Is there a benefit to online check in??

[edk35]

I have not used this feature. Our trip starts at BCV on the 23rd and then we are at AKV starting on the 28th. Should we use online check in?

 

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

I would use the online check-in service again. We stayed in 3 resorts recently-AKV, VB, and OKW- and I did on-line check-in for each one. Our Welcome Home packet was ready and waiting for us at each resort. It was very convenient.

 

[noname70]

Do you think that by checking in online you lose the opportunity to "negotiate" a better room with the cast member upon check in?

 

[disneynutz]

Do you think that by checking in online you lose the opportunity to "negotiate" a better room with the cast member upon check in?

That's one of the reasons Disney went to on-line check-in. They actually expect to decrease the number of Cast Members due to the Guest contact time being reduced.

 

[DebbieB]

Do you think that by checking in online you lose the opportunity to "negotiate" a better room with the cast member upon check in?

Yes, because when you pickup your packet everything will already be assigned. I suppose you could get in line to request something different but that would defeat the purpose. I've heard conflicting stories regarding requests already on your reservation, some have said they don't show up.

I have never encountered a long line at a DVC resort. I'd rather have the face to face contact. I had a great check-in experience at AKV last month. The cm gave me some hints about the resort, she called to see if there was a room that was ready (got there around 11:30) and got me assigned to a room that was being cleaned (ready around 1:00).

 

[gamomof2]

we used online checkin at VWL last month. Our CM was great. Still had time to explain things (although abbreviated version because he asked if we had been there before) and he even went ahead and made out DH birthday button. Definitely felt "at home" and didn't feel deprived of any face-to-face time. Packet and room were all ready and definitely de-stressed the experience.

 

[Carolc]

(Newbie) If I'm arriving at AKV around 8 in the morning (we are taking a red-eye in and then DME) do you suggest that I NOT do online check in? It will be early so I don't mind if there is a line or if it takes a while (not in a hurry to go anywhere).. hoping to get an early check in (think that is feasible?) This is a week from Friday.

 

[shannoook]

We used online check-in in May for AKL & loved it. There was a short line to check in while we had no line at all. We also got an upgrade! So, I'd say that just because the room is pre-assigned doesn't completely eliminate the possibility to get upgraded, especially when the resort isn't extremely busy.

 

[rynosmom]

We used online check-in in May for AKL & loved it. There was a short line to check in while we had no line at all. We also got an upgrade! So, I'd say that just because the room is pre-assigned doesn't completely eliminate the possibility to get upgraded, especially when the resort isn't extremely busy.

Wow....what kind of upgrade did you get?

 

[Chuck S]

Do you think that by checking in online you lose the opportunity to "negotiate" a better room with the cast member upon check in?

Not necessarily. When we used online check-in last month, the packette was ready, but our pre-assigned room wasn't ready, and a CM found us a room right away.