Hiya, Tyra! It's so exciting that you're just a few months away from your
Walt Disney World vacation, and I'm super happy to be able to help you with some information about check-in.
The first thing I want to suggest is that you utilize the online check-in feature now available for guests staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel. You'll find the option in your
My Disney Experience app. On your smartphone, you'll click future plans, and the resort information will be there with a blue bar that says "Start Check-In Now." If you're on the computer, scroll past the blue buttons to your resort information.
Now, we know check-in is officially at 3 PM, but it will ask you for an anticipated arrival time. With your flight arrival time, I'd say you would be at your resort by about 10:30. Nothing is guaranteed, but you will get a text notification when your room is ready, and I've had resort rooms ready for me as early as 11 AM. As long as your room is ready, you can go and put your things there - even if it's before 3 PM. They'll text your room number, so you don't even have to visit the front desk. the app can open the door.
Until your room is ready, bell service is happy to hold luggage for you, and no, you absolutely do not have to use your
theme park passes the day you arrive. Explore your resort, lounge at the pool, grab a bite to eat at one of the many
non-park restaurants. It's your vacation, Tyra - you do you!
I hope you have an amazing trip!
Anna