Susan,
Thanks for sending your question to planDisney!
I did exactly this just a few weeks ago. My flight landed around 9 am, and I was ready to explore my resort hotel by 10. I had a great time, and it was a relaxing way to start my escape to the magic!
The answer is yes, you can start enjoying your resort on the morning of the day that you arrive and check in, even though your room is not yet ready. When you charge things, like maybe a nice lunch by the pool, the charge goes to your resort account, not specifically a room number.
BONUS TIP #1You will definitely want to use the
Online Check-In feature of
My Disney Experience before arriving. This will help ensure your account is set up properly for charging, among other things. They will text you your room number when it is ready!
BONUS TIP #2When you use Online Check-In you may have the option to request a room for early check-in. Disney cannot guarantee that they can fulfill the request, but they will try to get you in to a room that is ready, if available.
BONUS TIP #3When my family has flights that get us in to the resort before 2 pm, we pack a carry-on with swimsuits and all the goodies you need for an afternoon of swimming. This makes it easier to hit a public restroom at the resort to change for pool time, rather than having to tear through our suitcases to find all the right items.
BONUS TIP #4Remember that you can check your luggage at the front desk, rather than having to carry it around with you as you enjoy the resort. That makes our single carry on plan in tip #3 really work out well, as we get rid of all but the essentials we need as we explore and enjoy.
Write me back if you are looking for other arrival day ideas.
Have a Magical Vacation!Doug