Can we pick up Magic Bands at our resort the day before we check in?

[ssphillips]

We are staying offsite the day we travel, and will be arriving in Orlando about 9pm on Friday night. We have a package starting Saturday, and are staying at Art of Animation.

We have reservations at 7:30am Saturday morning at Chef Mickey's using the dining plan.

So...
First, can we pick up our Magic Bands Friday night since we already registered online?

Second, do we need our Magic Bands to use the dining plan, or can we use our reservation number?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[bumbershoot]

You're going to have to check in at the resort to get the MBs and to "activate" the dining plan.

I assume you're from outside the US if you're assuming they'll be at the resort for you.

 

[ssphillips]

From US, but didn't personalize them in time, and MDE says they are waiting at resort.

Thanks for your help.

 

[DynamicDisney]

We did this in April 2013. Stayed offsite Saturday night, and checked-in to AoA on Sunday. We went to the front desk at about 645am (had a rental that we dropped off later that day near DTD). We had an early Chef Mickey's reservation as well on Sunday (think it was 725am).

I think you have to go to the resort to "activate" the bands as well.

 

[ssphillips]

Thanks- I was wondering what time we needed to be at resort. I'm guessing we need to drive to CM?

 

[Robo]

Thanks- I was wondering what time we needed to be at resort. I'm guessing we need to drive to CM?

You want to check in ON LINE before you head to WDW.
Tell them that you will be at WDW at 6AM on check-in day.

You can go to the resort desk about 6:30AM to get the MBs.
You can drive to the Contemporary, OR you can take the Disney bus to Chef Mickey's, if you like.
The buses will be running starting at about 6:30AM.
Take the bus to MK and as you board, tell the driver that you are headed to the Contemporary for breakfast.
The driver may take you directly to the Contemporary before or after the MK stop.
If not, the Contemporary is just a 5-6 minute walk from MKs bus loading.

 

[ssphillips]

Thank you Robo!