When to do online check in

[CML's mom]

How far in advance should I do online check in?

 

[CarolynFH]

I usually do it once we know whether we're driving or flying and, if flying, have flights booked so I can estimate our time of arrival. I would want to do it at least two weeks or a month in advance, so that when the room assignments are made (a week before) the staff will know roughly what time we expect to be there.

 

[Christina-B-Na]

I was curious about this as well. I’ve heard of people checking in 6+ months in advance

 

[peabody58]

We usually do on-line check-in 3-4 months ahead. And then redo it a few times just to make sure nothing has changed.

 

[Moliphino]

I usually do it as soon as it lets me. You can always go in and modify it later if you need to.

 

[bbeagle]

I usually do it as soon as it lets me. You can always go in and modify it later if you need to.

What's the point of online checking in then? I thought it was something that meant 'I'm 100% absolutely coming now!' - but if you check in so early, what if something comes up - you break your leg 2 weeks before your scheduled date, and want to reschedule so you're not on crutches the entire trip?

Do you just 'undo' an online checkin and reschedule? I wouldn't think cancelling a reservation was possible after an online checkin?

 

[Moliphino]

What's the point of online checking in then? I thought it was something that meant 'I'm 100% absolutely coming now!' - but if you check in so early, what if something comes up - you break your leg 2 weeks before your scheduled date, and want to reschedule so you're not on crutches the entire trip?

Do you just 'undo' an online checkin and reschedule? I wouldn't think cancelling a reservation was possible after an online checkin?

You can still cancel after doing online check-in. It just confirms your card on file and you can put in location requests. You aren't locked into anything after you do it.

 

[erionm]

What's the point of online checking in then? I thought it was something that meant 'I'm 100% absolutely coming now!' - but if you check in so early, what if something comes up - you break your leg 2 weeks before your scheduled date, and want to reschedule so you're not on crutches the entire trip?

Do you just 'undo' an online checkin and reschedule? I wouldn't think cancelling a reservation was possible after an online checkin?

Online check in is just pre-registering much of the information that would take from you at physical check in. Completing online check in has no impact on your ability to change dates/resort or cancel the reservation. If you reschedule, you will have to redo online check in (if completed prior to modification).

 

[Mrs.AMC]

I was curious about this as well. I’ve heard of people checking in 6+ months in advance

Why not? No harm in doing it right away. I always do it as soon as I book.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

What's the point of online checking in then? I thought it was something that meant 'I'm 100% absolutely coming now!' - but if you check in so early, what if something comes up - you break your leg 2 weeks before your scheduled date, and want to reschedule so you're not on crutches the entire trip?

Do you just 'undo' an online checkin and reschedule? I wouldn't think cancelling a reservation was possible after an online checkin?

The point of online check in is avoiding the front desk if you wish. Note, if you wish. You can always go to the desk if you wish, even when doing online check in. But it means you likely will not have to. In many cases it is great, for instance, you know the resort well and just want to go to the room. Or you've arrived late and just want to go to the room. Or you walk in right behind a huge line of folks and don't want to stand in line so you go to your room.

Nothing stops you from changing after online check in

 

[StageTek]

I do it one day in advance.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

I do it one day in advance.

For any reading along and curious, this is after your room's been assigned so if you plan to utilize the room request feature it's preferable to do it prior to 1 day in advance. While it's never certain to get your requests you will 100% not get them if you don't enter any.

 

[_19disnA]

During our last trip to Disney did the online check-in as soon as the system allowed it which was several weeks prior to our trip (I don't recall the exact timing). Disney seems to have a different definition of 'on-line check in' compared to other places we have stayed. In Las Vegas. you can only do on-line check in close to your expected arrival time and/or are on hotel property, not weeks/months in advance. In both cases, we didn't need to stand in line at the front desk to 'check-in' which in the case of Vegas hotels can be a very LONG line of people. Other then avoiding the line, I am not really sure what it accomplishes. Clearly with Disney you want to specify any room requests sooner rather then later so those can be considered when they make room assignments which appear to be a few days prior to your arrival.

Disney's on-line check in is unrelated to anything to do with making last minute changes and/or cancelling your reservation due to unforeseen circumstances. The Disney website specifies how long prior to your reservation you can still cancel without paying any penalty fees. I believe a room only reservation has different deadlines compared to a package.