• On Jul 25, 2019
    Kara Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We will be arriving to AKL a couple hours before our check in time. I’ve heard early check in is rare. Can we still get access to the pool before check in time?

    Hey there, Kara. Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question. I know you've got to be so excited about your stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's a beautiful resort and so fun seeing all of the animals roam around. 

    When my family and I head down to Walt Disney World, we always leave super early in the morning and arrive around lunchtime. While early check in might be rare, I've been able to enter my rooms many time before the actual check-in time. What I suggest doing is checking in online 60 days prior to your trip. This is the earliest day that you'll be able to do so. When going through the online check-in process it'll ask for your arrival time. By filling out all of this information, it helps the resort prepare for your arrival and you may be able to enter your room early by doing so. However, even if you arrive and your room is not quite ready, you are free to enjoy all of the amenities that Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge has to offer. You can store your luggage, free of charge, at Bell Services and head out to splish splash in the pool all afternoon. 

    If it turns out to be not so nice of a day, you can always hop on the complimentary bus transportation from your resort to one of the parks or Disney Springs. If you don't want to use a Walt Disney World Theme Park Ticket that day, Disney Springs is a great alternative. It's a shopping, dining, and entertainment mecca. My family and I always visit Disney Springs at least 2 or 3 times during our trips. We love shopping around World of Disney, the largest Disney store ever, having dinner at STK and topping off a great meal with some specialty chocolate from The Ganachery. 

    I hope this helps, Kara. If you have any other questions, please feel free to stop back by and ask. Enjoy your trip! 
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Meet the Panelist: Jackie, North Carolina

I love all things Walt Disney World.  In fact, since becoming Annual Passholders, my family of 3 is always hopping in the car for a quick trip to visit with Mickey Mouse!  I've been known to make the 8 hour each way drive to Walt Disney World (in one day!) to indulge in a Mickey Waffle or enjoy a sunny day at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.  I may have a small family, but we are always up for some BIG fun at the Walt Disney World Resort.   Learn More About Jackie

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