When should I check in

[ginny57]

I need some guidance here. I will be arriving @ WDW early in the AM on 12/7. I am booked at AoA. I have my annual pass voucher and will be turning it in when I get the the MK.

So....where do I go 1st? I want to get to MK as early as I can since my goal is to see the expansion and have lunch @ BOG. Then hoping for a bit of a break in the afternoon before hitting the Studios for the Osborne lights after which we're off to DTD for dinner @ Raglan Road.

If I hit the park 1st, how to I avoid paying for parking since I won't have my parking pass till I check in? If I check in 1st it may slow down my morning and I only have 2 park days so I want to make the most of every minute.

[disneymom15]

Not sure, but, don't you get free parking with annual passes? Just show your voucher to the parking attendant.

[ginny57]

I thought about that...just not sure the voucher will cut it.

[goofygirl67]

I have checked in as early as 9am and got my parking pass. You can still get your pass, just might not get in the room.

[faline]

Keep in mind that, if you're getting an annual pass discount on your room, you may need to show you annual pass to get the discount.

[ginny57]

Its probably best to check in first....so I guess we'd better get there early!!

[1DisneyNut]

Check in first. They will send you a text or email with your room number and information when your room is actually ready. You can leave your car at the resort and ride the bus from there if you like. I have arrived at my resort as early as 6AM before and we went ahead and checked in, ate breakfast and then hit the park.

[Goofy4TheWorld]

First, the "rules" say you have to show your activated AP to get the room discounted at check-in, so a voucher doesn't cut it (although it is widely reported that few people ever actually have to show their AP at check-in). Second, you can pay for your parking at first then show your receipt when you activate your AP at Guest Services and they will refund you your parking fee. Since you can get your money right back, you theoretically need your AP activated before checking in, and you plan on hitting the no-doubt-crowded FLE and BOG then coming back to the room for some down time, I think it would be best for you to just pay to get through the parking gates and then get your money back at Guest Services 10 minutes later.

[steamboat willy]

Can you get your Annual Pass at Guest Services at your Resort, if so You can be at check-in at 7:00 Get AP, get checked in and get to MK at rope drop.
We'll be right behind you, arriving on the 9th! MK, Fantasyland and lunch at BOG on the 10th.

15 Days....

[ginny57]

I am pretty sure you can't turn in the voucher @ the hotel...only @ the parks or DTD. We're staying at AoA-Little Mermaid so no AP discount anyway.

It may all come down to what time we hit Orlando....I really want to get to MK as early as we can.

[MouseHead]

I will be at AoA starting on Dec.9th--will also be staying in Little Mermaid---I actually will arrive at DW on the 6th but spending 3 nights @ POP b4 friend arrives from Texas ---then we ck into AoA---I am sure you & I will cross paths [literally-lol]

[ginny57]

Let's hope we do! Always nice to make a Disney friend