Hi Crystal,
I'm SO excited to hear that you and your family will soon be experiencing "The Most Magical Place on Earth" for your first visit! You must be nearly bursting with excitement!
I can tell that you've been spending time planning because you are
exactly on the right track! By
checking in online, you can get right to the magic and fun and won't need to spend any time at the front desk of your Disney Resort hotel. When you provide a cell phone number or email address, you'll simply receive a text and/or email when your room is ready with your room information. Just make sure you log in to your My Disney Experience account to
customize your MagicBands at least 11 days before your arrival date, and they'll be shipped to your home before you leave!
When you pass through those magical welcome gates, you can just head straight to your Disney Resort hotel to leave your bags with Bell Services if you'd prefer not to leave them in your vehicle all day long, then use either the complimentary Disney transportation service to get to the theme park or drive your own vehicle. As a registered Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you won't be charged for parking at the theme parks.
I'm also glad to hear that you're planning on arriving early. You'll find the smallest crowds and lowest wait times of the entire day first thing in the morning. I know you'll be anxious to hit the ground running, but at some point, I'd stop by Guest Relations, a ticket window, or even your Disney Resort hotel front desk to ask for complimentary My First Visit buttons. They're SO cute!
Thanks so much for visiting us at the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Crystal, please feel free to bring us more great questions, and MOST importantly, have a truly magical vacation!
Missy