Online check-in at Aulani

[Anal Annie]

So I almost always wait to check in at WDW because I always have a room request and I want to see if it's being met and if not, can we wait or do something to get it. I tried the online thing once - at AKV in January and when we got there the online check-in guy that night was assisting with the regular check-ins so it didn't save us any time because we still had to wait for him to be free. And of course the family he was helping didn't have a clue what was going on with their magic bands so it probably took 2x as long. Just got an email from Aulani about checking in - but since I have a room request I'm hesitant to do it. I was wondering who's used the Aulani online check-in AND had room requests. Were the requests met or do you think it messed you up? It seems like they sent this email a little early. We don't arrive there until the 8th - the email includes a 7-day forecast so it ends on the 4th.

 

[Girimama33]

I did the online check in and had a prior room request. When you do the online check in, they ask again for any room requests. I just included the information that I had relayed to Aulani previously in that section. Our room request was honored (for both rooms)...high floor, long wing Ewa with rooms close and on same floor. We ended up with 781 and 787.

 

[cedricandsophie]

Agree with previous responder. Have done online checkin with very specific room requests. Ewa tower. Ocean view. 9th floor and above. Never a problem last three times.

 

[Cinderpamela]

Annie- I am with you.... I have been to Aulani twice and had very specific room requests. I chose not to do online check in and instead went to the front desk upon arrival.
I was sure to mention my room request to the check in cast member and let them know that I was happy to wait if it meant a room that was more within my room request parameters. In both cases the room that I had originally been assigned was changed to better fill my room reservation.

On our first visit we were originally assigned a room on the first floor (I had requested 5th floor) for our poolview category studio. Since the cast member knew we were happy to wait, she was able to change us to a 5th floor studio.

Sounds like some folks have recieved their request when doing early on line check in.... and thats great.... but I really like to check in in person and be sure.

 

[lovetotraveltx]

I check in right before Annie. I haven't gotten an e-mail. So, the consensus is just wait until you arrive??

 

[Anal Annie]

I check in right before Annie. I haven't gotten an e-mail. So, the consensus is just wait until you arrive??

That's weird that you didn't get an email. Did you check your junk folder? I was surprised to get it so EARLY. I don't think we'll do the online check-in. Like I said before, when we did it at AKV it saved us absolutely zero time. I also have a big pile of Disney gift cards that I am bringing so I may go ahead & plunk them down at check-in rather than waiting until our last day. Of course after stopping at DL first on the way to Aulani my pile may not be as big as I'm hoping it will be.

I am gearing up to pack - have been pulling out clean clothes from the laundry that I know I will want to bring - so now I am wearing some really old "Daisy Dukes" today becuz I don't want to wear my "better" shorts and then have to wash them again between now & the weekend.

 

[wdrl]

Some Aulani guests have reported that they did the online check-in and were able to bypass the front desk upon arrival. When they drove up to the resort, they were greeted by a CM and given their arrival packet, including their room keys.

 

[Anal Annie]

Some Aulani guests have reported that they did the online check-in and were able to bypass the front desk upon arrival. When they drove up to the resort, they were greeted by a CM and given their arrival packet, including their room keys.

That would be real service!! I'm not even going to think that our villa will be ready when we arrive (I'm hoping we'll be there between 1:30 & 2:00 and check-in isn't until 4:00.) I was already debating about whether or not to stop for groceries on the way to Aulani or just go back out since we may not have a place to keep them.

 

[alohamom]

I am gearing up to pack - have been pulling out clean clothes from the laundry that I know I will want to bring - so now I am wearing some really old "Daisy Dukes" today becuz I don't want to wear my "better" shorts and then have to wash them again between now & the weekend.

LOL- me too! We dont leave the house till next wednesday but I am already putting aside the fav shorts and wearing the old so I dont have extra laundry to do right before I pack. Gotta make time for the pedicure instead!!!

 

[abthomas]

We were at Aulani in mid June. I did online check in. I made requests via email chat. When we arrived at 2pm we were met by a lovely CM. Given our water, leis and key cards. No front desk. We got a perfect room. 1 br. OV. 14th floor long Ewa tower overlooking Waikolohe valley. Just what I had requested. I am a fan of on line checkin. Plus bonus. Our room was READY! Aloha.

 

[bamor]

Some Aulani guests have reported that they did the online check-in and were able to bypass the front desk upon arrival. When they drove up to the resort, they were greeted by a CM and given their arrival packet, including their room keys.

Yes, exactly! And we arrived around 1pm. I put in my request with member services months ago, did online check in and received exactly what I requested. We were given fruit water, our leis, a quick tour of the lobby then followed upstairs by bell services with our bags who then gave us a tour of the room!

 

[Neraj]

Annie, I would suggest on-line check-in. As long as you don't do it the night before (or day of) the room keys should be down at the water station. If you are worried about your room request you can mention it to the person helping you with your check-in, they can still change your room if you did on-line. Don't be worried about your groceries if the rooms not ready, there are freezers and fridges in bell if you need. If you are coming in at 2pm, that is primetime for check-ins (so don't be surprised if it's busy).

 

[Anal Annie]

LOL- me too! We dont leave the house till next wednesday but I am already putting aside the fav shorts and wearing the old so I dont have extra laundry to do right before I pack. Gotta make time for the pedicure instead!!!

My last load of laundry is in right now! Then all will be caught up except for what we wear in the next 4 or 5 days (so I MIGHT do a consolidated load on Sunday or Monday of the more neutral stuff). My packing piles are getting bigger than what I want tho so now I'm going to have to do some tough cutting and purging to make it all fit!! I am up to probably 4 prs. of shoes / sandals each. Those are scarin' me!!