Q's about GCH mobile check-in

[DizMe]

For the first time, I checked in for our upcoming reservation 4 days before our arrival. I've never done it before because I'm particular about what room I get and like to make sure at check-in that I'm in an area that works for us.

I was thinking this might save me having to go to the front desk on arrival (around 10:30-11 AM), but now I realize that I likely won't know where they're putting us until much later in the day when we're in the parks. That's fine if my room request is honored, but if not, the chances of being able to change it might be slimmer and less convenient.

Should I go ahead and visit the front desk on arrival to see? Thank you for any insight on this!

 

[Pluto468]

For the first time, I checked in for our upcoming reservation 4 days before our arrival. I've never done it before because I'm particular about what room I get and like to make sure at check-in that I'm in an area that works for us.

I was thinking this might save me having to go to the front desk on arrival (around 10:30-11 AM), but now I realize that I likely won't know where they're putting us until much later in the day when we're in the parks. That's fine if my room request is honored, but if not, the chances of being able to change it might be slimmer and less convenient.

Should I go ahead and visit the front desk on arrival to see? Thank you for any insight on this!

I haven't done early check-in at the Grand, but I have at DLH. I'm assuming the procedure is the same. I got my "Your room is ready," text and the room number around 11am. It was the best room we've ever had there!

Another time I got the text and room number around 1:00.

You could always peek at the line at the front desk when you get there. It might give you peace of mind to know what room you'll get, instead of wondering about it all day.

Have a great trip!

 

[Jane VanTassel]

I have done the mobile check in at GCH: and with calling several times prior to arrival about specific room accommodations, ensuring that notes are written down: I have never had those accommodations fulfilled. Fairly simple request like close to elevator due to my 86yr old mother, or 2 rooms close together due to babysitting needs of my family. However, getting into the parks almost immediately upon arrival, I guess I'm willing to sacrifice that vs standing in a line at front desk. Also, if you are there early maybe and talking with a cast member at desk, they are able to accommodate you needs more about your specific room. The texting of room ready and key to your room via app has always worked wonderful.

 

[starlite_]

I thought room requests were just that, requests. And that most of the time they are not able to fulfill them since it would 100% depend on whatever is free at the moment they are assigning the room? The only dif would be what is available when you mobile check in vs that morning but there is no way you would be able to know that.

 

[Mle8308]

You can stop at the front desk when you arrive, but if your room isn't ready, they won't tell you the room number. You could definitely ask if it is in the area you requested and if not, ask if there might be something meeting your requests. The earlier you check, the more inventory they will have to play around with, before others check in. Could be a yes or a no, it all depends on the number of rooms they have checking out that day that meet your requirements. There may not be anything or it could be a long wait. They will do their best to accommodate, but if they don't have it, there is not much they can do.

 

[DizMe]

I thought room requests were just that, requests. And that most of the time they are not able to fulfill them since it would 100% depend on whatever is free at the moment they are assigning the room? The only dif would be what is available when you mobile check in vs that morning but there is no way you would be able to know that.

Correct. I always tell them I don't care about the view but prefer something near an elevator bank/lobby. In other words, I don't want to walk down a bunch of hallways to get out.

However, in the 15 years I've been doing that, I've rarely gotten that request on the first try. I walk up to the front desk, they happily tell me my room is ready, and the reason is generally because it's one of those far away rooms. I nicely ask if there is a room closer to the elevators and they usually check and then tell me there is but it won't be ready until later. I then tell them that's fine, I'll wait for it, and go on my way.

I guess I'll still end up going to the front desk when I arrive so I can have the best shot at getting a good location.