What time to check in?

[teacher100]

I will be going to Universal and IOA for two days in August. Originally I was going to stay on Disney property the whole time, but with the Early entry and Express Pass I feel it will be necessary to stay at one of the hotels. We want to take advantage of Early entry both days. Plus it will be just as cheap to stay at an off site hotel and Universal Hotel for the first two nights rather than POR for 2 nights with a family of 5. What time will we need to check in to get to the park by 8:00. We will have our car so we can keep our luggage in it until the room is ready. Also what is a good hotel to stay at the night before that is only going to be a place to sleep when we get to Orlando?

 

[gschmerl]

You can check in as early as you want and they will give you a room key which will be your express access. You don't need to leave your luggage in your car. You can bring it when you check in and they will keep it in the bell station until your room is ready.
How long check in takes depends on how many people are checking in at teh same time. It could take ten minutes or it could take a long time. Hard to tell.