Best way to have a successful room request?

[Scooter2376]

We are traveling with another family to WDW in six days. We booked AKL through Undercover Tourist. When the other family called to make a room request, they were told that we couldn't make room requests since we had not booked our trip through Disney directly. This is the first I have ever heard that. Is that right?

If we are allowed to make room requests, what is the most effective way to do it? I have a touringplans subscription and could use their fax service, but it seems like with that service you have to request a specific room rather than just asking for a room with a savanna view, wherever it might be. It seems like asking for a specific room would be less likely to be successful. Any tips for the best way to make a room request?

BTW, we booked a standard view room, but I understand from the touringplans site that there are a lot of standard view rooms at AKL that have partial savanna views. It's not that big of a deal if we don't get a savanna view (or we would have paid extra to guarantee it!), but if we could get it, it would be nice.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

It's really all about luck. Rooms that fit the request need to be open for your arrival date, which is a huge factor you can't do anything about.

You can't call changes to your reservation in when the room reservation is made via a travel agent; UT counts as one for this use case.

 

[dmband]

I have not heard of you not being able to make a request by not booking direct but we always do book direct.
I would try and find a map that has the closest view you are looking for and request that view TP.
I don't see them giving you a free upgrade to savanna view anyway so having a exact room number would be beneficial imo

 

[Scooter2376]

Ah, if UT counts as a travel agent, this may all be a moot point. If that's the case, it's really annoying that UT didn't take any information for a room request. FWIW though, we're not asking for a "free upgrade." If you look at the room views on the touringplans site, many of the "standard view" rooms actually have views of the savanna. We would be requesting one of those standard view rooms. I get your point about being specific about which of the standard view rooms has the view we want, but there are whole hallways on multiple floors that have "standard view" rooms with savanna views.

 

[tinkerbella16]

I think it does depend on the day and how busy they are when assigning rooms. We've used TP room request fax the past 2 years and both times we had our requests met and we got the rooms that we chose - this was at POR and Beach Club. I guess we've had some great luck with it and will continue to use it. I always go into it thinking that it won't happen, but when it does it is a pleasant surprise.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Ah, if UT counts as a travel agent, this may all be a moot point.

Booking via ANY third-party site counts as a "travel agent" for purposes of being able to call with changes and requests. you can make a standard request via online check-in and use the Touring Plans fax, but you can't put notes on your reservation.

 

[Dave006]

.... If we are allowed to make room requests, what is the most effective way to do it? I have a touringplans subscription and could use their fax service, but it seems like with that service you have to request a specific room rather than just asking for a room with a savanna view, wherever it might be. It seems like asking for a specific room would be less likely to be successful. Any tips for the best way to make a room request?....

As _auraoborealis_ indicated you can still make requests via the methods indicated.

Just to clarify the details included in the touringplans.com site / FAX. The standard information includes representation information on the room location/view being requested. For example, here is a sample of what they suggest if I am looking at room 1645 at the Beach Club:

To request this room, provide Disney with the following text: Bldg Disney's Beach Club Resort,Flr 1,SW-facing room.Exmple:1645,1647,1643,1641

Note to Others: We try to discourage requesting a specific room, if that specific room is unavailable when the room assigner is processing your reservation, they can't possibly meet your "specific" request. If you include a specific room number, you need to make it clear that you like the room layout/location/view and are using this room as an "Example". Again as a reminder to everyone, any request(s) is just a "request" and not a guaranteed/confirmed part of your reservation.

Dave

 

[mybestieismickey]

I've found that it also doesn't hurt to ask very nicely if there is something that meets some of your requests if you get assigned something that doesn't.

On our last trip, we were at Pop Century and had requested ground floor in the 50's. But with our early arrival, checked the box that said early room was most important. When our flight landed, I had a text that said our room was ready and the location: second floor, 80's. We had a split stay at the same resort because of package restrictions, so we stopped by the front desk to see if we could stay in the same room. I also very nicely asked if there was anything on the ground floor available, figuring not. The front desk agent was very nice, and it took several minutes, but I walked away with everything I had initially requested and a ready room. It was an unexpected bit of help that might not have mattered to anyone else, but to these weary and delayed travelers, it was an amazing boon.

So yeah. Be polite and hope for the best but don't expect everything.

 

[William Ades]

I am not sure about making a request in terms of room type (ie. asking or Savannah view when you booked a standard view). The issue you will run into there is the rate associated with the two are significantly different, however if the rooms are available they may do it. I just wouldn't count on it. In terms of other requests, the only options I have ever had online were things like; having a room near transportation stops, near pools, near elevators, ground floor, etc... I have found it is best to request them online and then call ahead the day before and again the day of check-in to make sure your request is being considered.

 

[disnut8]

Note to Others: We try to discourage requesting a specific room, if that specific room is unavailable when the room assigner is processing your reservation, they can't possibly meet your "specific" request. If you include a specific room number, you need to make it clear that you like the room layout/location/view and are using this room as an "Example". Again as a reminder to everyone, any request(s) is just a "request" and not a guaranteed/confirmed part of your reservation.

Dave

My suggestion was going to be to limit your expectations. Wanting/Needing a specific room and expecting to get it is not going to happen. Room requests are just that - requests. Nothing is guaranteed. So, take a step back OP and think about what you really want. Then look at the map of the resort and decide on choices. Then call Disney again and see if there is anything you can do at this point. For me, it's usually "a quiet room with a nice view" and that's it.