Official September 2012 planning thread! List on page 30!

[carrie6466]

ShhhQ, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Happy Birthday, again

Thank you all so very much!!! You Made my day!!!!


0 more days till my birthday
5 more Nights of work
7 more days until we leave
9 more days until we arrive
11 more days until very first MNSSHP

Really cute! Don't know how I missed this today.

Why would you not want to do online check in

Some guests believe using online check-in overides special requests. So if a certain building location is more preferable than a expedited check-in process, they would opt not to do online check-in.

We love online check-in. On our first Disney trip, we made special requests (without using online check-in), and they were not honored or even looked at, even though we called to verify them right before arriving. I still don't know how it went so awry. So I don't attempt to make special requests anymore. At this point, I feel that getting their random assignment is part of the magic and I'm happy to be wherever they put me!

The reason I won't do online check-in is the special requests. For example, at CBR, we had to have a first floor room. My dd has certain issues, so you can call it medical reasons. If there is no issue at the resort I'm staying (like when we stayed at CR), I don't bother with the special request. I would then do online check in.

FYI, it's better to fax in requests a day or two before check-in. This seems to be way more successful to getting your requests noticed than calling does.

 

[peeputt]

See it's not an issue for me since I'm staying at POFQ, and that resort is so small, that special requests aren't as big of a deal if they can't accommodate them
However, if I was staying at a bigger resort, I'd probably forgo online checkin too.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Some guests believe using online check-in overides special requests. So if a certain building location is more preferable than a expedited check-in process, they would opt not to do online check-in.

We love online check-in. On our first Disney trip, we made special requests (without using online check-in), and they were not honored or even looked at, even though we called to verify them right before arriving. I still don't know how it went so awry. So I don't attempt to make special requests anymore. At this point, I feel that getting their random assignment is part of the magic and I'm happy to be wherever they put me!

I've been told the same thing as PP regarding online check-in. Also, for me, there just something about checking in in the lobby that I love. I get to really feel the lobby and it truly feels like my vacation has started. Silly, I know. But I love it.

Ok then I need some advice..
I am at CBR, and I booked preferred. I also requested 2 different building numbers. I have a long story why it is important to get these buildings. So if I do online check in, they will not take my request? or it will get deleted from my reservation?

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Ok then I need some advice..
I am at CBR, and I booked preferred. I also requested 2 different building numbers. I have a long story why it is important to get these buildings. So if I do online check in, they will not take my request? or it will get deleted from my reservation?

To answer both questions, not necessarily. Most people who do online check-in want to get settled into a room immediately and bypass any wait. So, in order to accomodate, receiving first rooms available will usually trump waiting for special requests to come through. However, when you show up for online check-in, you are still welcome to verify your requests and wait for a reassignment, if needed and available. (But note that holding up the line for reassignment can also defeat the purpose of speedy online check-in for guests waiting behind you!)

As for requests getting deleted, I can't imagine online check-in would technically delete previous requests. However, the online check-in process consists of more generic checkboxes than specific text fields for writing requests, so it is possible those checkboxes could override something else already listed on your reservation.

So I would suggest to either not do online check-in, or if you do, to call in and fax requests after you check-in online.

Either way, please know that requests can get squashed regardless of using online check-in or otherwise. So try not to be disappointed if you are placed in an undesired location. We had our hopes wrapped up in certain building and room requests on our first trip that didn't come through. So we learned not to go down that rabbit hole of expectations again! Just enjoy being at Disney and you'll have a blast!!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

To answer both questions, not necessarily. Most people who do online check-in want to get settled into a room immediately and bypass any wait. So, in order to accomodate, receiving first rooms available will usually trump waiting for special requests to come through. However, when you show up for online check-in, you are still welcome to verify your requests and wait for a reassignment, if needed and available. (But note that holding up the line for reassignment can also defeat the purpose of speedy online check-in for guests waiting behind you!)

As for requests getting deleted, I can't imagine online check-in would technically delete previous requests. However, the online check-in process consists of more generic checkboxes than specific text fields for writing requests, so it is possible those checkboxes could override something else already listed on your reservation.

So I would suggest to either not do online check-in, or if you do, to call in and fax requests after you check-in online.

Either way, please know that requests can get squashed regardless of using online check-in or otherwise. So try not to be disappointed if you are placed in an undesired location. We had our hopes wrapped up in certain building and room requests on our first trip that didn't come through. So we learned not to go down that rabbit hole of expectations again! Just enjoy being at Disney and you'll have a blast!!

Boy.. I don't know what to do, I don't know who I would call or fax with my request.
Here is my issue, in 2009 we stayed at CBR, I paid for preferred, I had told my DH that I did so and had all these plans so on and so on. We got the very dead last building in Trinadad, it was aweful, not close nor preferred, DH was super mad. There were a few other issues that did that day in to. I am trying as hard as I can to not repeat any of the issue we had that day. If there is a way I can call CRB I would, someone just tell me who to call. I thought by doing online check in they know when your coming and have your stuff all set? I did do online check in last time so maybe that is what did in my room. However in 2009 I did not have a request.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Boy.. I don't know what to do, I don't know who I would call or fax with my request.
Here is my issue, in 2009 we stayed at CBR, I paid for preferred, I had told my DH that I did so and had all these plans so on and so on. We got the very dead last building in Trinadad, it was aweful, not close nor preferred, DH was super mad. There were a few other issues that did that day in to. I am trying as hard as I can to not repeat any of the issue we had that day. If there is a way I can call CRB I would, someone just tell me who to call. I thought by doing online check in they know when your coming and have your stuff all set? I did do online check in last time so maybe that is what did in my room. However in 2009 I did not have a request.

I just did a quick search online. It looks like this is the number for CBR (407) 934-3400, and the fax (407) 934-3288 (if you call, I would verify the fax number used for reservation requests). You may also need to call the main reservation line: (407) W DISNEY.

If you actually paid for an upgraded room before and did not receive it, that is a real issue, and I would have been upset as well!

I would probably err on the side of not doing online check-in, if building numbers are very important to you. But best wishes that it works out, no matter what you choose!!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I just did a quick search online. It looks like this is the number for CBR (407) 934-3400, and the fax (407) 934-3288 (if you call, I would verify the fax number used for reservation requests). You may also need to call the main reservation line: (407) W DISNEY.

If you actually paid for an upgraded room before and did not receive it, that is a real issue, and I would have been upset as well!

I would probably err on the side of not doing online check-in, if building numbers are very important to you. But best wishes that it works out, no matter what you choose!!

thank you thank you thank you for the info.
I will call them and fax them. Should I do this at the 10 day mark

they said our room was in the upgraded section but at the very end of it.

no preferred to us.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

thank you thank you thank you for the info.
I will call them and fax them. Should I do this at the 10 day mark

they said our room was in the upgraded section but at the very end of it.

no preferred to us.

You can do it now, but I would also call to confirm a few times before you arrive.

What time are you arriving at check-in? I know that special requests are honored first-come first-serve. If they place you in a particular room now based on your requests, you can get bumped if someone checks-in at the resort with the same request prior to when you check-in at the resort.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

You can do it now, but I would also call to confirm a few times before you arrive.

What time are you arriving at check-in? I know that special requests are honored first-come first-serve. If they place you in a particular room now based on your requests, you can get bumped if someone checks-in at the resort with the same request prior to when you check-in at the resort.

I did just call and told them my story. The told me to do online check in and call back on Monday after I do so and they will then note my issue on my reservation. That is all I can ask for at this time, if it does not work out. It was not ment to be.. and DH will just have to have a Mickey Ice Cream and get over it.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

I did just call and told them my story. The told me to do online check in and call back on Monday after I do so and they will then note my issue on my reservation. That is all I can ask for at this time, if it does not work out. It was not ment to be.. and DH will just have to have a Mickey Ice Cream and get over it.

Good, I'm glad you were able to talk to them. And, yes, a Mickey ice cream bar does make everything better!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Good, I'm glad you were able to talk to them. And, yes, a Mickey ice cream bar does make everything better!

yes it does.. Thanks for your help!

 

[carrie6466]

Boy.. I don't know what to do, I don't know who I would call or fax with my request.
Here is my issue, in 2009 we stayed at CBR, I paid for preferred, I had told my DH that I did so and had all these plans so on and so on. We got the very dead last building in Trinadad, it was aweful, not close nor preferred, DH was super mad. There were a few other issues that did that day in to. I am trying as hard as I can to not repeat any of the issue we had that day. If there is a way I can call CRB I would, someone just tell me who to call. I thought by doing online check in they know when your coming and have your stuff all set? I did do online check in last time so maybe that is what did in my room. However in 2009 I did not have a request.

That stinks, to pay for preferred and then have that problem! I've never made requests for very specific things, like building or room numbers. We also always take an early flight, usually checking in between 10 am - 12 pm. This combo could by why our requests have been honored.

Since I'm not sure, I just err on the side of caution when I have a request and check in when I get there. I don't think there will be much of a line mid-Sept. at 10 a.m., but you never know

 

[julirina]

For those traveling late in September -- have you started packing yet? I have a month to go, but i keep seeing things and thinking i should at least set them aside so they don't get misplaced. I don't want a huge pile of stuff, though. Thinking about starting a suitcase and just tucking it away under a bed somewhere ...? Is it too soon?

 

[jsw1114]

We leave the 21 haven't started yet due to the fact that there r five of us and suitcases would b everywhere we r driving from Ohio so we take a ton of stuff I made a list the other night to start packing "in my head" trying to figure out what I still need to buy. Goal is to pack the kids next weekend as much as I can since I work crazy hrs the week we leave

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

For those traveling late in September -- have you started packing yet? I have a month to go, but i keep seeing things and thinking i should at least set them aside so they don't get misplaced. I don't want a huge pile of stuff, though. Thinking about starting a suitcase and just tucking it away under a bed somewhere ...? Is it too soon?

I'm traveling in mid-September, but no, I don't think it's too soon to start packing for late September. I think it's a good idea to set things aside for exactly the reason you stated--so that they don't get misplaced or even forgotten about. We do an itemized packing list, so as things get put in the suitcase, they get placed on the list. I personally like having it out in the open as a visual reminder. We have a loft area upstairs were we keep it open and ready for filling!

 

[peeputt]

We leave Sept 14th (diving and stopping other places for a few days before we get to Orlando) Anyway...I've had our suitcases out for over a month now! LOL
They are sitting on the bed in the spare bedroom and I've been throwing stuff in them as we get it, or think of it.

 

[Robin K]

Here are our days:
Sept 5-AK
Sept 6-MK
Sept 7-Epcot
Sept 8- Day off-mini golf
Sept 9- MK
Sept 10- DHS
Sept 11- pool day til MNSSHP
Sept 12- Epcot
Sept 13-AK
Sept 14- GF tea then MNSSHP
Sept 15- Epcot
Sept 16- Visiting family/beach
Sept 17- home

4 more sleeps...can't wait....
We will be staying at FQ for the first time too...

 

[Koh1977]

Here are our days:
Sept 5-AK
Sept 6-MK
Sept 7-Epcot
Sept 8- Day off-mini golf
Sept 9- MK
Sept 10- DHS
Sept 11- pool day til MNSSHP
Sept 12- Epcot
Sept 13-AK
Sept 14- GF tea then MNSSHP
Sept 15- Epcot
Sept 16- Visiting family/beach
Sept 17- home

4 more sleeps...can't wait....
We will be staying at FQ for the first time too...

So you're doing 2 nights of the MNSSHP?

 

[Buckimion]

We hit the road mid-afternoon on the 13th, hoping to get to CSR and relax a moment before our 6:30 ADR at 'Ohana on Friday. I am constantly telling DW "2 more weeks we'll be doing this...", "7 more working days..."

I already have the ecv loaded in the suv and its not coming out until we get to Disney. I also have my travel bag out and have started throwing odds and ends like ponchos, DW's Dramamine, my spare medical supplies in. Tuesday or maybe Wed 11-12th we'll load our clothes bags.

Sept. 14 arrive, 'Ohana dinner
Sept. 15 AK
Sept. 16 HS
Sept. 17 MK
Sept. 18 MK late/MNSSHP
Sept. 19 off day (Pool, Winter/Summerland)
Sept. 20 EP
Sept. 21 relax until MNSSHP
Sept. 22 'Ohana breakfast before hitting the road

When we leave on the 22, we head over to New Orleans for another week and DW's birthday before heading home. As part of her birthday, we're renewing our wedding vows at the French Quarter wedding chapel. (Big Easy Brides fame) What she doesn't know is that I have a 1.7 ct engagement ring to replace the really small one she recently lost (suspect stolen) in a move as her birthday gift.

 

[Marblies]

What she doesn't know is that I have a 1.7 ct engagement ring to replace the really small one she recently lost (suspect stolen) in a move as her birthday gift.

How exciting! Sure hope DW is not on the disboards.