Downtown Disney Check in

[sarahandgreg]

We are planning to use the DTD Virgin check in on Saturday 10th August. We dock at Port Canaveral on that morning - we plan to be up and off the boat early and drive straight to DD to use the check in.
I guess my question is - What is this like nowadays. I have not used it for years - my brother is visiting with the kids and we were trying to get some extra time at OKW pool before they have to head to MCO. Their flight is at 19.50.
Myself and DH are staying one more night at OKW so we are trying to keep the kids occupied at the pool rather than head to the airport earlier than needs be ( one child is autistic and so we dont want to have him hanging around any longer than necessary)
Would like to hear your opinions on this - if its worth doing or should they just go to the airport and check in there?
Do the kids need to be at the DD check in or can we keep them occupied elsewhere?

Thanks

 

[hiroMYhero]

We are planning to use the DTD Virgin check in on Saturday 10th August. We dock at Port Canaveral on that morning - we plan to be up and off the boat early and drive straight to DD to use the check in.
I guess my question is - What is this like nowadays. I have not used it for years - my brother is visiting with the kids and we were trying to get some extra time at OKW pool before they have to head to MCO. Their flight is at 19.50.
Myself and DH are staying one more night at OKW so we are trying to keep the kids occupied at the pool rather than head to the airport earlier than needs be ( one child is autistic and so we dont want to have him hanging around any longer than necessary)
Would like to hear your opinions on this - if its worth doing or should they just go to the airport and check in there?
Do the kids need to be at the DD check in or can we keep them occupied elsewhere?

Thanks

Moved you to the Transportation Board. Someone on this Board may know if it’s available.

 

[writerguyfl]

FYI: The name of the area is no longer Downtown Disney. It's been Disney Springs since 2015. (Downtown Disney does still exist in California, however.)

Although some people will know you mean Disney Springs, anyone that's relatively new to Florida (and doesn't follow Disney stuff) might be confused. For example, if you stop to ask for directions to Downtown Disney, not everyone will know what you mean.

Would like to hear your opinions on this - if its worth doing or should they just go to the airport and check in there?
Do the kids need to be at the DD check in or can we keep them occupied elsewhere?

While I can't offer an opinion about the service, the information provided on the Virgin Atlantic website seems to answer you second question.

"All members of your party must be present and you must bring your passports, tickets and all luggage to be checked in."
Source: https://www.virginholidays.co.uk/flight-information/virgin-atlantic

 

[Mikey15]

I honestly think you'd lose time heading to Disney Springs just to check in; it's a zoo on Saturdays. If you're driving a rental from Port Canaveral anyway, you're driving right past the airport. Stop at the airport, send the people who are flying that night in to the counter to check in and check their bags, circle around the Departures drop-off level once or twice (they won't let you sit there) and then that's one less thing to worry about.

Then, later that night when they head back to the airport, they can proceed with just their carry-ons right to security.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I honestly think you'd lose time heading to Disney Springs just to check in; it's a zoo on Saturdays. If you're driving a rental from Port Canaveral anyway, you're driving right past the airport. Stop at the airport, send the people who are flying that night in to the counter to check in and check their bags, circle around the Departures drop-off level once or twice (they won't let you sit there) and then that's one less thing to worry about.

Then, later that night when they head back to the airport, they can proceed with just their carry-ons right to security.

Before you do this plan make sure you can actually check-in at the airport that early. I don't know about Virgin but a lot of airlines will not take your luggage at the airport hours in advance. (Plus depending on the Virgin schedule they may not actually even have staffed desks early in the day)

 

[writerguyfl]

I honestly think you'd lose time heading to Disney Springs just to check in; it's a zoo on Saturdays.

That's a good point, but I don't think it will be too bad. The Disney Springs check-in area for Virgin Atlantic is located in the valet drop-off area next to the Cirque du Soleil theatre (Watermelon lot) between the hours of 8:15am and 1pm.

Parking shouldn't be an issue. As I understand it, you drive up to the area to drop off your bags and check-in. You shouldn't need to find an actual parking space unless you're staying at Disney Springs.

Before you do this plan make sure you can actually check-in at the airport that early. I don't know about Virgin but a lot of airlines will not take your luggage at the airport hours in advance. (Plus depending on the Virgin schedule they may not actually even have staffed desks early in the day)

Another good point. According to the Orlando airport page of Virgin Atlantic website (emphasis mine):

Counter check in and bag drop
You'll find our desks at A-3. These are located on Level 3 of Side A of the main terminal, also referred to as Terminal A. Check in starts from four hours before departure and closes one hour before departure.

Source: https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/at-the-airport/airport-guides/orlando.html