Parks before check in

[DisneyGal24]

We have a trip planned over Thanksgiving. We just purchased a PAP through DVC and we will have the QS meal plan for this trip. We will be arriving late so we are planning to stay offsite the first night. Do we need to check in at our resort before we head to the park the next morning? Will we be able to use our meal plan if we skip checking in?

 

[DisneyGal24]

Bump! Any thoughts on this?

 

[jdrais]

Doesn't a PAP work just like an AP? You should be able to get into the park anytime.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/passes/

Or am I missing some part of your question?

 

[glohoffman]

I think OP is asking if they can use their meal plan before check in. I am also wondering this.

 

[jdrais]

My understanding of DDP is that your credits are available as soon as you check in. Which I take it to mean you have to check in first to use your DDP.

 

[PaulaVonSchweetz]

Unsure. But I can say this from experience. We were there for a split stay.... BLT then AKL with meal plan and as soon as we checked out of BLT our plan didnt continue on to our 2nd ressie until the 4 PM check in at AKL.

We had to pay out of pocket for lunch then get entitlements applied at check out from 2nd resort.

It's because meal plans are based around nights you are staying so when we checked out and hadn't checked in yet it didn't link up properly because technically it's 2 separate reservations.

If recommend checking in first to avoid any problems.

 

[aaarcher86]

You still have to check in to activate dining credits as of right now.

 

[glohoffman]

You still have to check in to activate dining credits as of right now.

Can we go check in at the hotel even if our room isn't ready yet? We are staying at AKL and it says check in time is at 4pm...well we plan on going to a park when we get there (around lunchtime) and I have a character meal planned. Can we "check in" before 4 without needing our room yet?

 

[DisneyGal24]

Thanks everyone!

 

[siskaren]

Can we go check in at the hotel even if our room isn't ready yet? We are staying at AKL and it says check in time is at 4pm...well we plan on going to a park when we get there (around lunchtime) and I have a character meal planned. Can we "check in" before 4 without needing our room yet?

You can absolutely check in before official check-in time. Your room may be ready, but if it's not, you can just leave your luggage with bell services.

 

[wishuponastar42]

Can we go check in at the hotel even if our room isn't ready yet? We are staying at AKL and it says check in time is at 4pm...well we plan on going to a park when we get there (around lunchtime) and I have a character meal planned. Can we "check in" before 4 without needing our room yet?

We've checked in at 7am before...if I remember right, they text you later in the day when your room is ready.

 

[glohoffman]

Ok perfect, thank you!