online check-in....upside?

[dawz1026]

What is the difference between the check in online and when you get there? Do you think it is better to wait to maybe ask for a free upgrade if the resort is not full...I know in person these type of magical things tend to happen :p

[mickeymom5]

I think if you are hoping for an upgrade, you should check-in "in person." We did on-line check-in at POFQ last year. We were arriving early and wanted to get to the parks as soon as possible so it was really nice for us. We walked in and immediately were handed our packet. Since our room wasn't ready the CM just went over what number we could call later in the day to find out which room was ours and she checked to see that our tickets were what we requested and we were off. I don't think she could handle any special requests. I don't even think she was sitting near a computer, but that might be different at different resorts

[GusMan]

In short, if you are not going to deal with any special requests, ask any questions, or anything like that, online checkin works well. If you feel like you need to talk to a CM during check in to verify anything or to ask anything, bypass OLCI.

Just my 2 cents on the upgrade - they are magical when they happen on their own. I sometimes think upgrades happen less often when they are asked for.

[danyoung]

I'd think the online checkins are also nice if you arrive during prime time, like from 2pm to 6pm or so. I get to the hotel around noon-ish, so there's almost never a line at the main checkin counter.

[Drince88]

And Dan, buddy, when did check in become one word? :D

[stan4d_steph]

When I did online check in, it was slightly faster than people I was with checking in at the same time, same place who did not. There was no line at either counter. I can imagine if there were a line at the regular check in counter, online would likely be shorter and faster.

[danyoung]

And Dan, buddy, when did check in become one word? :D

WOWOWOWOW - you got me! I've seen this come up wrong in spell checks, but I've just it go. YOU GOT ME! Congrats!!!:)

[runner110]

At AKL last month, we didn't do on-line check-in just in case we got a free upgrade, and it really paid off. We waited in line for a long time - probably 45 minutes - but the very friendly CM upgraded us from standard view to Savannah-view with bunk beds. We were thrilled; it was certainly worth a 45 minute wait. The guests checking-in in front of us seemed grumpy in general, and irritated at having to wait so long. In my opinion, we were happy to be there, very friendly and enthusiastic, and I think that in contrast to the other guests, that greatly increases the chance of an upgrade.

[Greg in TN]

Last summer we did the on-line check in for our May/June trip. We arrived rather early, maybe 10:00 or so, so obviously our room was not ready. There were maybe 6 - 8 people waiting in the regular check in line, but nobody in the on-line check in line.

The CM handed me a packet of info, and told me to call this phone # sometime after 3:00 to see where our room was. She gave me a quick overview of the resort, and asked if I had any questions, and I was on my way.

When I called to find out our room location, turns out we had been upgraded from a standard view to a preferred room, certainly w/out asking, and even though we'd done the on-line check in. :)

[WdwGurl4life]

We walked in and immediately were handed our packet. Since our room wasn't ready the CM just went over what number we could call later in the day to find out which room was ours and she checked to see that our tickets were what we requested and we were off.

I HEARD there might be a new way to do this* I HEARD they can now TEXT you when your room is ready? Is this right?

[mickeymom5]

I HEARD there might be a new way to do this* I HEARD they can now TEXT you when your room is ready? Is this right?

I think I read that too, but I haven't experienced it myself. That seems like a great perk, though.

[dawz1026]

decisions,decisions,decisions :geek:

[momof three]

I HEARD there might be a new way to do this* I HEARD they can now TEXT you when your room is ready? Is this right?

Yes, they will now text you when your room is ready if that is what you perfer. I love this new service.

Mily

[GusMan]

Yes, they will now text you when your room is ready if that is what you perfer. I love this new service.

Mily
Yep, they will text you with the room number when its ready. its great because I dont have to remember anything - just look up the test message.

[Leslie]

We fly into Orlando at 3:00pm April 26th and I hope to be at the Pop by 4:30 or around there and I wont be using the online check in because last time hubby had a arm list of request that I wanted to make sure we got as many as possible. That is of course HIS requests that I had to handle because he way sitting on the colorful seats watching me stand in line yelling dont forget to ask for this and that. Im like oh my god shut up people are looking. This time before I get in line to talk to the CM im going to sit him at the pool side bar with our luggage and drink a beer and wait there for me. Our T.A. has HIS request and will make sure they are noted on our reservation. I should mention we always go during slow times and always got our request.

[Samrain]

Our last two trips, we put in our requests when we booked our reservation and did the online check-in. When we checked in at WL, we were given our info packet and on the way to our room, we realized our room did not match our requests (I didn't think to prioritize our requests when we made them so we got one that was on the bottom of 'our' list, but the top of 'theirs'). No biggie, we went back to the online check-in counter and explained that it didn't quite fit what we were looking for and they moved us to another room that suited our requests. A new CM who was earning her ears helped us and even though she was new, it only took a minute or two and she was very friendly.

The second time we did online check-in, all our requests were met prior to us arriving and we loved our room.

[mkraemer]

Might be time for me to pop in with my standard words of advice regarding serendipitious upgrades:

Don't book a room you won't be happy with for your vacation because you were counting on an upgrade.

[Leslie]

What would a upgrade at the Pop be? The only thing I can think of is a preferred room unless they upgrade you to a moderate or even a deluxe. I personally like staying at the back of the 70's building on top floor as the last few times visiting it was quiet there. I prefer quiet in a far away standard room to a noisy near everything preferred room. Taking a few extra steps never killed us.

[Samrain]

I think the upgrade at POP would be to a preferred room, closer to the main building, buses, food, etc...

At mod and deluxe resorts, the upgrade is usually view-related aka garden/water/theme park, etc...and in a few of the deluxes, concierge level.

I am one of those people (like the majority I suppose) who never seems to be in the right place at the right time regarding upgrades and the like so it's always my vote to reserve the room I want. Some of my preferences usually include: away from the lobby/food court where it's a bit quieter and that sort of thing (which is usually the opposite of what other guests requests so it works well for me!). When we did the online check-in at WL, the room was literally the first one you see as you walk down the hallway past Roaring Forks - not exactly quiet! It wasn't a problem at all and they moved us to a room further away. :)

[danyoung]

That is of course HIS requests that I had to handle because he way sitting on the colorful seats watching me stand in line yelling dont forget to ask for this and that. Im like oh my god shut up people are looking.

Totally off topic - Leslie, I have been entertained by your stories of your husband, but they also scare me a little. I know that some exaggeration makes for a good story. But I have to wonder - if he's even a little bit as bad as you seem to say he is, why are you staying with him?

[Leslie]

Well, Danyoung after 23 years of marriage you learn to tolerate eachother. And Im very voicefull with him and we know where each other stands. We have NOTHING in common so we dont agree on much right down to vacations. I just keep my ground for the most part. He is a great provider, non abuser etc. So although I complain about his short comings we do on occasion have fun. And going on vacation alone does not appeal to me. Im sure once he gets there he will loosen up and have fun. Or at least Im hopeful he will anyways. And yes, he is as bad as I have surely protrade him to be. I have learned to work around it as I know what makes happy, crabby etc. I hope this answers your question. If you have anymore questions regarding why Im bringing him on vacation, marriage or if he is really that bad would you please send me a PRIVATE message? Thank you

[danyoung]

Understood.

[Leslie]

Thank you for the private message and I have replied back to you.

[dawz1026]

:geek: I do not remember what the post was.....................oh yeah lol

[Goodnplenty]

I almost can't believe I'm asking this question. :eyeroll: I've stayed at many of the WDW resorts many many times but I never asked at check in for an upgrade. I can remember being given one once at the Saratoga Springs and it was a total suprise :fez: but it just never occured to me to ask for a free upgrade.

Is that what most of you guys are doing? Just casually ask as you check in?

Thanks!
GnP;)