As a travel advisor specializing in Disney vacations, I get this question often, “How do I use early check in at Disney World resorts?” I get it! You have planned for your magical vacation, and paid for it! Guests often want to get to the Walt Disney World resort hotels early to maximize their time. Here are all the tips you need to know to understand the Disney World early check-in process!
What time is check in at Disney World Resorts?
The standard check-in time on your arrival day is 3 PM. Your Disney hotel room will most likely be ready by this time. Remember that the housekeeping (Mousekeeping ) staff needs a chance to clean the rooms and reset for new hotel guests. Prior hotel guests check out by 11 AM, so 3:00 gives them four hours to prepare your guest room.
How do you request an early check in at a Disney World resort?
You can request an early check-in at a Disney resort hotel. The easiest way is to indicate that request through the My Disney Experience app. This mobile app is an essential tool during your trip (more on that later), so be sure to have the most updated version before your trip. You can also complete your online check-in process on a laptop or standard computer before your trip.
Once you click the button for online check-in, you will be prompted to leave your mobile number. Why does Disney need your cell? It is the easiest way to communicate with you during your Disney vacation. Once your magical vacation begins, Disney can send a text message to let you know when your room is ready.
You can also set up a credit card to cover your expenses during your stay at a Walt Disney World hotel. Here is where you will note your arrival time. If you plan to arrive before 3 PM, indicate that during the online check-in process. You can also show some preferences for your room preference.
In terms of your room preference, guests may indicate a preference for a lower floor, near an elevator, closer to transportation, etc. However, note that if you want an early check-in time, those room requests may be surpassed by which room is ready earliest.
Can you head to the parks early on your check-in day at Disney?
You can head to the Disney parks early on your check-in day at Disney. If you have an early arrival time, feel free to leave your luggage with bell services at your Disney resort hotel. Guests receive a return ticket to pick up their luggage (take a picture with your phone, in case you misplace the ticket!). Be sure to tip your bell services helper, once you return to retrieve your bags.
How do I make requests for my Disney World resort room?
As noted above, you can make general requests for your Disney World resort room within the My Disney Experience app. However, if you have specific buildings, floors, or room requests, you may need to contact the Disney hotel more directly.
Call the Disney resort directly and make a note of your room preference on your reservation. Better yet, use a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations, and let us do this for you! Indicate your room preference several days before your check-in day. You should know that management is not required to honor these requests, but you can always ask!
Guests may also use the chat feature on the My Disney Experience website. A cast member can help you request your room preference on your reservation.
Another way you can do this is to set up a Touring Plans account. This site allows members to make specific room requests and sends them to the resort. They have great resources, highlighting the best rooms, resort layouts, and touring information.
One old-school method is sending a fax! I know…do people still use those? You can make your room request via fax. Touring Plans has a helpful list of fax numbers for Disney World hotels on their site. Some debate if this is still a viable option, but I know many travel agents who continue to have success!
Do I have to go by the front desk on my check-in day?
Disney guests do not need to visit the front desk on your check-in day. Disney encourages guests of Walt Disney World resort hotels to bypass the front desk and use the My DIsney Experience mobile app instead.
You can check in on your phone, as well as see your room number and a map of the resort. Technically, you can also unlock the door with your phone with the “Unlock Door Feature“. However, some guests experience trouble unlocking the hotel room door with their phones.
If you don’t have a Magic Band linked to your reservation, it’s a good idea to stop by and chat with a front desk cast member. They can give you a key card, just in case. You may want to grab enough key cards for each adult member of your party. If you take your luggage to your room to find your phone doesn’t work to unlock the door, it can be frustrating!
Can I leave my luggage at my Disney hotel on my check-out day?
Are you wanting to head to Disney Springs or back to the Walt Disney World theme parks on your checkout day? No worries! You can leave your luggage with Bell Services at your resort!
If you have park tickets for your final day, be sure to take full advantage of those early theme park entry hours. You can leave luggage with bell services (or pick up luggage) 24 hours a day, so there should always be a cast member available, no matter how early or late. Go ahead and stay out for those Extra Magic Hours!
As always, remember to tip those friendly porters at Bell Services! It’s a great way to encourage a Disney cast member.
How do I unlock my hotel room door at Disney?
As noted above, you can use your linked Magic Band, a hotel key card, or your phone to unlock your hotel room door via the My Disney Experience app. Be sure to link your stay with your confirmation to your MDX account (or have your travel agent do it), to connect your hotel room with your online account.
Can I check in early during a split stay at Disney World?
You can request an early check-in during a split stay at Disney World! Again, use your Disney account to access the “My Plans” section. You can also find this under your “Future Plans” on your phone.
You can start to check in to your resorts about 60 days in advance of your stay. If you wish to request an early check-in, make that selection in the app.
If you arrive at the resort early, go ahead and stop by the front desk to let them know! Many times, cast members can get you checked in early. It just depends on how busy the resort is that day.
What is the standard checkout time at a Disney World resort?
The standard checkout time at a Disney World resort is 11 AM. Guests can checkout via the My Disney Experience app or stop by the front desk. Be sure to remove your Do Not Disturb sign from your hotel room door to make it easier for Mousekeeping to know you have checked out.
Can I request a late checkout time at Disney World?
You can request a late checkout time at Disney World. On my last trip, I just called Guest Services from the room phone and asked. I was granted one more hour, which was exactly what I needed, and no big deal! I like to call on my first night, at least by my third night, to make a good plan for checkout day. If you need much more time, consider leaving your luggage with Bell Services until you leave.
What else can I access with the My Disney Experience app?
Apart from information about your hotel room and the online check-in process, you will find plenty of important content on the My Disney Experience app! Here are a few key points:
- My Tickets and Passes
- Reserve Sit Down Dining
- Merchandise Checkout
- Ride, Show & Lightning Lanes Entry
- Order Food (Quick Service)
- Today’s Plans (Specific for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT)
- Future Plans
- Hotel Reservations (Disney Resorts Collection Hotel options)
- Virtual Cue options
- Photo Pass
- Transportation Options (within the Disney bubble)
- Wait Times (Avoid long lines by checking this)
- Dining Menus (check menus, especially if using the Dining Plan)
- Chat With Us (Question button with Question Dialogue Box to chat with cast members)
I hope this post helps you better understand how to use Disney World early check-in on your next magical vacation! Remember to always reach out to a travel agent specializing in Disney to help you plan your next vacation. We don’t cost you any extra, and we can help you plan the perfect vacation.
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