Hey there Kathy and welcome back to planDisney!
My friend and fellow panelist, Amy is a tough act to follow but I'm going to do my best to get you all sorted out before your July visit.
Kathy, I'm happy to tell you that you are a Guest at the Walt Disney World Resort as soon as your arrival date begins. You can absolutely start choosing your
Lightning Lanes via
Disney Genie+ Service at 7 AM with the rest of the Guests. If your room isn't ready when you get to
Disney's Pop Century Resort, you can drop those bags off with Bell Services and catch the
Disney Skyliner over to EPCOT to start your day. And your timing is perfect as the
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will only be on its 3rd day!
Pro-tip: Check in right now using the
Online Check-In Service. Skip the traditional front desk experience by using this handy little feature right in your
My Disney Experience app. When you open the app and login you'll see your
Disney Resorts Collection hotel reservation on that first page. Tap the Start Check-In Now button. There's a section labeled Your Resort Arrival where you can specify your predicted arrival time at your hotel. You'll get a text as soon as your room is ready telling you what number it is. You'll be able to use your
MagicBand or your phone to open your room door. There are no guarantees, especially during particularly busy times, but your hotel will try its hardest to have your room ready for your arrival. I've had some pretty good luck on past visits so I'm wishing pixie dust for your family as well.
Kathy, you're set to book those Lightning Lanes at the appropriate time. With a little faith, trust, and pixie dust, everything your heart desires will come to you. If you have any other questions, you come right back and
ask me!
Happy planning!
Taylor