online check in?

[hsmamato2]

how does this work for DVC? If we checkin online,does this mean we don't have to stand in line when we get there? do we get a room assigned online? or do we still have to be in line and be assigned when we get there? are there any benefits to doing it online? any drawbacks? In past experiences, it seems to be important that we know what room we have assigned,so if we have any problems,we can address and change it right away-
wondering if it gets us an earlier room assignment than in person that day....TIA!

 

[danielle782001]

We have do it three times...My experience has been the following:

1) room is not assigned online and you cannot make location requests...those are to be made with MS before hand
2) no line when we arrive...there is a specific check-in line for online check-ins
3) documents already and rooms keys all printed out already
4) rooms already assigned before arrival but not ready (all three times they were not ready until 4)...so it seems there is no benefit there
5) must still pay for the dining plan when you get there because online does not handle DVC DP but it took maybe an extra minute at the most because the plan was already on the reservation and we just needed to pay for it

*If you have a specific room you want or do not want I would not check-in online
**If you are looking for speed at check-in online is the way to go

 

[DebbieB]

I was at BWV last week and decided not to do online check-in since there is rarely a line there. I would rather talk to a person and make sure everything is in order rather than just be handed everything. We arrived around 2:00pm, no line. Check-in took about 5 min and our room was ready. I had requested top floor (5) but got 4th floor, which is still good.

 

[disneynutz]

I don't see where on line check in does much for Members. I feel that it is designed to save Disney money by letting them reduce Cast Members.

We have used it 7 times so far and it hasn't done anything for us.

Bill

 

[hsmamato2]

thanks for the info- I think we'll just do it in person,as this way we can be involved with what room they assign,etc.

 

[hsmamato2]

We have do it three times...My experience has been the following:

1) room is not assigned online and you cannot make location requests...those are to be made with MS before hand
2) no line when we arrive...there is a specific check-in line for online check-ins
3) documents already and rooms keys all printed out already
4) rooms already assigned before arrival but not ready (all three times they were not ready until 4)...so it seems there is no benefit there
5) must still pay for the dining plan when you get there because online does not handle DVC DP but it took maybe an extra minute at the most because the plan was already on the reservation and we just needed to pay for it

*If you have a specific room you want or do not want I would not check-in online
**If you are looking for speed at check-in online is the way to go

Wait, #1 and #4- so they do or don't assign you a room at the time you use online checkin?

 

[disneynutz]

Wait, #1 and #4- so they do or don't assign you a room at the time you use online checkin?

Rooms are usually assigned the night before arrival by the Room Assigner in Operations at the resort, not by MS.

Sometimes there is a screw up and the Front Desk Cast Member has to call Operations for an assignment.

Using on line check in hasn't improved getting our requests.

Checking in early hasn't improved getting our requests.

Faxing our request to the resort hasn't improved getting our requests.

Bill

 

[cccory]

I have been trying to check in online, but can't. I heard that you go to My Membership and it's in there, but I can't get into "My membership", it says "We are currently unable to access your Annual Dues information while we perform scheduled system activities. It has been like this all day. Anyone else experience this problem?

 

[danielle782001]

Wait, #1 and #4- so they do or don't assign you a room at the time you use online checkin?

Sorry if I was not clear...You do not get your room assigned at time of online check-in...You will not know your room # until you get to the resort and formally check-in there...As pp stated, rooms are assigned before you actually arrive at the resort (5 to 1 day ahead depending)...MS does not assign rooms but again you can make "requests" through them...Point is, if you have a specific area of a resort you want to stay you may to not do online check-in because it will be difficult at the time you pick up your packet.

 

[pyrxtc]

Thanks for helping decide not to check in online.

 

[hsmamato2]

aaahhhh-thank you!

 

[PHILCT]

I would also like to thank you for help about Online Check-In, as I didn't know where to find it in the DVC Member Website.

I have decided to just check in at the resort, and get the personal treatment.
This will make it easier to possibly negotiate a room location change if desired.

Happy Holidays Everyone !

 

[Marshay]

My one experience at checking in after the on-line check-in was introduced was last month at BLT. I decided NOT to check in on-line b/c I didn't see the advantage.

We arrived at 3:30pm via ME, waited about 5 minutes and the Front Desk said they only had two rooms available for my points, so I really didn't have much choice. CM said all the other rooms were already occupied or had been assigned via on-line checkin. I asked which room had the better view and she replied, they are similar views. Who knows if she was telling me the truth or just trying to get me to leave quickly?

So for our next trip, I'm going to do on-line checkin. I can always take the packet to the Front Desk if I want to try to get a better room...but now I'm thinking having the room assigned the night before might be better...

 

[disneynutz]

IMHO on line check in is a prelude to charging for room changes. Disney doesn't want you to take up the front Desk CM's time negotiating for the "perfect" room.

Disney already has a policy that if you enter your room, they can charge you a fee if you request a change.

Bill