What is early check-in?

[CaptainEIEIO]

Only my 2nd time going to WDW and I don't remember doing this the first trip. I have been hearing about this early check-in thing and was wondering what it is? How will I know when I can do it? Does it come in the snail mail or email? What does it do?

Thanks.

 

[FiggieFan]

You can do an on-line check-in. It used to be 10 days before your trip, I believe you can now do it 60 days prior to your trip. After your trip balance is paid, you will get a link to it in your on-line account. It asks some basic questions - credit card charges on room, any room requests, etc. It also asks you what your expected arrival and departure times are.
If you complete the on-line check-in, then you can skip the line at the hotel and your welcome packet is waiting for you. It then only takes about 2 or 3 minutes to get everything upon arrival. We usually take Amtrak down and our arrival is usually around 10:30 or 11AM, which we always complete on our on-line check-in data. So far, the room has always been ready when we arrive so we can hit the ground running.
Hope that helps some! Have a great trip!

 

[Hopefully]

On line check in is intended to speed the process for those who do not need extra time with a CM for a orientation to the resort or for specific room requests. If you need either of these you would be better to wait and do traditional check in at the lobby desk.