The day has finally come! It is time for your check-in day at your Disney World hotel. It is such an exciting time as you have your whole Disney World vacation ahead of you. You have all the attractions to ride, food to eat, characters to meet, and souvenirs to purchase.

As one of your first stops on your Disney World vacation, we have a few tips for checking in to your Disney World hotel. There are a few things Cast Members wish you would stop doing, and we are sharing them with you!
While an upgrade is always exciting, never demand an upgrade from a Cast Member. It never hurts to ask, but be prepared that the answer may be no. Ask politely, and you never know what you might get, but it isn’t always going to be possible.

Along the same lines, don’t plan on arriving early and demanding an early check-in time. We get it; sometimes, the cheapest flights are the ones that arrive super early, and a quick cat nap is always enticing when you first arrive.

However, if you arrive early, there is no guarantee that your room will be ready. You can always ask if it might be available early, but just like an upgrade, it isn’t always possible. Cast Members always do their best to accommodate but aren’t always able to get you a room early!

Beyond demanding an upgrade or an early check-in, Cast Members really appreciate you giving them your attention and being respectful. Don’t be preoccupied with your phone during the process. Essentially, be kind while you are checking in! Cast Members want you to have the best experience, so being polite to them is always the way to go. Even if you are angry, tired, and just want to get rid of your luggage, kindness goes a long way.

Don’t forget to take advantage of your special hotel perks! If you arrive early on check-in day, head to the Disney World water parks for FREE. That’s right, on your check-in day, you can have a day at the water parks for free. Your Disney hotel will be more than happy to store your luggage while you enjoy the water park. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the day while also killing some time before your room is ready.

Being a Disney World hotel guest also has other perks! Early Entry is available for all Disney World hotel guests, and guests at Deluxe Resorts can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours. You can also get free parking at the theme parks and complimentary transportation all around Disney World property. As well, you get early access to Lightning Lane bookings.

If you are trying to decide what hotel is best for your family, you need to check out our video ranking all the Disney World hotels. Quincy has stayed in every Disney World hotel, and she is letting you know the pros and cons of each:
It is always so exciting to be checking into your Disney World hotel at the start of your vacation. There are so many things to look forward to and so many memories to be made! Amidst all the excitement, always make sure you are being kind to Cast Members and are asking politely for a room upgrade or early check-in. And definitely make sure you savor every moment of your trip!

Stay tuned to AllEars for all your Disney World tips!
Check out the 6 perks confirmed for Disney World hotel guests in 2025!
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What is your favorite Disney World hotel? Let us know in the comments!
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