Do they really book resorts to 100%?

[Lisa3]

I am wondering if they really book their resorts to 100% occupancy or are some rooms left available in case they run into a problem with someone's room. We are checking into the Polynesian on Friday, Nov. 7th and I am really worried that we will be getting the "left over" rooms from a very busy week. Should we check in early or late or doesn't it matter?

 

[LadyLt]

Yes, they really do book resorts at 100% capacity. In busy seasons, it happens regularly. You are more likely to get the room you want if you check in earlier in the day, rather than later. But if you are going at an extremely busy period you need to be prepared that you will probably not get everything that you want. The resorts will not hold rooms empty for one guest's requests if another guest arrives first and requests the same things.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We have stayed at Poly many times. Once we went during presidents week. I think all of the ny metro area was there. I had made a longhouse request on the reservation and I think I even faxed it also over to the room asssignor 3 days ahead. Upon check in which was before 3, I can't remember when the cm said, oh you will be in aeotoroa. I said we did not request that etc. She said look sorry but we are 110% booked and it is not available. (your requested longhouse). So if you have some medical necessity (non smoking etc.) make a note. I would make sure your request is on your reservation and also fax 3 days prior. Good luck. This aug. we got exactly what we wanted. but I must say we checked in at noon and we did get the bldg. request but not the floor, after nicely talking to the cm (juan) and explaining my sons medical issues (asthma), we were assigned exactly what we wanted and needed for him. Be pleasant and hope the magic comes your way. Enjoy your trip.

 

[safetymom]

Sometimes the hotels are actually overbooked. If you arrive late you could be "walked" to another resort.

If you don't make many requests and arrive with the attitude of you are at Disney and you will have a great room you will be fine.

I haven't had a bad room yet at Disney and have gone many many times. We usually don't make requests either.

 

[>>^..^<<]

Lisa don't worry about it too much... yes the resorts book to 100% capacity but there are always people checking in and out every day.

If you do not like your room for some reason and there is nothing to switch you to that night... there may be a room the next morning that someone is checking out of.

Have fun, stop worrying!

>>^..^<<

 

[DisneyChick02]

The goal of a hotel or anything for that matter is to maximize profits and be successful- booking 100% is part of that equation. Usually, much like airlines, hotels overbook on the assumption that people won't show- which normally works. Sometimes, of course, that doesn't always work, and you end up being "walked". HOWEVER....and this is the great thing about Disney....you won't get pushed to a "lesser" hotel- you will always get put at an "at par" or above resort. So theoretically, if you are at the All-Star and its overbooked, you could end up at a deluxe resort, which is a nice thing to have happen.

 

[missypie]

You may end up with a pleasant surprise. Think about it. Let's say a hotel has 1000 rooms - 500 standard view; 500 premium view. If 600 people book a standard view and 400 book a premium view, wouldn't the last 100 people get an upgrade?

This summer I checked into a very nice resort for a seminar. About 90% of the rooms had balconies, but I got a room that didn't have one. I asked to change rooms and the first lady I asked said they were totally booked and that no other rooms were available. A few minutes later I asked someone else who said "Sure no problem" ... I got a room with a balcony but it was as far from the elevator as a room could possibly be and I could tell that it wasn't used very often.

 

[n2mm]

I've experienced the overbooked Disney resort this summer. I had ressies at the Movies, booked and paid for since February and when I checked in and needed a guaranteed non-smoking rooms, which was also reserved in Feb., there was no room for me. They put us in the A/S Sports (not my first choice). I had no say in the matter and they acted like I was lucky to get a room. So now when they say 100% capacity, I take it very seriously. Yes you can make out with a great room, but you can also be put in a room too.

 

[missypie]

It's all luck and timing. In my earlier example, guest no. 1000 gets put in whatever room they have left (or elsewhere), even if they've booked a king and there is only a double room, etc.

I guess my question would be whether they book over 100% (i.e. do they over book?) When we were at the DLR last spring there was a big convention going on at the DLH and they led me to believe they were overbooked. That would be a bigger problem at DLR because there are only 3 on-site hotels and they are not all comparable to one another.

 

[spiceycat]

disney generally books 98% - but the Polyn is being rehab over the next year - should be finished May,2004 - that is kepting one lodge building out of being able to be used.

so yes they are probably at 100% of what is left.

I have never been disappointed in the Polyn - I am sure you will love it!!!

 

[Cris]

Originally posted by missypie
You may end up with a pleasant surprise. Think about it. Let's say a hotel has 1000 rooms - 500 standard view; 500 premium view. If 600 people book a standard view and 400 book a premium view, wouldn't the last 100 people get an upgrade?

this happens all the time. Disney's policy is that they do not give free upgrades. If you ever recieve one it is usually because of this not because they felt like it lol.

 

[erikthewise]

Originally posted by missypie
You may end up with a pleasant surprise. Think about it. Let's say a hotel has 1000 rooms - 500 standard view; 500 premium view. If 600 people book a standard view and 400 book a premium view, wouldn't the last 100 people get an upgrade?

What would far more likely happen is that the last 100 people would be told at the time of booking that there were no standard view rooms left and would they like to book a premium view room?

Yes such upgrades happen but I really doubt it ever happens to that many people at a time.

 

[Cris]

Originally posted by erikthewise
What would far more likely happen is that the last 100 people would be told at the time of booking that there were no standard view rooms left and would they like to book a premium view room?

Yes such upgrades happen but I really doubt it ever happens to that many people at a time.

it does happen to that many people. Especially at AKL. Disney would rather have filled rooms.