When are room assignments done?

[Tulles]

We're switching from POR to AoA on day 4 of our trip. We'll be off site all day visiting family for the day. The kids don't know about the hotel switch and we want to leave it a surprise for as long as possible. Morning of the switch DH & I will be picking up our rental car from the CCC while kids stay with Grandma.

My question is would we be better off going to AoA and checking in for the day before going to get the family or checking in when we get back around 7pm? We have requested a top floor room so I'm thinking if we got in the morning (around 9am) and check in but tell them we're going away for the day and have no problem waiting for the room choice we like would we have a better shot at getting it?

Sorry if this sounds confusing. It's a confusing sort of situation.

 

[goofy4tink]

I would actually head over as early as possible and get checked in. They may have a room ready for you, they may not. But at least that way, they can be working on it for you. How are you handling the moving of bags as far as surprising them goes??? You could tell them that you 'may' be spending the night with the family so to be on the safe side, just pack everything up....just in case. Then, you can get the car, go to AoA and get checked in, head back to pick everyone up and go off for the day. You should be able to get a text when your room is ready...so when you get the text, you'll know which room to head to upon your return to WDW...just drive up to AoA, park the car and head to your room!!!
I love these kinds of surprises.

 

[Tulles]

Because of their ages they won't question why we would be packing up. I'll probably say something like 'we're moving to a room closer to the pool' or something. We're going to call the front desk to pick up the bags and move them for us so they won't know where they're going. I wanted to keep the whole trip a surprise but I couldn't so at least this one part will be a shock.

 

[goofy4tink]

Because of their ages they won't question why we would be packing up. I'll probably say something like 'we're moving to a room closer to the pool' or something. We're going to call the front desk to pick up the bags and move them for us so they won't know where they're going. I wanted to keep the whole trip a surprise but I couldn't so at least this one part will be a shock.

Ah, good idea. Keep in mind that when Disney moves your bags for you, you won't have those bags until after 5 that day. But in your case, it won't be an issue since you won't be there. You can just call Luggage Assistence when you get to your room and they will bring your bags to you.
When they come to the room to pick them up, be sure to go outside the room to tell them where the bags are headed, or keep the kids occupied so they don't overhear!!!