Excessive Room Checks?

[traveler9]

During what I call our traumatic stay of 2020 in AKL, they threatened to break in while my husband was on the toilet (we had received phone calls and been yelled at a bunch at this point because we really thought they were just trying to clean the room and we didn't want them to), so I closed the bathroom door and let them in, and they were VERY UPSET that the bathroom door was closed. I was like, dude, do you want to see my husband's junk that badly??? It looked like they actually considered it, but instead waited in our room for him to finish so they could get a look at the (now stinky ) bathroom. They made a point to check inside the shower and everything.

We stayed in Boardwalk Villas in 2021 (almost didn't, with how much they had harassed us daily during our AKL stay...) with no issues, and then one night before a cruise at AoA last year with no issues. The only real difference was that we had declined housekeeping in 2020 because, yknow, Covid, and I had also done virtual check-in that year and used DND sign whenever we were in the room.

Now I make sure to accept all housekeeping and check-in in person so they know I haven't been kidnapped by my own husband (I look really young for my age, thanks genetic lottery and sunscreen!). I also don't bother with the DND signs anymore, as I think it flags you and makes them need to see what you're hiding?

We also have problems at the airport with airport officials asking me if I know my husband/if I'm aware that he's following me, now that I'm thinking about it. I guess he has really bad RBF???? He doesn't look particularly older than me, either, so I dunno what we're doing to tick everyone's HT radars. Airports stress me tf out, so maybe I look scared haha.

This is making me more satisfied with my decision to stay offsite for my next trip.

 

[tamitru32]

I haven't stayed on property in the last 10 years and although I get it, found this quite disturbing. As a solo traveler I would probably have a heart attack if someone slipped the bolt and came in. So avoiding my first inclination to cancel upcoming stay in new Poly tower, decided to follow the thread and get more info first .

So here are my questions....
1) Are they wanting to actually see us or is it just to see the room status? I'm thinking if I was out all day at the parks, I may never encounter this?
2) Is this done by security personnel or housekeeping? Both?
3) How would they react if we used one of those hotel door devices which don't allow entry while we're in the room?

I don't really mind if they knocked and asked to check or even came in while I was out. But the idea of someone slipping the secondary lock and coming in while I'm in the room is really unacceptable. Trying to avoid being in the headlines after paying 1K per nite, watching fireworks from my room in my jammies and someone slips the toggle lock and comes in.

 

[maxiesmom]

But apparently that latch can be opened.

Yes but if they push on the door you would hear them. Otherwise there are things you can buy to make it impossible to get in.

 

[Robber Baron]

We've never been in the room during a room check.

But, we have noticed the trash mysteriously disappearing.

 

[maxiesmom]

I haven't stayed on property in the last 10 years and although I get it, found this quite disturbing. As a solo traveler I would probably have a heart attack if someone slipped the bolt and came in. So avoiding my first inclination to cancel upcoming stay in new Poly tower, decided to follow the thread and get more info first .

So here are my questions....
1) Are they wanting to actually see us or is it just to see the room status? I'm thinking if I was out all day at the parks, I may never encounter this?
2) Is this done by security personnel or housekeeping? Both?
3) How would they react if we used one of those hotel door devices which don't allow entry while we're in the room?

I don't really mind if they knocked and asked to check or even came in while I was out. But the idea of someone slipping the secondary lock and coming in while I'm in the room is really unacceptable. Trying to avoid being in the headlines after paying 1K per nite, watching fireworks from my room in my jammies and someone slips the toggle lock and comes in.

I've purchased a door stop alarm, and one of the the door locks. I figured they would be great for solo travel.

 

[Dug720]

1) Are they wanting to actually see us or is it just to see the room status? I'm thinking if I was out all day at the parks, I may never encounter this?

No, they are checking the room. If you're out all day you'll never know - other than maybe your trash will be removed.

2) Is this done by security personnel or housekeeping? Both?

Not sure - as long as you don't decline housekeeping it will likely be them.

3) How would they react if we used one of those hotel door devices which don't allow entry while we're in the room?

There's probably something against that in the fine print somewhere.

(I live alone in NYC and don't do the crazy alarm and multi-lock thing here. Not going to do it at Disney.)

 

[kiford]

I'm thinking if I was out all day at the parks, I may never encounter this?

Very likely - we've never experienced it even though we do often spend several hours per day in the room.

 

[focusondisney]

I haven't stayed on property in the last 10 years and although I get it, found this quite disturbing. As a solo traveler I would probably have a heart attack if someone slipped the bolt and came in. So avoiding my first inclination to cancel upcoming stay in new Poly tower, decided to follow the thread and get more info first .

So here are my questions....
1) Are they wanting to actually see us or is it just to see the room status? I'm thinking if I was out all day at the parks, I may never encounter this?
2) Is this done by security personnel or housekeeping? Both?
3) How would they react if we used one of those hotel door devices which don't allow entry while we're in the room?

I don't really mind if they knocked and asked to check or even came in while I was out. But the idea of someone slipping the secondary lock and coming in while I'm in the room is really unacceptable. Trying to avoid being in the headlines after paying 1K per nite, watching fireworks from my room in my jammies and someone slips the toggle lock and comes in.

The room checks happen during the day. So no one would be coming into your room during fireworks. We stay at Disney hotels on several trips a year, often split stays so more than 1 resort per trip. We’ve never once had anyone barge into our room. We don’t decline housekeeping. If we’re in the room, we do put the room occupied sign out. But, we take it down when we leave. If we’re in the room & someone knocks, we answer. If it’s housekeeping, we let them in to replace towels & empty the trash, even if we don’t want the full room service done. Occasionally we get a phone call from a housekeeping supervisor if we have the sign out much of the day. They will tell us they need to do the room check & ask when they can come. We usually say they can come then & they’re there within minutes. One time we were getting ready to leave for dinner, I asked if they could come after we left in 20-30 minutes & they were fine with that. I’ve never once had anyone be rude, nasty or demanding. They’re just trying to do their jobs like anyone else.

Yes I know some people have had issues. But when you consider how many people are on property every single day, the amount of complaints about room checks are not very high.

 

[tamitru32]

I am the sort to certainly give them a shot at checking while they're looming about trying to get the job done. And very good point about the masses of people staying on property, that's a lot of room checks. Thank you all for the advice, I think I'm good to go. Yay!

 

[PinkPixel]

This is a strange response to people having a conversation about cast members using tools to open doors without permission.

The room checks happen during the day. So no one would be coming into your room during fireworks. We stay at Disney hotels on several trips a year, often split stays so more than 1 resort per trip. We’ve never once had anyone barge into our room. We don’t decline housekeeping. If we’re in the room, we do put the room occupied sign out. But, we take it down when we leave. If we’re in the room & someone knocks, we answer. If it’s housekeeping, we let them in to replace towels & empty the trash, even if we don’t want the full room service done. Occasionally we get a phone call from a housekeeping supervisor if we have the sign out much of the day. They will tell us they need to do the room check & ask when they can come. We usually say they can come then & they’re there within minutes. One time we were getting ready to leave for dinner, I asked if they could come after we left in 20-30 minutes & they were fine with that. I’ve never once had anyone be rude, nasty or demanding. They’re just trying to do their jobs like anyone else.

Yes I know some people have had issues. But when you consider how many people are on property every single day, the amount of complaints about room checks are not very high.

 

[MabelM]

I travel a lot and am not aware of this anywhere else. I often have to work when on vacation and cannot have people barging in my room while i am working or in the bathroom. This is part of my problem with Disney - it is extremely expensive and they still do whatever they want regardless of the effect on the guest.

 

[maxiesmom]

I travel a lot and am not aware of this anywhere else. I often have to work when on vacation and cannot have people barging in my room while i am working or in the bathroom. This is part of my problem with Disney - it is extremely expensive and they still do whatever they want regardless of the effect on the guest.

It is a safety measure. And we all agree to it when we book a room. Whenever you are in the room it is always smart to throw the latch. I have only seen one poster claim they popped that open, so make of that what you will. Even with that, there are ways to make it so they can't enter, check out youtube or ticktock. If they don't get in, and housekeeping counts, they will call after a few days and tell you they need to come in.

 

[FreeTime]

I travel a lot and am not aware of this anywhere else. I often have to work when on vacation and cannot have people barging in my room while i am working or in the bathroom. This is part of my problem with Disney - it is extremely expensive and they still do whatever they want regardless of the effect on the guest.

I travel a lot for work and pleasure also. And they do check. We were checked in Las Vegas, a hotel at Bryce Canyon, a Hilton in Columbus, a Marriott in KC. Sounds like you don’t need to travel to Disney if you think costs equates to them doing whatever they want. I’d rather them check then have another kidnapping, shooting, etc.

What would be interesting to know is have these checks identified/deterred anything?

 

[twinklebug]

I haven't stayed on property in the last 10 years and although I get it, found this quite disturbing. As a solo traveler I would probably have a heart attack if someone slipped the bolt and came in. So avoiding my first inclination to cancel upcoming stay in new Poly tower, decided to follow the thread and get more info first .

So here are my questions....
1) Are they wanting to actually see us or is it just to see the room status? I'm thinking if I was out all day at the parks, I may never encounter this?
2) Is this done by security personnel or housekeeping? Both?
3) How would they react if we used one of those hotel door devices which don't allow entry while we're in the room?

I don't really mind if they knocked and asked to check or even came in while I was out. But the idea of someone slipping the secondary lock and coming in while I'm in the room is really unacceptable. Trying to avoid being in the headlines after paying 1K per nite, watching fireworks from my room in my jammies and someone slips the toggle lock and comes in.

They're not looking to encounter us, they just want to see if there are any signs of nefarious activities or intentions out in the open. Of course they'll find nothing so I'm not sure why they continue with these checks.

It's housekeeping. I had one man just stand at the door and crane his neck, another walked all the way to the balcony, looking left and right along the floor and in the bathroom. Also, they no longer take the trash with them. They know we're not idiots and that excuse didn't fly, so why bother.

If we used a device to prevent entry I'm sure we'd get on their watch list and might have extra visits. I'd just play along nicely. Keep valuables in the safe and that sticky note on the door might help, or not.

As a fan of Animal Kingdom Lodge I will say I'm happy they started these room checks on the savanna view rooms. It only takes one sicko to bring a weapon and harm an animal on the savanna. Although I still don't understand how having a person walk through a room can identify such a potential crime, particularly if at Kidani and they could have a vehicle in the garage below with weapons in it. At Kidani the elevators directly up to the rooms negates having to even walk through the lobby.

 

[DizneyFamof4]

I do not use a device to prevent entering but I do setup my miniature camera in the room (in open sight) when we are gone. Just as they have the right to inspect their own rooms, I have the right to protect my property. After the Vegas incident a lot of hotels started doing this but I have not seen any of the other hotels that I have stayed at, doing this anymore, I'm sure there still are some but definitely a lot no longer do it.

 

[PinkPixel]

I do not use a device to prevent entering but I do setup my miniature camera in the room (in open sight) when we are gone. Just as they have the right to inspect their own rooms, I have the right to protect my property. After the Vegas incident a lot of hotels started doing this but I have not seen any of the other hotels that I have stayed at, doing this anymore, I'm sure there still are some but definitely a lot no longer do it.
View attachment 896061

You film housekeeping while they're working? Is this legal as it's not a public place?

 

[twinklebug]

I do not use a device to prevent entering but I do setup my miniature camera in the room (in open sight) when we are gone. Just as they have the right to inspect their own rooms, I have the right to protect my property. After the Vegas incident a lot of hotels started doing this but I have not seen any of the other hotels that I have stayed at, doing this anymore, I'm sure there still are some but definitely a lot no longer do it.
View attachment 896061

That's a good idea. Does your camera stay connected to wifi or does it need to be refreshed every few hours?

You film housekeeping while they're working? Is this legal as it's not a public place?

The DVC rooms are owned by the owners, hence they cannot stop us from filming inside our units. I'd think that same would pass along to renters as well as the hotel side.

 

[GoingSince1990]

What would be interesting to know is have these checks identified/deterred anything?

It is a bit hard to see how a room check that will be politely rescheduled to a time of the guest’s choosing when they say that now is not a convenient time will be an effective deterrent against anything at all. The only effective room check would be if security barged in when they felt like it, and freely rummaged through drawers, closets, and luggage, like cops executing a search warrant. But of course that will never happen, so now we have the worst of both worlds, all of the inconvenience and intrusiveness, but almost no real effectiveness.

 

[HopperFan]

Atrived Sunday. Had Housekeeping Tuesday so assume they looked about, and so far no security inspections (yes I would know if someone came in the room).

I’m curious as to why Disney is doing this. We’ve traveled quite a bit this summer, Marriott, Wyndham, Hilton. We have never had a “room check”

It is a Disney issue, not a Las Vegas issue. Think about it, most Disney hotel rooms have no vantage point of large groups of people. Honestly the most unsafe place where the most damage can be done is Disney Springs and Disney has a huge security hole there. We no longer go there because of it.

We have stayed in Orlando area hotels with letters in room stating that they will not be doing what Disney is doing for that first year or so. That they will respect the sign unless it has been up over 24 hours then they will do a wellness check.

We have been disturbed many times on many trips regardless of using the DND sign. I have medical issues that necessitate a rest or nap in order to be able to enjoy an evening out. These door knocks have been so invasive and I have tried to talk with CM's on the ground to no avail.

In modifying an upcoming stay at Poly, I asked the CM on the phone about door knocks and that person said it actually happened to the CM when staying at WDW. The CM was taking a shower when someone walked in. It was upsetting to say the least. The CM suggested going to the front desk and asking them to schedule the room check when you are likely to be out of the room. I plan to do that in a few weeks in hopes that works.

I will note that the story told is very similar to a story early on in this thread that I remember. Maybe it was that CM? We are DVC and have spent a ton of $$ since 1996 as members and before we bought. Never did we expect that our well deserved vacation would be disrupted every day causing anxiety in anticipation of the knock on the door.

We will be talking to our DVC Guide next month on site and I will certainly reiterate my concern with this daily intrusion. I doubt he can do anything, however they need to know from all sides how invasive it feels from members and guests.

We have spoken to the front desk on arrival, explained to them the terrible experience we have had, explained that with my DS who is disabled I can't have them banging on the door or asking to come inside without great stress. They asked for hours that we would likely be gone and they would put in the notes for them to come then. This also gave them the opportunity to note our situation and why we might trigger the face on "look".

I haven't stayed on property in the last 10 years and although I get it, found this quite disturbing. As a solo traveler I would probably have a heart attack if someone slipped the bolt and came in. So avoiding my first inclination to cancel upcoming stay in new Poly tower, decided to follow the thread and get more info first .

So here are my questions....
1) Are they wanting to actually see us or is it just to see the room status? I'm thinking if I was out all day at the parks, I may never encounter this?
2) Is this done by security personnel or housekeeping? Both?
3) How would they react if we used one of those hotel door devices which don't allow entry while we're in the room?

I don't really mind if they knocked and asked to check or even came in while I was out. But the idea of someone slipping the secondary lock and coming in while I'm in the room is really unacceptable. Trying to avoid being in the headlines after paying 1K per nite, watching fireworks from my room in my jammies and someone slips the toggle lock and comes in.

1) I firmly believe that after rooms have been inspected, if they have triggers, they want to see you. That happened to us, more than once.
2) Housekeeping might do it, or if needed a different person "within the housekeeping" department that does not clean will do it. It is not Disney Security, at least not the basic looks.
3) Don't know but would be interesting to hear. I do have an loud alarm to place in the door. I have not used as yet but I carry it with me should I feel uncomfortable or reports become numerous again.

 

[DodgerGirl]

The main reason why Disney resorts started doing room checks was because ever since what happened in Las Vegas years ago Disney resorts as well as other hotels and motels started doing room checks for guest safety. In fact when you stay at hotels even if you need privacy the housekeepers will place a sign by your door saying they respect your privacy and to call housekeeping if you need your room serviced when you want it and you call them up to schedule a time. But the sign will say this warning "WE WILL HONOR YOUR REQUEST FOR PRIVACY HOWEVER FOR SAFETY REASONS WE WILL INSPECT YOUR ROOM FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY REASONS." But in hotels and motels it is common for the front desk to call guests that have checked in to simply ask if they are comfortable and ask guests if they have any problems with the room. It is also very common for maids to knock on a guest's room door and bring extra items they may need without the guests asking for these items and they may include extra pillows towels bathroom tissue soaps shampoos and coffee packets. But the rule of thumb is if someone comes to your room and knocks on your door is always call the front desk first to find out who is at your door. Because answering the door for unknown hotel personnel is like never talking to strangers at your house. But the only thing why Disney resorts do these room checks is to make sure there is no violent activity or fights between guests in rooms. So do not worry about it during your next trip and have fun
Dodger
P.S. Welcome to the boards DisDreamer2