Early check in question?

[Alexandra]

Our last night in Disney is going to be spent at the AK this is a big splurge for us. Now we are driving home the next day, so of course that doesn't leave us with alot of time to actually enjoy the place so I was thinking of spending most of the day checking out the resort and swimming, eating and just exploring the area. I've never done this before so I was wondering is this o.k to do even if say an actual room hasn't been assigned to you yet when you arrive. I think I read some where that you can check in early even if they don't actually have your room ready and that you just check back in later. Thanks for any info you can give.
Alexandra

 

[BCV23]

You're right. You can check in first thing in the am and enjoy the resort all day even if you don't get your room until 3. Usually you'll be given a # to call to check if your room is ready.

BTW, you can also enjoy the pool on your checkout day even after you've vacated your room. Although if you're starting a drive home, I guess that won't help this time!

 

[ADisneygirl]

You may get lucky like we did -- we arrived early after the end of our cruise. I think we got to AKL at 10:15am, and we went to the desk to check in and our room was ready! If it hadn't been ready, (which we were expecting) we were planning on leaving our bags with them and exploring the hotel. We had a smaller daybag packed with our swimsuits/change of clothes so that we could go in the pool. This is common -- nothing unusual about enjoying the hotel ammenities the day of check-in before your room is ready. And there is a lot to see there at this resort.

Good luck on getting your room early! You'll love the AKL -- one of my favorites now.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

We arrived at the Poly at 7am and checked in on our trip. Our room was not ready yet and they gave us a card and told us to call back around 3pm. Well, at 11am, my 3 kids after driving all night and having an early morning in the park were ready to settle down in a room. I called the front desk and asked if there was any room available that we could get in to. She told us about a couple of different rooms that were open then and we decided to take one that was in Tokelau (hope the spelling is correct). It was on the 2nd floor on the end of the building. When we got there, I was so suprised when I opened the drapes and saw a wonderful view of the lagoon! (we had a garden view room). It turned out this was a wonderful room and I don't think we could have gotten a better one if we had waited.

 

[kevind65]

you most certainly can do an early check-in; even if the room is not ready yet. heck, you may get lucky and the room be ready for you. this past april, we checked-in at POFQ at 6am when we first arrived and were told the room was ready right then and there. that was super cool after driving all night to get there. also, the early check-in is a super way to get special request such as room types, views & locations.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Our flights have always had us in Orlando before 11Am and we're ususlly in WDW by noon. Our room has always been ready, but we are prepared to go to the parks and leave our luggage behind.

 

[The Duchess]

We always stay at WL Cabins our first night then go over to YC early in the next AM and check in. They will give you your room #...check it out even if it isn't ready...if you don't like the view/location, ask for another room. This worked for us on our first YC trip. Second trip we requested the same Room# and it was already ready that morning. So, it all depends on the circumstances. Regardless, the resort will stow your luggage and you can get your Park Passes and WDW charge cards.

 

[Alexandra]

Thanks to all for the info. It sounds like we should have no problem and maybe even get lucky with our room for checking in early. It's actually 2004 now so I'm getting excited. After our Disney trip we will be attending a family reunion in Ocean City Maryland in July so lots to look forward to this year as well as our big new purchase, we are buying a 46 inch t.v and I'm so excited will pick it up tomorrow! Yipee Now I can watch all my favorite Disney movies and Star Wars on a big screen!