VGC Check-in

[thewelts]

Has anyone been lucky enough to get early check-in at VGC recently? Any strategies or suggestions?

We land at LAX at Noon on December 13. It would be great to be able to check in to our studio by 2 PM. Am I dreaming?

Thanks for your reply and any tips or recommendations for VGC.

 

[Msmithmd]

It only matters how many people are checking out that day, and when they leave.

If there is an open room on your arrival day and it has been cleaned, they will let you check in to it.

Obviously the only "strategy" is to request early check-in, and make no other room requests. There is no guarantee- it just depends on when the checkouts leave and when their vacated rooms become clean and ready.

 

[DebbieB]

When we stayed there last year, we didn't get in until almost 5:00. The front desk gave us each a use anywhere fast pass (except RSR). We used it on Toy Story.

 

[thewelts]

Yikes! Thanks for your reply. It is important to hear that things don't always go as planned.

 

[boiseflyfisher]

VGC is our home resort. In all of the times staying there, we have never gotten our room earlier than 4pm. We have been very lucky at WDW resorts, but never VGC.

 

[Msmithmd]

When we stayed there last year, we didn't get in until almost 5:00. The front desk gave us each a use anywhere fast pass (except RSR). We used it on Toy Story.

Curious, how did you use a fast pass on a ride that doesn't have fast pass (TS in California doesn't). Did they let you in the old disability/wheelchair line?

 

[hjgaus]

VGC is our home resort. In all of the times staying there, we have never gotten our room earlier than 4pm. We have been very lucky at WDW resorts, but never VGC.

I definitely agree with this statement but every now & then you get lucky like my recent stay in a studio (#6504) received the room ready text @ 12:54pm!! Total shock!!! Honestly did not know what to do !!!
We USUALLY check in as early as 6 or 7am for extra magic hour then hang out at the parks;have a LONG lunch then wait around in the lobby for the a few hours until 4pm!! Sometimes we may just go back home til text message comes through!

Enjoy!!

 

[AZMermaid]

I agree on not counting on it. One trip we begged for an early room so DS could nap, we weren't rude and knew it was subject to availability. We got the room on the first floor right past the elevator, so basically your first room. We got it at 3:15.

 

[DebbieB]

Curious, how did you use a fast pass on a ride that doesn't have fast pass (TS in California doesn't). Did they let you in the old disability/wheelchair line?

Yes

 

[Breyean]

We have been on both ends of the spectrum. Earlier this year we waited until after 5pm for our GV. No FPs, but after we got home I got a call from a resort manager who gave us a credit on our AMEX of several hundred dollars.

Last week our son beat us there on check in day and at about 2pm the room was ready. He asked if there was another room with a different view, and they switched us to one. That one was ready at about 4:30pm.

 

[pinner33]

the Grand cali is my home resort and we have never been able to get our room number text until after 4:30 - 5:00. Mind you we always luck out and get a great upper level park view room so no complaints there

 

[McCrae]

VGC have the same maids that clean the main hotels rooms. They give priority to the hotel over VGC and this is why rooms are rarely available for early check in.

 

[thewelts]

We just returned from a 4-night stay in a Studio (12/13 to 12/17).

We checked in at 1 PM. We were told that our room was not ready (we requested a room with a paradise pier view), and that one of our requested rooms would be available.

Rather than waiting I asked if there were any other rooms available for immediate check-in. The CM was able to offer us a lovely room on the 5th floor overlooking the pool -- 5509. I was thrilled with this option as we were eager to get checked in at 1:30 PM.

Happy Holidays!