Early resort check in - where to store valuables?

[mieuxmew]

Our plane lands Sat 10/13 9 am. I am estimating we will check in to Art of Animation around 10 am. Do you think our room will be ready? If not, I know we can store our carry ons with bell services while we head to the parks but what about securely storing stuff like laptop computer/iPad/camera equipment until our room is ready? Thanks!

 

[dansdad]

Other than bell services, there may be lockers with keys at the main pool. I know the main pool at CBR has these, I don't know about AofA.

 

[goofeygirl]

Our plane lands Sat 10/13 9 am. I am estimating we will check in to Art of Animation around 10 am. Do you think our room will be ready? If not, I know we can store our carry ons with bell services while we head to the parks but what about securely storing stuff like laptop computer/iPad/camera equipment until our room is ready? Thanks!

If the hotel is not full the night before and there available rooms at the ready when you arrive then they will allow you to check in early. They do this because its good c.s. and also not to have a crowd of folk hanging around waiting for their rooms. That being said, if the hotel was full the night before and the housekeepers have a lot of checkout rooms to clean - then you doubtfully will be able to check in early.

I would contact the hotel ahead of time for info so that you are prepared for whatever situation. In the meantime if you go to your reservation online you can check off in an area the approx time of your arrival...and you can call reservations and have them put it in your reservation record to the f.d. will be aware ahead of time.

 

[siskaren]

If the hotel is not full the night before and there available rooms at the ready when you arrive then they will allow you to check in early. They do this because its good c.s. and also not to have a crowd of folk hanging around waiting for their rooms. That being said, if the hotel was full the night before and the housekeepers have a lot of checkout rooms to clean - then you doubtfully will be able to check in early.

At Disney, you can check in as early as 6am, which is when their computers turn over to that day's business. (At least I think it's 6am, it may be 7am.)There may not be a room ready, but you can definitely check in. As the OP said, bell services can hold your carry-ons for you while you head out to the parks, and then they'll text you when the room is ready.

 

[vicki_c]

Just store all your items with Bell Services. We do it every trip. So check in whenever you want and if your room is not ready, have them hold your items. We have left everything with no problems, laptops, cameras, etc. Safer than in the car.

 

[POOHsie]

We stayed at the Dolphin for a convention. We brought computer equipment and luggage. We requested that the computer equipment be put in secured storage. They had a locked cage for that purpose. I don't know if the same is true of Disney resorts, but there should be some accommodation for security of valuables.

 

[TotallyTink]

I've left a laptop with bell services at POR and it was fine. They stored it in a secure location separate from our luggage. We had to go to claim the laptop personally. They would not bring it to our room for us like they did with the rest of our luggage.

 

[JennyDrake]

I also store with bell services, but you can also ask at the front desk about the use of a safe if your room in not ready/ I have used the "front desk safes" on more than one occasion.

 

[DisneyHardin]

I've stowed my laptop with Bell Services at lots of different hotels without any incident.

 

[bumbershoot]

We stayed at the Dolphin for a convention. We brought computer equipment and luggage. We requested that the computer equipment be put in secured storage. They had a locked cage for that purpose. I don't know if the same is true of Disney resorts, but there should be some accommodation for security of valuables.

They definitely have the extra secure storage at Disney resorts! Just tell them, and it's a separate tag.

I've left a laptop with bell services at POR and it was fine. They stored it in a secure location separate from our luggage. We had to go to claim the laptop personally. They would not bring it to our room for us like they did with the rest of our luggage.

That's odd that they wouldn't bring it up, they always have for us.

 

[spiceycat]

be carefully with valuables at WDW.

never take anything you can't afford to loose.

so back up your computers and anything else you can back up before you go.

Disney is a fairly safe place - but it has thiefs that will go in your room to steal stuff.

their wall safes - well a few years ago - a thief, who was before this a Disney eimployee, actually torn down the wall to get the safe.

so not saying don't use them - but be prepared is something happens.

this is probably silly.

 

[disnut8]

Our plane lands Sat 10/13 9 am. I am estimating we will check in to Art of Animation around 10 am. Do you think our room will be ready? If not, I know we can store our carry ons with bell services while we head to the parks but what about securely storing stuff like laptop computer/iPad/camera equipment until our room is ready? Thanks!

I'd just leave everything with Bell Services. I mean - they KNOW you know they have them. If you really want to make a big deal about it, take a photo of your stuff before you give it to them but I think that's taking it a bit far.

We leave both laptops out in our room and nothing has ever been disturbed. One time, I even forgot and left the laptop on the bed and the bed was made and the laptop put back on the bed.

Not everyone in the world is a thief.

 

[spiceycat]

Not everyone in the world is a thief.

I agree not everyone is a thief - you only need one to ruin your trip.

the majority of Disney employees are honest.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

At Disney, you can check in as early as 6am, which is when their computers turn over to that day's business . . .

1) Computers turn over 2:00am-3:30am
2) But, they dimply don't allow checkin until 6:00am.
3) Otherwise you could sleep and get rested, without paying an extra night.
4) And, yes, people have tried to check-in at 5:00am and sleep a few hours.

5) As for storing valuables
. . . the front desk has safety deposit boxes (like a bank, with two sizes)
. . . the boxes are good for wallets, cameras, iPods, phones, but not computers
. . . for others, just have Bell Services keep locked luggage
. . . however, Bell Service does not have lock cages, and doesn't assure safety

 

[nkereina]

As a PP mentioned, whether or not your room will be ready solely depends on the occupancy level the night before, and also if you have any requests that you reiterate at check-in. We went in September when the hotel was not full the night before but since we wanted a room in the mansions at POR on an upper floor, our room was not ready until 2pm with the cleaning rotation.

I too would put it in your luggage and leave it with bell services. You can buy TSA approved luggage locks that allow you to lock your luggage during travel but is able to be opened by TSA through a special instrument for inspection if needed. It still keeps your luggage locked to anyone else though. You can find these in most travel sections of stores but if not, bring a regular old luggage lock to lock it up when its with bell services if needed. No rules against luggage locks there.