Does the staff really check to see how many are in your room?

[legs22]

So, it sounds like they only check resort ID's (even kids) if you are actually going early into one of the Disney parks NOT around the AKL hotel? Is that true?

 

[LvsTnk]

legs22

The last time I stayed at AKL was April of last year and we never had our I.D.'s checked even at the pool. I know some posters are just back and could probably answer your ? better. They may be checking I.D.'s at the pool I don't know.

 

[DMRick]

Last visit with grands we requested no room cards for them. Wehn we went to early morning..she asked for them..I said I don't have the kids ones, and she said that's fine..we only need one per room. That's happened on more than one occasion. A lot of people don't bring all the room cards, unless their passes are on them.
I've also been in line behind someone who mentioned they realized the kids ages changed since they made the ressie. That seemed to get ok'd with no problem (they now had one over 3)

 

[AreWeThereYet?]

I asked this same question once, but the response I got was interesting. Everyone, including the moderator, questioned my integrity for asking such a question. Someone even went so far as questioning the values I was instilling in my children. Give me a break.

Must have been just me, so good luck with your responses, and proceed with your best judgement. Just be prepared for attacks on your integrity, as some on these boards can get pretty excited about some issues

I hope you get the info you need...Good luck and have a good and safe trip

 

[arlenerose]

We stayed at ASMu a few years ago[2001?] and asked for a roll-away bed for my daughter. DH and I are used to a queen-size bed and thought we would be uncomfortable sharing a double. They set up a roll-away!! They moved the table and chairs to the window and it fit perfectly there. Not too crowded. We even told Mousekeeping not to fold it during the day so we used it for naps!

So they DO have roll-aways! they also charged us $16 a night [ouch]. [We could have stayed in a Moderate!].

 

[Geoff_M]

You know, I used to be a real uptight square when it came to stuff like this. I played by the rules, was a good soldier, etc. etc. But I must confess that several debates here over the last year have changed me. I realized that I was lossing out by being a goodie-goodie and just being a "freier"... a sucker. Thanks to people here I'm starting to shed my holier than thou mind set and instead adopting a "If you can get away with it, do it" attitude.

Last month I was on the highway and we approached a construction zone with traffic backed up. There were merge signs that told of a pending left lane closure. Before, I would have compliently gotten in the right lane. I thought of all the years that I've done this then fumed as I watched car after car stay in the soon-to-be closed lane and zoom past me and then force a merge right before the lane closure. I realized, "This is stupid!" It's not illegal to do that here! I'm just hurting myself by following the "rules". No more. Besides, I had a reason. We had to be some place and it was getting late. So I stayed in the lane and made good time past the cars that chose to merge early. And I confess, it felt good! Thanks to those here that have enlightened me. I haven't completely changed, but I'm working on it.

So, to answer your question... No the house keepers aren't the Occupancy Police, and the CM at the gate are very unlikely to demand to see every family member's room key at EMH (I'd recommend showing up when the gate traffic is heavy... they are more worried about reducing the backlog and checking for keys.) So go for it!

 

[yecats]

I didn't read all the post but you must be shelling out nice money on the Poly. I wouldn't go as cheap as the AS for your family because I think that you would truly be cramped. I would look into either renting DVC points or possibly staying at the Fort Wilderness Homes. They sleep 6 easily and have a kitchen which can cut down on cost (eat breakfast in, make snacks and sandwiches). There are a lot of positive reviews on those Wilderness Homes. If you would decide to stay in a DVC, I would choose OKW as at the other DVCs you would need a one bedroom which of course is more money.

 

[>>^..^<<]

Originally posted by Geoff_M
You know, I used to be a real uptight square when it came to stuff like this. I played by the rules, was a good soldier, etc. etc. But I must confess that several debates here over the last year have changed me. I realized that I was lossing out by being a goodie-goodie and just being a "freier"... a sucker. Thanks to people here I'm starting to shed my holier than thou mind set and instead adopting a "If you can get away with it, do it" attitude.

I liked you better when you were uptight

>>^..^<<

 

[dpic]

One other point--Disney already knows you have 3 children. Many don't know this but Disney now employees former FBI interrogators at CRO to run their new computer system. They will feret out all the information they need from you when you call for your next ressie. When you mention "two" children, they will ask where "Johnny" will be spending his vacation if not with you. Next thing you know, you will be admitting little "inconsistencies" your tax returns, and, well--who needs that grief?

Seriously, though, you'll be on vacation, and do you really want to be looking over your shoulder wondering if the CM cleaning your room is going to rat you out? Besides if you get a good discount the price difference isn't all the bad.

 

[DMRick]

Geoff_M:

Thanks to people here I'm starting to shed my holier than thou mind set and instead adopting a "If you can get away with it, do it" attitude.

Aw..you're pulling my leg. I don't believe you changed that much.

By the way, for the record, for myself, I think it's best to instill good morals on my children/grandchildren and let then know you are honest : )
If you feel your integrity isn't in question by fibbing about how many you have in your room, or breaking rules on purpose..hey, you're a grown-up..no one here lives in your shoes or knows your reasons (well, unless you tell us). Most of us don't really care what others do..it's their decisions. I only make and decide on the rules for myself.

The OP only asked if the staff really checked to see how many are in your room. She didn't ask if it was OK with the Disboard people so that's why this has remained a nice thread!!

 

[Sammie]

Basically my take on this situation is: the rules are 4 to the room unless one is under 3. I do not comment on whether it's right for this to be the rule and I don't comment on whether it's wrong to ignore the rules.

You must decide if you are person who goes by the rules or ignores them.

I am a rule person. Whether I would get caught or not does not affect that.

As to whether they check, some do and some don't.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you would decide to stay in a DVC, I would choose OKW as at the other DVCs you would need a one bedroom which of course is more money.

Actually, with 5 and none under the age of three, you would need a two bedroom at a DVC resort. A one bedroom only holds four persons, plus one child under the age of three.

 

[justhat]

No, no one will check to see how many people are in your room. And really, don't worry about housekeeping because how would they have any idea how many people are in your room unless they see you all in it? I have never been in or near my room when it was being cleaned and the only time I saw the staff was when they didn't make up my room at AKL so we had to call to get new glasses and towels delivered. And when they came, they knocked, dropped off the stuff and left, they didn't even peek into the room. And we only had 2 people staying in our room, but we used both the queen bed and the both bunks everyday, so if they were ever going to be suspicious you'd think it would have been then (we chose to nap in the bunks since we'd have stuff we were wearing, bought, etc. on the queen bed, but slept in that at night). For you it would be especially easy since you have twins, who I imagine wear the same size, so even if your housekeeper were to go as far as check the clothes/shoes to see if you're harboring a 5th guest, they'd only see 4 sizes of stuff--but I highly doubt anyone would do anything like that because the housekeeping staff really doesn't care that much, nor do they know if your child is under 3 or something like that.

However, having stayed at all 3 All Stars and the Poly, I will say that compared to the Poly they are very small rooms, so while you're kids would probably love the theming, you might find the rooms to be a big downgrade. The price difference between the 2 is huge, so maybe you should look into the moderates, where having 5 in a room wouldn't be as tight.

 

[tjmw2727]

Originally posted by dpic
One other point--Disney already knows you have 3 children. Many don't know this but Disney now employees former FBI interrogators at CRO to run their new computer system. They will feret out all the information they need from you when you call for your next ressie. When you mention "two" children, they will ask where "Johnny" will be spending his vacation if not with you. Next thing you know, you will be admitting little "inconsistencies" your tax returns, and, well--who needs that grief?

Seriously, though, you'll be on vacation, and do you really want to be looking over your shoulder wondering if the CM cleaning your room is going to rat you out? Besides if you get a good discount the price difference isn't all the bad.

Actually you may not be that far off! I recently called to try and get an additional night on my reservation and the CM went throuth the entire list of people who have ever stayed with me. Since this trip is just me and my 2 dd's she asked if ***** (dh) was joining us. She also had my sil's name and a good friends name and wanted to know who they were and if they would be joining me. So don't laugh its not that far from the truth!!

TJ

 

[Grumpy37]

This is the latest business trend. They have computer information systems called Customer Relationship Management systems (CRM for short) that are used to manage the relationship between corporation and customer. Designed to be able to track sales contacts, manage the process of resolving issues, make educated (programmed, really) guesses on additional sales (this is why some people get special discount postcards, etc.), even tracking the response to special sales and marketing campaigns. Generally, they want to retain existing customers as well as sell to new customers-to-be.

BTW, some of these CRM systems can be configured to be fairly invasive, and the new Disney version is definitely on that scale, IMO. (And I've customized CRM systems systems, so I'd know). At some point, people feel like their privacy is being invaded and stop dealing with the nosiest corporations because they don't like the software designed to retain their customers. Like other corporations, Disney will back off when it drives customers away (the exact opposite of what it's supposed to do).

 

[tjmw2727]

Originally posted by Grumpy37
This is the latest business trend. They have computer information systems called Customer Relationship Management systems (CRM for short) that are used to manage the relationship between corporation and customer. Designed to be able to track sales contacts, manage the process of resolving issues, make educated (programmed, really) guesses on additional sales (this is why some people get special discount postcards, etc.), even tracking the response to special sales and marketing campaigns. Generally, they want to retain existing customers as well as sell to new customers-to-be.

BTW, some of these CRM systems can be configured to be fairly invasive, and the new Disney version is definitely on that scale, IMO. (And I've customized CRM systems systems, so I'd know). At some point, people feel like their privacy is being invaded and stop dealing with the nosiest corporations because they don't like the software designed to retain their customers. Like other corporations, Disney will back off when it drives customers away (the exact opposite of what it's supposed to do).

Interesing insight "grumpy" it was also funny because somehow the reservation ended up in my 7yo's name and the cm was very reluctant to change it. I had to insist that she check to see the name on the visa LOL. Also my SIL has one of those names that can be male or female and is usually male and my dh has one as well but his is usually female. Ok clear as mud, you know like jerry or gale or chris? Anyway the reservation was under my dd's name with the spouse name of my sister in law - to funny. I hope it has been cleared up and I may now in fact call to clear it up.

Ok - maybe its time for a new thread.... sorry all.

TJ

 

[CamColt]

They did that to my mother too. We were booked and then she decided to book a room and take my nieces. When she booked the room in her name, they asked if Richard(my father) would be joining her. I thought that was horrible. What if God forbid they did that to someone who was divorced or even worse, lost their spouse? Talk about putting your foot in your mouth.

 

[ls1222]

We have went to Disney twice before and when I called early this year to make our current reservation, the CM said will that be for ........? She named all five of us, so I would imagine if I tried to book a resort that can not accomodate five, she would have asked about the fifth child. I personally would feel guilty my whole vacation. I have wrote Disney numerous times about the 4/5 person limit in the rooms and it was always the same response "fire code".

 

[LvsTnk]

Originally posted by Grumpy37
This is the latest business trend. They have computer information systems called Customer Relationship Management systems (CRM for short) that are used to manage the relationship between corporation and customer. Designed to be able to track sales contacts, manage the process of resolving issues, make educated (programmed, really) guesses on additional sales (this is why some people get special discount postcards, etc.), even tracking the response to special sales and marketing campaigns. Generally, they want to retain existing customers as well as sell to new customers-to-be.

BTW, some of these CRM systems can be configured to be fairly invasive, and the new Disney version is definitely on that scale, IMO. (And I've customized CRM systems systems, so I'd know). At some point, people feel like their privacy is being invaded and stop dealing with the nosiest corporations because they don't like the software designed to retain their customers. Like other corporations, Disney will back off when it drives customers away (the exact opposite of what it's supposed to do).

It already drives me crazy!! We have 3 John's with the same last name in my family and 2 Jack's and all make several trips to WDW a year. Everytime I call it takes for ever for them to clean up the mess that is already in their computer with who is in what party and who took what trips and then if we are all going at the same time forget about it.

I hesitate to call because I am always stressed for time and really don't want to use my dime for them to talk about my family members for 20 min.

Boy I feel better now after that little rant, sorry.

 

[shakespear]

they dont check at the all-star