Greetings and welcome to planDisney, Marie-Emilie!
Thank you for taking the time to send your first question our way. It is a pleasure to help you plan a magical Walt Disney World Resort vacation!
I am happy to share that Guests staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel can start enjoying their benefits on the date of arrival. Even if your room at
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is not ready yet, you are welcome to use
Disney transportation, take advantage of complimentary standard parking at the theme parks, and even go for a swim at the hotel’s pool. Please note, however, that transportation to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is not available from the Transportation and Ticket Center, but you are welcome to take a bus to your hotel at the theme parks or Disney Springs.
I recommend checking in via the My Disney Experience mobile app before arrival to let your Disney Resort hotel know when you are expected to arrive, select preferences, and more. To do so, open the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom of the screen, select "Resort Hotel," and then tap "Start Check-In Now." When you arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort, you will receive a notification informing you when your room is ready, and you can even use
Direct-to-Room Service to go directly to your room instead of stopping by the
Front Desk first.
planDisney tip: You can take advantage of Guest benefits until midnight on the date of check-out. That is a great perk, especially if you have a late flight back home. You can enjoy the hotel pool even after vacating your room and then use the restrooms and showers located in the pool area when you are ready to leave. Bell Services at your resort will gladly keep your luggage until it is time to say goodbye.
It was a pleasure answering your question, Marie-Emilie. Be sure to
visit planDisney in French next time you visit us for tips and advice in your gorgeous language. I hope you have a magical visit to the Walt Disney World Resort!
See ya real soon,
Thiana