[Elmo]

We always try to check in as early as possible. Our earliest was 930AM when we took the Auto Train.

If a room meeting our preferences is not available, we may wait. We avoid the rooms on the first floor and always pass on those.

[joseph3947]

Usually if the room is ready you can then check in. But most of the time the room is not and then you can just store your luggage if you flew in. But if you drove then just leave the luggage in the car and go to the parks or DTD.
When you get back to the resort (wait until at least 3 p.m.) the room should be ready!

[Soundgod]

Originally Posted by Elmo

We always try to check in as early as possible. Our earliest was 930AM when we took the Auto Train.

That's pretty funny considering the last time I took the Auto Train, I didn't even get my car until 10 AM. (1992)

[Soundgod]

Originally Posted by joseph3947

Usually if the room is ready you can then check in. But most of the time the room is not and then you can just store your luggage if you flew in. But if you drove then just leave the luggage in the car and go to the parks or DTD.
When you get back to the resort (wait until at least 3 p.m.) the room should be ready!

Even if the room is not ready, you CAN check in. In fact if you're on any sort of vacation plan that includes tickets and meals, YOU HAD BETTER CHECK IN AS SOON AS YOU ARRIVE IN WDW OR YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE DOING ANYTHING OR GETTING THAT MEAL YOU'RE STARVING FOR!
Even if you've driven in, depending on what's in your luggage, you'll probably want to remove it from the car and have bell services hold them until your room is ready. Especially in summer heat!! This is doubly true if you have any perishables or electronics in the car or in fact, anything that will melt in a 100 degree car oven.

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

... In fact if you're on any sort of vacation plan that includes tickets and meals, YOU HAD BETTER CHECK IN AS SOON AS YOU ARRIVE IN WDW OR YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE DOING ANYTHING OR GETTING THAT MEAL YOU'RE STARVING FOR!
Even if you've driven in, depending on what's in your luggage, you'll probably want to remove it from the car and have bell services hold them until your room is ready. Especially in summer heat!! This is doubly true if you have any perishables or electronics in the car or in fact, anything that will melt in a 100 degree car oven.

That's a very good point, Doug

[JackieS]

I always check in early. I want to start having a magical time asap. My room has not been ready only once. A couple times when I flew in I was at the hotel before 10:00a and on my way to the parks before 10:30 and my room was ready.

[dixie]

Originally Posted by Cavey

I once checked in at 5a.m.!

OK can beat that........2.30 a.m.!!!!!!

[Soundgod]

Originally Posted by dixie

OK can beat that........2.30 a.m.!!!!!!

When I was with John Denver, we checked into the Dolphin around 2:30 AM or so. We'd just come from a show in West Palm Beach and were performing for a convention the next day at the Dolphin.
OF COURSE, OUR ROOMS WERE READY!

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

When I was with John Denver, we checked into the Dolphin around 2:30 AM or so. We'd just come from a show in West Palm Beach and were performing for a convention the next day at the Dolphin.
OF COURSE, OUR ROOMS WERE READY!

Well, if we had headliners' names to put out there, our rooms would be ready too

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

That's pretty funny considering the last time I took the Auto Train, I didn't even get my car until 10 AM. (1992)

FWIW, we've had reasonably good luck with the Auto Train. We were early on the first trip (but you still can't get off the train 'cause the workers aren't in yet) and we were about 1.5 hours late the second time. Coming home was on time both times.

I have had problems checking in though. We arrived at 1PM but we didn't get a room until well after the 4PM check-in time for the BCV's. It was closer to 6PM by the time the room was ready.

The early check-in is more of an "added value" thing to the vacation - not an expectation.

[Hunny]

Both times that we have checked in was Thanksgiving week. first time we got there about 11ish (ASMu) and we have to wait a few hours. Now we just drove 12 hours and was sooo tired plus being our first time i had no idea we could leave everything there and scoot over to the parks! Now in 06 we checked in about the same time at POP and we got right into the room.

I had planned on leaving later so we can check in around 3ish, but someone mentioned about being on the Dining plan. I got to thinking (LOOK OUT!)
if we get there at 3 we have dinner ressies at 8. We still have a CS to eat also and i doubt we will save it for another day. So I think we will leave a lil bit earlier and just hope we can get in the room and freshen up. If not, I apologize in advance to anyone that may sit next to us on the bus,boat or any ride!

[Soundgod]

There are two different concepts in action here. Early check in is not the same as getting into your room early.
Checking in is the act of registering with your hotel, signing forms, giving credit cards, and getting any vacation package entitlements. You should not expect your room to be ready before 3, although often times it will be. When you check in and they give you your key to the world, it might have the room encoded on it and you probably could open the lock, but the desk will not tell you your actual room number until your room is actually ready for you.

[dixie]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

When I was with John Denver, we checked into the Dolphin around 2:30 AM or so. We'd just come from a show in West Palm Beach and were performing for a convention the next day at the Dolphin.
OF COURSE, OUR ROOMS WERE READY!

Ours was that we arrived from New York after being stranded there by Hurricane Andrew I think it was ( 7 days late for check in)- we arrived to a scene of devastation and I think Front Desk felt sorry for us as we had kept them informed as to why we hadnt turned up on our original res date- and guess what? our room was ready too!

[Soundgod]

Originally Posted by Dopey

Well, if we had headliners' names to put out there, our rooms would be ready too

I think it had more to do with our reservations being made as 2:30 AM arrival than who we were with.

[Soundgod]

Originally Posted by dixie

Ours was that we arrived from New York after being stranded there by Hurricane Andrew I think it was ( 7 days late for check in)- we arrived to a scene of devastation and I think Front Desk felt sorry for us as we had kept them informed as to why we hadnt turned up on our original res date- and guess what? our room was ready too!

Andrew? 1992?
Interesting because the effects of Andrew we pretty much confined to Dade County, over 200 miles south.