Disney World hotels offer unique amenities that are harder to get outside the Disney bubble, like free Disney transportation, close access to the parks, and lots more.

But there are also some mistakes you don’t want to make — and they can happen at that crucial check-in and checkout time! You don’t want to miss out on perks and you also don’t want to miss out on other things — so find out everything you need to know here.

Not Using Mobile Check-In/Check-Out

If you hate having to stop by the front desk, you can check in and out via the My Disney Experience app. This option lets you go straight to your room (once it’s assigned), and you can get in your room via the app or your MagicBand. You simply scan the sensor on your hotel room door with your device or MagicBand and boom! You can enter. No need to interact with any humans.

Auto checkout is also an option, as long as you have a credit card on file in the My Disney Experience app. As long as your card is linked in the app, you don’t need to do anything except leave your room by 11AM — unless you request a late checkout (which you might not get even if you ask).

You can download the My Disney Experience app prior to your Disney World visit, and you can also link your Disney account, your tickets or Annual Pass, your credit card, and more. Trust us — it will make your life WAY easier!

Read more the My Disney Experience app here!

Not Making a Room Request

In the My Disney Experience app, you can make room requests for certain buildings or locations at your resort when you check in. Do you want the first floor? A room close to the parking lot? Like asking for an upgrade, there’s no guarantee your request will be granted, but it’s worth a try.

For example, if you’re booking a room at Pop Century and you prefer the 50s buildings over the 70s buildings, you can request the 50s area. If you’ve stayed there, you know the 50s area is a bit closer to the lobby AND the Skyliner, which can be a nice benefit during your stay. Why not ask?

Click here for the BEST rooms in Disney World hotels — and how to get them.

Assuming Your Room Will Be Ready

If you check into your room via the My Disney Experience app, you can sign up for a text to notify you when your room is ready, or you can check your reservation within the app for your room number. If you don’t check in through the app, you’d have to visit your hotel’s front desk to check in and get your room assignment.

Whether you request early check-in or not, sometimes your room may not be ready until 3PM or later. Check-in time is generally 3PM, but there’s no guarantee your room will be ready at the exact time you need it, so it’s a good idea to have a contingency plan in case your room isn’t ready. Leave your luggage at the front desk and check back later after you visit a park!

Here’s what Disney World’s online check-in looks like for hotel guests!

Not Leaving Your Luggage on Checkout Day

This mistake specifically applies to people who need to check out by 11AM on your last day but your flight isn’t until the late evening, and you feel like taking a quick trip to a park or Disney Springs. Do you really want to sit around the airport until your flight, or do you want to take one last trip to Disney Springs?

Disney Springs can’t hold your luggage but you can ask guest services at your hotel to hold your luggage at your hotel, even after checking out. That way you can take a quick bus ride over to Disney Springs (or drive yourself) and enjoy your remaining Disney World time before returning to your hotel to get your luggage and head to the airport!

How you should spend your money in Disney Springs!

Not Double-Checking Your Room

And finally, before you check out, DOUBLE CHECK your room approximately a million times before leaving. Disney does have a lost and found program that allows you to submit reports online, but there’s no guarantee that your item will be found, and trust us — it’s just better to check every nook and cranny.

Check the sheets, under the bed, every drawer, and even the shower! Do NOT leave your room before you’re absolutely sure you’ve gotten all your things. Also, if you’re leaving your room right at 11AM and you’re hoping to get back in at 11:01AM — you can’t. Your MagicBand (or device) will no longer work after official checkout time, so keep that in mind as you leave your room!

The most stressful situations in Disney World — and how to fix them!

So before you check in (or check out) of your Disney World hotel, make sure you don’t make any of these mistakes! Keep following DFB for more Disney World news, tips, and more!

The 4 BEST Disney World hotels for first-time visitors.

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today!

Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose.

Have you ever made any of these mistakes? Tell us in the comments!

The post The 5 Biggest Mistakes to AVOID When Checking In and Out of Your Disney World Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog.