Hey Matthew!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Thank you for sending us your awesome question. I am thrilled to help you plan your upcoming — and magical — Walt Disney World Resort vacation!
You are correct, the official check-in time for most Walt Disney World Resort hotels is 3:00 p.m. ET. However, you can check-in as early as 6:00 a.m., but please keep in mind that room availability cannot be guaranteed until after 3:00 p.m.
Your
Disney Dining Plan credits are made available as soon as you check-in. Checking in early will allow you to activate your Disney Dining Plan credits and head to the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks as soon as you arrive on property! I always maximize the magic by checking in to my Disney Resort hotel early, leaving my bags with Bell Services and heading straight to the theme parks.
Matthew, I encourage you to simplify your arrival by starting the check-in process online before the start of your vacation.
Online Check-In allows you to begin the check-in process 60 days before your arrival at a Disney Resort hotel. When you arrive, simply head to the Online Check-In Desk, where your Welcome Folder and
MagicBand (if you did not have it shipped to your home) will be waiting. Show your valid photo I.D., complete your check-in and you’re on your way to an unforgettable vacation!
If you have any additional questions, please visit the Disney Parks Moms Panel again. We are always here to help you.
With a Sprinkling of Pixie Dust,
Priscila