Need help asap re: early check-in!!

[3Mousketeers]

We're arriving in Orlando at 10:20 am tomorrow and it just dawned on me that I don't know early check-in procedure. We're staying at AKL and renting a car at the airport. I'm assuming they'll hold your luggage if your room isn't ready, but I'm wondering if they allow you to actually check-in and then get your key when the room is ready. My DH thought we should just take our time and stop for lunch along the way. But, I'm wondering if checking in earlier in the day makes it more likely to have your requests honored (ie. bunk beds, certain view)? Hope this makes sense. I'd appreciate any advice asap!!

 

[tubachick]

last time we were early the room was ready, so we were able to get in. But I think that they will take your luggage, and you get your keys and can go to the parks and have fun, when you return, your things will be in your room.

 

[ciera321]

We go straight to the hotel and check in. Our room is usually not ready, but they do give us our key, hold the luggage and tell us what time to check back. Then we head out for a park... I believe that checking in early gives you a better chance of getting requests. Have a great trip!!!

 

[DeniseD]

We arrived early on both of our visits to disney resorts. Although we've never stayed at AKL I'm sure its the same at all the resorts. The first time, our room wasn't ready. We checked in and they gave you a phone # you can call to check when the room is ready. When the room is ready they bring your bags right to your room. We went straight to the parks. I just packed a day bag and took that with us. We unpacked when we got back that night.

The second time our room was ready so we were allowed to check in early. To be honest, I preferred it not to be ready. It was kind of nice to just get there and go. It was really nice to have our bags waiting for us when we got back too!!

 

[3Mousketeers]

I knew I could count on you guys for giving me the fastest responses possible!! You guys are great!
Tomorrow may be the warmest day of our trip so I'm thinking it might be a good pool day. Does anyone know if there is a place to change into bathing suits (I'm sure there is at least a bathroom, but changing 3 kids into bathing suits in a bathroom is a bit of a trick)? I guess I should ask too - can you use the pool if you're room isn't ready? I would guess it wouldn't be a problem as long as you're officially checked in.
Thanks!!

 

[MickeyFlirt]

We have always checked in early and they gave us our key and phone # to call back to see if the room was ready. you can go ahead and start using the pools at least that is what we have always been told. The CM's have also told us if we need a room before ours is ready for DD to nap or change they would give us a temp room for a couple of hours.

 

[tjmw2727]

I knew I could count on you guys for giving me the fastest responses possible!! You guys are great!
Tomorrow may be the warmest day of our trip so I'm thinking it might be a good pool day. Does anyone know if there is a place to change into bathing suits (I'm sure there is at least a bathroom, but changing 3 kids into bathing suits in a bathroom is a bit of a trick)? I guess I should ask too - can you use the pool if you're room isn't ready? I would guess it wouldn't be a problem as long as you're officially checked in.
Thanks!!

Yes, you can use the pool and there are locker room style accomodations as well. IIRC 3-4 showers and some changing rooms. We had the opposite situation and used the pool on check out day. We had to check out by 10 am but enjoyed a day at the resort swam in the pool etc. We were able to shower and change before catching our flight.

TJ

 

[3Mousketeers]

Thanks so much for all the info! I guess I should go pack now!