Connecting Room Question- PLEASE read!

[triplefigs]

If we request connecting rooms and when we check in they cannot accommodate our request (i.e. only have adjoining rooms), what happens if we cancel one of the two rooms at that point? If we all stay in one room and cancel the 2nd one(Deluxe room that holds 5 people), will we be charged for the cancelled room? Will the resort make an exception and allow us to cancel it outside of the normal time period since they couldn't meet our needs? If we WILL be charged for the 2nd room no matter what, we will just book one room to avoid the possibility of losing the money on a room we might not be able to use.

I know when you request connecting rooms it says "Guaranteed for families", but there have been instances posted lately where that request wasn't met- even for small children and medical reasons. We want to book 2 rooms (for the extra bathroom), but DH and I are worried that we could check in and not get it. 2 of my children have special needs, so I need to be able to check them at night. And, splitting up the adults to sleep in separate rooms with our kids isn't my idea of fun.

 

[duck_adoo]

Hi,
When are you going? I know I've seem some threads about resorts not looking at fax request..but if you were to call the resort and ask to speak w/a manager,maybe that would help. I'm sure they'll still say they can't guarantee it, but if you explain your situation I'm sure they'll make some accomadations.
Good Luck!

 

[TiffanyK]

I was told by the CM at reservations that if we had more children than adults we were guaranteed connecting rooms. When we added my parents to the vacation it evened out the kids to adults ratio and now they won't guarantee the connecting rooms. I just hope that since we're going in Sept. and not a busy time, we'll still be able to get the request.

 

[triplefigs]

Any TA out there know the "official" Disney policy on this? I really need to know definitely if we'd be charged or not.

ETA:
TaxiMomfor4 had "guaranteed" connecting rooms through Medical Reservations and they were not met! There were no connecting rooms in the building that special services "blocked" for her so she was given 2 rooms that shouldn't have been in inventory (and had lots of problems as a result). She has a long post about her dilemma and the resulting customer "no-service" from WDW. I know it's a small chance it could happen, but obviously it DOES! So, I just want to know my options ahead of time. BTW, all she got back from WDW was a measly 50% comp off one night.

Here's a link to her post. http://www.disboards.com/showthread...light=Asmu+woes

That's why I want to know the OFFICIAL policy on cancelling a room at check-in. The higher ups at WDW told her even with Medical Reasons through Special Reservations (and she confirmed the connecting rooms several times prior to arrival and at check in!) that it is still only a request- regardless of what the paperwork or CRO says.


thanks!

 

[jjohnson]

I would call CRO but you would probably lose your deposit since the policy is refunds before 5 days of arrival (room only)

 

[Lewisc]

I would call CRO but you would probably lose your deposit since the policy is refunds before 5 days of arrival (room only)

OP will be getting connecting rooms guaranteed for medical reasons. Disney can't charge you if they're not honoring the terms of the reservation but

I'd be looking to make them honor the reservation. Change to a different resort, upgrade to a suite or DVC one bedroom or even move an existing guest.

If Disney asked me to move so that a family would get a connecting room I'd comply. I suspect most people would. I'd want the new room to be ready and be in at least as good a location.

 

[triplefigs]

I would call CRO but you would probably lose your deposit since the policy is refunds before 5 days of arrival (room only)

That's what I'm afraid of. We can't afford to pay for an unused room. You know Murphy's Law... if I say there is no way it would happen to us (like it did TaxiMomfor4), then it will. And she went through Special Reservations for her child with needs (just like me). So I don't see why if it happens once it won't happen again. I just want to cover all my angles and know my options!

 

[annnchelle]

Last December, we requested connecting rooms in our vacation reservation, but, when we arrived they had none to offer. The CM informed us that connecting room reservations are not a guarantee, but a courtesy. We accepted this and moved on. However, the CM at the reservation desk told me when making this years ressie for October 1-8, that they can guarantee connecting rooms. When we received the confirmation on the trip, it specifically states to the side connecting rooms---guarantee. I guess we will have to see when we check in.

annnchelle

 

[Chicago526]

I'm a TA, and as far as I know, if you cancel last minute you lose your deposit. But the deposit is equal to 1 room night plus tax. So you won't be charged for that second room for the whole stay, just for one night only. If you have a confirmation that states "guaranteed connecting" you could argue that point and have them refund the deposit, but that would depend on the mood of the CM (or the manager) you're dealing with.

Have you thought about renting DVC points so you can get a one or two bedroom Villa? I think that would work very well for your situation and then you won't need to worry about this at all!

 

[triplefigs]

I'm a TA, and as far as I know, if you cancel last minute you lose your deposit. But the deposit is equal to 1 room night plus tax. So you won't be charged for that second room for the whole stay, just for one night only. If you have a confirmation that states "guaranteed connecting" you could argue that point and have them refund the deposit, but that would depend on the mood of the CM (or the manager) you're dealing with.

Have you thought about renting DVC points so you can get a one or two bedroom Villa? I think that would work very well for your situation and then you won't need to worry about this at all!

Yes, I tried to get DH to do that for the space, etc. He completely vetoed me because he wants to stay on a monorail resort (we'll be doing MK 4 out of 6 days with Epcot and AK the other 2). So it does make sense for this trip. Next time I WIN and book a Villa at the BC (SAB here we come!). 2 of my children have special needs (can't walk well), so the monorail and proximity to MK would be worth it for this trip.

Thank you for your clarification on the issue. I'm going to copy it and email him.

 

[eeyore45]

Hi Triplefigs,

I know there is so much information, and with it comes mixed feelings - esp when your a mom, and you have to have your kids best interest ahead of all else, no one but you seems to know that!! (speaking generally of course!)

I really think there are a lot of great posters on the DisABILITIES board with a lot of useful information - and I really think that even though you call, and correspond, as a mom its hard to just let go... I'm going to support you, and hope that you can relax, know that many of those that have positive experiences dont post, dont get the attention... (and dont get me wrong, I think Disney can and should do better for the special needs community!)

For your trip, I say, plan ahead, forward, and it will be a magical trip!! You need a back up plan if a need arises, I think one back up plan would be to ask for a manager, maybe have you called the special reservation number? I know its posted on the disabilities board... and maybe ask if there are any connecting rooms at any other Disney resort that your family could use, I really feel Disney will try to have your request met!!

Have a magical trip - Believe!!

 

[triplefigs]

Hi Triplefigs,

I know there is so much information, and with it comes mixed feelings - esp when your a mom, and you have to have your kids best interest ahead of all else, no one but you seems to know that!! (speaking generally of course!)

I really think there are a lot of great posters on the DisABILITIES board with a lot of useful information - and I really think that even though you call, and correspond, as a mom its hard to just let go... I'm going to support you, and hope that you can relax, know that many of those that have positive experiences dont post, dont get the attention... (and dont get me wrong, I think Disney can and should do better for the special needs community!)

For your trip, I say, plan ahead, forward, and it will be a magical trip!! You need a back up plan if a need arises, I think one back up plan would be to ask for a manager, maybe have you called the special reservation number? I know its posted on the disabilities board... and maybe ask if there are any connecting rooms at any other Disney resort that your family could use, I really feel Disney will try to have your request met!!

Have a magical trip - Believe!!

Thanks for your kind note. I am actually fine with booking only one room scenario (gee, I actually like spending time with my kids-LOL!). It's DH who is the problem. He really wants 2 bathrooms. If I book 2 rooms, something happened and we had to move resorts to get connecting rooms, none of us would be happy. And I don't want to risk losing my deposit on one night. I've suggested to DH to book concierge 1 room (would meet his budget), give us extra help/service with the kids, give us food for snacks, and allow us to all have a place to spread out. I really think it's silly to book 2 rooms. The money we'd save would actually pay for the rest of the trip (tickets, food).

Thanks again for the support. BTW, I did post this same question over on the DISability board.