First time using online check-in. help?

[mdelano4]

So this will be the first time we use online check-in and I see that it's available 60 days in advance. What are the advantages/drawbacks of checking in that far in advance?

Thanks in advance for your insight.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I think one of the advantages is being able to state your arrival time. Not sure if it actually works this way, but if you arrive early, I like to think it gives them a better chance of assigning you to a room that might be available when you get there. Plus they text your room number to you so you can go straight there if you prefer to skip the lobby. One downside is you don't get the front desk experience which I actually kind of enjoy. When we last did it, we still went downstairs to get park maps, a resort map and buttons, etc.

 

[disneynutz]

Online check in was created for Disney cash guests and convention guests to save Disney money. DVC added it because they could, often the room requests are not valid for DVC. No benefit to check in early unless the room assigner uses the date to prioritize assignments, unknown if they all do. If you don't want to stop by the front desk then online check in is fine.

Bill

 

[bumbershoot]

Online check in was created for Disney cash guests and convention guests to save Disney money.

Online checkin existed years before they started the direct to room stuff. We did it our first trip in 2010.


OP I cannot think of anything that's a true negative. For those staying on cash, if you want to pay room balance with gift cards, then call at least a day before you arrive to do that. Since they now require a debit/credit card to be entered for online checkin, cash rooms are charged the morning of checkin. It can be refunded and you can be charged properly, but it's easier to call ahead of time.

That's the only negative I can think of. And there's a way around it. And likely doesn't apply to you assuming you're booked on points.

 

[FroggyRN]

Is that avaiable for Aulani as well?