Girl at Disneyworld
  • On Mar 28, 2025
    Celia from ON Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello! Do I have to be checked in for my dining credits to be available? We’d like to go to MK in the morning on our arrival day, stay and eat dinner in MK, then head to our hotel to check in. Will this be a problem? Thanks!

    Hello, Celia!

    Welcome BACK to planDisney! It is lovely to see you here again, asking another question about an upcoming visit to Walt Disney World. I feel honored that you trust us to offer vacation planning guidance when needed. Disney Dining Plan and dining in Walt Disney World are two of my favorite topics, so I will gladly share my knowledge and experience with you. 

    I love the ease of vacationing in Walt Disney World with a Disney Dining Plan. Having meals budgeted ahead of time and knowing you have one quick-service meal, one table-service meal, and one snack, per person per day makes the planning process easier. Finding the best value for the dining plan meals and snacks has become a competitive sport for my family. I hope you have as much fun with it as I have! Disney Dining Plan meals are available immediately on your check-in day. This is true even if you haven’t yet checked into your Disney Resort hotel

    To streamline your check-in process after a long day at Magic Kingdom, you can do the Direct-to-Room service, eliminating the need to stop at the front desk. To use Direct-to-Room service follow these steps:

    1. Link your Disney Resort hotel reservation to your Disney account on the Disney World Website or in the My Disney Experience app
    2. Before you arrive, use the online check-in service on the website or MDE app. 
    3. On the day of your arrival, check the MDE app to get real-time updates on your Resort reservation – including a notification when your room is ready.
    4. When your room is ready, the MDE app will give you your room number and allow you to unlock your door. If you have an active DisneyBand, it can also be used to enter your room. 

    I hope this information helps you have a magical Walt Disney World vacation, Celia! You’ve got a friend in me, in all of us here at planDisney, so come back with any additional vacation questions you have. We are all ears! 

    See Ya Real Soon,
    Angie 
thumbnail image for Angie

Meet the Panelist: Angie, Florida

Hi! I'm Angie, a Yoga and Pilates Instructor from The Sunshine State! I am happy to share my love and passion for travel and Disney vacation planning. My family has been enjoying our Vacation Club Membership since 2012 and discovered a whole new world, taking incredible vacations to Walt Disney World, cruises on Disney Cruise Line, and even a trip to Disneyland Paris. I would love to help you experience a magical Disney vacation! Learn More About Angie

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Everything You Need To Know About Dining Plans | planDisney Podcast – Season 3 Episode 1

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.