is there any "bending" in regards to check-in and check-out times

[debbiebones]

How close do they stick to the standard check-in and check-out times? I'm just trying to plan any airline flights accordingly so that we're not sitting around waiting for a room.

Thanks,

Deb

 

[KNWVIKING]

Check out is always 11:00, no late check-outs allowed. Check-in is a little different. Published check-in is 4:00. You can check-in anytime before that.If the room is ready they will inform you of your room number and your all set. If the room is not ready,they will still check you in and issue you your room key but will not tell you the room number. Go hit the parks,whatever, and call back to the desk periodically. soon as the room is ready,they tell you and your in.

 

[Chuck S]

Check-out times are pretty strict, as Housekeeping needs to get the rooms ready. Check-in CAN have rooms available early, but don't plan on it, we usually arrive a little before noon, sometimes a room is ready, sometimes we have to wait until 4:30 or so (I know, "official" check-in is 4, but they are only human) It just depends on how busy the resort is on the day you arrive.

What you can do is go ahead and do all the check-in paperwork, if your villa isn't ready, drop your luggage with bell services, go enjoy a park, when you're ready to return to the resort you can call the park and get your room number.

 

[Ms. WDW]

I still take a fairly early flight out knowing I won't get into my room! As many times as I've been to WDW I don't think there has been more than 1 time our room was ready early. So we store the luggage and either head for the pool or stroll into the parks. I'll periodically check with the front desk just incase.

Maybe, just maybe on this next trip I'll be surprised and our room will be ready before 4 PM; that would be a great way to start our vacation!

 

[dznymom1]

I also have almost never gotten into my room much before 4 o'clock. On a few occasions I have been told that "my" room isn't ready, but there is another room I can get into right away. I usually wait in the hopes of getting my requests met, but I think if you are not fussy, you can increase your chances of getting in earlier. But, I still would never plan on getting in before 4.

We normally go have lunch (that Southwest Airline treat doesn't fill growing boys up too much) and hang around the pool until it's ready. It's actually a pretty relaxing way to start the trip.

Chris in NH
FEB 22 - 27 BWV

 

[Regina]

Others have already explained that check-in is flexible as long as you understand that you may not have access to your room.

As far as check-out is concerned, they will hold your luggage until you're ready to leave for your flight. There have been plenty of times that we've gone to a park or downtown before heading back to the resort to pick up our bags and head to the airport.

 

[Zurg]

We like to get there early, if the room isn'r ready there is plenty to do.

 

[Nanajo1]

We pack our swimsuits in a carryon so we can find them easily and hit the pool to wait for our room. It amazes me that "my" room isn't ready but another is, Why didn't they clean 'Mine" first!

 

[Crissup]

Originally posted by KNWVIKING
You can check-in anytime before that.

Actually, you can't check in before 7:30 or 8:00am in the morning (I forget which). This is when the computers come up at the front desk. While this may seem a trivial detail, I often spend the night before at a moderate or at the Dolphin. Then, first thing in the morning, I wake up and run over to the BWV and check in. I believe this is one reason that I have been getting such excellent rooms. I get my room before they begin moving people around to accomodate last minute check-in requests at the front desk.

Then, I head back to my 1st night resort and pack up and checkout. If my room isn't ready yet, then I just move all my bags to bell services at the BWV and head for a park.

 

[queenof4hearts]

I have a question that somewhat pertains to this thread. When checking in and your room is not ready and you have bell services hold your luggage do you tip this bellhop and the new one that brings your luggage up to your room when it is ready?
I felt like I tipped up the ying yang when I switched resorts last week and then had my luggage held for awhile? But I did not want to leave anybody out. thanks

 

[Ms. WDW]

Actually the same bellhop who stored my luggage was the same one who brought it up to the room. I have to admitt; I did tip the second time, just not as much as if he was a "different" bellhop.

I think it all depends on the time of day you check in and get the room. If it overlaps shifts, then you are most surely going to get a different person.

 

[Crissup]

I generally tip about $1 per bag when they are delivered to my room. However, if they are being put in storage, then I tip the guy who is hauling them to storage a couple bucks, but not as much as I will give the guy who delivers them. I don't know if I need to tip everyone, but I know that some people stiff them, so I figure they appreciate it when they get one they're not expecting. While I may be on vacation enjoying myself, these people are trying to make a livelihood.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Crissup
Actually, you can't check in before 7:30 or 8:00am in the morning (I forget which).

From what I've heard 7 am is the crossover time.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Last Easter we checked into OKW at about 6:30A so that we could do the egg hunt. We've checked into OKW several times before 7AM.

 

[yesdisneyfool]

Just did a double check at OKW on some things and asked this same question. Nancy at the front desk told me we could do a check in for 7:00 am. . Once checked in we are off to the parks.