AP Rates and room locations

[johnnyr]

The last three stays in WDW have been with an AP rate. On all three occaisions, the room locations were terrible. I didn't request specific rooms in advance (nor have I without an AP discount). At check-in I get this bad vibe from the CM's when they pull up our reservervation and see the AP discounted room. The whole experience and the CM's attitude changes. I have even tried to ask for specific areas of a resort after they assign me a room and they seem like it is a bother. They wouldn't even go over selecting a different room or building.

Every time I have gone to WDW without and AP discount or with a WDW package, I can honestly say we were treated totally different. The room locations were great and the whole check-in experience was positive. They seemed to go out of their way to help. Has anyone else noticed this when staying with an AP dicounted room?

 

[dpic]

I honestly have to believe the CM's could care less how much you paid for your room.

The tip off to me was, "I didn't request specific rooms in advance." I would amend this strategy. You asked for nothing and you got it.

 

[skiwee1]

I've gotten better rooms locations with discounts then when I've paid rack rate. I do not believe CMs care what you paid for your room.

 

[magsmom]

No, sorry, I myself have not had this experience.

On our last 2 trips I have stayed on AP discounts. In August 2003, We had a very nice standard room in Aruba at CBR very close to the pool. We asked for Aruba as one of the options on our reservation. In February 2004, we had a woods view with the AP discount (requested 5th floor north) and requested an upgrade. We would have gotten a courtyard view for free but DH asked how much more for concierge. We got one of the honeymoon suites for $60.00 more per night and it was absolutley fantastic (considering DH was sick the entire time this ended up being a godsend).

If I am entitled to a discount I will take it, whether it be AAA or AP or whatever. I am very careful to request non-smoking (I have allergies) and request the best rooms or areas as reccomended from either here or from the Unofficial Guide.

 

[Ilovestitch]

My past two trips were during busy times at CBR. I had AP/discounted rates and the CM pulled out her map of the resort and let me pick which section I wanted. I really don't think the CM's have time to care who paid whatever amount. -Stephanie

 

[anewvance]

I've always stayed with an ap or fl resident rate.. and since I learned about making fax requests, i've gotten them every time.

First was All Star Music, was just hubby and I and I had requested close building, first floor and king bed, all of which I got...

Second was AKL, had standard view but requested close to lobby and savannah view... got a GORGOUS room right off the lobby (same floor as lobby) Savannah view room with bunkbeds.

Third was Pop Century with family, we had three rooms and were told they would maybe be in the same building but probably not together. Made request for them to be all together (had 4 small kids and being together made it easier for child care when some went out and some stayed behind for naps) and also asked for a room close to the main building.... got all 3 rooms together, 2 were ajoining (a God send!) and right next to the main building.

Fourth was All Star sports, I was 8 months pregnant and requested a room close to the main building and they upgraded us to a great in a preferred building.

I don't know how we've gotten so lucky, I put alot of thought into my request faxes so maybe that's it?!?

 

[All Aboard]

In January of this year, we booked a Standard View room at the Grand Floridian (with either AP or resident rate) for $199 a night. I sent a pleasant fax without a specific request - more like a "whatever you could do would be great."

We checked in to find we had been upgraded to the first floor corner room in Conch Key with one balcony on the Lagoon and the other balcony on the marina. Since it is next to one of the Everglades Suites, the room is extra long with an entrance hallway and an extra area between the closet and the bedroom area - it is probably around 450 square feet. We could see the Castle from virtually anywhere in the room and at night we could hear the howls from the Haunted Mansion long after the park was closed.

That was a real treat. But, in general, we've never failed to get our requests and we travel to WDW at least 8 times a year. We've never felt inferior as a discount guest.

 

[johnnyr]

Thanks for all the replies. Maybe I've not been asertive enough when we make our reservation or at check-in, or I'm not going about it the correct way. As I said in my original post, our last few stays, I did not request a room location before hand because I really didn't think it made a difference. In all of my stays to WDW, I received a building request one time at the Poly. Never have I had a CM go over the resort map to choose a room. I will be sure to not leave the front desk next time without being satisfied with our room.

 

[dpic]

Originally posted by johnnyr
Thanks for all the replies. Maybe I've not been asertive enough when we make our reservation or at check-in, or I'm not going about it the correct way.

johnnyr, please don't wait until check-in to make your requests. The room assignor will have blocked most rooms three or four days out, and you'll get leftovers. Add any room requests to your ressie--at least six days before your arrival. List your requests in the order of importance, I have about five (non-smoking, bunkbeds, view of main pool, etc...).

If you clearly list your preferences on your ressie (and slip the CM a $50 at check-in), you'll have a much better chance of getting your requested room.

BTW, just kidding about the $50...

 

[johnnyr]

Good one, dpic. If I knew the 50 bucks would work, I would try it. I read somewhere here that some resorts are not going to honor requests that are faxed anymore. I don't know if that is true or not, but I'm still going to try. I'll even call and have the requests added to my reservation as well. Can't hurt. Thanks again.

 

[JohnnyTarHeel]

We've never faxed our requests, just made them in the reservation, and have gotten almost exactly what we requested our last few trips. I always wonder what the percentage is of people who make room requests as opposed to those who don't. I'm sure the percentage on this board is probably 95%+.

 

[oogieboogie]

I'm on the flip side of everyone... We've never faxed in a request, the only request we ever put was preference for a bunk bed, if possible.

What I usually do is at check-in time, I go up to the CM, be friendly, addressing him/her by name and saying how much I really love the resort and how it's my first time staying there and how much I'm looking forward to staying there.

Then I'll strike up a conversation with the CM somewhat along the lines, so what's a good room with a nice view? or I'll say something like I heard someone mention that room so-so had a really nice view.

So far... three times to WDW, we've always been upgraded except for BC. POR - got the mansion building, 2nd floor overlooking the courtyard and river. WL - got one with a view of the Villas and quiet pool with a bunk bed. AKL - got pool view with bunk bed. All Stars Movies - got Toy Story building, real close to food court, just like I wanted. POP - got the 70's building, real close to bus stops - perfect.

I find if they're not too busy and you're nice and friendly without sounding demanding, the CMs will try do accomodate you. Hey, it worked for me.

 

[MinnieGi]

The one and only time I used an AP discount we were upgraded without even asking.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Actually, I 100% agree with the original poster! When I book with an AP rate, I always seem to be "out in the boonies". I grown to accept it, as I am paying less than other people, so I should get a less desirable location. I also had CM who would not change my room when asked.

One time when I checked into Coronado Springs, the gal asked if I wanted Ranchos or Casitas. I said Casitas, then she promptly put me in the absolute last room on the highest floor of Casita 3. I know it was the last room, as it was facing the parking lot in the furthest corner, and had the highest room number. I swear I was the only one in that entire area, as I never saw anyone around!

On another trip, when I checked into Caribbean Beach, I was prompty placed in Trinidad South. I asked about maybe a different location, but the CM made it clear that she was not going to bother to change it. She said if I did not like it, maybe try tomorrow to change. I posted this before on the DIS, and everyone said I should have been assertive to get a better room.

I stopped making room requests, as I tried it once, and was declined. One time, I wanted Alligator Bayou section of POR, but when I checked in, we did not have 5 people in our group, so the CM would not consider it. Learned my lesson - never made a room request ever again!

I am glad so many of you had great luck with AP rooms! I had decent rooms in deluxe resorts, but moderates it seems I am in the boonies everytime!