Online check in? Who does it??

[edk35]

We have never used it. I remember when it first started up there were mixed reviews. Are people still using it? Does it really go faster at check in? Do you have to wait in line at all when you get to the resort or do they have a separate counter for this? IF you have a request on record with MS and you check in online....does that transfer over? We arrive on Monday to BLT and then 4 days later to SSR. I thought we might do online check in this time but I am a little nervous. Thanks

 

[Bewitch324]

I've done online check-in every trip now for a couple of years; I really like it.

I do think it speeds up check in--almost every time, it's been 10 minutes or less--usually less--but I also usually check in pretty late at night, so that also has an impact. But they get every thing ready, except for the keys...Even special stuff, like when I've noted we are celebrating a birthday, the birthday button was already ready and in the folder/packet. And the keys are printed, but I think they still have to assign the room and code them which takes a couple minutes--but that's been about it.

The first time we stayed at BLT, I did online check-in for the first time and it took forever to actually check in, but it was brand new and their computers were down, and I got there at the same time as a LOT of other people...but once they figured it out, they found my package and my folder was all ready and my parking pass was already printed, etc.

Overall, I highly recommend on-line check-in.

Hope that helps!
Brooke

 

[erionm]

Do you have to wait in line at all when you get to the resort or do they have a separate counter for this?

Each resort has a separate line for those that have completed the on-line check-in process.

 

[ovalhead96]

I also did the special request, and received my request both times.

Once at Jambo, My standard view was fantastic. We were right above the girraffe feeder

 

[Stasia5]

I've used the online check in and do think it saves time. I would definitely recommend it.

 

[dvcforever]

Haven't tried on line check-in but will try it next time!!!

 

[DVCMAUREEN]

I never remember to use it and only think of it on the Magical Express! I'm going to put a reminder on my calendar for my next trip.

 

[jeanninepl]

I have heard it saves time but we have never done it. I like to talk to a person when I check-in because my hubby and I really like to sit on our balcony and relax at night so view is very important. I have been so lucky with the CMs finding us just the right room and view that I do not want to mess with it!

 

[Sammie]

Us, we don't need the CM to walk us through the packet of info.

 

[Starshine]

We've used it, but at both BWV and BCV where we typicall stay they never send us to the separate line, they just funnel us through the regular check-in, so it never really saves time.

 

[Cee]

I use it every time. It saves us time. The last trip @ BWV, we didn't even have to stand in line. We were greeted at the door by the CM who asked our name, told us to relax in the lobby, and within minutes came back with our packet and we were on our way. Awesomeness.

 

[boardwalkowner]

I have used online checkin since it was first offered. DW and I usually arrive late at BWV using Magical Express and I find that it gets us to our room faster than normal checkin. Separate window for online checkin is available and that is where we are told to go. The last time we were at BWV in April 2012 and arrived on Magical Express it was mid morning. We were actually greeted by a cast member near the entrance to the lobby (greeted by name!!) and the cast member went to the online checkin for us as we waited in the lobby. Cast member brought us our packet with room info and all the related materials you receive at checkin. Needless to say, I was impressed to be greeted by name and the treated like royalty!!! Just another Disney special touch to make your stay start off on the right foot!!!

Ed

 

[MouseMadness]

Does anyone know why they don't offer online check-in for the Grand Californian? TIA!

 

[karrit2000]

Does anyone know why they don't offer online check-in for the Grand Californian? TIA!

Online Check-in is only available at Walt Disney World in Florida.

The Disneyland Resort in California does not currently offer Online Check-in.

 

[Plutofan]

We used on line check in and we had no problems. The line was much shorter.

 

[erionm]

Does anyone know why they don't offer online check-in for the Grand Californian? TIA!

Either Disneyland does not want to offer the feature for it's resorts, or their resort reservation system does not support that feature.

Disneyland and Walt Disney World use different (and most likely incompatible) computer systems.

 

[bumbershoot]

Us, we don't need the CM to walk us through the packet of info.

FWIW, they always walk us through it anyway.

We do split stays, so our trips involve a few checkins. The ONE time I didn't do it online was the one time we got a cruddy, only thing available, room.

And at some of our picking-up-the-packet experiences when we've done online, the CM hasn't liked the room we were assigned and changed it anyway. It has never been a "here's your packet now go" experience for us, even when we've wanted it to be.

As for saving time in line...when we went to pick up packets at OKW we stood where the sign told us to, which was in the concierge desk line. And the people in front of us took awhile (and that's totally fine!) so I didn't see much time-savings. Another time at OKW we were arriving just as a HUGE number of people were doing checking-out processes before boarding a cruise bus (I *think* it was during a DVC cruise), and the room was just packed. That time, as I stood where the sign told me to, a manager came out and got the process started, then told us to go to a certain "window" (which was in the normal checkin area).

At BWV there was one person at the normal window and no one at the online checkin window, so very little time was saved.

Anyway, so far, the one time we didn't do it we didn't like the room. Each other time, though, has worked out well.

 

[Irishmom23]

Used online check-in twice, once for BWV and the other for SSR in a THV. Both times we were greeted at the door and both times I got my requests. However, neither time was the villa ready when we arrived (~12:30pm) but both were ready by 2pm and I got a text telling me it was ready and the room number.

 

[edk35]

Thanks everyone!!! I think we will try it!!

 

[daizieduck]

How many years has online check in be offered now? Two or three? Last year I know it was a breeze but the first year it was AWFUL. It took WAY LONGER than all the years before the service was offered. The CM could not find our check-in packet and could not even find our reservation in the computer. She ended up having to get a manager to help. Eventually they got it all cleared up. I'm not sure how long it took but it felt like 45 minutes. Lets' be fair and say it was 25-30 minutes. Still way too long IMO.