Early check-in possibility

[arthur06]

Our flight will be arriving at MCO around 1130 on Sunday... we are starting out at SSR. I figure by the time we get off the plane and to the bus and resort we are looking at between 12-1. We are traveling with DS2, DS11months and a nap could be a early must. How often are people successful with early check in? Would I possibly get my room quicker if I explained my situation?

 

[stopher1]

We checked in to SSR Saturday morning at about 9:15. Our "original" room wasn't ready yet, the guy at the desk told me, but there were other rooms avialable, so he just gave me one of those. We had originally done the online check-in, stating we'd be here around 7 after a day at Sea World. That morning we decided we didn't want luggage sitting in the car all day, so we drove over to at least drop it with Bell Services, but when I got to the desk, that's what happened. We didn't expect it, and were pleasantly surprised.

 

[castleri]

We had the same thing happen at OKW on Wednesday when we checked in at 10:30 am . I think if you are not picky about where the room is you stand a good chance of getting into a room early.

 

[nenichkareed]

I have had it happen both ways. In the many time we have gone to Disney using our DVC it is very random if you can get into the room before check in. They will always check you in and can store your luggage, but it is not always they will give you your room number. We have been given a number to call after the check in time to get the room number, and our keys being already programed work when we get up there, then just call bell hop and up luggage comes.

So, it can work out either way, good luck and have an awesome time.

 

[tjkraz]

If getting into your room early is an urgent need:

1. Do not list ANY requests on the reservation. Let them know that you will take whatever is available.
2. Use the on-line check-in. The check-in system asks for your arrival time and according to resort CMs they use that information to try and coordinate having a room available at the time you arrive.

Unless using on-line trumps all, honestly I would put your odds around 50/50 of getting into a room immediately. Sundays are tough because there are sooooo many people arriving. SSR may have 800-1200 rooms, but they also have HUNDREDS of families arriving in a single Sunday due to the weighted DVC point charts.

IMO, the greatest chances of getting a room early come when you check-in very early. I've been in my DVC villa by 9am Sunday morning on multiple occasions. But as the day goes on, the flow of guests increases and new arrivals get bottlenecked behind housekeeping. That's when you end up having to wait until late afternoon to get into the room.

My kids are only a couple years removed from the nap ages so I remember it all too well. Whenever possible, don't put yourself in the position of relying on "Disney Magic" to make or break the start of your trip. Consider things like coming in a day early and staying off-site or at a cash resort. Then you're already in town to do that early DVC check-in. Adjust your arrival time accordingly (early or late...whatever works best.)

I always avoid making any big plans that first night. You wouldn't believe how many horror story trip reports invariably begin with the 5pm ADR that was disrupted by a late flight / late luggage / late room assignment, etc. Keep your first day VERY flexible and adjust accordingly.

Good luck!

 

[crisi]

Also, have a back up plan. Know where a quiet spot is to let the kids nap that isn't your room. SSR has a lounge back by the Turf Club if I recall that seemed quiet - or quieter - but someone who knows SSR better than I do might be able to give you a better idea. Make sure your daybag has ample supplies for not getting into your room past five.

If you hope for the best and plan for the worst, you won't be thrown for a loop and start the vacation on the wrong foot.

 

[TinkGirl]

Both times we went to SSR, we checked in early. As a previous poster stated, if your assigned room isn't ready they may give you the option to take what's available. When we used online check-in with no request at BC, we got our room at arrival (12:30).

 

[Cee]

I agree that one should never make plans on arrival day. We always relax and get "the lay of the land" so to speak. When we were there in Sept., we arrived around 1:30 p.m. and our Treehouse was ready. We did online check-in. It was the fastest I've ever been in and out of there. And I've been going to WDW a LONG time!