Checking In---How Early Is Too Early?

[PrincessSarah314]

I know that you if you arrive at your resort earlier than the check-in time and your room is ready they will let you into the room early. How early is that a possibility though?

We have a red-eye and expect to get to the resort AKL around 2-3 a.m. Should I book an extra night for the previous day or take my chances that we will get into our room early? We leave late June 5th, arriving early June 6th.

We are staying on points, and have never done a red-eye flight in. I would rather not burn the extra points if I don't have to. Has anyone ever done this with success?

Thanks!

 

[TDluvsDaisy]

The computers turn over at 6am. If you would like to get a room earlier than that you would have to book one for the previous day. If you do that, then your room will be ready when you get in.

 

[Raenstoirm]

Our room is very rarely ready when we arrive at 9am each trip. Even if you did arrive after the computers reset, it is likley the room wont be ready till 3 or 4 PM. Your best bet is to reserve a room at the airport and then grab the magical express that afternoon after you have slept.

 

[Greysword]

3am is very late the same day, not early the next day . I don't htink that qualifies as a "red-eye" flight, as I thought the designation meant flying through the night and arriving after the sun came up.

Either way, you would be arriving very late that night, so as was suggested, you may want to reserve a room at a hotel with an airport shuttle and sleep in late there. You could use the points, but it may not be worth it.

 

[PrincessSarah314]

The computers turn over at 6am. If you would like to get a room earlier than that you would have to book one for the previous day. If you do that, then your room will be ready when you get in.

Thank you! This was the information I was trying to figure out!

 

[PrincessSarah314]

Our room is very rarely ready when we arrive at 9am each trip. Even if you did arrive after the computers reset, it is likley the room wont be ready till 3 or 4 PM. Your best bet is to reserve a room at the airport and then grab the magical express that afternoon after you have slept.

Anyone know what time we could start catching the ME? Do they run on a set schedule such as every hour or so?

 

[PrincessSarah314]

3am is very late the same day, not early the next day . I don't htink that qualifies as a "red-eye" flight, as I thought the designation meant flying through the night and arriving after the sun came up.

Either way, you would be arriving very late that night, so as was suggested, you may want to reserve a room at a hotel with an airport shuttle and sleep in late there. You could use the points, but it may not be worth it.

I don't know if it technically is a red-eye either, but it is the last flight of the day, so I didn't know what else to call it!

I'm thinking we might just reserve a room at ASMu for that one night since we just read that there is an AP rate of $86/night.

Of course, that $86 spent is more than the savings of flying in so late. I don't think we can manage an earlier flight though, due to DBF's work schedule.

We could just fly into MCO the following day of course, but even though it would be cheaper than getting a room for 1 extra night somewhere, we would lose half the day in travel. I have no idea what to do!

 

[mickeynut1]

We have a red-eye and expect to get to the resort AKL around 2-3 a.m. Should I book an extra night for the previous day or take my chances that we will get into our room early? We leave late June 5th, arriving early June 6th.

You would have to make a reservation for the 5th to get your room when you arrive. Arriving between 2-3 a.m. is "technically" the 6th, but as far as Disney is concerned, it is still the 5th for check ins. As the pp mentioned, the computers roll over at 6 a.m., at which time (on the 6th) you can check in and get your KTTW cards. If your room isn't ready at that time, Disney will text you when it is.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

The computers turn over at 6am.

1) They computers actually start to churn at 2:00am
. . . there is no activity once this starts *
. . . usually done by 3:30am
. . . sometimes it takes until as late as 4:00am
. . . but, we have seen glitches causing churns as late as 6:00am
. . . on Wednesdays, they start at midnight for the "BIG" status
. . . the time is important, to get bills under the doors by 8:00am
. . . it is advertised to have bills delivered to rooms 6:00am-8:00am
2) It is just that CM's aren't allowed to check-in until 6:05am.
3) Arriving at 2:00am is like getting another night free.
. . . during the 90's many folks would drive overnight
. . . they would arrive about 3:00am
. . . they would ask for their room and sleep 3-4 hours
. . . then, they would hit the parks
. . . basically, they got an extra night
4) Free is not a word that is used at WDW.

* Frequently, people arrive during the "wee hours". For those, the keys
are printed ahead of time and ready at the Front Desk. The guest gets
the keys and then stops in the next morning to get the rest of the keys
and make them "charging".

 

[baler31]

4) Free is not a word that is used at WDW.

[/I]

 

[PrincessSarah314]

3) Arriving at 2:00am is like getting another night free.
. . . during the 90's many folks would drive overnight
. . . they would arrive about 3:00am
. . . they would ask for their room and sleep 3-4 hours
. . . then, they would hit the parks
. . . basically, they got an extra night
4) Free is not a word that is used at WDW.

So this was possible at one point in time but not anymore?

 

[pooh2001]

earliest check in 10 am at the CR. WL at 11 am.
WDW resorts seem to check in earlier.

Dolphin always at 3pm or 4 pm - go figure

 

[Maggie'sMom]

earliest check in 10 am at the CR. WL at 11 am.
WDW resorts seem to check in earlier.

Dolphin always at 3pm or 4 pm - go figure

You can check in to any WDW resort after 6am, but your room may not be ready until 3pm. Lots of people check in very early, drop their luggage with bell services, and head to the parks.

 

[danceintherain]

I agree with the suggestion to stay near/at the airport until the next morning. ME should be available to you all the time. Since you're coming in after 10pm, you have to get your own baggage.

If you choose this option, add a flight that arrives around the time you plan to be back at the airport to your ME reservation, instead of the flight you'll actually be on. This way, they'll know when to expect you.

I would not expect your room to be ready right at 6am, even if they're expecting you, so keep that in mind when you make your plans.

 

[wdwrich]

Anyone know what time we could start catching the ME? Do they run on a set schedule such as every hour or so?

DME runs 24/7 but not on a set schedule. More often during busy times of day.

 

[DisneyJonesGirl]

Bumping

 

[Greysword]

Of course, that $86 spent is more than the savings of flying in so late. I don't think we can manage an earlier flight though, due to DBF's work schedule.

Not sure you would want to, from a financial point of view. If the late flight is less expensive, then and earlier would be more, and you would still have the same $86/night room fee (plus taxes and fees).

However, staying on site would be nice, as the transfer to the new hotel would be done by the Disney folks.