Hi Traci!
Welcome BACK to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! This is a great question as everyone values a different hotel room location or feature. For every traveler who wants to be closer to the elevator, there is someone who wants to be further away from the pool. Every 'high floor' request balances out with those who wish to be near the parking lot. I minored in Hospitality Administration in college and when thinking back to the puzzle of putting 'heads in beds' I thank my lucky stars that there were computer programs to figure it all out.
Some
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels offer the option to secure certain room locations during the time of booking, to ensure you get that desired pool view or a preferred building closest to the refill mug station at your resort hotel's Quick Service dining location. However, certain requests like a refurbished room or connecting doors cannot be guaranteed until check-in.
While you can officially check-in with the front desk whenever you arrive, rooms aim to be ready for all guests by 4 P.M. That means there are fewer room options to switch to the later you arrive, as guests have been receiving and filling room assignments all day. If you arrive well before 4 P.M. on your check-in day, you will have first dibs at being able to request the location or feature you desire; however, your room might not be ready for you that early.
Time isn't wasted with a red eye though, as your Disney Resort Hotel would love to arrange the storage of your luggage while your room is still being readied. And you are more than welcome to start enjoying the amenities of your hotel that early, such as using your
Disney Dining Plan or playing in (or napping by) the pool. Don't forget to pack your swim stuff in your carry on!
We'll See You Real Soon, Traci!
~Kristen