How does Virgin Down Town Disney check-in work?

[Julia Ann]

Sorry - this thread has probably been on loads, but how does virgin down town disney check-in work? does this mean we then (when ready) just drive to the airport hand the car in and make our way to departure... i remember waiting a couple of hours to check in 1 year and when you are fed up cos u are going home it's no fun.

 

[snookhams]

yes, basically that is what happens. You go to DTD in the morning (if you booked a flydrive/holiday with Virgin you should get a voucher for this free ~ if not there is a small charge, but I am not sure what this is) and then go off for the rest of the day, all members of the party do have to be present at DTD check in, and then you arrive at the airport and hand back the car # keep an eye on the time as you might be charged an extra day

 

[fizz13]

Just like Snookhams said, park up behind the Cirque du Soleil building at the very end of Downtown Disney Westside and you should see a lorry/ van and a desk. try and get there early otherwise you can risk a big queue. Think the fee is $5 per person if you have not booked a package holiday with virgin, otherwise its free. You then really do have the freedom to just walk straight through at the airport, saving loads of time and lugging of bags. definately recommend it,
Claire xx

 

[kevin harrison]

Also it's handy if you get there as early as you can. The wait can be quite long at times.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I agree with Kevin, get there early - we generally arrive for 08:30 or so, last year there was a seperate queue for Premium Economy, which will help us as we are flying home PE in August.

It is $5 if you don't have the vouchers.

There are normally 3 trucks there, 2 for Gatwick and 1 for Manchester, you leave your cases for the appropriate destination before you check in.

 

[Julia Ann]

Wow, thanks that sounds great, will definately do that. We have booked a package holiday so hopefully no charge, but dont mind $5 each if need be and then not worrying about luggage being in car all day, also can then do some shopping at DTD, Bonus!

Do we still require a "voucher" to do this?

 

[Goofyish]

Wow, thanks that sounds great, will definately do that. We have booked a package holiday so hopefully no charge, but dont mind $5 each if need be and then not worrying about luggage being in car all day, also can then do some shopping at DTD, Bonus!

Do we still require a "voucher" to do this?

You only pay the $5 if you booked 'flight only' with Virgin Atlantic or you booked a VA flight through another operator. If you booked with Virgin Holidays (package or flydrive) you will get a voucher.

Note that the DTD shops don't open until 9:30am (Market Place) and 10:30am (West Side).
So if you get to Downtown Disney checkin really early you may have to wait until the shops open - or grab some breakfast at McDs

 

[jockey]

What time does DTD check in open?

 

[Goofyish]

Desks open at 8am

 

[Chilly]

I am planning on using this service as my flight isn't until 7.30pm, what time will I need to leave for the airport?

 

[Goofyish]

You will need to allow enough time to get to the airport and pass through the security checks (and allow some time for duty free shopping ).

So getting to the airport about 2 hours before you flight should be ok.

There is a foodcourt and plenty of shops at the airport so if you do get there a bit earlier there is plenty to pass the time.

 

[Julia Ann]

Note that the DTD shops don't open until 9:30am (Market Place) and 10:30am (West Side).
So if you get to Downtown Disney checkin really early you may have to wait until the shops open - or grab some breakfast at McDs

Thanks for the tip - filling up on Mcds breakfast on the last days sounds a great treat, as going to "try" and eat heathly breakfasts during our stay. Anything to beat the sad enivitable trip home Maybe we could also see an early movie at the cinema

 

[UKDEB]

You will need to allow enough time to get to the airport and pass through the security checks (and allow some time for duty free shopping )

If you're really keen to do some Duty Free shopping (and it's not that great at MCO, albeit that they are doing some building work on it at the moment so maybe it's being extended), bear in mind that the shutters are usually down before 7pm. And you can't carry the goods out with you - they're delivered to the jetway, so you can't be shopping 5 minutes before boarding. You probably need to be airside by 6pm.

We used online check-in in May, and, for us, that worked out even better than Downtown Disney check-in. Being rid of the bags for the day isn't a concern - we've got no problem with leaving them in the car. We turned up at the airport a couple of hours before our flight, dropped off the bags and settled in the lobby lounge of the Hyatt for our traditional pre-flight drinks. Although DTD check-in is usually fast and pain-free, it's still one more thing to think about. We'll definitely use online check-in from now on.

 

[Tiggery]

Can anyone remember what time the DTD check in closes? We will be coming off the Magic and want to check the bags in before grabbing a couple of hours at the parks.
Thanks.

 

[UKDEB]

I think it's 1pm.

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
Although the advertised hours are 08:00 to 13:00 it dosen't actually open until 08:30. Last time we used Disney transport from the port we were back in Orlando for 10:00 so you should have plenty of time.

Mick.

 

[Tiggery]

Thanks.