Interesting Re: Room Requests

[Alexander]

I recently made two reservations for upcoming trips. On both reservations I requested non-smoking and since these are longer trips with a child I also requested non-handicapped. Both of my reservation confirmations came yesterday with only the non-smoking request on them. Interesting! I wonder if they are no longer accepting non-handicapped as a request (getting too many of them maybe?). I wonder if it'll be in the computer at check-in or do they just totally blow-off this request from guests now?

I should have added that these are for studios so it does make a big difference.

 

[SylviaL]

The same thing happened to me. When I called back, I was told that handicapped rooms are only given as a last resort so they don't put it on the confirmation.

 

[CarolMN]

I'm sure if you call back and ask the CM to recap your requests, you will hear "non-handicapped". Not all requests show on the confirmation letter. I seldom see anything but N/S on mine, but if I check later, the CM reads back exactly what I have requested beyond that. Believe they have computer codes to type in that represent the more common requests - those that are not "coded" don't show up on the letter. Also, there is limited space to print requests on the confirmation.

FWIW, I think you are better off requesting a tub than non - handicapped anyway. Very easy for a busy room assigner to blow by the non part. In spite of all the talk about this here, a request for non-handicapped is still unusual. I personally think those who request non - HA are actually increasing their chances of getting assigned to an HA room for that very reason. Could explain why some seem more prone than others to be assigned an HA room. JMHO. YMMV.

Best wishes -

 

[Alexander]

Interesting that MS told you how rooms are assigned considering the CM's at check-in all seem to have their own way of doing things! Thanks for your reply! I wasn't able to call since I got home so late, and I figured there was probably some "logical" explanation.

 

[DVCLiz]

You know - I TOTALLY respect and understand using points to rent a studio and being inconvenienced by the HA showers, etc. but I think I'm going to just make the decision that, for me, a one BR is the way to go when using my DVC points. I so enjoy the tub and the extra room in a 1 BR, and a studio seems to me to be not much different from a regular hotel room at one of the deluxe properties. It is SO frustrating to get these rooms when you've requested something else, but as we all know they are requests, and I keep hearing abuot peopel being disappointed - think I'll save myself the agony and bump up to a 1BR!

 

[Alexander]

You know - I TOTALLY respect and understand using points to rent a studio and being inconvenienced by the HA showers, etc. but I think I'm going to just make the decision that, for me, a one BR is the way to go when using my DVC points. I so enjoy the tub and the extra room in a 1 BR, and a studio seems to me to be not much different from a regular hotel room at one of the deluxe properties. It is SO frustrating to get these rooms when you've requested something else, but as we all know they are requests, and I keep hearing abuot peopel being disappointed - think I'll save myself the agony and bump up to a 1BR!

If only I could--This is not usually an option for us since all of our vacations fall into Premier and Magic seasons and the number of points to bump up to a one bedroom are double. We have to decide between taking shorter or less frequent vacations. At this point in time we prefer to stay longer and visit more often. Unfortunately adding more points is not an option for us at this time either. The shower/tub situation is the important thing for us regarding the H/C room, however, those with toddlers also need to be careful in a 1 bdrm due to the handles on the stove being placed within reach, and the beds are much lower to the floor, so those with back or arthritis issues also need to be careful.

For shorter stays having a H/C room is not a major problem for us. We had one in May, the location and view were terrific. We kept the room because we really liked it. However, we only stayed three nights, and it was fine. For a stay of a week or more, it would become "old" in a hurry....constantly having to mop the floor with our bath towels which I must wash in the laundry room each day.

 

[FreeTime]

If the HC room is all that is available why not just take it without complaint? Count your blessings that you can afford to be a DVC member and that you do not need a HC room. There are many, many people out there who will never get to go to WDW (DVC members will be back) and many, many people who really need a HC room (aren't you glad you are not one of them?) I know that the room may cause a little inconvenience, but in the long run does it matter? You are there with the ones that you love and that is what is important.

 

[brandip22]

I certainly don't want to start another debate, but I've never chimed in on HC thing b/c I really don't care. But, this time my 3 year old Ds is coming and he will not take a shoer. We will have to have a tub if I want him clean, so I will be quite upset over having a HC room. Yes, I am thnakful I dont' need one, but I am paying good money and don't want a stinky three-year old! Have fun regardless!

 

[FreeTime]

I am certainly not trying to start a debate either,and I know that we all have our special room preferences. I am just glad that I get to go so frequently and am just glad to be getting a room.

BTW-I have to put my 3 YO in the shower because in the bath of a 1br she scoots as far away from me as possible and always soaks me as I try to get her. Teehee!

 

[Pa@okw95]

I believe you should request things you want not things you do not want!! It only makes sense-requesting not wanting a HA room just does not make sense, it does to us on this board, but think about it, you could request not wanting a room near a pool, or near an elevator, or ice machine, the list goes on and on.

 

[brandip22]

I agree Pa! I haven't and don't plan on putting a request in for HA or not, but just hope we'll be ok. I cannot imagine having to sift through all of those requests. Shoot, I'd be willing just to have a big old-timey pot to put him in if I had to! And, we can always just dunk him in the pool as his bath, right?

Please- poeple don't think I'm serious- I give baths after the pool even!

 

[ColoradoBelle1]

Hi Alexander,
After long debate and lots of speculation, someone came up with the suggestion Carol mentioned....request a bathtub instead of NON handicapped because sometimes the CMs might misread 'nonhandicapped' for handicapped and assign a HA room accordingly.

Or, like Freetime, the CM might be of the opinion that you should count your blessings that you can walk and afford any room at all at WDW....so shuddup already and take what is given. I don't think these people realize how judgmental they are ABOUT your feelings instead of simply supporting your feelings and helping you to get what you feel is needed. My point is that you try to make it as easy as possible for them to give you what you requested, without them passiveaggressively try to 'foil' your very reasonable requests. You shouldn't feel that you need to explain your feelings, needs or requests to anyone..you have every right to ask for your reasonable expectations to be met and still be considered a nice, thoughtful, reasonable, compassionate human being!

There is a download of room descriptions by room number that lists those that are smoking or non, handicapped or non. I can't remember where this link came from...one of the posts here, but I printed the BWV and plan on taking it with me. Once I get a room assigned, I plan to quietly double check it against the sheet. If it is something other than I requested, before leaving the check in area, I'll nicely ask the CM to double check if that room is really nonsmoking?....In other words, use sugar but firmly state that the room appears to be smoking (or HA) and that just isn't going to work for you.

I too need a bathtub and frankly, I don't need to explain or excuse that I need a bathtub...there is nothing inherently wrong about needing a bathtub.
What I don't need is draperies on the windows( I like light) ..but there are some people who do need drapes to feel secure. I wouldn't think of judging them because they felt they needed them in their room.

If you request a BUNCH of things, I believe it reduces the likelihood of getting ALL those things met. So request the most important first and second.
I just made a room request this way: nonsmoking room with a bathtub and standard balcony.

It will help if you check in relatively early when there are more rooms available to choose from. Also, the CM at the front desk has all the power in this sitch. Treat her/him accordingly. If you get the 'preassigned, nothing I can do' speech, continue to nicely but firmly say that the preassigned room didn't meet your inportant health related request (if it was smoking/non), and 'im sorry but....it isn't acceptable. What can we do to solve this problem?'

Enlist their help rather than their defensive reactivity....Does wonders!
Good luck, don't fret...wait until the room assignment actually occurs before you get anxious.

And then let us hear a trip report when you return!

 

[StormTigger]

I have a question... I know in the non-DVC resorts HA rooms also have 1 king size bed vs 2 queen or full. In the DVC studios, are they the same?

 

[lllovell]

I certainly don't want to start another debate, but I've never chimed in on HC thing b/c I really don't care. But, this time my 3 year old Ds is coming and he will not take a shoer. We will have to have a tub if I want him clean, so I will be quite upset over having a HC room. Yes, I am thnakful I dont' need one, but I am paying good money and don't want a stinky three-year old! Have fun regardless!

Isn't this what the pools are for? (very much kidding!!!)

 

[CarolMN]

I have a question... I know in the non-DVC resorts HA rooms also have 1 king size bed vs 2 queen or full. In the DVC studios, are they the same?

No. The WDW DVC studios have either one queen bed and a sleep sofa (BWV,BCV,VWL, SSR) OR two queens (OKW).

Best wishes -

 

[Greysword]

A lightbulb went off as I was reading Pa's reply!

The largest concern I find from those on these boards about the studio HA rooms is obviously a lack of a tub. If we put on our ressies that we do not want an HA room, then that may mean little for the CMs who assign rooms. However, if enough of us repeatedly put on our ressies we want a tub, then maybe the newer (and refurbished) HA DVC studio rooms will come with a tub in the future!

Whad' ya think? ? ? ?

 

[DrTomorrow]

A lightbulb went off as I was reading Pa's reply!

The largest concern I find from those on these boards about the studio HA rooms is obviously a lack of a tub. If we put on our ressies that we do not want an HA room, then that may mean little for the CMs who assign rooms. However, if enough of us repeatedly put on our ressies we want a tub, then maybe the newer (and refurbished) HA DVC studio rooms will come with a tub in the future!

Whad' ya think? ? ? ?

Ya know, this makes sense! I'm sure customer requests get discussed at some level; instead of hearing that "more people are complaining about HC rooms", they might say "Hey, we're getting an increase in 'tub' requests" and maybe they'll take that into account....

Yep, I'm just a lil ol optimist today....

 

[UConnJack]

Hi Alexander,
There is a download of room descriptions by room number that lists those that are smoking or non, handicapped or non. I can't remember where this link came from...one of the posts here, but I printed the BWV and plan on taking it with me.

Does anyone remember where to find the link ColoradoBelle is refering to? I would love to have this information in my pocket as well!

 

[CarolMN]

Does anyone remember where to find the link ColoradoBelle is refering to? I would love to have this information in my pocket as well!

InstImpres (aka Sandy) maintains these. Here's a link to a recent thread on them:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=711844&highlight=room

 

[Patricia721]

When I made our first DVC reservation last year, the very nice woman who assisted me suggested that I request "needs bathtub" vs. requesting non-HA. She also explained that it would be an easy matter for check-in to pick up on the "HA" portion and overlook the "non". I thought that made perfect sense!