Magic band, check in, park admission question

[bexter12]

OK, so my husband decided to drive all night and we'll be getting in much earlier today than expected. I don't want to use online check-in because I want to request a room near the parking lot (since we drive).

My question is, since I have our bands and they are activated, is there any need to go to the hotel first since it will be before check-in time? I was thinking of switching our fast pass times to early afternoon and hitting some rides before unpacking.

OR should I go to the hotel and see if I can get the room placement I want even though we can't get into it yet?

 

[kmb584]

OK, so my husband decided to drive all night and we'll be getting in much earlier today than expected. I don't want to use online check-in because I want to request a room near the parking lot (since we drive).

My question is, since I have our bands and they are activated, is there any need to go to the hotel first since it will be before check-in time? I was thinking of switching our fast pass times to early afternoon and hitting some rides before unpacking.

OR should I go to the hotel and see if I can get the room placement I want even though we can't get into it yet?

I would check-in first. Even if there isn't a room available at that time you'll at least know what room you'll be in by the time you leave the park (they'll send you a text when room is ready) and bell services can hold your luggage if you want.

 

[wuzzy6]

Definitely check in first, for the reasons listed by the previous poster!

 

[MiramarQE]

Don't think you would have charging privileges on your MBs without checking in first.

 

[kayjaybe]

And you never know. We had our room available when we checked in around 10:30 AM! I was shocked!

 

[shadeauxe]

You're more likely to get the room you want (near parking) if you check in before other people making requests. I would check in first.

 

[POOHsie]

OP, I think your best chance at room placement would be to go to the resort as early as possible (as soon as you arrive at WDW from your driving trip). I know you are trying to put this all together before your actual trip starts. It's possible you or DH will be very tired from the all-night drive. You need to catch up on sleep that you missed. I would allow some leeway that morning to play it by ear. Meanwhile, at early check-in, they can take your luggage to bell services if a room isn't ready. You can get your parking pass, dining credits (if any), set up charging privileges. And there's the food court for a beverage and breakfast pick-me-up. All things point to checking in first before park visit. Have a great time!

 

[wuzzy6]

For the record, we checked-in at 7:30 a.m. for our mid-March stay, and our room was ready! You never know!!!

 

[Spork24]

Yes I would definitely check in first for all the reasons listed above. Plus I think you have to check in to get your parking voucher so you can park for free at the theme parks. (Not sure though as it's been years since I've had a car at disney)

 

[bexter12]

Thanks everyone! So many things I hadn't thought about in my sleep-deprived delirium. Almost there!

 

[bexter12]

Hoping for a room since a good tooth brushing and shower would do us all good.

 

[michsig]

We've always been able to check in much earlier than the check-in time. Last January, we drove from Fort Lauderdale (after a cruise) early in the morning, and checked in by 10am.

 

[bexter12]

Last time we were there early, our room wasn't ready until 4:30. We went to animal kingdom and rode kali river rapids around 2 and ended up wet and freezing for over 2 hours.

I don't recommend kali on a December day when your room (and towels) aren't ready.