So how does this online checkin work at WDW?

[sayhello]

It's been 3 years since I've been to WDW. When I view my reservation online, it says:

Reminders: On November 27, 2011, in 13 day(s), you can save time, skip the line and check in online

So what all does that mean? What does it actually save me? I still have to get my room key and all, don't I? Do I get assigned a room online?

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[Cherinva]

I've done online check in several times. And yes, it does save time. When you get to your resort, they have a separate line for online check in. Your package is already and waiting for you. All you do is give your name, show ID and that's it. Most of the time, our room has been available, even early in the morning.

 

[sayhello]

Cool! Thanks. I've spent eternities in the check-in lines, so this is good to know!

Sayhello

 

[Frodo UK]

The problem we had in October was that we were due to stay at BLT and then move to BWV. DVC had the two locations under a single reservation number.

When we tried to check in online, we weren't able to as the system couldn't cope with multi-location reservations.

When we arrived to check in at both locations as normal, cast members were not surprised that we had not been able to check in online .

On the plus side, when we moved over from BLT to BWV at about 10:30 a.m., for the first time in a long while our 1 bedroom was already ready for us and beautifully prepared

 

[HawkeyeThad]

I've probably used it 10 times since its inception, and 9 out of 10 times it's been fantastic. I'd definitely do it. Everything is ready and waiting for you, just show them your ID and you'll be on your way.

 

[rn4val]

What about adding your tickets and Disney reward card to your room key?

 

[kaligal]

They pre-key you.

Sometimes the online check-in wait is shorter, sometimes it is longer.

I once walked up to the regular check-in where there was no wait at all and told them I'd done the online thing, but sine there was such a line, could I do it there? He was all "Oh, SURE"...but then he had to go over there to collect my crap...and had to wait until that clerk was done with the person they were taking care of to get her to get it.

I still saved a lot of time, but once you've done the online thing, you're an online person.

 

[Missytara]

Last year, I checked in the Saturday after Thanksgiving with free dining, and the line was out to the front door for check-in. There were no ropes to split off the two lines until you got about halfway through the check-in area.

The CM that was greeting outside came inside and tried to help, since it was beginning to become a free-for-all and it was hard to tell which line was which when you finally got up to the roped off area.

The CM just split us up into each side without asking which type of check-in we did. When I got up to the desk, the CM was a little cross with me for being in the wrong line (she was thinking I could get through a bit faster if I just jumped in the online check-in line), until I pointed out the CM splitting every up just to keep things going. She apologized profusely.

So it doesn't always go as seamlessly as you would think.

 

[zianha]

What about adding your tickets and Disney reward card to your room key?

Not sure about the Disney Reward card but I did online check in and then was sent to the Concierge desk to make changes to my tickets on my KTTW card. The online check in line was pretty quick but at the Concierge desk it took longer, but in total I was done in less than 10 mins.