Online check in at DVC resorts

[OneMoreTry]

What is the benefit of online check in?

Does it actually increase your chances of getting a room request?

Does it decrease your chances of getting into a room before the official check in time? (Which we have usually been able to do at OKW.)

Does it decrease standing-in-line time on arrival? Or do you still have to stand in a line to get the materials?

 

[Simba's Mom]

I was wondering this too. Do they expect everyone to use it? I hope not because I'm a creature of habit-the old way works fine for me. I'll be anxious to hear from people who both use the on-line system and from people who still use the old way after January 1 as to how the changes affect them.

 

[drusba]

There is no known answer to those questions except that yes there may still be a line to wait in when you get there and likely your room will be assigned (although not ready) by no later than early morning of day you arrive since whole point is to have your folder of materials, including room keys, ready before you get there and then you just go in a line where that stuff is supposedly quickly picked up. Since this is Disney and a new computerized system, you can expect there to be some major problems for no longer than three or four years after it starts. Also, you won't be required to use it as old check-in system will continue.

 

[Chuck S]

If it is similar to the old "Member Express" check-in we had years ago, where you called prior to arrival and gave your CC#, it will shorten the time required in line, because they don't need to ask the questions about room charging, etc.

Now, this was at OKW, before the resort was fully sold out, so they usually had rooms ready when ever you checked in...so your Member Welcome Packet and room keys were already printed and ready, and your room assigned and ready when you arrived. I hope the new system works that smoothly.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Also, there has been no mention of it having any effect on obtaining room requests. I suppose it could go either way... help or harm. Time will tell..

 

[JimMIA]

This strikes me as one of those DVC "streamlinings" where it is hard to identify any benefit to anybody. I don't see that it makes the front desk CM's job any easier, and we still have to stand in line...although hopefully it will be a bit shorter line.

If it helps in getting requests, it will probably be a big hit. If it hurts, or seems to hurt, a lot of folks will be unhappy.

I'm sure the real reason for this "enhancement" is cost-cutting, and that they hope it will reduce their headcount at the front desk. Whether that happens, and whether it happens without negative impacts remain to be seen.

 

[psindone]

I'm sure the lines will be just as long as before since many people who check in have alot of questions. Especially first timers! Except for putting in my credit card information I don't see the need for this. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens.

 

[DebbieB]

This strikes me as one of those DVC "streamlinings" where it is hard to identify any benefit to anybody. I don't see that it makes the front desk CM's job any easier, and we still have to stand in line...although hopefully it will be a bit shorter line.

If it helps in getting requests, it will probably be a big hit. If it hurts, or seems to hurt, a lot of folks will be unhappy.

I'm sure the real reason for this "enhancement" is cost-cutting, and that they hope it will reduce their headcount at the front desk. Whether that happens, and whether it happens without negative impacts remain to be seen.

They are doing this at all the WDW resorts, I don't think it was a DVC idea.

 

[edk35]

Did I miss something?? What is this new online check in???

 

[wdw1972]

Since this is Disney and a new computerized system, you can expect there to be some major problems for no longer than three or four years after it starts. Also, you won't be required to use it as old check-in system will continue.

Three to four YEARS?? What are you basing that negative statement on??

It sounds like a great thing to me. I book at 11 months, but don't get there until 4pm usually and too often I get the crap rooms left over because the better rooms were given to people who checked in earlier (especially at Beach Club Villas). This way I'll check in in advance, and my room will be assigned to me. People who check in online go to a different area to pick up their packet & key. They don't stand in the front line with people who for whatever reason don't know about or choose not to do online check in.

If your room isn't ready, you'll get your key & packet and then depending on the resort you either call them to check on it or they'll call you when it's ready.

 

[simzac]

Three to four YEARS?? What are you basing that negative statement on??

It sounds like a great thing to me. I book at 11 months, but don't get there until 4pm usually and too often I get the crap rooms left over because the better rooms were given to people who checked in earlier (especially at Beach Club Villas). This way I'll check in in advance, and my room will be assigned to me. People who check in online go to a different area to pick up their packet & key. They don't stand in the front line with people who for whatever reason don't know about or choose not to do online check in.

If your room isn't ready, you'll get your key & packet and then depending on the resort you either call them to check on it or they'll call you when it's ready.

No where in the info on the online checkin system does it say that rooms will be assigned when you checkin online.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

I would think it would be helpful for when an ME bus arrives. The veteran guests, theoretically, would be able to "grab & go", making the lines move quicker.

 

[DebbieB]

No where in the info on the online checkin system does it say that rooms will be assigned when you checkin online.

I heard you indicate a time you expect to arrive and they will prepare your packet for that time. My guess is they will assign the room then. So you may have a little jump over those who don't do online check-in.

 

[DVC Grammy]

I'll be doing online check-in mid-January. If no one posts here beforehand, I'll post after I return (Feb.1), unless I take my laptop with me and post from WDW (haven't decided yet).

A caveat: in over tens years of ownership, I've never NOT gotten my requests, or checked in at a very busy time, so I don't know how helpful my report will be.

 

[edk35]

I'll be doing online check-in mid-January. If no one posts here beforehand, I'll post after I return (Feb.1), unless I take my laptop with me and post from WDW (haven't decided yet).

A caveat: in over tens years of ownership, I've never NOT gotten my requests, or checked in at a very busy time, so I don't know how helpful my report will be.

When was this new procedure announced? I missed it.

 

[DVC Grammy]

When was this new procedure announced? I missed it.

It's on the member site; just click below the top stories (where it says "more news")..................it should be on the next page, first line.

 

[edk35]

It's on the member site; just click below the top stories (where it says "more news")..................it should be on the next page, first line.

Thanks I have to check that out.

 

[kristenrice]

I forgot, how far ahead do you checkin? We arrive on a Saturday and we're staying just that one night in a studio. The next day, we're moving to a 1BR. Does the time frame prohibit checking in for both reservations at the same time?

 

[edk35]

I forgot, how far ahead do you checkin? We arrive on a Saturday and we're staying just that one night in a studio. The next day, we're moving to a 1BR. Does the time frame prohibit checking in for both reservations at the same time?

Those who take advantage of Disney's Online Check-In service will be able to login and complete your resort check-in beginning 10 days prior to your scheduled arrival date. You will also be able to review your reservation, add room requests and enter information about special occasions you are celebrating during your visit.

Upon arrival, Key to the World cards and other registration materials will be waiting for you at a special welcome location where Cast Members will be available to provide additional information and answer questions. While we always strive to provide ready rooms for Members, this service does not guarantee guest rooms will be ready upon arrival at the Resort. However, rooms will continue to be available at standard check-in time.

 

[kristenrice]

Those who take advantage of Disney's Online Check-In service will be able to login and complete your resort check-in beginning 10 days prior to your scheduled arrival date. You will also be able to review your reservation, add room requests and enter information about special occasions you are celebrating during your visit.

Upon arrival, Key to the World cards and other registration materials will be waiting for you at a special welcome location where Cast Members will be available to provide additional information and answer questions. While we always strive to provide ready rooms for Members, this service does not guarantee guest rooms will be ready upon arrival at the Resort. However, rooms will continue to be available at standard check-in time.

Thanks for the quick answer! I guess this means that I will check in for both rooms at the same time.