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There have been a lot of updates to various Disney policies due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We have seen adjustments in park hours, transportation and luggage services, just to name a few. We have recently be provided details of another policy change that affects guests looking to extend their current check-out time.
Until now, guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort have been able to ask upon checking-in, if the option is available for a later check-out. The current check-out time for all Disney resorts is 11:00am.
While these requests are not guaranteed, Cast Members often do their best to sprinkle some pixie dust and accommodate guests when they can. I have personally opted for a late check-out a few times on past vacations.
This was super beneficial when we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge last July. We had an afternoon flight and got a late start to the morning. We were not finished packing by the time our 10:00am breakfast at Boma came around.
Luckily, we had already asked for our check-out time to be extended until 1:00pm, and it was granted. This gave us enough time to enjoy our breakfast and finish packing without having to rush.
Update to Late Check-Out Policy
Recently, guests staying at the currently-open Walt Disney World resorts are being told that:
late check-outs will not be an option until further notice.
If you are planning an upcoming visit to a Walt Disney Resort hotel, and are scheduled to have a late flight home, Cast Members will offer you the option to store your luggage with Bell Services.
Keep in mind, Disney is also not currently offering resort airline check-in. You’re only option will be to store your bags with Bell Services until you are ready to board your Magical Express Bus to the airport.
It’s understandable why they don’t want guests opting for late check-outs during this time. If a guests checks out later than 11:00, it doesn’t give Mousekeeping enough time to properly sanitize a resort room before another family moves in.
While it may be a disappointment for some, keep in mind that you are still free to enjoy the other amenities of your resort up until you leave. This might be the perfect time to grab that last dole whip or item you’ve been staring at all week in the gift shop.
If you have extra time, be sure to utilize it and consider taking a trip down to Disney Springs. There is lots to do and it will make the most of your check-out day.
What do you think of this new check-out policy? What you plan to do on your check-out day to make the most of your time? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page!
-Christina
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Sara
Wednesday 12th of August 2020
We usually get a late flight out, the one we like is at 9 pm or so. We’ve never asked for late checkout, we’ve always either used resort airline check in or left our luggage at Bell Services if our airline didn’t participate in resort check in. So I guess with all the other changes this one is pretty minor. I’m more upset we have to schlep our own luggage from the baggage claim to ME. With two big suitcases, two carry ons and my wheelchair ME picking up and delivering those two big suitcases was a huge plus.