Hello, Zach. Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question.
Zach, I think you'll be happy to know that you are able to head straight to your
Disney Resorts Collection Hotel on the day of your arrival. If your room is ready, you'll be able to head straight there with no problem. However, depending on what time you arrive, your room may not be quite ready for you yet. If your room isn't ready, you are still able to enjoy all of the wonderful amenities your resort has to offer. You can leave all of your luggage with Bell Services for the day and enjoy the pool or head to one of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. My family and I typically drive down to Walt Disney World and leave super early in the morning. I like to arrive around lunchtime so I feel like I've gotten a full day of fun in. When we do this, we usually arrive at our Disney Resorts Collection Hotel and head straight for the pool. It's really nice to relax in the sunshine after a busy travel morning.
You are actually able to check in to your Disney Resorts Collection Hotel before your trip on the
MyDisneyExperience mobile app. When you are filling out the
online check-in, it will ask what your approximate arrival time is. This will greatly help the Cast Members prepare for your early arrival. Then, when your room is ready you will receive a push notification or a text message letting you know your room number and providing you with a link to a detailed map so you can find it. Once you are in your room, you can use the phone to call down to Bell Services and they will bring your luggage to your room. This is a free service to you, but I always like to have some cash on hand for a tip. This is completely optional of course, but they work hard and I tend to be an over-packer.
If the pool isn't your thing, you can always head to one of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks or Disney Springs. Disney Springs is the shopping, dining and entertainment hub of Walt Disney World. If you are looking for a lunch recommendation, I highly suggest
The BOATHOUSE. It's my current favorite restaurant. The menu has plenty to choose from but right now I am stuck on the lobster roll, served warm with butter and I always add on a side of truffle fries. Delicious!
Zach, I hope you enjoy staying at whichever Disney Resorts Collection Hotel you choose for your vacation. They are all great so I know you will have a fabulous time. If you have any other questions before your trip, please feel free to come back and
ask me. I'm here to help!
Enjoy!