Park First at BLT; Magic Kingdom then Check In?

[Husker Mike]

We're spending a couple of days at Bay Lake Tower after a 4 night cruise on the Dream. Depending on how fast we get going in the morning (breakfast, bags, customs, etc.) and traffic, we're thinking we COULD arrive at BLT anywhere from 8:45 (easy debarkation and kids want to get to the parks) to after 10 am (kids are pokey, traffic is bad, customs are slow, etc.)

Obviously, that's too soon to check in (in all likelihood). Is it possible to just pull into the BLT parking lot, flash a MagicBand to park, and walk straight to the Magic Kingdom? Or do we need to check in with the BLT front desk first? I'm thinking we'd prefer to get into the park early and enjoy a few rides before the crowds get excessive, and then head back to BLT later in the afternoon to check in. We'd do the online check-in before our trip, so theoretically, all we should have to do is wait for the notification, grab the bags out of the trunk, and head to our room.

 

[bobbiwoz]

You certainly don't need to go to the check in desk. You should get a text when your room is ready since you did online check in. Go to MK and have a great time!

 

[Dizzydizney]

The guard on duty at the gate to contemporary/BLT will ask you for photo I.d. And will scan your band. Your room reservation will show up for him/her. So they know you are a guest there and will allow you through to park. When your room is ready you can move your car up to the front door area and unload and go park again while a family member watches your stuff. The 2 different sets of elevators make moving your stuff so easy: Enjoy! It’s a great place.

 

[AvidDisReader]

Yes, home resort is BLT and have done this multiple times. In fact, in all the years I have been going to BLT only once has the room been ready before 2pm.

 

[Husker Mike]

3 years ago, our room at BLT was ready when we arrived at noon, but that has to be an anomaly. I certainly wouldn't expect it ready if we arrive at 9, and I'd rather take the time to move luggage in the afternoon when lines are the ugliest than first thing in the morning. I'm actually hoping that we could be approaching the park at rope drop, but that's dependent on a bunch of things working in our favor that are outside our control.

 

[Dizzydizney]

The only thing I can see interfering with your plan would be commuter traffic if you are arriving on a weekday. They kind of rush you out of your stateroom on your last day. Enjoy your cruise too!

And we’ve had bad luck and good luck with our room being ready. You just never know. That being said, if you DO check in upon arrival you can sometimes ask if there is a room ready now. It probably won’t be the best location or what you requested (I.e. high floor, close to elevator).

 

[jbh275]

You'll be off before you know it and in the park by 10:30 AM. Have a great time.