Why use online check-in?

[boiledpeanut]

I am still going to have to go into the lobby and checkin, so I don't never stand the point.

 

[CassieF]

I am still going to have to go into the lobby and checkin, so I don't never stand the point.

You get to go into the shorter line...? I'm not sure what the actual benefit is. You select your preferences during online check in, they ignore them, then you still spend 20-25 minutes checking in. It seemed pretty pointless to me, in my experience

 

[JRawkSteady]

I've been to WDW twice last year and did online check-in both times. The first time, at AKL, the line for online check-in was longer than the regular line by almost double. I got on the regular line anyway, and got to the front desk in less than 3 minutes. By the time we were done, the people who had been in front of us were not even halfway through the online check in line.

The second time, at Pop, we had a very similar experience, and still jumped on the regular line anyway.

Online check-in = no point.

 

[Thanlis]

You get to go into the shorter line...? I'm not sure what the actual benefit is. You select your preferences during online check in, they ignore them, then you still spend 20-25 minutes checking in. It seemed pretty pointless to me, in my experience

We used online checkin and when we got to the lobby, a cast member with an iPad checked us in. The whole process took under five minutes. Experiences probably vary, though.

 

[Kellykins1218]

I am still going to have to go into the lobby and checkin, so I don't never stand the point.

I will always use it. The last time we were, a CM with an iPad met us as were coming into the lobby. He had us checked in & on our way to our room in less than 3 minutes. Three minutes that included him walking around the desk to get us our paperwork and get balloons for the kids. It was awesome especially while seeing all the people waiting in line to check in.

 

[Bete]

We had the reverse experience and on line check- in was much quicker.

I don't think it hurts to do it and you can make your choice once you are in line to check-in as to which might benefit you best. You still have the option of going to the regular line if it's shorter.

 

[jrtoastyman]

I think it's one of those things where there is really no downside to using it. You need to give them that info (e.g., credit card) eventually anyway, so you're potentially saving yourself a step by doing it before you get to the resort. Once you get there, just pick the shortest line and use it -- there is no requirement that you use the "online check-in" line just because you've checked-in online, as others have noted. If you've not done online check-in, though, your only option is the regular line.

It might save you time, it might not, but there's no chance that it will unless you take advantage of it.

 

[disnut8]

It might save you time, it might not, but there's no chance that it will unless you take advantage of it.

I use it because it's just myself and my husband and we don't need the lengthy explanation from a Cast Member about how fabulous the resort is and how wonderful the features are. We just want our keys to the room and go.

However there are people in front of us who do need or want all the explanation and Disney won't turn them away so we are forced to wait. No big deal.

Online check in should be for keys and that's it but it's not.

I use it more now for letting Disney know I will be there before the "official" check in time so my room has been ready all the time, even at 11:00 AM. Plus, I don't have to wait for a family of six or eight having a zillion questions.

 

[PaulaVonSchweetz]

Personally I choose not to participate in online check in because I am always paranoid that something will get screwed up.
I enjoy chatting with CMs at check in and many times our conversations lead to a little something extra, which is always nice.

Last time a basket of goodies - candy, chips, fruit and water was sent up to our room and waiting for us every single day when we returned from the park completely exhausted.
Its a small thing, but its so nice.

 

[Networth]

I prefer and don't use online check in. I would rather be checked in by a living person. Part of going on vacations is being taken care of. I want to know room request, credit cards, passes etc are taken care off.

Also the staff at the Grand are superb. We were checking in last time and the desk was very busy but as soon as they saw a line 3 more CM's came out to help me and 2 other guest. Did not wait even a minute for service.