Hello, Peter!
You have asked two great questions!
Online Resort Check-In allows you to begin your Walt Disney World Resort hotel check-in process before your arrive. You will be asked to provide information that you would typically provide at the Front Desk during regular check-in process, such as a credit card for charges, room requests as well as arrival and departure times. In addition, you can create a 4-digit PIN that allows MagicBand charging privileges during your stay. Once you arrive at your resort hotel, head over to the special Online Check-in desk to pick up your arrival packet and room location.
I think it's important to note that just this month, select resort hotels are starting to roll-out a new Direct-to-Room arrival for Guests that have completed the Online Check-in process prior to their arrival. During my recent stay at Bay Lake Tower, I was able to participate in this new system. Before I arrived at my resort, I received a text message indicating my room was ready and the room number. Since my MagicBands were shipped to me a few weeks earlier, I was able to proceed directly to my room without having to stop at the Front Desk. Although personally I had no issues, others traveling with me had to have their MagicBands re-activated so that they could access their rooms. Keep this in mind if you are planning to arrive in the coming weeks during this new updated arrival process.
I hope this helps to answer your questions. Please let me know if I can answer future planning questions that may arise.
Have a magical day!
Missy