Time to waste before Check In

[aussiegrl]

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of what we can do until our hotel check in time? Our flight will put us in Orlando at 10AM, and check in isn't until 4PM (at the latest) on Sunday 11/25. We have a 3 year old so I am sure that limits us on some things. We will also be renting a car so can get around the area.

The only thing I could thing of was going to SeaWorld, but I figured it might be pretty busy on this day. Or I guess we could go shopping in Downtown Disney, but I don't think I can pass 6 hours there. LOL

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[Juniortrooper]

Hi,
We're facing a similar circumstance, except the day before and we'll be arriving by car around then (hopefull!). Even though your flight comes in at 10am it might take a little time to get your luggage and retal car. By the time you finally leave the airport it might be lunch time! (esp. if you left home early as I suspect you will). You mentioned DD and that would be my vote--there are lots of restaurants and shops. Your 3 year old will probably LIKE to spend 6 hours in the toy stores! LOL
I just called my resort and asked about early check-in. (we are staying off site). They said to call when we're in the area and if it isn't ready they will take our phone number and call when the room is ready.

We're planning on going to Downtown Disney to spend some time.

You also might want to head to the Walmart to pick up water, snacks, postcards and cheap(er) souvenirs.

Another thought is go "resort hopping" to see the Christmas decorations! I plan on doing this that day too (hopefully!). Grand Floridian has a neat gingerbread house (big!) and they sell cookies "out of it". (according to Food Network last year...)

Have a great time and maybe we'll see you there!
Amy
Mom to Owen and Sara

 

[scorpad99]

You can drop off your bags at your hotel (if you are staying onsite) and go straight to a park, then worry about checking in when you are through!
Even if its midnite, LOL!

 

[everylastbreath]

I got so tired of this exact problem, that now I book the night before and fly in at night, usually the discount in airfare for flying later at night balances the cost of the extra night at the hotel, last trip to WDW instead of flying in on a Sunday we flew in late Sat. night which cost less, and savings on each tickets (6) payed for the extra night at hotel. This way everyone gets to relax when we get in, and wake up refreshed and ready for a full day! Check it out next time, you might be surprised.

 

[MSSANDRA]

We learned that it does not cost much more to add that day to your park tickets. You can check in anytime but will have to wait till your room is ready to use your room. They will hold your luggage and deliver it when your room is ready. Hit the parks in the meantime. All assuming you are staying on site. Ask when you arrive how early you can get in your room. may be a lot before 4:00.

 

[aussiegrl]

Thanks for all of your ideas!! We are actually staying off-site and haven't even bought our Disney tickets yet. Though I just purchased the Sea-World tickets and with the deal going on there we can enjoy the park all week if we wanted to.

Our flight actually gets in around 9:30AM. I will definitely call the hotel and give them our cell number so they can call us when our room is ready. It woudl be nice to get an earlier check in if possible. Then we can enjoy the pool and waterpark area at the hotel for the day. I forgot that we will need to do some grocery shopping as well since we will be making a lot of meals in the room to cut down on cost. Thanks for that reminder. LOL

 

[tinkerbellmamma]

I like the idea of Downtown Disney, I was just discussing this with my DH about what to do when we arrive. Our plane doesn't get in until 1, I didn't want to use a park day since we had only a few hours but I forgot about DD!!

 

[ksumn1]

I think you should go ahead to the resort and check in. If you're room's ready, you can go ahead and unpack, take a swim and explore the resort before dinner. Maybe even sneak in a short nap. If you're room's not ready, leave your bags with bell services and head for DD. Check out the World of Disney, Goofy's Candy Emporium (your 3 yr old will love that) have lunch at the Earl of Sandwich or somewhere else. Our 1st day, we had a late lunch/early dinner at the Rainforest Cafe at the AK. You don't need park admission, and my 3 year old DD loved it. We took our time, told our server we wanted a leisurely pace and it easily took over 1 1/2 to 2 hours. You could play putt putt, explore other resort...lots to do. Very easy to kill a few hours.