Has anyone ever taken the autotrain and checking into a room early?

[Malibelle]

We are taking the autotrain down this weekend, arriving on Sunday morning around 8:30am. We will most likely get to SSR around 10-10:30. Will they let us check in early if anything is available? we need a place to wash up after sleeping on the train the night before.

What has everyone else done in this situation? we would like to use our DDP for lunch that day too.

 

[jel0511]

You can check in and get your room cards which will allow you to access your dining plan. Now having your room ready at that time of day, I wouldn't count on it.

 

[CraftyMouse]

I would also not count on having a room ready when you arrive. As Jel0511 said, you'll still be able to check in early and get your room keys/dining plan, but the odds of a room being ready are slim.

We've driven overnight before and had to wait for a room. We freshen up a bit in the restrooms, change our clothes and then go on with our day. Is there a shower room at the pool at SSR? I know that some resorts have them but I'm not sure about SSR. If so, that would be a good option for you.

 

[Starr W.]

We got there about that time last year(Sat. before Thanksgiving). We booked a 2br. They had one open at the Grandstand, but we decided to wait for our CP unit to be cleaned.

 

[CarolA]

Check out is not until 11 and right now the DVC resorts are FULL. So probably your room won't be ready. I would assume it's not going to be ready and be prepared. Better to be "surprised" then "disappointed" LOL!

 

[ldo]

I have taken the autotrain to WDW many times. The arrival time is now 9:30 and then you have to wait for your car. The train can easily be 30-45 late on arrival and it can take up to 1 hour to get your car. We usually get off train and get our car at about 10:30-11:30 AM. It is a solid 30+ minute drive to WDW. We usually grab fast food lunch and arrive at Disney hotel around noon-1:00 PM.
You have a decent chance of getting a room by noon. IF not, check in, and get your dining credits, eat and/or lounge at pool area (also, there are locker rooms/showers through the door that is exact opposite of the Community Hall--they are under the spa area--if facing arcade, go directly left and you will hit the door--walk around/under the stairs that go up to the spa--do NOT try to use the showers in the spa--reports here say they are VERY strict about this--). have fun! Elaine

 

[CarolA]

WARNING!

Check your train.
There's a post on the Transportation board that trains for the next few days have been cancelled due to some manufacturing issue. Not sure how long they are talking about!

 

[Starr W.]

Check out is not until 11 and right now the DVC resorts are FULL. So probably your room won't be ready. I would assume it's not going to be ready and be prepared. Better to be "surprised" then "disappointed" LOL!

When getting in early, we always have Plan A, drop bags at Bell Service and off to a park. I kind of like that, because when the room is ready everyone dawdles going to the bathroom, turning on the tv and various other dawdling activities. Or the dreaded "let's relax" for a bit!

 

[JaxFLBear]

Hopefully this won't affect you.

Partial quote from article found today on OrlandoSentinel.com. Link to full story after quote:

Amtrak's Auto Train won't resume until at least Friday
Gary Taylor | Sentinel Staff Writer
11:55 AM EST, November 19, 2008
It will be at least Friday before Amtrak resumes operation of its popular Auto Train between Sanford and Lorton, Va.

Both the northbound and southbound trains were cancelled Tuesday when cracks were discovered in the underframes of the auto carriers. The cracks were discovered during a routine inspection before the train was scheduled to depart, Amtrak spokeswoman Tracy Connell said. She did not know if the problem was first discovered in Florida or Virginia, but after the initial discovery problems were found on car carriers in both locations, she said.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/seminole/orl-amtrak-111908,0,3674740.story

 

[Malibelle]

I hope they get this fixed before Saturday! I don't want to drive down.