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.

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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?