Question about late check-in

[jenr812]

We originally planned to arrive at POR around 4pm, but I recently found out that DD13 has exams up until the very last day of school (we were going to have the kids skip that day, since in our experience it is a "free-for-all" day - but since she is taking 2 high school level classes, it's different this year). So she'll have to go in that morning, meaning we won't arrive to WDW til around 8-9pm.

My concern is this: does checking in late basically mean you get a crappy view/room/etc? We checked in at 8am last time and were VERY pleased with our room - upper floor of building 38 (when it was ready that afternoon, of course).

Do they still take faxed room preferences? I didn't do this last time, because I decided to let the Disney magic have its way, but I am thinking it may be necessary this time around, due to our late arrival.

I'd love to hear from those who've checked in late like this or anyone who has any info about my concerns. Thanks

 

[Shifletjl]

bump . I am in the same boat. Anyone have ideas to share? TIA

 

[TinksMagic54]

We're also checking in late (8:00 p.m. or after) and haven't made any special requests. I'm just hoping for the best and some pixie dust

 

[seajoker]

I'm looking for the same information. We will be checking in after 9pm on Nov 4th at AKL

 

[Bowen9475]

We've checked in late on 2 separate trips. Once DH and I got to POP around midnight. We had requested a king room which was not available that night. We were put in a regular room and able to move the next day. On another trip the whole family checked in around 10 pm to POR. We were happy with the room we were given, NS with a trundle bed. I think it all just depends on luck.

 

[DisneyFans4]

My DH just got in this past Friday. He was attending a convention and staying at BWI and yes, he checked in around 8:00 and got a horrible room!!!!! He asked to be moved in the morning. They put him in a room that was at the front of the hotel and right next to the bus stop and inside next to the elevator, ice and vending machines, absolutely horrendous and very noisey. It took until around 4:00 the next day for him to be in his new room but it was alot nicer but very far away, Room 3209.

 

[dogsmom]

My DH just got in this past Friday. He was attending a convention and staying at BWI and yes, he checked in around 8:00 and got a horrible room!!!!! He asked to be moved in the morning. They put him in a room that was at the front of the hotel and right next to the bus stop and inside next to the elevator, ice and vending machines, absolutely horrendous and very noisey. It took until around 4:00 the next day for him to be in his new room but it was alot nicer but very far away, Room 3209.

We won't be checking in until around 11pm at the AKL in Dec. This has me worried!!

 

[fAnnF]

If you're worried I would fax or call in a room request about a week before you go. My dad and I were worried of a late check-in on one trip and they were able to assign us a room about 5 days in adavance.

 

[disneychickforever]

thank you for bring this up. We will be arriving around 7:30-8:30 on our upcoming trip, and I really want a room in the Broadway building at ASMu! Plus, since we need 2 rooms for our vacation, my folks wanted joining rooms... So I just fax the request into them?

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Jen,

Just a thought can you switch your trip by one day, thereby being able to arrive early at POR?

 

[DisneyFans4]

My DH did the same thing and called the day before to confirm everything and even informed them he would be arriving late and still he got that horrible room. I just think that no matter how many requests you make that until you are physically there is just first come, first serve. My DH even asked for a king bed and never got it and this reservation was booked way in advance.

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

I agree with the previous poster who said it doesn't matter what you request it is first come first served. We got to CR at midnight and got crappy rooms with none of our requests at all. The other party we were traveling with was supposed to be assigned to an adjoining room but was on another floor and at the other end of the building. The desk people were less than helpful.

 

[poppinspal]

I checked in late years ago with my family (like 1 in the morning late) at the Poly which was being worked on. No room at the inn they said and we were all ready to cry. They transfered us over to the Beach Club to a suite. (This was years and years ago.)

This past September when I checked in at All Star Sports probably around 10:30pm or so we got a room in the Surf Board building. (The one right by the main building.) Preferred location which we hadn't even asked for.

 

[carol-lamb]

We checked in late last year in December at CBR and got a terrible location. I told her right then that I didn't really like that location and would loved to be placed in Arbua and requested a change. Nothing was available that night, but a room was available the next day. That was fine with me and we switched the next afternoon after spending the morning in the parks. The CM was very helpful and I was very appreciative of her efforts and thanked her for taking the time to make the change for us.

I am in the same boat this year for our upcoming trip in December with a late checkin at All Star Movies. We are actually taking the same flight as last year and can't leave earlier because of work schedules. I have only stayed there once before years ago so I'm not really sure of good or bad room locations there. I do have a preferred room, so maybe that will help. I'm not getting bent out of shape about it though because our trip is only 4 days and I know we will spend very little time in our room. That is why we chose All Stars so we can spend the money saved from staying at CBR towards some good meals. It's not about the resort this trip, it's about the Christmas fun.

 

[DisneyFans4]

I checked in late years ago with my family (like 1 in the morning late) at the Poly which was being worked on. No room at the inn they said and we were all ready to cry. They transfered us over to the Beach Club to a suite. (This was years and years ago.)

It's one thing to checkin late and get a crappy room but when a resort knows what day you are coming they should have a room and not run out and transfer you to another hotel!!! At least you got a suite because that's the least they should do. But if you have your heart set on staying at a particular resort that would make me cry too!!!

This is why when we travel as a family I always arrive early to ensure us getting the room we want.

 

[Lesprivate]

Our Flight Doesn't Get In Unitl 11:30, So I Hope We Don't Get A Bad Room.

 

[DisneyFans4]

Our Flight Doesn't Get In Unitl 11:30, So I Hope We Don't Get A Bad Room.

What hotel are you staying at? All you can do is hope for the best but I have found from experience that the later you check in the worse the room you will receive. If you do get a bad room just call the front desk the minute you walk into that room and ask for a new room in the morning.

 

[jenr812]

Jen,

Just a thought can you switch your trip by one day, thereby being able to arrive early at POR?

Actually, I oringally planned to stay offsite that first night since we'd be so late, but the next day is the beginning of the new summer season, so rates go up $10 a night, which would increase our total cost $100 for our 10 nights. So we decided to just start out right at POR and just spend our very last night offsite before heading home Sunday morning

Thanks for the thought though

 

[Sugardimples]

We got the best room we've ever had when we checked in at the Dolphin at 2:00 am once.

 

[Lesprivate]

we are staying at the pofq.