Check-in, online or regular, for first-timer?

[Terry2]

Normally I'd love the idea of online check-in, but since this is our first Disney trip, is it a better idea to do the regular check-in with an actual person? We should arrive around 6 pm or so next week at CBR. What kind of wait can we expect?

 

[Stitch's mom]

I recommend the online check in. I have used it twice and was really happy I had done it when I walked into the lobby after a 6 hour drive and saw a line 8 people deep. Have even gotten a room upgrade with one!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I used online check in for our August, 2009 CBR stay. I was happy that I did. They had my folder all ready for me and we were in and out of there in no time at all.

 

[DisAmyK]

I would also say check-in online. We did this for the first time our last trip. It just made it quicker and easier when you arrive. They will have your folder all ready when you arrive. If you have questions, they will still be happy to answer them for you.

 

[giasmom]

would you check in online if you had two reservations, one room only and the next night a 7 night stay? The rooms are supposed to be linked but I do have two reservation numbers.

Thanks,
Kim

 

[Stitch's mom]

I would! The worst that could happen is they would tell you different when getting to the second check in. But if you have two different confirmation numbers I don't see how it could get 'messy'.

 

[Disneylovingmom]

Is there a way to make a room request when you check in online?

 

[aubriee]

Is there a way to make a room request when you check in online?

If you don't already have a room requested listed on your ressie, you need to just call and have them add whatever you want. The only options with online check in are: fridge, pack & play, close to bus stops, and one other option (first floor maybe?). Anyway, there's no where to request a certain building, just radio dots to check those four options.

 

[trac96]

definatly on line check in. i did it for our december trip and i was in my room within 5 minutes of walking into the resort. the folder and room were both ready. we were on our way to the magic kingdom with in 1/2 hour.

 

[winterman]

is it a better idea to do the regular check-in with an actual person?

Whether you checkin on-line or otherwise, you still are face to face with an actual person.

I did on-line checkin last year for both parts of a split stay. I was happy with it and will use it again in April. It seems to me that you have nothing to lose and (probably) time to gain.

 

[Terry2]

Whether you checkin on-line or otherwise, you still are face to face with an actual person.

OK, I feel stupid! I was picturing a stand-alone computer with folders filed so you find your own and go on your way.

Guess I will go check into online check-in. I think it said you can do it up to 10 days ahead of time? What if something about your check-in changes after you've already checked in online? (Like a super late arrival or something?)

Oh, one more question. Are room assignments made at the time of check-in or before? (Meaning, does the CM at regular check-in actually choose your room assignment then, or are they able to change it at the time you check-in, something online check-in wouldn't allow for)?

Sorry for all the dumb questions!

 

[ConcKahuna]

I'll go against the grain and suggest NOT doing the online check-in as a first-timer.

When you do online check-in, you are handed a folder with all of your paperwork and keys. That's the whole check-in. It is a CM there, so if you have questions they will help you, but the online check-in is meant to be a fast, one step process.

Doing the full check-in at the resort will ensure that the CM explains the resort and paperwork to you (they aren't supposed to with an online check-in). It's still a fast process, and you wont have the other online check-ins waiting impatiently behind you in line

 

[satilik]

We did it this month at the Wilderness Lodge and it worked great. The CM answered a couple of questions I had and our room was ready when we arrived at 11am. I would do it again.

 

[ConcKahuna]

We did it this month at the Wilderness Lodge and it worked great. The CM answered a couple of questions I had and our room was ready when we arrived at 11am. I would do it again.

Oh, it's a great process and I love it. Since it's the OP's first trip to WDW, I wouldnt suggest it for them. I definitly suggest it for repeat offenders

 

[JD3ofthem]

Would you still recommend on-line check -in if you are trying to get connecting rooms with another reservation? My mom has a separate reservation and we have three kids. So we usually have at least one of our kids sleep in her room.

 

[ConcKahuna]

Would you still recommend on-line check -in if you are trying to get connecting rooms with another reservation? My mom has a separate reservation and we have three kids. So we usually have at least one of our kids sleep in her room.

Room requests don't really matter for online check-in, so yes I would recommend it. Just make sure to call the reservation center and double check the requests so the resort knows to book them together

 

[Remosgirl]

From what I have read they do room assignments 3 or 4 days before. We did it in October at BWI because we were arriving at 10am. We got there and our room was
ready. I agree with not doing it in your case because it's your first time and the online
line is supposed to be quick. I have never had a huge wait at any of the resort check-ins.
But, that's just my experience!

 

[Tink3rbell86]

i haven't done online check in yet. but for a first timer i would say not to do online check-in. When you regular check in they explain everything to you. Last time i told them my husband had never been before and they gave him the whole run down ,where the food is and the gift shop and then they tell you how to get to your room and how the buses run! i think its a good way to start your trip if its your first time! Have an awesome first trip!

 

[MelanieC]

would you check in online if you had two reservations, one room only and the next night a 7 night stay? The rooms are supposed to be linked but I do have two reservation numbers.

Thanks,
Kim

We did this and it was wonderful. If your two reservations are linked all you have to do is just check in for the first stay and then Disney will have your folder at the same pre-check in desk for you. Now my second check in was on the first day of Free dining, so it was super crowded, but normally it would have worked wonderfully and you wouldn't have had to stand in the regular line.

 

[MelanieC]

i haven't done online check in yet. but for a first timer i would say not to do online check-in. When you regular check in they explain everything to you. Last time i told them my husband had never been before and they gave him the whole run down ,where the food is and the gift shop and then they tell you how to get to your room and how the buses run! i think its a good way to start your trip if its your first time! Have an awesome first trip!

They still do this for you even if you use the online check in- it's just in another line.