online check-in...why would I do it?

[DisneyDaze36]

I am trying to understand the advantages of checking in online. Maybe I am missing something but I believe I still need to wait in line to get our keys, etc. Please detail the pros and cons of online check in as my family is going to WDW in August and want to know if we should make the effort to use the new service.

Thanks

BTW... I am really looking forward to online reservations!

 

[disneynutz]

The only reason to do on-line check-in is if you expect a long regular line of people checking in the same time as you.

The on-line check-in program is suppose to save you some time checking in and the real reason, is that it saves Disney money.

 

[DisneyDaze36]

Are there separate lines for online check in vs. standard check in?

 

[maburke]

I think that if you are arriving early, and you specify that in your online check-in (it asks for your time of arrival), that there is a chance that your room will be ready. There seem to be a fair number of people reporting having that experience. (Including me, our room was ready at 11am, and that's never happened to me before.) As for the wait in line, some people say it's shorter and their keys were ready, some say it was no shorter.

 

[twinklebug]

The only reason to do on-line check-in is if you expect a long regular line of people checking in the same time as you.

The on-line check-in program is suppose to save you some time checking in and the real reason, is that it saves Disney money.

I believe you're correct on both points above.

I'd use the system if they could add a map of the resort with rooms of our reservation type that will be available highlighted, allowing us to choose the exact room we want (with the typical note stating that the room may not be available until 4pm) ... but that isn't happening in this lifetime is it? :Oh, Can you imagine the threads that would be posted if someone didn't get their exact room?

 

[disneynutz]

Are there separate lines for online check in vs. standard check in?

Yes there is.

 

[HomerHog]

Saves you a lot of time. There should be a separate window for online check-ins. More importantly, they have the check-in folder already put together for you that they normally piece together as you are checking in. We used it in March at AKV. I was finished with check-in less than 10 minutes after our bus pulled into the resort.

 

[Anjelica]

I think I'm losing my memory as we just did this a year ago with friends (not the online check in part). But I don't think everyone in your party had to be present to get their keys or did they and does that policy apply to online check in? (We vacation with friends in a 2-bedroom).

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

We never have the whole party at the desk. Usually just DH and myself (sometimes just him) as the kids are already off enjoying themselves !

As well, when we had family arriving the next day, we picked up their cards when we checked in.

 

[Jenny-momof3]

We are renting points for our BCV stay. Our we able to do online check-in?

 

[Hopefully]

We bought our Park Hopper passes from Undercover Tourist. I want to have them added to our KTTW card. Is that even possible if we do On Line checkin or should we just use the regular process?
TIA

 

[disneynutz]

We are renting points for our BCV stay. Our we able to do online check-in?

Maybe, It depends on how the Disney computers are feeling that day.

It's really not that big of a deal. I have never taken more than 5 minutes to check in at the BCV so why worry about on-line check-in?

 

[ClarabelleCow]

question regarding the online checkin - I ended up with three reservations, I have one for 6/24 - 6/27, 6/27 - 6/28 was a cash night, and then 6/28-6/29 points, now the cash night came through ont he waitlist, so I have a straight studio for 6/24-6/29, but still three different reservations. So I did online checkin for the first one, starting on 6/24, should I do anything with the other two, or just leave them alone? All three are in a studio so I know im in the same room all nights.

 

[Ladygator]

We stayed at the BCV last week and did on-line check in. We checked in at 8 am and our room was ready. That is the first time it was ready that early. They had everything ready for us. The online checkin was on the left but they said that line was longer you could get in any line.

 

[MissMet]

Am I the only one who enjoys the whole ckeck-in process??

To me that's one of the best parts. It like the suspense of the whole thing. The interaction with the CM, them working with you to get you the best room possible, etc. I just love it.

Am I the only one?

Maybe it's because I'm not traveling with young children, I don't care if my room is ready, as I wouldn't be in it if it was anyway, and I've never suffered with long lines at check-in.

 

[CHD New York]

Were going in September to SSR. This will be the frist time using DVC and staying on property.

Should my frist time, be online or regular check in?

also

During that time of year, is online check in really needed? I normally go to WDW on Sept.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Maybe, It depends on how the Disney computers are feeling that day.

It's really not that big of a deal. I have never taken more than 5 minutes to check in at the BCV so why worry about on-line check-in?

I agree... we have spent maybe up to 20 minutes with the CM, but we have never spent that long in line. Frankly, once we're at the desk, time doesn't matter to us.

 

[Doingitagain]

When you do online checkin, do you put your credit card through then? That might speed up some time when you arrive.

Also, if we can do that I can try the "one time use" Discover card numbers where they can only be used by one vendor...they cannot be stolen and used anywhere else.

 

[anna08]

Earlier this month when we checked in at SSR, there was no separate place for on-line check-in and there was only a single lengthy line. We did not do on-line because of the reports about requests not being clear. We got our request, and were in our rooms by 10am (immediately).

 

[DisneyDaze36]

Great commentary everyone. This seems to be a great topic.

Another Question: Does Beach Club Villas have a separate line for online check in guests?