when is the best check in time

[venturer]

We are going to the magic in two weeks.
I wonder when is the best time to check in, in terms of less waiting, and/or better chance to get an upgrade.

Thanks,

 

[Keebles]

Not sure about the upgrade because never have gotten one...but as far as check in times just make sure you are no where near the check in counter either when:

a) the official check in time of 3:00 arrives
b) the arrival of a Mears suttle bus full of passengers

We made both these mistakes in 2000 and were so glad that we took the earliest flight out so we got there around noon and got a van transport from Happy Limo from the airport as we had absolutely no problems checking in.

Hope you have an absolutely wonderful time! I can't wait to go back!

 

[safetymom]

Earlier is always better as far as crowds. Upgrades depend on how full the resort is.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Last year we checked in at GF about 10:30 AM. The check-in line was long and our room wasn't ready until 4:00. This year we checked in about 7:30 AM and there was no line and the room was ready! How great was that.

 

[heffalump9]

We always try to check in around 1pm, our rooms have always been ready, the crowds at check-in have been small and we have received upgrades (everytime except 2003).

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

Let's see ... last year our flight landed at around 11:30am and a towncar took us to the Poly ..... we got there before 12:30pm and the check-in line only had a few people in it. Our room was ready, however, the valet said it would be 15 minutes before someone would be available to take us & our luggage to our room. Since we knew where our room was we walked there and the valet brought the luggage up later.

Debbie

 

[macs4us]

We usually take a redeye when we fly, or drive straight, so we normally get to WDW between 6AM and 8AM. I would say the majority of the time our room is ready, and if not, they try to meet all of our requests with the room they assign us later.

At some non-disney hotels you have a better chance of an upgrade late in the day, but we have found we have better upgrade luck with our early morning check-ins at Disney. My husband usually checks us in, and everyone likes him for some reason, so he just asks politely if there is any chance of an upgrade. We are usually upgraded, but it really depends on what the guest demand is while you are staying at your resort, i.e., we were staying at WL for one night and they upgraded us to the Honeymoon Suite because they needed the other rooms for families or other couples staying longer than one night.

Good luck - have a great time!!!

 

[venturer]

> We usually take a redeye when we fly, or drive straight, so we normally get to WDW between 6AM and 8AM.

I did not know you can check in that early. It is like the room must be empty the previous night.

Thanks for all the response. I think I am going to be there early.

 

[Poohbear123]

Between 11-1:00pm has been good for me. Room is ready, and get location I want.

 

[bluenoser3652001]

Could anyone please tell me what an upgrade is, and how you get it or what you ask for? Also is there an extra charge for " the upgrade",,,Thanks

:

 

[freemore]

I'm interested in how you go about getting an upgrade too. Do you have to wait until you check in? And is there a charge beyond the room rate you already have?
Thanks Lene

 

[safetymom]

Sometimes upgrades are given. It could be for a different room view at the resort.

It doesn't happen as often as it seems on the DIS. Getting upgraded to concierge seems to be pretty rare.

Just ask how much it would cost to upgrade to what you would like. If they quote you a price, just smile and just say yes or no if the price seems right. Sometimes they will upgrade for nothing.

 

[bluenoser3652001]

Thanks for the reponse so quickly, saftymom. I'll have to ask when we go, but of couse I am hoping the room is just perfect when we get there, cross my fingers, lol, ,,,, thanks again