How early would YOU check in?

[MinnesotaChill]

We arrive on a Sat in Jan to check into a GV on Sun. Staying in a moderate the night before. How early would you arrive Sun am to "put your name in the hat" for check in later that day. The last few times we've been at BWV, there is no way they were doing room ready because we checked in early, early, early (once were moving from a studio the night before into a 2 bedroom) and we waited all day for our room, way past check in time!

I don't actually care about getting into the room before 4pm, I just want to get it taken care of early so I can enjoy my day AND get my request if possible.

What would YOU do?

 

[Kewz1]

We generally arrive the day before (staying off-site or wherever a good deal could be found) with the intention of checking in early -- like around 9am. Of course we don't expect the room to be ready but we like to get the luggage dropped off and have our KTTK so we can start charging away.

There have been a few times when our room was ready then or before lunch. Most of the time it is afternoon or close to 4pm. We're just happy to be there!

 

[DVC Jen]

We usually check in around 8am. Only once was our room ready before 4pm adn that was at BCV. When we are at VWL we are lucky if it is ready at 4 sometimes.

 

[hematite153]

I once checked in at 7:30 am because we were getting the dining plan and wanted to spend the day in the parks (it was our marathon day before hanging out at the resort for the next 3 days). So, we wanted to have access to the CS meals on our DP while in the parks. We, rather obviously, didn't get a room assignment at the time and we got back late so I have no idea what time it became available.

If you're hoping to actually move in when you check in I wouldn't arrive until much later though. (I've had remarkably good luck and have had my room available around 1 pm on 3 occasions.)

 

[MinnesotaChill]

My concern isn't so much what we will be doing for the day, but more that we get the best room possible. I am requesting CP at SSR, but would also be happy with the new GS. We are hosting my cousin, her dh and two kids (first timers) and my parents. It seems that every single time we host someone we wind up with truly strange rooms (balconys that are enclosed so you can't see, room that are really, really loud, etc.). When its just our little family we have spectacular luck, and that's when I don't really care. I am of the mind that, "Hey, we're at Disney," but when we are hosting I like to be able to have something a little bit extra special. Since we just added on pts specifically so we could "treat" more people, I am determined to figure out how to get better rooms when we have guests!

 

[jakenjess]

It certainly wouldn't hurt to check in as early as possible and put in your location request. On our last trip we stayed at Pop the first night and moved over to BWV in the morning, checked in at 9:00, and our 1 BR was ready, and they were even able to put us three doors down from our friends who had checked in the previous day. You never know!

 

[starbox]

We checked in around 8am to get our KTTK/Dining Plan and use the transportation to the park. I made sure to tell the CM that we would not be returning until after 7pm, so there was no hurry on the room. We got a great, immaculately clean room, and all of our requests were honored.

 

[jekjones1558]

MinnesotaChill,
I hear you regarding room assignments and guests. Our last couple of visits with guests we have arrived about 1:00 pm and our room requests were not met. This was mostly because we were at BWV (smaller than SSR) at very busy times. If you will be at SSR in January, I think you will have a better shot. I absolutely agree with your strategy of arriving early to get more choices on location. GVs are not that numerous, so the early bird should get a wider selection of worms.
Good luck!

 

[keishashadow]

It certainly wouldn't hurt to check in as early as possible and put in your location request. On our last trip we stayed at Pop the first night and moved over to BWV in the morning, checked in at 9:00, and our 1 BR was ready, and they were even able to put us three doors down from our friends who had checked in the previous day. You never know!

I've been operating under the assumption that the request I state when I make the ressie (n/s, upper floor, etc.) are sufficient.

Was planning on going straight to MGM for Star Wars when we arrive mid afternoon this summer to catch the parade.

Do I really need to stop by the desk 1st to reiterate our preferences?

This would be the 1st time we didn't check in till around 11:30 p.m. or so...assumed they'd hold our room. Or, will all the "good" ones be taken by then?

 

[DVC Grammy]

I've been operating under the assumption that the request I state when I make the ressie (n/s, upper floor, etc.) are sufficient.

Was planning on going straight to MGM for Star Wars when we arrive mid afternoon this summer to catch the parade.

Do I really need to stop by the desk 1st to reiterate our preferences?

This would be the 1st time we didn't check in till around 11:30 p.m. or so...assumed they'd hold our room. Or, will all the "good" ones be taken by then?

We always check in early, whether due to early flights, or switching resorts. Most of the time, our room isn't ready, but it is assigned, and my requests have always been granted. The peace of mind is worth that extra time, since my "requests" are very important to me.

 

[keishashadow]

We always check in early, whether due to early flights, or switching resorts. Most of the time, our room isn't ready, but it is assigned, and my requests have always been granted. The peace of mind is worth that extra time, since my "requests" are very important to me.

thanx (although, not what I wanted to hear ); guess I could drop off DH & DS; then meet up with them afterwards. Too bad you can't do it via a phone call once you arrive.

Wonder if there is a mandatory check-in time; really can't imagine they'd give the room away since it's "paid" for 5 days if we didn't show up until after midnight.

 

[Lynne M]

thanx (although, not what I wanted to hear ); guess I could drop off DH & DS; then meet up with them afterwards. Too bad you can't do it via a phone call once you arrive.

Wonder if there is a mandatory check-in time; really can't imagine they'd give the room away since it's "paid" for 5 days if we didn't show up until after midnight.

While a room is set aside for you when you make your reservation, I don't think a specific villa is locked in to your reservation until you show up at the front desk and do the formal check-in process. While I'm never sure whether they're doing 'room ready' or not, even if the room is assigned in advance, I don't think that's set in stone until you're physically there.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have had the best luck getting into our villa early when we have checked in around noon. Every time I have checked in EARLY, I have had to wait.

 

[castleri]

Guess I am the exceptiion - we were in a GV at OKW starting on the Sunday after Christmas. My DS and I had stayed at AKL for Frid/Sat and I went over at 8am to check in. The room was ready and I had most of the luggage in it by 8:45. I wonder if it was because the points are so high at Christmas that no one was in the unit for the weekend. The other thing was it was a smoking optional unit and I had requested NS. They had cleaned it from top to bottom inclluding the rugs so maybe that was why it was available - it had been out for the maintenance to meet my NS request. They did tell me at check in that this was the case. I didn't have any specific requests except NS and near a pool. The balcony overlooked the Millers Road pool so I was pleased even though the view wasn't that wonderful. Having the room ready at 8am was worth more than anything else that day. Good luck with getting those things that are important to you.

 

[DVC Grammy]

While a room is set aside for you when you make your reservation, I don't think a specific villa is locked in to your reservation until you show up at the front desk and do the formal check-in process. While I'm never sure whether they're doing 'room ready' or not, even if the room is assigned in advance, I don't think that's set in stone until you're physically there.

That is why we check in early..........a room is set aside per a reservation, but until you show up in person, the room is not assigned. Unless requests are unique, the earlier check-ins will have a better chance of getting more of them granted.
For example, due to physical reasons, lengthy walking can sometimes be a problem for me(arthritis of the spine). I always request close to elevators (BWV) or HH (OKW), etc. The first time we checked in fairly late (after 4), we wound up with a long walk to the room . I made sure to check in early from then on.
I will say though, that if it wasn't a physical need, I'd probably take my chances.

 

[jakenjess]

I've been operating under the assumption that the request I state when I make the ressie (n/s, upper floor, etc.) are sufficient.

Was planning on going straight to MGM for Star Wars when we arrive mid afternoon this summer to catch the parade.

Do I really need to stop by the desk 1st to reiterate our preferences?

This would be the 1st time we didn't check in till around 11:30 p.m. or so...assumed they'd hold our room. Or, will all the "good" ones be taken by then?

I'm not sure how it works, because I only make a non-smoking request, but I know they're always characterized as "requests", not a guarantee, so it certainly doesn't hurt to reiterate your request at check-in. If they're using the room ready method, I would think checking in early would be to your benefit.

 

[MinnesotaChill]

Yes, for me the only thing I really NEED is nonsmoking. I would, however, LOVE to be in a GV with a Downtown Disney view. At least I think I would, having never stayed at SSR, I am going on everyone else's recommendations!

 

[MinnesotaChill]

I've been operating under the assumption that the request I state when I make the ressie (n/s, upper floor, etc.) are sufficient.

This would be the 1st time we didn't check in till around 11:30 p.m. or so...assumed they'd hold our room. Or, will all the "good" ones be taken by then?
__________________

Do you mean that you've made several requests for your reservations and they've ALL been met each time? I am just curious, because other than booking a specific view at BW, many times only our NS request has been honored, and as I mentioned, we've sometimes checked out of a studio and into a 1bedroom in the same transaction very early in the morning when a lot of rooms should have theoretically been available. Whatta got, the luck of the Irish?

But then I usually operate on the premise that the less requests you make, the better. I then just ask for a great view (or whatever) at check in. I read about keeping it simple here, but maybe I've been approaching this the wrong way all this time?

The most I've EVER gotten at check-in was asked if I wanted 4th or 5th floor. Which IS better than nothing!

 

[JimC]

I've been operating under the assumption that the request I state when I make the ressie (n/s, upper floor, etc.) are sufficient.

This would be the 1st time we didn't check in till around 11:30 p.m. or so...assumed they'd hold our room. Or, will all the "good" ones be taken by then?

I would call member services and let them know you may be checking in late (possibly after midnight). It may not be necessary, but it is a good habit to get into to avoid someone assuming you are a no show.

 

[keishashadow]

I've been operating under the assumption that the request I state when I make the ressie (n/s, upper floor, etc.) are sufficient.

This would be the 1st time we didn't check in till around 11:30 p.m. or so...assumed they'd hold our room. Or, will all the "good" ones be taken by then?
__________________

Do you mean that you've made several requests for your reservations and they've ALL been met each time? I am just curious, because other than booking a specific view at BW, many times only our NS request has been honored, and as I mentioned, we've sometimes checked out of a studio and into a 1bedroom in the same transaction very early in the morning when a lot of rooms should have theoretically been available. Whatta got, the luck of the Irish?

But then I usually operate on the premise that the less requests you make, the better. I then just ask for a great view (or whatever) at check in. I read about keeping it simple here, but maybe I've been approaching this the wrong way all this time?

The most I've EVER gotten at check-in was asked if I wanted 4th or 5th floor. Which IS better than nothing!

Typically, i ask for 'general' request - NS & upper floor (basically to avoid a 1st floor room; bit of a phobia from motel6 experience ). Have thus far been accommodated; not sure if it's because we tend to arrive on Saturday - when it's pricer?

Via a post last fall re BCV, I did request a specific range of studios (the ones that view the wooded area/fireworks); glad it came thru for us (nicest part of our stay there imo).

I shall consider myself drenched in pixie dust