Check-in questions

[MedCruise07]

I have a few questions about the check-in process (not during free dining). First, does everyone in the family have to be present? And second, what kind of ID (if any) do they ask for at check-in?

My problem is that I have a package (room+tickets) booked for Dec. 22-28. We have decided to fly rather than drive, and we will be arrivng a day earlier than planned. This is mostly good, but . . . now I need someplace to stay the night of Dec. 21. The easiest thing would be to do a room-only night at AKL, the same resort as we will be staying in for the rest of the trip. But the cheapest thing would be to get a room at one of the All-Stars for that one night. But if we do that, can I go over by myself to AKL and get everyone's room keys/tickets and then meet them at one of the parks or do I have to drag everyone with me to AKL?

 

[mickeystoontown]

Everyone in your party does not have to be present when checking in. Our daughter flew in two days after we drove in and I was able to get her room key/park ticket without her even being at Disney yet. I honestly can't remember if they asked to see my ID or not. If they did, it was probably my driver's license.

 

[madalex]

The easiest thing would be to do a room-only night at AKL, the same resort as we will be staying in for the rest of the trip. But the cheapest thing would be to get a room at one of the All-Stars for that one night. But if we do that, can I go over by myself to AKL and get everyone's room keys/tickets and then meet them at one of the parks or do I have to drag everyone with me to AKL?

You do not have to take everyone over to AKL to check in and can do exactly what you suggest - check in on your own and meet up with the rest of your party elsewhere. This is what I usually do when doing a split stay and it is not a problem.

 

[disnut8]

Well, you don't have to drag them over to Animal Kingdom Lodge but if they've been annoying you up until this point, drag them over too. Why should they have all the fun while you are losing park time to check everyone in?

But seriously, you can check them all in without them being present. As long as your name is on the room reservation (it doesn't have to be in your name). They will ask for a driver's license. My husband has checked us in while I was sick in the car. I even checked my in-laws in before they arrived at Disney World (same last name). It's not a problem.

But I do think your family should owe you something for your troubles.

 

[MedCruise07]

Thanks for the replies, and good points disnut--but I am hoping that no one will lose park time. In fact, one of my reasons for wanting to leave them behind while I go check in is that I think I can accomplish this task much more quickly by myself. Probably more peacefully, too. Actually I might take one of the kids with me--but it's nice to know I have the option of just hustling over by myself if they are all running late.

 

[GoofyTraci]

they never asked me if everyone was here in my party. they just checked me in and gave me my cards and i went on my way.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I have checked in days before the rest of them arrive and got everyone's cards.

They ask for a driver's license. If you plan to make room charges, you have to leave a form of payment for that, too.

 

[Simba22]

I have only ever needed to show my ID and I think they asked for credit card to be on file for "just in case" scenarios but I may be imaging that.... it's been a long day! Anyhoo...as others have said, you do not need the whole family to be there