Hi Karen!
Thank you for bringing this question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. In my experience,
online check-in expedites and simplifies the check-in process; I love it!
To answer your question, online check-in certainly does not hinder you from having your room request honored! Room requests are never guaranteed, but in my experience, Cast Members will do their best to accommodate requests if it is possible to do so. In the past, the majority of our room requests made via online check-in have been honored, except when it has been more important for us to have our room ready a little bit early. You can designate on the online check-in form whether it's more important for your room request to be honored or whether it's more important to have your room ready when you arrive. (Again, while Walt Disney World Resort does not guarantee early room availability, Cast Members will try to accommodate an early check-in upon request.)
If you choose to check-in online, you will have the option to be notified via text message when your
Walt Disney World Resort hotel room is ready. With this option, you can even bypass the Front Desk and head straight to your room; your
MagicBand will serve as your room key. Remember, you can begin the online check-in process 60 days before your arrival.
I hope this helps with your planning, Karen! Please stop back again soon and let me know if you have any additional questions about your upcoming trip to Walt Disney World Resort.
Wishing you many magical memories!
Erin