Online Check In

[DisneyF4]

What is the benefit of checking in early online? We do this every year, and we still have to stand in line, so I don't know if I'm missing something?

 

[ArielsMommy]

I used online check in in December. I didn't see any real difference other than the online check in line was a little shorter. Maybe someone else has seen a benefit to this.

 

[dansdad]

You still may have to stand in line. However, your time at the window with the CM should be shorter. Our last 2 check-ins, doing online check-in, went like this.

CM: "Good morning and welcome to Caribbean Beach Resort! Can I see your ID?"
Me: "Good morning, here you go."
CM: "Thank you Mr. xxxx, here is your packet. You are in room xxxx, do you have any questions?"
Me: "No."
CM: "You're all set, have a Magical stay with us!"

Both times, the whole transaction took less than 2 minutes. We were on our way to our room as our ME bus was pulling away to it's next stop.

Also, both times we arrived at CBR around 10AM. With online check-in I noted what time we should be at the resort. Both times our room was ready.

We only ever have 2 requests when staying at CBR, Jamaica 45 and 2nd floor. Both times our requests were met even with checking in early.

 

[TheRatPack]

I'm not really sure either.....the line for online check in was a bit shorter. Our package and everything was already printed out and ready. BUT if you need to change something it takes just as long....if not longer. They had us in 2 separate buildings one year and they had to reprint a lot of stuff that was already in the packet.

We still take advantage of the online check in though.....just in case it has perks that I'm forgetting LOL

 

[dawnhaze]

I did it because it made me feel like the wait time for my trip is shorter, haha.

 

[dansdad]

Our package and everything was already printed out and ready.

That is the main advantage.

BUT if you need to change something it takes just as long....if not longer. They had us in 2 separate buildings one year and they had to reprint a lot of stuff that was already in the packet.

And this is main disadvantage. I get why you would have them redo your check-in. We're a party of 3 and we make 2 requests. If they weren't met we would just deal with it. We're in WDW after all!!

 

[RocketEAR99]

Any time I have used online check-in, we have gotten there in the morning (9-10am) before official check-in time of 4:00pm. But because we did online check-in, our room was available upon arrival or within an hour after arrival.

Without using online check-in, our room was available considerably later. Granted early availability is never a guarantee, but still that has been my experience.

 

[I Run Long]

I did it because it made me feel like the wait time for my trip is shorter, haha.

Exactly the same reason we do it.

 

[Mousemom]

When checking my resort/dining reservations this morning I got a message from WDW that we can do on-line check in in 8 days. I feel like the above posters. On the day that I can do on-line check in, I'm that much closer to my trip. We did on-line check in for the first time our last trip. It was great to get up to the counter and just be handed our packet. I can see where it wouldn't be a benefit if you wanted to make changes once you get your room location. We will be making that on-line check in in 8 days though and hoping for a great room at Pop Century!

 

[dansdad]

I did it because it made me feel like the wait time for my trip is shorter, haha.

I didn't list that as an advantage because I thought I was the only crazy one who felt that way.

Good to see I'm not alone.

 

[jlh512]

We did online check in last year at the BWI. When we got off ME there was a cast member asking us if we did the online check in. We responded yes. He escorted us to the couch in the lobby and said wait here. We sat there for about a minute and he returned with our materials. We didn't have to wait in line or anything. I will be sure to do it again!

 

[WillowBelle]

I didn't list that as an advantage because I thought I was the only crazy one who felt that way.

Good to see I'm not alone.

You are definitely not alone. This is why I online checkin too. At this point all of my other preparations are done.

 

[Lm021583]

We did online check in last year at the BWI. When we got off ME there was a cast member asking us if we did the online check in. We responded yes. He escorted us to the couch in the lobby and said wait here. We sat there for about a minute and he returned with our materials. We didn't have to wait in line or anything. I will be sure to do it again!

We had the same experience at BWV. We arrived around 11:30am and our room was ready for us (a definite plus with a sleepy toddler!). We will be doing online check-in for future trips!!