Hey there, Joanne! Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question.
I think you'll be happy to know that you are absolutely able to have your luggage stored for you when you arrive at Walt Disney World if your
Disney Resorts Collection Hotel room isn't quite ready yet. What you'll do is head over to the Bell Services counter when you arrive. Sometimes this counter is located inside of the lobby and sometimes it is found just outside the lobby doors before you enter, it depends on the resort but you won't miss it. The Cast Member working the Bell Services counter will count the number of items that you'd like to have stored and give you a receipt that you'll need to hold on to until you are ready to get your things back. If you have perishable items that need to be kept cold, they can store those things for you as well, they will just need to be separated out from your luggage items. Once you've done all of that you are free to go and enjoy the rest of the day. When you return and your room is ready, you have two options. You can head back to that same counter, exchange your receipt for your luggage and take all of your stuff up to the room yourself or you can go straight up to your room and use the phone to call down to Bell Services to have your items brought up for you. Having your luggage brought up to your room is a complimentary service for you and I find it to be very convenient and timely. I do like to tip the Cast Members helping me a few dollars because they do work really hard, but that is totally optional.
I hope that you have something really fun planned for your arrival day, Joanne! I always love to arrive early and then have a fun-filled pool day at the resort while I wait for my room to be ready. It's a fun way to spend some time and get to know the resort a little bit better. I like to swim, enjoy the food and pool bar area and then once my room is ready clean up and head to Disney Springs for the evening. Disney Springs is the shopping, dining and entertainment hub at Walt Disney World and most evenings while I am on vacation you can find me there! I absolutely love all of the dining options and live entertainment. If you are looking for a first-night dining suggestion, I recommend
The BOATHOUSE. It's my favorite restaurant right now. There is something on the menu for everyone but my go-to order is the lobster roll served warm with butter and I always upgrade to the truffle fries. The restaurant is set on the lake in Disney Springs and dining outside makes for beautiful views of the sun setting which is a perfect way to end your first day at Walt Disney World.
I hope this helps, Joanne. If you have any other questions before your trip, please feel free to stop back by and
ask me. I'm happy to help. Have fun!