check in question

michelle06

DIS Veteran
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Apr 5, 2010
Messages
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Does checking in early (online) affect when you get a room? Does actually showing up in person put you ahead of others who aren't there yet? We may end up getting there in the morning and wonder the best way to get a room earlier if available. Does how I check in make a difference?
 
Since online checkin is a valid way to check in, you don't have to BE there. And there's an option to check off that means you want the first room available and not wait for your requests.
 
The room assignments are predetermined days before you arrive. They just do not give those assignments out ahead of time because there still could be last minute changes.
 
Since online checkin is a valid way to check in, you don't have to BE there. And there's an option to check off that means you want the first room available and not wait for your requests.
Thanks.

The room assignments are predetermined days before you arrive. They just do not give those assignments out ahead of time because there still could be last minute changes.
So, then, even if you are there long before others, you may wait longer because your predetermined room isn't ready?
 

Does checking in early (online) affect when you get a room? Does actually showing up in person put you ahead of others who aren't there yet? We may end up getting there in the morning and wonder the best way to get a room earlier if available. Does how I check in make a difference?

As referenced by a PP, online check-in does have an option for you to "check here if getting your room early is a priority over your room requests" or something along those lines. If getting your room early is more important than any requests you may have, then this is a valid method to potentially influence 'when' you get your room. Obviously that's not guranteed, but at least a method to give Disney some info about your arrival/room preferences that they may be able to accommodate.
 
It's really all just luck of the draw, and we always do on line check in.

We have arrived as early as 9:30 am and had a room ready, but we have also experienced the opposite. We arrived at Poly last month around 10 am and didn't get a room until 3:40 pm. There were people arriving after us that had their rooms ready. :(
 
I checked in online via MDE and did not have any special requests options.

I'll be at CSR for the first days, did the check in and there were no special requests options, so I actually thought that I didn't see them and missed it. But now my check in for AKL opened and again, no special requests to choose from.

Does anyone know if this changed recently?
 
Ok, so now I tried in the website and the only option I have for CSR and AKL is Upper Floor. Has this happened to anyone?
 
Ok, so now I tried in the website and the only option I have for CSR and AKL is Upper Floor. Has this happened to anyone?

Yeah, Disney appears to be tinkering with this option yet again. I just tried for an upcoming Poly reservation and there's nothing in the two drop down boxes!

Disney IT at its best. :-)
 
I checked in online via MDE and did not have any special requests options.

I'll be at CSR for the first days, did the check in and there were no special requests options, so I actually thought that I didn't see them and missed it. But now my check in for AKL opened and again, no special requests to choose from.

Does anyone know if this changed recently?
I was surprised that there were no options for requests when Idid online check in this morning. Guess I will be calling to add my requests.
Also last time I did online check in back in 2013 they asked for your arrival time but not today.
 
I was surprised that there were no options for requests when Idid online check in this morning. Guess I will be calling to add my requests.
Also last time I did online check in back in 2013 they asked for your arrival time but not today.

Not to second guess you here, but are you sure about it not giving you an arrival time selection option? That still shows up for me, both on the website and app.
 
Yeah, arrival time selection appears for me too. However, on the MDE I selected 12:30 and it changed to 12:53 in the confirmation page. Weird. However, I could adjust this in the website just fine.

Guess I'll be calling to add my requests and just make sure that everything is correct.
 
It is mostly luck of the draw, I do both since I drive down. When I go to the front desk I tell them I don't care where the room is if they have one ready. The only request I make in the on line check in is early arrival. I have had a room ready as early as 7:30 and as late as 4:30. Swan/Dolphin has been the worst in getting a room ready early, I've never gotten into my room before 5 there.
 
Not to second guess you here, but are you sure about it not giving you an arrival time selection option? That still shows up for me, both on the website and app.
Not to second guess you here, but are you sure about it not giving you an arrival time selection option? That still shows up for me, both on the website and app.


Yeah, arrival time selection appears for me too. However, on the MDE I selected 12:30 and it changed to 12:53 in the confirmation page. Weird. However, I could adjust this in the website just fine.

Guess I'll be calling to add my requests and just make sure that everything is correct.

Geez I don't see How I missed it but anything is possible, oh well too late now I guess :(
 
Geez I don't see How I missed it but anything is possible, oh well too late now I guess :(

Actually, if you go on the website you can still change your selections for check-in. Plus, I feel that the website is much easier to navigate on the whole check-in process.
 
Actually, if you go on the website you can still change your selections for check-in. Plus, I feel that the website is much easier to navigate on the whole check-in process.
Oh ok thanks!
I just almost never get on my pc anymore

*Update*I was not able to edit the check in time, it just said magical express so I guess they know when my flight is landing
As for the requests both options were for the floor or water view so Ijust marked upper since I only have a Garden view booked.
Plus I did check off the early arrival but I think I will still call and add my request to be close to the lobby.
 
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We were slow to use online check in when it first rolled out. I like the whole check in process and felt online check in was cold.
However I use it for a few years now. I have my requests noted on my res and put the same with online check in. I feel you can be more specific with requests on res. Often I arrive early because I go to Ft Lauderdale first. It gives an option to tell your ETA, which I do, but never check first room available. I don't want to be stuck in a hole somewhere :scared: in a horrible view far away. This is my fear. But I think the CMs disregard the fact that I didn't check it and have been put in some crummy rooms. So I just look at room and if it's bad, I don't touch anything and go back to desk to ask if there is a room that fits my requests, and that I'm willing to wait. I've always been able to get a room that fits my requests by doing this.
I think room assignors really need to pay attention to that box, and if it says you're willing to wait don't throw you in first available room.
The good thing about early arrival is there is a larger pool of rooms if you don't like the room you got.

I'm a little worried about Nov trip, we are flying into mco and don't land till 5:00pm. We aren't going to beach this time. Don't expect to get to Pop much before 6:00 or 6:30. Who knows what rooms will be left!!
 





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