Hi Heidi,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We love assisting guests like you plan your trips to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Even though you didn't book through Disney, you can still take advantage of Disney's Online Check-in. Your travel agent should have given you a confirmation number assigned by Disney. You can go to
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com and click on the orange suitcase "My Disney Vacation" near the top left and log in. From there select "My Reservations" then "Retrieve Reservations".
That will give you two options. Select "Package/Room Reservation" and enter the confirmation number. That should bring up your resort reservation.
You can also add your dining reservations after that by going back to "Retrieve Reservations" and selecting "Dining Reservation".
Ten days prior to your trip, you can go back to "My Disney Vacation" and select "Online Check-in". Next, follow the prompts and answer a few questions and that's it - you're good to go.
When you arrive at your resort, there will be a separate line for Guests who did their check-in online (look for the signs). The person whose name is on the reservation will have to present his or her photo ID. They will give you your welcome package with your Key to the World Cards and resort information and you're all set.
I think you'll find Disney's Online Check-In Service very convenient and much appreciated if you've had a long day of traveling because it gets you to your room faster and lets the magic begin.
If for some reason you are unable to complete the online check-in process, you can check in once you arrive so don't panic if you can't. Its a time saver but isn't a requirement.
Wishing you minnie magical memories :-) Allison