Online check-in questions

[mickeymom629]

Is there any benefit to checking in weeks before rather than the day before?
Is it better to do on your phone vs computer? Via DVC site vs MDE on Disney.go?

Thanks!

 

[LadybugsMum]

I use Touring Plans to make room requests and they start sending them 30 days in advanced; so I have to be checked in by then. If you do have any room requests through MS, then you want to be checked in at least a week ahead of time as rooms are assigned ~5 days in advanced (based on what I've seen).

I have found that checking in via computer on the website for MDE works best for me, but plenty of people are able to use the MDE app.

 

[Sandisw]

Website works better for me than the app. I do it ahead of time for no other reason than it’s done.

I am already checked in for my January, Feb and March trips.

 

[CarolynFH]

We too check in weeks or months ahead. If we’re driving, I adjust estimated arrival time as we get closer, but otherwise it’s done. I like seeing it in MDE!

 

[gharter]

I do it whenever I have time. There is no benefit to doing it earlier than later, except its done.
I agree using TouringPlans for room request.

 

[mickeymom629]

Thanks for all the replies! So MDE rather than DVC site and on computer. We are in one of the standard view GVs at AKL, so not much to request that I know of. However, we are hoping to be near my DD's savanna view studio, which I have noted on the original reservation.

 

[Pooh12863]

Thanks for all the replies! So MDE rather than DVC site and on computer. We are in one of the standard view GVs at AKL, so not much to request that I know of. However, we are hoping to be near my DD's savanna view studio, which I have noted on the original reservation.

If you've previously put a request on your reservation, do not use the request option on the online check in or it will override your original request, or so I was told by MS when I called to place a request.

 

[kboo]

If you've previously put a request on your reservation, do not use the request option on the online check in or it will override your original request, or so I was told by MS when I called to place a request.

What if you did the OLCI and made a request, but then later make a request through TP? (asking for a friend...)

 

[Pooh12863]

What if you did the OLCI and made a request, but then later make a request through TP? (asking for a friend...)

Really not sure, but you can always update the online request to none and then call. I've never actually used Touring Plans.

 

[Lorana]

I use Touring Plans to make room requests and they start sending them 30 days in advanced; so I have to be checked in by then. If you do have any room requests through MS, then you want to be checked in at least a week ahead of time as rooms are assigned ~5 days in advanced (based on what I've seen).

I have found that checking in via computer on the website for MDE works best for me, but plenty of people are able to use the MDE app.

What if you check in after your TP request is sent? Are you fine if you don’t select any requests in online check-in?

 

[CarolynFH]

What if you check in after your TP request is sent? Are you fine if you don’t select any requests in online check-in?

Don’t make any requests when completing online checkin. If you do you’ll overwrite any requests you submitted by other means. You do not have to fill in the request section, just skip it.

 

[DebbieB]

I email member services and use touring plans. I leave requests blank on online checkin. Works most of the time.

 

[Lorana]

Don’t make any requests when completing online checkin. If you do you’ll overwrite any requests you submitted by other means. You do not have to fill in the request section, just skip it.

Thanks! Maybe I’ll start checking in early from now on though, to see if that makes a difference. I do leave it blank, but I’ve also never had my requests fulfilled, so I admittedly always assume they never will and that room requests really are something Disney ignores, lol.

 

[CarolynFH]

Thanks! Maybe I’ll start checking in early from now on though, to see if that makes a difference. I do leave it blank, but I’ve also never had my requests fulfilled, so I admittedly always assume they never will and that room requests really are something Disney ignores, lol.

Having read this forum for years now, it’s apparent that sometimes requests are filled and sometimes they’re not. Back in the day when BW view was only a request with a BWV booking in the Preferred category, we got BW view maybe half the time, even though we requested it at time of booking 11 months ahead. Other requests have been filled and others not over the years. I don’t think it makes a difference how requests are submitted, it just comes down to which villas are being vacated the day you’re checking in.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I usually check in weeks before. Once I had forgotten all about it and tried to check in the day before and it wouldn't allow me. I called MS and was told the on line check in window closed.

 

[mickeymom629]

I usually check in weeks before. Once I had forgotten all about it and tried to check in the day before and it wouldn't allow me. I called MS and was told the on line check in window closed.

That's odd. I am not sure it is that way anymore since everyone needs to check in online now. I may be wrong but I think I checked in the day before on our last trip, but I can't be sure.

 

[CarolMN]

I usually check in weeks before. Once I had forgotten all about it and tried to check in the day before and it wouldn't allow me. I called MS and was told the on line check in window closed.

That's odd. I am not sure it is that way anymore since everyone needs to check in online now. I may be wrong but I think I checked in the day before on our last trip, but I can't be sure.

Pretty sure Covid changed a lot of things re check-in & front desk procedures.

WDW would prefer everyone bypass front desk as much as possible. With online check-in plus email receipts & auto check out, It's easy for guests to bypass the front desk entirely! Seems weird, but it works.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

Pretty sure Covid changed a lot of things re check-in & front desk procedures.

WDW would prefer everyone bypass front desk as much as possible. With online check-in plus email receipts & auto check out, It's easy for guests to bypass the front desk entirely! Seems weird, but it works.

Agree. I couldn't do on line check in the day before so I called. Was told that on line check in starts way ahead of check in date and that I should of done it then. Was told the window doesn't stay open and that mine had closed.