On site perks

[wdw&sonny]

We're thinking about a combined WDW-USF trip early August 2013. We will stay off-site for WDW, but are thinking about moving to USF for 1 night to get the 2 day perks of early entry and express pass.

How does this work?

How early can we get the perks on the day of check-in? Do we have to go to the hotel, or can we get the passes at the parks? Can we actually check in to the room or do we have to store our luggage til later in the day? Thanks.

 

[Bluer101]

You can checkin as early as you want. One night stay will give you 2 full days of benefits. You have to checkin to the hotel to get your express pass. If its a slow time your room might be ready. If your room is not ready you can have your bags held until your room is ready. Just go to the parks and they will call or text you with room number when ready. You do not need to go back to the front desk. Just go to the room and call down to have bags delivered.

 

[patster734]

You'll receive a room key for everyone staying in the room. Then you go to the express pass kiosks located near the hotel's front desk, and insert your room key to receive the express pass with your picture put on it. Everyone staying in the room will need to obtain an express pass. The express pass will be good from the moment its created til park closing on the day you check out. If your express pass is damaged or lost, I believe that you can have a new express pass issued at a kiosk, which will inactivate the previous express pass.

 

[wdw&sonny]

Thanks for the replies and info.

How early should we arrive to the resort (RPR) to check in so we can get that process done and walk or boat over to IoA to be in line at the correct time? The park normally opens at 9am, correct? So, early entrance would be at 8am, we should be in line at what, 7:30? Arrive at resort at 6:30?
Thanks.

 

[damo]

In early August the park opens at 8, making early admission at 7. You'd want to be at the hotel at least by 6 if that is the case. Probably a bit before because the hotels are very busy and the lines to get into the park are quite long.