival process.

This cleared up some confusion I had and it looks like we will head right to the hotel first thing that morning and be ready to go.

Thanks again.