We've only arrived once before 3:30 p.m. and that was at BWV ....we arrived at 1:00 p.m. (with a tired 3 yr old grandson). Our room wasn't ready until about 5:00 p.m. ......and that was after several trips to the front desk to see what the holdup was. However, I feel that was the exception since we checked in New Years Day on that trip. I do agree, however, it probably depends on the day you're checking in and also what type of acoomodations you have (it takes a lot less time to clean a studio than a 2 bedroom). We just checked into VWL on 1/13 at 3:30 p.m. and our 2 bedroom and studio were both ready at that time. Also, there was no line at checkin at all........I walked right up to the front desk.