Split stay for 1 night?

[LanaBear-ox]

Hey everyone, got my reservation changed from 11 nights to 7 nights (and now 5 nights off site). My only issue I have now is our flight is going to be arriving on Saturday 14th October (check in is Sunday 15th) because it was cheaper than flying on the Sunday. So my question is if I was to book 1 night at a value resort how does that work with tickets etc? Do we have to check in at POR before we go to the park to get our tickets activated on the Sunday? If that makes any sense. Thanks!

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Who have you booked with and are they providing the tickets?

 

[LanaBear-ox]

Who have you booked with and are they providing the tickets?

I booked directly on the Disney website and includes the 14 day ultimate ticket

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I'd ring the free helpline and ask them just to be sure. If they are showing on your MDE account then you should be fine to use them on the first full day without having to check in at POR first.

 

[LanaBear-ox]

I'd ring the free helpline and ask them just to be sure. If they are showing on your MDE account then you should be fine to use them on the first full day without having to check in at POR first.

Oh yeah! Never thought about that. Would we have to switch Magic Bands or could we keep the ones we get from the value resort?

 

[Elise79]

Once you have both sets of bands you can use either to access your account as they just access the information in your account.

 

[LanaBear-ox]

Brilliant thank you!

 

[chmurf]

If they are showing on your MDE account then you should be fine to use them on the first full day without having to check in at POR first.

If the tickets are part of a package (hotel + tickets booked together) then OP will need to check in at POR, because UK package tickets are not valid before check in.

If the tickets are standalone (bought separately from hotel) they can be used anytime and OP will be able to use the first night's magic bands to go to a park before checking in at POR

But the way OP puts it ( "we booked direct with disney and it includes tickets") sounds like it's a package.
OP will need to check in at POR, even it it's early (as early as 6:30am if you wish).

Here's how to do it efficiently :

If you don't have a car :
- early in the morning, go to the baggage service at the Disney Value Hotel, give them your details, and ask them to transfer your luggage over to POR
- take a cab or uber to POR, check in real early. If you have done online check in, and indicated that you'll be arriving silly early, there is a slight chance your room might be ready but don't hold your breath. Just take that step to maximise the chance.
- once checked in, go to parks, your tickets will be active
- go back to POR when you're done for the day, collect your bags from baggage service at POR, they will have been transferred (they might even have been brought to your room, but don't take that for granted)

If you have a car, do the same as above, but don't bother with the luggage transfer. Take them in your car, and if your room is not ready yet, drop them at Bell Services at POR after check in.

 

[Willowfae]

We did this. Had to extend by one night so booked a single night at POR. Was about 5pm when we arrived so we checked in, had an explore and something to eat. Then headed to Disney Springs for a couple of hours. The next day we were up early and arrived at OKW at 7am. Checked in and got our new magic bands. Tickets were activated with that check in. We then went off to the park for the day, leaving bags at bell services. Got an email later to say our room was ready so headed back to OKW to get unpacked.

 

[LanaBear-ox]

Thanks so much for the responses guys! We won't be driving (because neither of us do anyway) thought about having a lazy day around POR and Disney Springs and maybe even go to a water park as we arrive around 10pm Saturday night. But thanks everyone!

 

[chmurf]

did you try to call and see if you can extend your POR stay and have it begin one day sooner ?

if there is availability under the rate you booked, you'll be able to do that at no charge (except the additional night) and keep whatever deal you had (like FD)

even if there is little chance, it might be worth a try

 

[LanaBear-ox]

did you try to call and see if you can extend your POR stay and have it begin one day sooner ?

if there is availability under the rate you booked, you'll be able to do that at no charge (except the additional night) and keep whatever deal you had (like FD)

even if there is little chance, it might be worth a try

I did but they have sold out for the dates I'm there! So this is my next option. Think we might hang around Disney Springs and chill by the pool