Homecomin' Brunch before checkout

[Adili]

I'm checking out of Old Key West on a Saturday. I'm thinking about trying to make a brunch reservation at Homecomin' on my checkout day when my ADR window opens (which would be at 60+6 days). We're a family of 2 adults and 2 children. If I can get a 9 AM brunch reservation, do you think I would have time to drive back to OKW to finish last-minute packing and check out before 11 AM?

 

[Her Dotness]

I wouldn't do it as stressed as housekeepers are currently.

Perhaps just my preference because my mom once worked as a hotel maid and said it made her shift so much easier when people got out of their room well before checkout time.

Also, you never can tell how quickly you'll be seated and how speedy service will be on weekends when lots of locals come to Disney Springs to eat and shop.

 

[OKW Lover]

If I can get a 9 AM brunch reservation, do you think I would have time to drive back to OKW to finish last-minute packing and check out before 11 AM?

Very doubtful. I'd plan on packing and getting out of the unit first and perhaps schedule the brunch for 10-ish.

 

[SteveH]

I'd say pack up and check out too, we did that but that was back when they would actually take the bags to the airline for you, but it's one less thing you need to worry about. We opted to take the boat back and forth so we had that last easy going morning vs being rushed.

 

[Adili]

Thanks! I'll try to schedule a later brunch after checkout then.

 

[bumbershoot]

Glad you're looking at a later meal.

To prep yourselves for checking out, consider getting popup hampers to keep dirty clothes in. When traveling with more than just myself, I tend to empty a suitcase and fold up the dirty laundry and put it into that suitcase every other day or so, to pre-pack. Of course if you're washing clothes that changes things, but there are always things you KNOW you won't rewear. As you use things you won't re-use, put them in that suitcase. That way you're more prepared for the end.

 

[Eastern]

When we do this, we usually pack up everything before breakfast so when we get back we are ready to go. No need to check out of your resort room early: you paid for it. Probably a lot of money! Put the 'do not disturb' sign on the door before you leave.

Also I would go to the front desk when you arrive and ask for a later checkout. Usually they will do one hour extra, but there is a limit as to how many rooms they will let do this so ask early.

 

[Adili]

To prep yourselves for checking out, consider getting popup hampers to keep dirty clothes in. When traveling with more than just myself, I tend to empty a suitcase and fold up the dirty laundry and put it into that suitcase every other day or so, to pre-pack.

We will definitely be washing clothes during our stay, but the popup hamper is a good idea that I never thought about before.

 

[Adili]

Also I would go to the front desk when you arrive and ask for a later checkout. Usually they will do one hour extra, but there is a limit as to how many rooms they will let do this so ask early.

That would be great if they'll give us a late checkout. If I ask upon arrival, would they be able to tell me right away if I can get a late checkout so that I can adjust my plans, or do they usually tell you closer to checkout day? I've heard that with the shortage of housekeepers, late checkouts can be hard to come by; so I'll assume I have to check out at 11 until I'm told otherwise.

 

[Eastern]

That would be great if they'll give us a late checkout. If I ask upon arrival, would they be able to tell me right away if I can get a late checkout so that I can adjust my plans, or do they usually tell you closer to checkout day? I've heard that with the shortage of housekeepers, late checkouts can be hard to come by; so I'll assume I have to check out at 11 until I'm told otherwise.

Yes, it may be difficult, so ask when you first get there and they will tell you right away.

 

[CarolynFH]

That would be great if they'll give us a late checkout. If I ask upon arrival, would they be able to tell me right away if I can get a late checkout so that I can adjust my plans, or do they usually tell you closer to checkout day? I've heard that with the shortage of housekeepers, late checkouts can be hard to come by; so I'll assume I have to check out at 11 until I'm told otherwise.

Since you're staying at OKW, it's much less likely that you'll be able to get a late checkout. DVC villas take so much longer to clean (kitchens, living areas in addition to bedrooms and baths) that allowing late checkouts results in guests checking in having to wait significantly past checkin time of 4 PM to get into their rooms. Sorry, that's the reality.

 

[jillt2ph]

I would go with a later ADR and check out first. We were seated about 25 minutes late when we went on a Sunday morning in December. I just booked for Noon on 5/15 not remembering that if I take one of the airport shuttles they will be picking me up from my hotel at 1:30 or so that day. Of course now there are no earlier times available At least I am at SSR! I will keep checking for an earlier time or just go over early.

 

[Adili]

I would go with a later ADR and check out first. We were seated about 25 minutes late when we went on a Sunday morning in December. I just booked for Noon on 5/15 not remembering that if I take one of the airport shuttles they will be picking me up from my hotel at 1:30 or so that day. Of course now there are no earlier times available At least I am at SSR! I will keep checking for an earlier time or just go over early.

Wow. You would think a reservation would get you a seat closer to the reservation time. That's good to know so that I can budget plenty of time for brunch.

 

[Adili]

Since you're staying at OKW, it's much less likely that you'll be able to get a late checkout. DVC villas take so much longer to clean (kitchens, living areas in addition to bedrooms and baths) that allowing late checkouts results in guests checking in having to wait significantly past checkin time of 4 PM to get into their rooms. Sorry, that's the reality.

That makes sense. I will lower my expectations for a late checkout then.