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Walt Disney World to offer Direct-to-Room Check-In

Walt Disney World to offer Direct-to-Room Check-In


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Walt Disney World has recently begun offering Direct-to-room Check-In for it’s onsite resorts.  This version of check-in is being rolled out in three phases that will conclude on March 10, 2015.

Guests staying at a Disney World resort will be able to head directly to their room when it’s ready for check-in without needing to stop at the Front Desk at all.  You’ll receive your MagicBands for free via at home shipment and avoid the regular lines that guests usually experience.  In order to take part in this direct check-in, you must do the following things:

  • Pay in full for their reservation or establish a credit card and PIN online
  • Provide a method of communication either text or email to receive notification that your room is prepared

You can begin your check-in process up to 60 days before your arrival.  Prior to arrival, participants use the resort check-in system and pay their balance.  Once you complete this check-in process and receive your MagicBands at home, you’ll get an email informing you of the Direct-to-room Check-in service that provides directions necessary to sign up.  You’ll receive a text or email (I recommend the text version) notifying you of your room number.  Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a Cast Member at the curbside luggage drop off area and you’ll be informed that you can either use the regular guest check-in or head directly to your room.

ROLL OUT PHASES

A phased approach will be used to roll out this arrival option at Walt Disney World Resort:

February 10, 2015
Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Art of Animation Resort
Contemporary Resort (and Bay Lake Tower)
Polynesian Village Resort
Pop Century Resort
Port Orleans Resorts

February 25, 2015
BoardWalk Inn and Villas
Grand Floridian Resort & Villas
Wilderness Lodge & Villas
Yacht and Beach Club Resorts & Villas

March 10, 2015
All-Star Resorts
Caribbean Beach Resort
Coronado Springs Resort
Old Key West Resort
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

It’s unknown what the roll out will be for Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do Guests have to sign up in order to use this service?
No. Any Guest staying in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel that has met the eligibility requirements will receive a message providing them with their room number prior to their arrival.

How can Guests opt out of this service?
Guests can opt out by simply coming to the Front Desk to check-in.

Is the Guest’s room guaranteed to be ready?
No. If a Guest’s room is not ready at their anticipated arrival time, the Guest will receive a message letting them know that their room is not ready. The Guest will receive another message when the room is available.

Will Guests have to transport their own bags to their hotel room?
Guests will be greeted at the security kiosk upon arrival and directed to the porte cochere, as they are today. Bell Services assistance will be available at the porte cochere to assist Guests with any luggage. In addition, Guests will be informed of Bell Services assistance in the pre-arrival and room ready notification emails.

Will Guests using this service be able to go directly to the theme parks?
Yes, all Guests have the option of going directly to the park prior to arrival, as they do today.

Are all types of reservations eligible if they meet the criteria?
While most types of reservations are eligible, there are some deeply discounted reservations that require ID upon check-in that are not eligible at this time. Non-eligible reservations include some Cast Member and military discounts.

How will this service impact labor needs at the Front Desk?
Guests will continue to have the option to use the traditional check-in service, as they do today. Guests value the interactions they have with Cast and appreciate the warm hospitality Walt Disney World Resort provides. This service just provides one more option for Guests who prefer an expedited arrival experience.

Sounds like a great system, what do you think?

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Doug Weaver

Thursday 6th of April 2017

Does this option still work the same now? We will be going in 2018 to stay at the CBR. How early can you check in? We will be staying in a hotel outside of WDW the night before. Would like to get there and go directly to the theme park. Thanks for any information you can give. Doug Weaver

kennythepirate

Monday 10th of April 2017

If you do online check-in and pre-order your MagicBand, you can go straight to theme park on your check-in day

Katherine

Tuesday 24th of March 2015

So to clarify, even if I got the old check-in screen, if I have the CC and phone number and PIN and everything, I should be sent a text with my room number?

Jenn

Tuesday 17th of March 2015

We used the direct check in at Art of Animation the first week of March 2015. Once I turned my phone on at the airport I had a text saying our room was ready and we could go directly to our room. DME dropped us off around 3:30 at the resort and we went straight to our room to drop off our carry-ons, picked up our stroller and headed to Downtown Disney. Magic Band worked for all of us on our door. The only issue we had is the credit card I used online didn't link to our Magic Bands, but that was easily taken care of later at the Front Desk. Easiest check-in and out I have ever had at any hotel.

kennythepirate

Wednesday 18th of March 2015

Great to hear it worked well Jenn

Liz F

Tuesday 17th of March 2015

Stayed this past weekend at Pop. Got the text nd email confirmation room was ready. Still have question on parking pass; it was not provided at the gate. What about when I want to drive to park on last day and not pay for parking?

kennythepirate

Thursday 19th of March 2015

They tap your Magic Band at Parks and hotels now.

lefty1

Wednesday 18th of February 2015

I have a room only reservation at POP next week.. credit card on file.. pins set, AP's ready to go etc... online check in still says I need to come to desk to show ID.. anyone know if this is just the standard wording? tried to call tonight but wait was too long. would love to be able to go right to room and get my parking pass at security. :)

kennythepirate

Friday 20th of February 2015

Probably just text they failed to edit.

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