Family checking in at Art of Animation; AA
  • On Jun 15, 2026
    Tania from Ciudad de México Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi, When can I check in? For example, If I'll be staying on Friday, but I plan to go to the parks early that day. Can I complete the check-in process one day before, on Thursday? Or is it possible to check in even earlier?

    A stay at a Disney Resort hotel is heading your way, Tania! Thanks for bringing your question to us here at planDisney. There are a few ways to check-in to your resort hotel, and I will happily explain the process for each. Whether you'd like to go directly to your room or stop by the front desk, getting situated at your home away from home is a simple and seamless process.

    First, you can use Direct-to-Room Service at any time prior to your visit to confirm the details of your stay and get "checked-in." I have a reservation coming up in 150 days, and another person in my party has already set this up for us! If anything changes between now and our arrival, we can update the details online or via the My Disney Experience app. Once our arrival day comes, we'll get a text when our room is ready and the app will display our room number and other details. You will be able to have a blast at the parks with the knowledge that your room will be waiting for you when you're done for the day (or after 3PM). Be advised that you won't be able to enjoy the benefits of being a resort guest or have access to your room until the first day listed on your reservation. Direct-to-Room Service allows you to simplify your arrival and skip the front desk so you can begin your vacation right away.

    The other way to get checked-in to your hotel is to visit the front desk on your arrival day. The friendly Cast Member will greet you and confirm your details, ask if you'd like to put a card on file or pay as you go, and provide you with a room key, a resort map, and fun extras like celebration buttons for a birthday or first-time visit. This is the more classic approach to starting your hotel stay, but it seems like you'll be hitting the ground running on arrival day. I recommend that you use Direct-to-Room Service.

    Arriving with luggage? No worries! You can drop off your bags at your resort hotel's Bell Services desk on your arrival day, then grab the next bus, boat, or monorail to the parks. It's as simple as that!

    I hope this helps you plan for a smooth arrival to Walt Disney World, Tania! Please let us know how else we can assist you. I am wishing you a fantastic visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth.

    Stay magical,
    Scott
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Meet the Panelist: Scott, North Carolina

Hiya pal! I’m Scott, a husband and father of two small children from North Carolina. When I’m not trading pins, scarfing down pretzels, and enjoying my favorite attractions in the parks, I work as a librarian at a large public university. I love connecting my patrons with books and resources, and I can’t wait to provide you with the best Disney information, strategies, and tips that I’ve got in my collection! Learn More About Scott

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