Skip the front desk

[RetAF]

We head to WDW and Ft. Wilderness next week. A couple of days ago we got an email from Disney Destinations saying "for the first time" we may be able to skip the "front desk" and proceed directly to our campsite. We have completed the online check-in and have our Magic Bands in hand. Apparently, they will send us a text prior to our estimated arrival time with our campsite number. Seems like a good deal. Anyone seen this in action yet?

 

[tiggerdad]

Haven't heard of anyone doing this before. Keep us posted on how this goes as it's news to me.

Are they planning on emailing the other things that they give at check-in? You need a vehicle pass, they usually give a copy of activities calendar, TV channel list, etc.

They give any hint about those?

 

[RetAF]

No hint about those things, that's why I was wondering if anyone else had done this yet.

 

[tiggerdad]

I don't see how it can be done but please come back and fill us in if you find out more.

 

[John VN]

I don't see how it can be done but please come back and fill us in if you find out more.

In agreement. How could they know that the site has been cleared by the previous camper?????

 

[wilkeliza]

If it is like the hotels you don't get a parking pass because it is on your magic band even for the parks. I assume they know everyone is off the site because they must drive by and check.

 

[tltay2005]

Yes, we have done it twice. Got our site number texted to us. When we arrived, we went through the returning guests gate and went straight to our site. It was very convenient not to have to wait in the check in line. They only drawback is you won't get your "welcome" packet. No big deal for us, just took the golf cart up to the front desk later in the evening and picked up the activity schedule. Hoping to do the same this next trip.

 

[Viking Academy]

Yes, we have done it twice. Got our site number texted to us. When we arrived, we went through the returning guests gate and went straight to our site. It was very convenient not to have to wait in the check in line. They only drawback is you won't get your "welcome" packet. No big deal for us, just took the golf cart up to the front desk later in the evening and picked up the activity schedule. Hoping to do the same this next trip.

We did the same thing. We got our text hours before we even arrived in Orlando. We went right in and then hit the desk the next morning for the welcome packet when we were there picking up our golf cart. Returning the golf cart was easy too now that they have a key drop.

 

[peg110]

I suppose a big factor is WHEN (i.e. time of day) you check in. We check in early about 7 or 8 in the morning. We know our site may not be ready, but there is generally little or NO line to deal with. Then when our site IS ready, they will text us.

Even if they texted us before we got there and could avoid the "Hassle" of stopping, we probably would still stop at the front for the fliers of stuff.

As for the Parking pass, I know it's on the MB too... but sometimes it's easier to just have the pass in the window and can quickly and easily be waived through when needed.

 

[bama_ed]

It worked for us back in March, too.

But I still stopped at the check-in building to negotiate a different site number.

Bet the desk front CM's hate people like me...

Bama Ed

 

[tiggerdad]

We always arrive around 8am and my assigned site has never been ready. However, after a 12 hour drive and a belief that there really aren't bad sites, I always immediately ask to see the list of available sites and pick one so I can go on in and set up, thus getting the most out of my first day.

 

[RetAF]

Thanks for the replies and excellent information. I hope the system works well for us next week. I'll give an update on how it went.

 

[John VN]

I can see it working after 1PM but not at 7:30AM when we usually arrive.

 

[bama_ed]

I can see it working after 1PM but not at 7:30AM when we usually arrive.

John, it actually does. I arrived at 630am on the day referenced above.

Fort Cast Members update their progress as they blow/clean sites after they are vacated by other departing campers. Those cleaned sites are then available for assignment. During Online Early Check-in you can specify the time you plan to arrive so Disney uses that, along with their available sites list, to make the appropriate assignment. In my case, the site assigned in the original text had been empty the previous night so it was available for assignment at 630am (and I got the text around 6am IIRC).

It worked great for me.

Bama Ed

 

[John VN]

John, it actually does. I arrived at 630am on the day referenced above.

Fort Cast Members update their progress as they blow/clean sites after they are vacated by other departing campers. Those cleaned sites are then available for assignment. During Online Early Check-in you can specify the time you plan to arrive so Disney uses that, along with their available sites list, to make the appropriate assignment. In my case, the site assigned in the original text had been empty the previous night so it was available for assignment at 630am (and I got the text around 6am IIRC).

It worked great for me.

Bama Ed

Bama Ed- As soon as I hit reply I had a DUH moment as to, what if the site was empty the night before? Figured someone would reply like what you did so....Dopey Me....

BTW.....had my new shoulder joint installed on Monday and it feels GREAT!!!!! First time in 15+ years without pain. Seeing doc on Tuesday morning about temporary solution to knee issues. We already discussed in July about replacements but I'm thinking temporary gel injections for both knees for upcoming half and full marathons then if shoulder does good register for my 3rd Ironman Florida next November.

 

[peg110]

Bet the desk front CM's hate people like me...

Maybe, but maybe not. I suspect it's more about HOW you approach it. I suspect if you have a kind demeanor about you and treat the CMs with courtesy and respect, that you are likely to get so much more back.

My DW works with the "Public" on a daily basis (well... okay, she used to deal with them face to face... Now she only deals with them on the phone), and the stories she'd come home with about customers who were "Miserable" versus the ones who were polite. Suffice it to say, the nicer ones got better treatment then those who were... well.. Not Nice!

We always arrive around 8am and my assigned site has never been ready. However, after a 12 hour drive and a belief that there really aren't bad sites, I always immediately ask to see the list of available sites and pick one so I can go on in and set up, thus getting the most out of my first day.

I have that same mind set. I don't believe there are any bad sites, just sites that may not be "Right" for us. (Mostly about the size of the site and convenience of getting the rig in and out). DW is more concerned about Location (to pool, store, buses, etc..) I never thought about asking to see the list of "Available" sites.... I am sure that puts you in the same category as Ed (above). Again, though, I am sure you give them some of that "Squirrel" charm of yours.. .(or is that hypnosis for the induction?)

During Online Early Check-in you can specify the time you plan to arrive so Disney uses that

I have not yet done the early check-in, so I didn't know this... But that's good to know, because we almost always roll in around 7-8AM to the Fort.