Checking In

[JudyAL]

We've never used the dining plan before. We're doing a split stay at Shades of Green and the Wilderness Lodge for our upcoming trip and starting at Shades of Green. I know the dining plan doesn't kick in until we move to WL, but do you have to physically check-in there for the dining plan to begin? Can I do an online check-in instead?

I'm asking because we have an ADR at Chef Mickey's for breakfast that morning since it's a moving day and we won't be going to the parks. I was originally thinking of paying out of pocket for it and using the TS credit at T-Rex later on, but I think I'd get more bang for the buck by using it at Chef Mickey's and paying out of pocket at T-Rex since we can tailor our food around what we want to spend instead. Not to mention that I have a 15% coupon I could use there also.

Thanks!

 

[auger]

Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but my understanding of the online check-in is that you are simply saving some counter time.m
You must still physically go to the resort and get your package before you can use any of the package components.
There is a different line for people who have done the online check in, where they have your package waiting.
It is just meant to be quicker than the regular process.

Edited to add:
You can check in as early as 7am. As long as your ADR at CM isn't before 8am, I would think you could easily get it done in time to make it to breakfast, provided you have your own transportation.

 

[roobug]

With Magic bands you do not need to physically check in to use your dinning plan it is already loaded on your band. You need to do online check in.

 

[auger]

Wow, great info!!!
That's why I always put disclaimers in my posts!!

I really hope this is right, because we have a member of our Sep group who will arrive later than the rest of us.
This way, she won't have to do anything more than get off the DME and onto the park bus to catch up to us.
She's a first timer, and I have been concerned about her navigating the situation alone.
But this makes it pretty simple!!

 

[aaarcher86]

I believe only your tickets are active without physical check in. Not the dining credits. Those aren't tied to MDE, they are tied to your resort reservation.

Online check in only expedites the process. It doesn't actually check you in. You still have to visit the front desk physically.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

At this time an adult must physically visit the front desk and present an ID before you can use any package components other than tickets.

Even if you did online check-in.

I suppose the eventual goal is to eliminate the need to go to the front desk at all, but they aren't there yet.

 

[auger]

But if our late arriver is in a room with someone who will be physically checking in, she should be good to go with dining credits and everything, shouldn't she?

 

[aaarcher86]

But if our late arriver is in a room with someone who will be physically checking in, she should be good to go with dining credits and everything, shouldn't she?

Yes. As long as the room has been checked into she should be good to go.

 

[auger]

Ok, that's what I figured.
Thanks!