RAC questions

[Meeko5]

How early does this open at the resorts? We weren't prepared last fall with an early flight out and after standing in the line for 45 minutes we finally got to the counter to be told it was too close to ME arrival time and had to lug all our suitcases ourselves. Quite a bummer and with 2 kids in tow And not looking to repeat that again!

We fly out this year at 9:45am so plan for ME to pick up around 6:45 am. How early should we be at RAC to help prevent a repeat of last year?

Or, can we drop them off the day before departure?

Any tips or personal experiences that might help are much appreciated

 

[dansdad]

RAC opens at 5:00AM. You have to have your bags checked no later than 3 hours before your departure. So in your case, I would be at the RAC around 5:45.

 

[Meeko5]

RAC opens at 5:00AM. You have to have your bags checked no later than 3 hours before your departure. So in your case, I would be at the RAC around 5:45.

Thank you! I'll be sending DH down at 5am just in case. I'm sure he will be thrilled

 

[ols386]

I love RAC.

 

[dansdad]

Thank you! I'll be sending DH down at 5am just in case. I'm sure he will be thrilled

It's my understanding that all guests must be present when checking in at the RAC.

 

[Meeko5]

It's my understanding that all guests must be present when checking in at the RAC.

Oh! Well that makes sense I suppose. We were all there last trip, but only because the line was so long haha. That's good to know, thank you for being so helpful!

 

[dansdad]

Oh! Well that makes sense I suppose. We were all there last trip, but only because the line was so long haha. That's good to know, thank you for being so helpful!

You're welcome. I hope you have a magical trip!

 

[maxiesmom]

It's my understanding that all guests must be present when checking in at the RAC.

I thought spouses could check in for each other???

 

[dansdad]

I thought spouses could check in for each other???

We've always gone all together. I'm pretty sure I remember seeing signage at the RAC stating everyone in your party has to be present. But I could be wrong.

ETA
The WDW website also states all members in the traveling party must be present to check in.

 

[goofy4tink]

The longer you wait to head to RAC, the longer your wait will be.
I have my bags ready to go the night before, then head yo RAC as soon as humanly possible.

 

[Meeko5]

The longer you wait to head to RAC, the longer your wait will be.
I have my bags ready to go the night before, then head yo RAC as soon as humanly possible.

This is going to be my plan I guess! I dread waking the kids at 5am to head down there but I'd rather deal with that then lug all our checked bags into the airport and wait in the long SW line at MCO ever again.

Is checking the bags the day before with RAC an option?

 

[bumbershoot]

Is checking the bags the day before with RAC an option?

Nope.

If you're ever at an airport with a long baggage line, check outside to see if there are skycaps for checking bags. Those lines are often shorter because there's a tip expected (and few people really think of checking bags outside).

 

[Meeko5]

Nope.

If you're ever at an airport with a long baggage line, check outside to see if there are skycaps for checking bags. Those lines are often shorter because there's a tip expected (and few people really think of checking bags outside).

Thanks for your help! Will definitely keep this in mind