How to check in for departure flight

[Kcags]

Hi guys. Just wondering if an experienced Disney-goer can help me. We are going for our honeymoon in Dec. and have never been before! We are booked with Southwest, no early bird check-in. I undestand I have to check us in for our flight to WDW online, 24 hours ahead for best chances of sitting together. However, I am not sure what to do for the way home. We are staying at Wilderness Lodge and do not have access to a computer 24 hours prior to our departure.

I read that when we get to the Orlando Airport and go to the Disney Welcome Center, I can register for someone to do it for me then. Is this true? Or can I ask the the Resort Check-In Service at Wilderness Lodge to check us in? However, our flight departs at 7:40 pm and I read this Resort Check-in Service is only available until 1 pm. So it will be impossible for someone to check us in 24 hours ahead since no one will be there.

I am extremely confused. I want to be checked in 24 hours in advance but I am not sure if this will be done automatically.

Also, when we check out of Wilderness Lodge, if we still plan on visiting a park, where do we leave our luggage? Can we leave it with the Resort Check-in Service?

Thanks so much!!

 

[Danibelle]

Since it's your honeymoon, I would pay the 20.00 for early bird for the return flight only.

 

[tjmw2727]

Since you purchased the EBCI you don't have to worry about the T24 check in. SWA will automatically check you in at T36 and then you can print your boarding passes anytime after T 24 including when you arrive at the airport.

You can also have them printed at the resort front dest, guest resorts at the park. I haven't used it yet but I have read reports of RAC doing it as well.

When you head to the park on your last day you can store your bags with bell services at WL. Be sure to return for them well prior to your DME pick up time in case it's busy.

 

[Disney Dork in DFW]

Hi guys. Just wondering if an experienced Disney-goer can help me. We are going for our honeymoon in Dec. and have never been before! We are booked with Southwest, no early bird check-in. I undestand I have to check us in for our flight to WDW online, 24 hours ahead for best chances of sitting together. However, I am not sure what to do for the way home. We are staying at Wilderness Lodge and do not have access to a computer 24 hours prior to our departure.

I read that when we get to the Orlando Airport and go to the Disney Welcome Center, I can register for someone to do it for me then. Is this true? Or can I ask the the Resort Check-In Service at Wilderness Lodge to check us in? However, our flight departs at 7:40 pm and I read this Resort Check-in Service is only available until 1 pm. So it will be impossible for someone to check us in 24 hours ahead since no one will be there.

I am extremely confused. I want to be checked in 24 hours in advance but I am not sure if this will be done automatically.

Also, when we check out of Wilderness Lodge, if we still plan on visiting a park, where do we leave our luggage? Can we leave it with the Resort Check-in Service?

Thanks so much!!

For Southwest, they have always boarded in groups in the past (it's been a while since we've flown with them), rather than assigning seats. My dad likened it to the start of a race. Someone fires a starter pistol announcing your group is boarding, and they're off! If you get to two seats next to each before everyone else, you win! Hopefully, they've amended that policy though and now allow people to request seating arrangements in advance!

Also, be sure to put the yellow luggage tags on your bags before leaving your hometown airport. That will ensure that the bags are delivered directly to your room at WL.

For the Resort Check-In Service on the way back, you will be fine! You can check in your bags and get your boarding passes anytime 3-12 hours prior to your depature, which will put you well within the time window. You are right to ask the Magical Express people about this prior to boarding the DME bus to WL.

Also, any carry-ons that you do not want to lug around the parks, simply store them with Bell Services at WL (you can also store your regular luggage with them, if you decide not to do resort check-in) while you visit the parks. Then, go and pick them up before you leave on DME!

 

[tjmw2727]

Don't worry OP SWA has a great boarding policy IMHO, we fly them monthly and I have never had an issue with the boarding process or sitting with my family.

Since you bought EBCI you will be assigned a boarding group and number, this puts you into a virtual queue. For boarding the gate agent will call for the groups and you just line up by your number A1 - A 60, B then C. Simply board the aircraft and select any empy seat that suits you. It is very simple and orgainzied.

There is more info on the SWA website including a vidoe and more detailed explanation of the boarding process.

 

[Jestocost]

Since you bought EBCI you will be assigned a boarding group and number, this puts you into a virtual queue.

Don't know what some of the PPs are reading as the OP clearly said they have not purchased EBCI.

We are booked with Southwest, no early bird check-in.

So, OP, you have a few options for getting checked in 24 hours in advance. First, you can do it yourself on any Web-enabled cell phone or other device at mobile.southwest.com. Second, the front desk at your resort or the guest services locations in any of the parks or at DTD will do the check in for you (you will need your confirmation number and photo ID). Third, you can get a trusted friend or relative (100% reliable) to check you in from their computer at the 24-hour mark.

If you don't do EBCI, those are your options. Any one of them will work just fine as you don't need to actually print your BPs at the time of check in to get the boarding numbers. You can print them out at any time after the 24-hour mark.

Also mentioned was Resort Airline Check-in, which you can use to get your BPs printed and to check your bags at your resort. The RAC desk is open from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. If you use RAC they will print your BPs and your bags will be checked through so you won't see them again until you reach your final destination. You can leave your carry-on bags with Bell Services and head to the park. RAC may or may not automatically check you in at the 24-hour mark, but since it's not entirely clear or guaranteed, you should handle it yourself, IMO.

If you use RAC you can use DME to get yourselves back to MCO or use whatever transport option you prefer.

 

[Thumper_Man]

Since it's your honeymoon, I would pay the 20.00 for early bird for the return flight only.

ITA with this. Why stress yourself about checking in on your honeymoon. Well worth $20 IMO. You can always go back and add it to your existing reservation.

 

[tjmw2727]

Don't know what some of the PPs are reading as the OP clearly said they have not purchased EBCI.




So, OP, you have a few options for getting checked in 24 hours in advance. First, you can do it yourself on any Web-enabled cell phone or other device at mobile.southwest.com. Second, the front desk at your resort or the guest services locations in any of the parks or at DTD will do the check in for you (you will need your confirmation number and photo ID). Third, you can get a trusted friend or relative (100% reliable) to check you in from their computer at the 24-hour mark.

If you don't do EBCI, those are your options. Any one of them will work just fine as you don't need to actually print your BPs at the time of check in to get the boarding numbers. You can print them out at any time after the 24-hour mark.

Also mentioned was Resort Airline Check-in, which you can use to get your BPs printed and to check your bags at your resort. The RAC desk is open from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. If you use RAC they will print your BPs and your bags will be checked through so you won't see them again until you reach your final destination. You can leave your carry-on bags with Bell Services and head to the park. RAC may or may not automatically check you in at the 24-hour mark, but since it's not entirely clear or guaranteed, you should handle it yourself, IMO.

If you use RAC you can use DME to get yourselves back to MCO or use whatever transport option you prefer.

Oops that would be me Sorry OP!!

I misread as "so early brid instead of no early bird - and thought the OP did purchase EBCI - the rest of my post stands however.

Although IMHO I would definately spend the extra $ for EBCI on my honemoon - if not both ways definately on the return trip!

 

[Kcags]

Thanks everyone. I actually do not have EBCI right now, but am seriously considering it. If I do get EBCI, will our boarding pass get delivered to our room that morning and then we would take our luggage to the resort check in? On the other hand, if I choose to have the front desk or someone else check us in in, will I have to stop at resort check-in to have them printed out?
AHHH, so confusing! But thank you, I appreciate all the help!

Kara

 

[Huff]

Thanks everyone. I actually do not have EBCI right now, but am seriously considering it. If I do get EBCI, will our boarding pass get delivered to our room that morning and then we would take our luggage to the resort check in? On the other hand, if I choose to have the front desk or someone else check us in in, will I have to stop at resort check-in to have them printed out?
AHHH, so confusing! But thank you, I appreciate all the help!

Kara

Last year I gave our flight information to Disney when I booked the flights in order to get Magic Express bus scheduled. 24 hours prior to departure I used my cell phone to check in with Southwest. The next morning I was suprised to see my boarding passes on our door.

If you do not have a web enabled cell phone then visit any resort front desk or guest services at any of the parks exactly 24 hours prior to departure and check in for your flight.

Its no big deal if Disney doesn't print them up like they did for me. If not, then yes, Resort Check In will print them when you check your luggage in with them. RCI is the same as if you checked your luggage at the airport. They tag them and print passes just the same as at the airport.

EBCI does help with this as it automatically checks you in with Southwest 36 hours prior to departure. But it costs $20 per person each way. For us its not worth it. I check in myself at 24 hours and always get an A or B boarding pass. A or B will get your family seats together with ease, lots of empty seats to choose from. Late check in may result in a C pass which could be tougher to get seats together.

 

[Jestocost]

Thanks everyone. I actually do not have EBCI right now, but am seriously considering it. If I do get EBCI, will our boarding pass get delivered to our room that morning and then we would take our luggage to the resort check in? On the other hand, if I choose to have the front desk or someone else check us in in, will I have to stop at resort check-in to have them printed out?
AHHH, so confusing! But thank you, I appreciate all the help!

Kara

Maybe. It's hit or miss if they show up on your door. The operative theory is that for morning flights, you generally get your BPs on your door with your DME info the day before departure. It doesn't appear to make a difference whether you did EBCI or not.

If you get checked in at 24 hours at the front desk or guest services, or go there at 24 hours after getting checked in by EBCI, they can and will print your BPs for you if you want. It's not necessary, however, and if you plan to use RAC for luggage anyway they will do it for you and you will keep the same boarding numbers. Saves you a stop if you don't need the front desk or guest services to do the check in.

EBCI does help with this as it automatically checks you in with Southwest 36 hours prior to departure. But it costs $20 per person each way.

FYI: EBCI is only $10 per person each way. You can do for only one direction if you want.

 

[krissyh]

Thanks everyone. I actually do not have EBCI right now, but am seriously considering it. If I do get EBCI, will our boarding pass get delivered to our room that morning and then we would take our luggage to the resort check in? On the other hand, if I choose to have the front desk or someone else check us in in, will I have to stop at resort check-in to have them printed out?
AHHH, so confusing! But thank you, I appreciate all the help!

Kara

Really - this is not a big deal, don't sweat it.

Option 1: Pay the $20 and get EBCI (it's your honeymoon, make life easy). SW will check you in at 36 hours, you're all but guaranteed (though, you are not officially guaranteed) low enough boarding numbers to sit together and you don't have to watch the clock. Then A - have the resort concierge print your boarding passes when you get back - or - B - just print them when you get to the airport, ME arrives with a lot of time to spare.

Option 2: Set a timer on your watch or phone to remind you to go to Guest Services or Resort Concierge right at 24 hours and have them check you in (don't forget to have your confirmation number on you). And have them print boarding passes, or again, do it at airport.

Option 3: Give your confirmation number to a friend/family member that is reliable and will be near a computer at the 24 hours and call them at 24 hours to remind them to check you in and then, again, print as in option 1.

I have done all three.

I'd really recommend doing the EBCI option for your trip home.

 

[Kcags]

Thanks everyone. I think I am going to just buy the EBCI. Since it is our first visit, I don't want to be overwhelmed and worried about getting someone to check us in. Thanks again for the advice!

 

[dancin Disney style]

I'm also in favour of EBCI for your return. I do it and find it is more than worth the extra money. Knock wood....but so far I have always had A28ish boarding numbers. Our August trip we were A25 and we had our choice of seats starting in the first row.