Hi Lauren, welcome to planDisney!
I'm so glad you found the magical corner of the digital universe where Guests help Guests plan unforgettable Disney vacations. Our families' Walt Disney World Resort vacation countdowns are almost identical and we, too, are already dreaming of check-in day. Online check-in for Disney Resorts Collection hotels is available in the
My Disney Experience mobile app months before check-in. On my most recent trip, I got an email as well as a push notification that my room at Disney's Beach Club Resort was ready at 3:30 p.m. I had arrived at 11:00 a.m. that morning, left my bags with Bell Services, and ridden multiple attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios by the time my room was ready. Let's similarly dream big for your arrival day.
All Guests can purchase
Disney Genie+ service anytime after midnight each park day via the Tip Board of the My Disney Experience mobile app (three small lines at the bottom right of the app's homepage > Tip Board). I recommend purchasing by 6:45 a.m. so you can book your first Genie+ Lighting Lane reservation at 7:00 a.m.
Guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel have the distinct advantage of being able to purchase
Individual Lightning Lanes at 7:00 a.m. each morning, as compared to all other Guests who must wait until park opening. I'm pleased as Pluto to share that this perk applies from your check-in date through your check-out date. I once even purchased an Individual Lighting Lane for
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT at 7:00 a.m. from the comfort of my own bed in Virginia! I made sure to select an evening return time, just in case my flight was delayed. Luckily, that story has a happy ending and I'm sure yours will, too.
Other perks for Disney Resort hotel Guests that apply on your check-in date through your check-out date include access to
Early Theme Park Entry and
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. One of my favorite perks of staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel is the ability to make advance reservations for dining
online 60 days before check-in for our entire length of stay (up to a 10-night stay). I'm also looking forward to the return of the
Disney Dining Plan and have already determined my favorite Resort-Refillable Drink Mug design.
You have so much to look forward to in the new year, Lauren! Few people understand our excitement, so please don't hesitate to reach out to me
directly with any other trip-planning questions. You've got a friend in me!
Plan magic; planDisney.
Jennifer