Hi Nicola! Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
I think that you are in for a real treat staying over the Independence Day holiday at the Walt Disney World Resort. The evening fireworks spectaculars are out of this world. In the past the Theme Parks have had later hours due to the holiday so guests are really able to get a lot of play time in! The Theme Parks are typically crowded during this holiday season so I highly recommend that you take advantage of
FastPass+ to cut down on wait times. Also if you are planning on any Table-Service meals,
dining reservations can be made approximately 180 days before your arrival.
It has been my experience that you can in fact check in before 4:00 P.M. Typically I check in as soon as my Disney’s Magical Express bus arrives, and that has sometimes been as early as 9:00 A.M. If my room is not ready they take down my phone number and text me as soon as it becomes available. The text includes the building number and room number so I can bypass the lobby and just go straight to my room whenever I am ready! Any questions or concerns that you may have can be addressed at Check-In! You also may be eligible to participate in
Online Resort Check-In. This service allows guests to spend less time in the Check-In line. Online Resort Check-In can be done as early as 60 days before your arrival. Once you arrive simply head to the Online Resort Check-In desk were your Welcome folder will be waiting for you!
I hope that you have a magical time!
~Heather~