check in time

[madjohn]

I see check in time is 3. Is that strictly enforced? Can you get in earlier? What details to all you have.

Thanks
John

 

[tiggerdad]

All of my arrivals have been around 0900 - 1000 and we have been able to get a site. You are assigned a site from 1-5 days prior to your arrival. If you arrive early and your assigned site is not ready you will have the option to choose another site that is ready or you can wait in the overflow parking lot and get your magicbands and go on to the parks and they'll call you when your site is ready.

If they have no sites ready when you arrive you will be directed to the overflow lot and can usually go on to the parks and they'll let you know when it is ready.

 

[bama_ed]

BTW, madjohn, I think the 3pm check-in time is for cabins. Campsites have a 1pm check-in time.

Whenever you are ready to show up and check in, I say do it. Tiggerdad's strategy works. In any event, the CM's will work it out for you.

Bama Ed

 

[madjohn]

Thanks, this is very good to know.

John

 

[CooperPrincesses]

Thank you for asking this question. We are hoping to get set up earlier rather then later so our girls can enjoy DTD a bit before a late lunch at TRex. Crossing my fingers for an 11am check in.

 

[John VN]

Thank you for asking this question. We are hoping to get set up earlier rather then later so our girls can enjoy DTD a bit before a late lunch at TRex. Crossing my fingers for an 11am check in.

Right turn out of our driveway at 0500 and arrive at the guard shack by 0735. The check-in plaza is not occupied by CMs at that time so DW goes into the Outpost and does the paperwork. Sometimes the site is available and sometimes not, but the simple fact is that no matter what happens we are at FW and that means our relaxation time has begun.

 

[CooperPrincesses]

Right turn out of our driveway at 0500 and arrive at the guard shack by 0735. The check-in plaza is not occupied by CMs at that time so DW goes into the Outpost and does the paperwork. Sometimes the site is available and sometimes not, but the simple fact is that no matter what happens we are at FW and that means our relaxation time has begun.

MAN! Now I want to leave out even earlier!!! Hhhhmmmmm maybe we can push breakfast back another hour.....

 

[Teamubr]

Right turn out of our driveway at 0500 and arrive at the guard shack by 0735.

On the same day??? That's just wrong.

simple fact is that no matter what happens we are at FW and that means our relaxation time has begun.

That's my attitude. Lots to do even without a site. No worries.

j

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Check-in any time after 6:05am.
. . . not before
. . . otherwise, it is like getting a free night
. . . yes, WDW caught onto this some time ago
2) The site might be ready yet, but you can check-in for tickets, etc.

 

[peg110]

As others have said, you can check in before 1 (or 3) PM, just be aware depending upon your preference, how busy the fort is, whether you are willing to "Wait" for your ideal site, etc... You may not get the desired site you want. If you don't really care that it's not in the "Loop" you wanted and you just want to get in and get setup (i.e compromise), then you might get to the site sooner. If not then you may have to wait until the normal checkin time. Just KNOW before you GO what you might be dealing with.

The one year we went and we checked in about 730 AM. Took about 30 minutes to go through the process and such. The Overflow lot was PACKED. Not an empty spot to be found. I parked blocking a few spots but someone was staying with the vehicle at all times. DW and I finished checking in, we were going back to the camper to get our breakfast (just some cereal) and I no sooner poured my bowl of cereal, and I got the text message that the site was ready. (This after a security guy on a golf cart came by to comment on our parking. I told him that we would stay with the vehicle to move it if one of the blocked vehicles needed to get out. He laughed and commented on how crazy full the lot was and then went on his way).

We made it to our site with plenty of time to get set up and have a relaxing day at DTD.

Either way, I hope you enjoy your stay.

 

[marblesphx]

We called ahead and they were able to accommodate. If they can't, they have a storage lot where you can park your rig and then leave and check the place out!