Hi there, Emily! You're as welcome as can be here at planDisney!
Your
Walt Disney World Resort vacation is just a few days away! I'm sure you're getting excited to experience
all the Disney thrills, so let's get this question answered for you!
I'm happy to tell you that all of the
benefits of staying at a Disney Resorts Collection Hotel are yours to enjoy on both your check-in and check-out days. So yes, you may certainly use the
pools and other
amenities at your resort hotel as soon as you arrive, even if your room isn't quite ready yet. If you're planning to go for a swim right away, I recommend packing your swimsuits and anything else you might need for the day in a separate bag. You can feel free to leave any luggage that you don't need right away with
Bell Services. Once your room is ready, you can either retrieve your luggage yourself, or you may call Bell Services from your room phone to have them deliver your bags to you.
If you're looking for something to do on your arrival day or any time that you're taking a break from the theme parks, be sure to visit
Disney Springs. All of the shopping, dining, and entertainment options at Disney Springs are just a short, relaxing
boat ride away from
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside. If you head over to Disney Springs, I recommend visiting
Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar. It's one of my favorite places to grab a drink or a snack. I love the Indiana Jones theming of the bar, and everything on the menu is delicious! My favorite menu items are the Air Pirate's Cargo Loaded Pretzel and the Cool-headed Monkey.
Emily, if you think of any other last-minute questions, please don't hesitate to ask. My fellow
planDisney panelists and I are all ears! See ya real soon!
Samantha