Hi Candice!
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
In my opinion, one of the best reasons to stay at a Disney Resort hotel is that you are considered a guest for the whole of your first and last days, regardless of what time you check in and out, and as long as you have valid park tickets you can head straight there on your arrival day. If you use
online check-in, you will be notified by text or email when your room is ready, and they will even tell you the room number so you can go straight there when you get to your Disney Resort hotel. If you want to stop by your hotel on your way to the parks, you can leave your luggage with Bell Services (large suitcases, carry-on bags, anything) who will keep it in a secure, air-conditioned storage room until your room is ready. Similarly, you can leave your luggage with Bell Services on your last day too, until you are ready to leave for home.
I love to spend time relaxing by the pool on my last day, ahead of a long travel day ahead, and you are very welcome to use all the facilities until you actually leave Walt Disney World Resort. If you wish to use the hotel pools you will find complimentary towels poolside. Or you can take Disney transport around the Resort, including to all the theme parks and
Disney Springs. Enjoy some last-minute shopping, or relax with coffee or lunch at one of the many dining locations there, and you can make
dining reservations for your last day, too.
If you want to visit a theme park on your first and last days, you can take advantage of
Extra Magic Hours, if they are offered for that day, and for any guests using a Disney Dining Plan, you can begin using that at time of check-in - which is 7.00am if you use online check-in - and your dining credits will not expire until midnight on your departure day.
I love that there are so many ways to squeeze every last magical moment out of your vacation!
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions. We will be very happy to help.
Sue