Does DLH offer late check out?

[Rubygoose]

Our flight home leaves at 3:30 from SNA, so we'll be in the parks on our last day and we want to make it to EMH at 8am. I think we should probably pack up and check out before heading to the parks so that we don't have to return to the DLH before 11am to check out. But if they offer a late check out that would be better, so then we could grab some lunch and then check out at 1pm. I always get cold on the airplane, so it would be nice to change into pants before getting into the taxi. This will be on Thurs. Aug 28th, right before the marathon weekend. I know that they're booked up the next couple days, but I don't know if it will be that busy on the Thursday night. Has anyone successfully (or unsuccessfully) requested late check out at DLH?

 

[2tinkerbell]

I remember reading somewhere that late checkout was something like 12 o'clock noon. Not too much help for you there. That is a hard one to plan out.

Thursday will be busy at the DLH. The race weekend starts then and the Expo will be opened. Most people hit the Expo on Thursday, especially at opening so expect people standing in lines very early in the morning. RunDisney has gotten better, but, it is still a mad house. Not only that, but, people will be checking in early and having Bell Services hold their luggage, so that is also a consideration. I was basically very surprised how busy the 3 hotels, and especially DLH was. We didn't stay there, but, the difference from Friday and Saturday to Tuesday morning was remarkable in terms of people around.

 

[Girimama33]

Considering the day you need the late check out, I am not sure if it will be honored. I imagine they want to turn over rooms ASAP.
I think your best bet would be to pack up your bags and check out before EMH. Have Bell Services hold your luggage, and go to the park. Maybe you could have some pants available for quick access to change into before you leave.

 

[Rubygoose]

Thanks for the info - I've never been during a race weekend, and didn't realize that activities would start on the Thursday. I guess we'll just get packed up the night before, check out early and hit EMH before the crowds start arriving. I'll just make sure that I have a change of clothes that are easy to get to in my carry on so that I can change at the airport.

 

[Melgar541]

Just for my own information -- what do you need to enter the parks for EMH after you have checked out? I thought you needed ticket + room key to get in....

 

[whistlinmickey]

Just for my own information -- what do you need to enter the parks for EMH after you have checked out? I thought you needed ticket + room key to get in....

Your room key is valid for EMH on both the day you check in and the day you check out. You can "check in" before park opening on your first day. You will be issued key cards for everyone on your reservation, but they won't (usually) be activated until you get a text or other message later in the day to tell you your room is ready. On the day you check out, you get to keep your keys. Each key is personalized just for you. They have names and dates on them so the CMs at the turnstiles can check them for being valid the days you use them for EMH.

 

[Melgar541]

Thanks! Just another perk for staying onsite -- personalized souvenir hotel keys.

 

[2tinkerbell]

Rubygoose - we are also going to the Parks on our last day and then heading to the airport at 4:30pm. We are staying at DLH, too. I always pack an airplane bag/carry on that fits under the seat in front of me. It has snacks, electronics, my wallet, etc. I plan on packing that and checking it in with Bell Services when we go to the Parks. I plan on packing some airplane clothes (pants and hoodie) into my airplane bag. While in the parks I will just use my cross body purse that day. I plan on going back to the DLH and get our luggage from Bell Services to utilize their restrooms to change and freshen up. I will just stick my cross body into my airplane bag.

The difference with us is that we have Goofy's Kitchen scheduled that morning and will check out after breakfast and then go to the Parks. No EMH that day for us.