DVC Late Check In Times- CCV

[disneypanda11]

We're staying at CCV (rental, non-DVC members) in April 2020. I've read a few mentions that check in at DVC resorts can run quite late. Can anyone share their experiences with me, positively or negatively? We're really hoping for a check in around 4 PM to preserve as much of our LO's schedule as possible. We'll come prepared for a worst case scenario, but I'd like an idea of whether this is something we should likely expect or if it's relatively rare.

 

[dansdad]

We're staying at CCV (rental, non-DVC members) in April 2020. I've read a few mentions that check in at DVC resorts can run quite late. Can anyone share their experiences with me, positively or negatively? We're really hoping for a check in around 4 PM to preserve as much of our LO's schedule as possible. We'll come prepared for a worst case scenario, but I'd like an idea of whether this is something we should likely expect or if it's relatively rare.

You're going to get experiences that run the gamut from getting their room early (rare though), getting at or around 4PM (the majority) and later than 4PM (somewhat rare). Check In for DVC officially starts at 4PM. Most are under the impression that they are supposed to have their room by 4PM at the latest which isn't accurate.

 

[hereforthechurros]

It really is impossible to tell as it all has to do with inventory on your day of check in. We were able to get into our CCV two bedroom early (noon) but that was only after checking in at the front desk, explaining that half of our party had flown in on the redeye from LA and were desperate for a nap, and that any room room no matter what the floor/view would do. And it still took about 20 minutes of time for the front desk to communicate with the powers that be to make it happen. Long way of staying early check in isn’t common.

But don’t be afraid to mill about starting at 3 pm or so. The lobby is large and quiet and your little one may be able to have some down time that way. Check in in person and let them know, nicely, that whatever they can do to get you in a room at 4 pm is very much appreciated.

 

[cvjw]

Plan on 4:00. Be pleasantly surprised if it is any earlier.

 

[mrsap]

The last two times were around 2:30. Good luck!

 

[Best Aunt]

If your room is not ready, there are sitting areas on the 4th floor which would be less busy than the lobby.

As PP said, it could be after 4:00 before your room is ready.

 

[Deb & Bill]

It may depend on when you are going in April. If you are there around Easter, it will probably be hard to get your villa early. If you are checking in on Sunday, lots of member check in on Sunday to avoid the higher point Saturday night. Be pleasantly surprised like cvjw said if you get it by 4PM. Otherwise, plan on after 4PM since check in for DVC is after 4PM.

 

[holden]

Our most recent experience was around 9:30pm.

 

[disneypanda11]

Our most recent experience was around 9:30pm.

Oh goodness, I'm sorry to hear that. That's my worst fear! I never count on early check in, but I feel like it's reasonable to expect the stated check-in time. Nearly 6 hours past is unacceptable.

 

[disneypanda11]

Plan on 4:00. Be pleasantly surprised if it is any earlier.

I'd be happy with 4 PM! I'm not concerned about it being earlier; I'm mostly worried about the room being available close to the stated check-in time (i.e. at or shortly after 4 PM).

 

[holden]

Oh goodness, I'm sorry to hear that. That's my worst fear! I never count on early check in, but I feel like it's reasonable to expect the stated check-in time. Nearly 6 hours past is unacceptable.

I was very surprised. I don’t think it’s ever been that late before. I’ve even gotten texts that the room is ready while we are still at home in PA!

 

[Hopefully]

I'd be happy with 4 PM! I'm not concerned about it being earlier; I'm mostly worried about the room being available close to the stated check-in time (i.e. at or shortly after 4 PM).

As several PP have said, DVC Checkin Starts at 4 PM. It can be any time after, although 6 hours later seems unreasonable

 

[jo-jo]

What could be the reason for getting a room at 9:30? I'd be a very unhappy camper with timing, especially if I was doing a one night stay.

 

[Brett Wyman]

You're going to get experiences that run the gamut from getting their room early (rare though), getting at or around 4PM (the majority) and later than 4PM (somewhat rare). Check In for DVC officially starts at 4PM. Most are under the impression that they are supposed to have their room by 4PM at the latest which isn't accurate.

Pretty much. 7 DVC stays in 3 years. Zero early check ins. An even mix of ready right around 4pm and not ready until closer to 5pm. Grand Californian was the worst. It was closer to 5:30.

Edit: I should add that we ALWAYS do a room request which most certainly causes check in delays as they wait for your requesting room type or area to become available.

 

[holden]

What could be the reason for getting a room at 9:30? I'd be a very unhappy camper with timing, especially if I was doing a one night stay.

It was a race weekend. Not sure if that's the reason why. We stayed in a 2BR unit.

Luckily it worked out ok for us. We were busy until the room was ready anyway. I was just really surprised it was so late.

 

[Best Aunt]

What could be the reason for getting a room at 9:30? I'd be a very unhappy camper with timing, especially if I was doing a one night stay.

Maintenance required? Previous guests were slobs? Shortage of housekeepers?

 

[sethschroeder]

Most are under the impression that they are supposed to have their room by 4PM at the latest which isn't accurate.

I think it's perfectly acceptable to expect your room when check in opens. Yes it might not happen but then where is the line? Disney either needs have rooms ready by 4 or publish a ready by time.

The current system is nothing more than a way to provide subpar service as it pertains to getting your room without being called out. If they stated that room ready was guareteed by 7pm or 8pm would that not be a hot topic? Especially with how relatively overpriced they are.

Yes I know they can charge more because of the vicinity. My comment is more so they are not short on profit to cover the extra staff needed to have rooms ready earlier. Not to mention with so many rooms across all WDW and basically a room turn over schedule fairly accurate at 30 days out it would be easy to schedule additional staff likely that rotates between resorts.

 

[jo-jo]

Maintenance required? Previous guests were slobs? Shortage of housekeepers?

Shortage of housekeepers shouldn't be the guests fault. I would hope if someone had to wait until 9:30 , they got more than have a magical day.

 

[disneypanda11]

As several PP have said, DVC Checkin Starts at 4 PM. It can be any time after, although 6 hours later seems unreasonable

I think it's perfectly acceptable to expect your room when check in opens. Yes it might not happen but then where is the line? Disney either needs have rooms ready by 4 or publish a ready by time.

I suppose this was the disconnect for me. I've always understood the check-in time to mean the time at which you can arrive, register, and access your room (exceptional circumstances aside). I've never understood it to be the beginning of the timeframe during which rooms may be ready, though perhaps I need to adjust my expectation.

I think the bottom line to this is that it's not a sure thing and with no stated standard on Disney's part on when they "guarantee" a room by, we'll just come prepared for all contingencies. Thanks to those who suggested quieter waiting areas, that's a great idea!

 

[sethschroeder]

I suppose this was the disconnect for me. I've always understood the check-in time to mean the time at which you can arrive, register, and access your room (exceptional circumstances aside). I've never understood it to be the beginning of the timeframe during which rooms may be ready, though perhaps I need to adjust my expectation.

I think the bottom line to this is that it's not a sure thing and with no stated standard on Disney's part on when they "guarantee" a room by, we'll just come prepared for all contingencies. Thanks to those who suggested quieter waiting areas, that's a great idea!

I will say I never had the horror stories of some happen to me *knock on wood*. I think it really depends on what day of the week you arrive, was it the first day after a big holiday, or is it a day when 90% of the resort arrives and they have to turn over 1000 rooms compared to the normal 200?

Good luck and feel free to stop by the front desk when you arrive to inquire about a room. If you are okay with any room and just want it sooner than let them know as well.

At AKV I had a room by 9:30am and 10:45am for both parts of our stay (moved from 2Br to 1Br).