Just back: DLH no longer honors requests?

[CalGal]

I've often told DISers that they can phone in their room requests to the Disney properties around 3 days before their arrival -- This has worked for me very well in the past, especially at the Grand Californian. Well this trip, it didn't help a bit! My TA had requested two beds and Sierra Tower when I made the reservation, and I called ahead 3 days before check-in noting that 2 beds was very important (I'm travelling with my teenage son), that I would prefer the Sierra/Dreams Tower if possible, and would particularly love a DTD view. When I checked in (around 3PM), they had me assigned to a king room in the Marina Tower. The CM had me changed to a room with 2 beds easily enough, but told me that they are not honoring any room requests until check-in. She explained that the DTD views were long-gone (not too surprising, particularly with all the High School Musical stuff going in). She first said that Sierra wasn't available at all, but she ultimately was able to change me to the Sierra Towerwith a pool view. I did appreciate being in the Sierra/Dreams Tower since I was in the Marina my last 2 visits. Personally, I probably would not pay for a view room again unless I am checking in very early. Still, we had a great time at the DLH.

 

[Misskitty3]

Thanks for sharing this info....

 

[sasha]

Oh no!

We're going next month and we requested the Sierra Tower. The very nice CM I spoke with when I made the reservation put our request in and said that it shouldn't be a problem. Now I'm afraid it might be...

 

[arliepooh68]

the CM I spoke too told me it shoud not be a problem either and told me to call two weeks before to insure our request will be made.

 

[ter-moo]

I've often told DISers that they can phone in their room requests to the Disney properties around 3 days before their arrival -- This has worked for me very well in the past, especially at the Grand Californian. Well this trip, it didn't help a bit! My TA had requested two beds and Sierra Tower when I made the reservation, and I called ahead 3 days before check-in noting that 2 beds was very important (I'm travelling with my teenage son), that I would prefer the Sierra/Dreams Tower if possible, and would particularly love a DTD view. When I checked in (around 3PM), they had me assigned to a king room in the Marina Tower. The CM had me changed to a room with 2 beds easily enough, but told me that they are not honoring any room requests until check-in. She explained that the DTD views were long-gone (not too surprising, particularly with all the High School Musical stuff going in). She first said that Sierra wasn't available at all, but she ultimately was able to change me to the Sierra Towerwith a pool view. I did appreciate being in the Sierra/Dreams Tower since I was in the Marina my last 2 visits. Personally, I probably would not pay for a view room again unless I am checking in very early. Still, we had a great time at the DLH.

You did better than I did. About 7 years ago, I took my teenage son and asked for two beds. When they checked us in, they gave us a king bed. I went down and asked for it to be switched, but they said their policy was to only have one bed when there were two people. They did offer a rollaway, but there was nowhere to put one.

It was also a handicapped access room, so everything was down on a low level in the bathroom. I was pretty peeved, since the DLH was a big splurge for us.

 

[CalGal]

the CM I spoke too told me it shoud not be a problem either and told me to call two weeks before to insure our request will be made.

I would go ahead and call ahead. When we made the reservation and when I later called back, I got the impression that the requests would be noted. I do think my calling ahead (and mild whining) provided leverage to get me changed from the Marina to the Sierra. Perhaps it was the timing of this particular trip, or perhaps it is a change in policy. Let us know what happens with your requests. Thx.

ter-moo: Wow- I hadn't heard that one before (a policy to be assigned a king bed for a parent and child; I've generally been assigned 2 beds when its been just me and my DS). Was it a busy time of year and/or did you check in late in the day? Perhaps the trick is to make reservations for 3 in this case even if you are only planning on 2 guests (it shouldn't cost anymore if one of the 3 is a minor--- who knows, perhaps you may decide to invite a friend along at the last minute).

 

[DangerMouse]

I would never take one DLH CM's word as truth. Obviously people are still making requests upon making their reservation, and I am sure they will honor requests as much as possible. I understand that they will honor room requests on a first come first served basis at check in, so your chances are much less if you are checking in later in the day.

Don't give up altogether on room requests b/c of one person's experience with a CM who may or may not have had good information.

 

[WDW4us2006]

When I made my reservation for the DLH a few months ago, I requested the Marina Tower, high floor. I only paid for standard view, but figured I would never get the Sierra Tower, and didn't want to be way over in the Bonita tower. I didn't have very high expectations, assumed I would get what I paid for. I was told that my requests were simplly that, requests.

When we checked in, the CM told me there was one room ready in the Marina tower on the third floor, and it had a pool view. He said I could wait, that there were other rooms available but that weren't ready (he wouldn't tell me where they were). I took the room since we were tired, and I considered it an upgrade to have a pool view, and it was fabulous! It was high enough to be totally quiet, and we were right next to everything. I definitely think it helps to discuss your preferences with the CM checking you in, and if you are having trouble with your requests, ask for someone else. Don't be shy! They want you to be happy, too. I truly believe that if there is a room available that fills your needs, they want you to be in it.

For anyone who is paying for a standard view, I would definitely try to be in the Marina tower, and take it if it's offered to you at check-in. At least if you have a stinky view you are in the same building as the lobby, shops, front desk and guest services. Also right next to DTD. This was totally convenient for us. But don't forget to go over to the Bonita tower and check out the waterfalls - beautiful!

 

[arliepooh68]

you can also ask at check in if they have any free upgrades available. . . I've ended up with a pool view when they had them available at checkin three times. .. only once have i looked at a parking lot and one time dtd by the stinkin outside elevator view. . . tooooooooooo loud on that side.

 

[Lori00789]

My request was granted on my stay Aug 1-6 at the paradise pier. I was told it is not guaranteed. I called mid July with my request.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Last July we had just paid for a standard room and didn't even give them a request of what tower. We were upgraded for free to a pool view in the Marina tower. It was very nice.

But we've also had Bonita tower facing the parking lot. So it's a toss of the dice soemtimes.