Online checkin with late arrival?

[Snurk71]

We're booked for an August trip - a surprise trip for DD's 10th birthday. We're flying out late in the day and won't likely be at the resort until 11:00 - midnight. At first the reservation had 1 night in a separate room category than the rest of the nights (availability). so I wasn't worried about what room we'd get for the first night being the last to check in for the day - because we'd be first checking in the next morning for the room for the rest of our stay. But our waitlist came through, so now we're in the same room the entire trip.

I know the squeaky wheels can get the grease checking in throughout the day. So if we were originally assigned a prime room spot, and other guests checking in ask for a change, we could get bumped to the end of the dumpster line by the time we get there in person.

So my question is about on-line check in and arriving late. If we on-line check in, are we assigned our actual room - do they print and code the keys before you actually get there? If so, is there anything we can do to not still get bumped by a squeaky wheel - like calling from the airport after 4:00 check in to confirm our room#?

Thanks

 

[kim532]

I don't have the answer, but love to hear what others think.

 

[LoveKermit]

I think they code the keys during the day, yes.

We did online check-in either the day before or two days before, maybe longer. I remember DH being in the room, but he was not home in good time the night before we left, so I'm guessing it was at least two days before.

Anyway....

We rolled into BWV about 12:30 AM. I had put late arrival on our request (through MS). My cast member said it didn't matter, but I feel like it's courtesy. I also requested high floor, near the elevator, maybe even facing quiet pool.

We barely slowed down when we walked in the lobby. I'm sure we were the only packet still sitting there. They handed it to me and off we went. We were on the 5th floor (highest) and faced the quiet pool. If you know BWV this means we faced DHS and (feels like south). While not close to the elevator, we were still only halfway through the resort. And we got used to it, so it didn't seem that far.

In other words, our requests were pretty well granted. Our keys were definitely coded--we didn't wait for them to do it. Our extremely late arrival was the reason I did online check-in. No hassle, and I believe, no leftovers. We have more trouble with "your room is ready now" and getting something unused (i.e., crappy) from the night before.

I did have to stop the next morning to get a parking pass. No big deal.

 

[Sandisw]

Yes, I have read that with online check in, things are done for you. However, there is nothing to stop them from changing that at any time before you check in.

I don't think they will tell you your room # if you call ahead of time as there is always something that could come up to change that.

That is one of the reasons that I personally think the resorts should not allow requests nor allow people to change their assigned rooms. We all want the best view or area that we can and as you said, allowing requests and allowing others, who don't like their initial room assignments, to complain and get changed, puts someone else in that room.

I have put in requests but if I get there and have not been given it, I don't say anything as I know that they are not guaranteed. And, I believe, that over time, I will end up with rooms I love and rooms I don't.

We are also getting in late for our summer trip, around 8:00 pm. I know that our room will probably be what is left, even with the online check in we plan to do.

Good luck!

 

[cseca]

This is MO of course, having done late check in many MANY times.
They already assigned you a room regardless on whether you do online or not. Because the regular night shift crew (AFAIK) cannot change your room keys. I think if there's some huge issue they would have to call in a higher up.

The one time I checked in after midnight and got a HA room I said I really would rather not have it. And she said that they don't have the ability to change room at night but if I come back in the morning they'll move me. That's what we had to do... luckily a change from HA room doesn't cost me any $.

So regardless of online checkin I think you'll just have to take what they give you. And if you don't like the room you can always wait the next day and ask for a different one. Although you will probably get charged for it.

That's why we stay at Pop on the first night if we get in really late.