Faxing Room Request -- Have You Gotten What You Asked For?

[ZZUB]

We are headed to Disney World for my daughter's second birthday. We're staying at ASMovies because she really likes the Dalmations. I would really like to get a courtyard room so she can see Pongo and Perdita (the big dogs in the courtyard for those of you who don't have children obsessed with the Dalmations).

I've read on these Boards that some people will fax a room request a few days before their arrival. My question: did you get what you asked for and if so, how did you word your request?

 

[n2mm]

I have tried faxing twice and both times I got NOTHING I asked for--not even "guarantee non-smoking". I continue to make my request when I make my reservations and hope for the best. I usually have better luck this way.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I've only faxed a request once ... at CBR. I requested a certain village (Jamaica) and when we checked-in we were given a room there. I'm sure that if you don't like what you're assigned when you check in, you can always ask if you can switch.

 

[MickeyEars]

We were at Pop Century Jan. 17- 24 and we got everything we asked for!!!

non-smoking room
3rd floor
50's section
overlooking the bowling pin pool

I hope this helps!!!

Carla

 

[DisneyFreaks]

We have sent a fax on every Disney trip and never got what we requested even though it was only upper floor connecting rooms. This past trip we put in our requests when we booked and decided to forget about faxing. We got everything we asked for. Even connecting rooms that we didn't need this trip. Go figure. I'll stick with doing it that way from now on.

 

[EpcotBill]

We were at Pop Century from Jan. 23 - Jan. 31. I faxed our requests on Jan. 19. This was the first time I ever faxed requests and the first time I ever got what I asked for.
I followed the advise on Deb Wills allearsnet.com. There is even a sample letter to help you. Good luck ZZUB.

Carla, we were in room 1472.
non-smoking
4th flr
50's section
bowling pin pool view

Maybe we saw each other the one day we overlapped.

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

I tried faxing my room request for the first time last October. I got everything I requested at the Polynesian.

I specified all my requests when I made my reservation in March - GV, 3rd Floor Room w/Balcony, Fiji Longhouse - and then I sent a fax 4 days before our arrival repeating my requests.

Debbie

 

[wld]

I have faxed 6 times and always got what I asked for.

 

[ksc37]

I faxed for the first time about two weeks ago for our trip to the AKL. I reiterated my desire for a non-smoking room with a crib, but also requested to be near my parents (not originally requested on the reservation).

They accomodated all of our requests (we were placed next door to my parents).

 

[LAH]

I JUST GOT BACK FROM POR ON MONDAY. I REQUESTED BLDG. 27, TOP FLOOR, CORNER ROOM. I GOT EVERYTHING BUT THE TOP FLOOR.

LAH

 

[dznyntnh]

I've never faxed a request, just made sure that my requests were on the reservation. I've never had any problems, of course I don't ask for a whole lot either.

When you check in it never hurts to very politely ask about a room in the area you are looking for. This has always worked well for me.

What I hate is when I hear people screaming at the CMs about what they 'must' have. You'd almost think they want the CMs to boot other people out of their rooms so they can have that view or room .

 

[n2mm]

I posted earlier that I have only tried faxing twice and each time got nothing. However I must note that on all of the many times when I have not faxed any requests, I've been surprised with an upgrade almost every time. Just recently I was upgraded at WL to a courtyard view, best ever. I've stayed at WL 3 times and have been upgraded each time. Upgraded at the AKL and almost alway upgraded at POR/Dixie Landing (always book a standard and almost always get a corner or water view room). So I guess being flexible has it's benefits. I love being upgraded when you don't expect it--what a treat. BTW, I have NEVER asked for an upgrade and never even knew I was getting it until I got to my room. It's great to be WOWed.

 

[Terk-1]

I faxed preferences for my stays at the Beach Club, Polynesian & Wilderness Lodge and received them all (right down to the room number).

 

[Chad&Janet]

Yes. We've only been once. Back in November of last year. I followed guidelines I found on this website. Rank your preferences in order of importance, and limit your requests as much as possible. Be polite and acknowledge their effort to satisfy your requests. Brevity is a beautiful thing when dealing with a busy resort as well.

We stayed at AKL, requested non-smoking, King bed, 4th floor near lobby, and a refrigerator. All requests were met.

 

[ZZUB]

I appreciate the several responses. Judging from what I've read, I've concluded that there are no guarantees and faxing a request does not mean my request will be honored. However, it also seems like I have nothing to lose by asking.

Anybody else who has been successful with a faxed request, if you have a tip for why you think your request was honored, I'd appreciate it if you passed it along.

 

[debster812]

For my last 3 stays, we have faxed requests. All three times we did get exactly what we requested. We also made these requests on our original reservation.

2 of the trips were in January, at a slow time, so I think that worked in our favor.

1 trip, I was solo, and mentioned that as a woman travelling on my own, I would feel more comfortable being among the hustle and bustle of the front of the resort.

I think a lot of it is luck of the draw, but I certainly don't think it can hurt.

 

[veruka]

We asked for a specific room at the Poly in December, 2003 (it was an anniversary). We were lucky to get the same building, but not the exact room.

I was happy!!! Everything is good when you stay at the Poly!


Now, on the other hand, we didn't have the same experience at CBR in Sept. 2003. We didn't get any of our requests, and even when we asked again at check-in, we still had to make do with what they had.

But...it's Disney....no matter what you get, if you have the right attitude, it's a great trip.

 

[PoohGirl&Guy]

We have stayed on-site eight years in a row. We usually stay during value season and at a value resort and have used either discount codes or post-card codes to get a great rate. I always request a building when making the reservation but rarely receive what I've requested. Frustrating! I've never tried faxing, maybe that's the secret (along with some pixie-dust)!

I was told by a CM at Port Orleans Riverside last Thanksgiving that because we got the rooms for such a good rate ($79 per night) thoes rooms would be off the beaten path and the more popular buildings and rooms would go to thoes paying a higher rate.

Keep trying and good luck!

 

[Alice28]

I have faxed once and called once....both time I did not get what I needed. Both times were at the Contemporary, as Shades of Green guests. The first time wasn't so much a big deal- I faxed that I needed a crib and a fridge ready to go and that we needed adjoining rooms. The adjoining rooms was already noted on our reservation as we had reserved 3 rooms at the same time. But they said they never rec'd the fax regarding the crib and fridge so we had to wait on those. The fridge came immediately....the crib took several hours.

The second time though, was a real bummer. I called the hotel directly as I had dislocated my knee cap only 4 days prior to going. I knew I would desperately need a room close to the main building, to make getting to the monorail easier and the Food Court as well. The CM I spoke with on the phone was absolutely marvelous. But when I got there, no notation had been made of this request, they were totally booked (90%) and couldn't do anything for me. Our room was almost at the end of the wing and it really made it hard for me to get about. I rented a wheelchair in the parks, but had to limp through the hotel.

Good luck with faxing- I read on Deb's site that some of the resorts do not acknowledge faxed requests anymore. www.allears.net

 

[D&R love Disney]

I've faxed a few times and have usually gotten what I asked for or better. Faxed WL and got upgraded to the GF with a marina/lagoon view for AP rate at the WL. I also faxed the BC and we got upgraded to a 1 bedroom suite. The room was awesome and the view out the window was great but we were at the very far end of the hotel and the huge balcony faced the woods.