Need some opinions, please...SSR requests? Should I?

[momsgoofy]

Well, we stayed at SSR for our Christmas trip in a 1BR and loved it...were in the building directly behind the Carousel bus stop.

My next trip will be in July with my Dsis and Dniece, who haven't been exposed to the DVC properties yet (and honestly, I think Dsis needs to buy since they go to WDW more often than we do...lol) Since we're only at SSR and it's just 3 of us with no intention of cooking more than coffee, I opted for a studio. Dniece really likes going to the pool while on vacation. When I made the ressie with MS on Monday, the only special request I made was for a NS room because of my asthma. Now, I'm wondering if I should have made any other special requests, which I know are just that...requests.

What do ya'll think? Should I call back and request any special location? I really liked the view from our room...looked out across the lake with the fountain with the playground on the left of the lake and a walkway to the main area on the right. I don't think a DD view is that big of a deal...no more fireworks and other than that...we know what DD looks like.

How are the springs locations? Those are the closest to the main pool, so that is a consideration.

Oh, and as for studios...are they scattered throughout the property? Do they tend to be on certain floors? I really preferred the second floor...don't think I'd be happy at all with a first floor room, so I will absolutely call back and make that request for a 2nd or 3rd floor. Other than that for me, I really don't care, I like to try the different locations and different resorts, but I want Dsis and Dniece to be happy and enjoy the perks of DVC with me.

Okay, since I'm just seeking the opinions of others, let me hear what ya'll have got to say.

Thanks for all the comments I know that I'm bound to get!

 

[Melrosgirl]

In my experience, room requests don't even get looked at until you check in (based on what's available at that very moment). Just book non-smoking or smoking.

 

[magicmommy]

In my experience, room requests don't even get looked at until you check in (based on what's available at that very moment). Just book non-smoking or smoking.

I agree 100%. Until I joined DVC I always obsessed about requests. I have since learned we are better off requesting NS only and see what is available at check-in. First trip to SSR and had requested Congress Park...didn't get it...ended up in the Springs and loved it!

 

[jennz]

I think it doesn't hurt to ask! I added on a room request to our ressie. If you don't ask how do they know? I always list NS as our first and most important request, then a location request...good luck!

 

[stacy6552]

Its been my experience that if you have something you really really need, then you should only request that. Sometimes a CM won't prioritize they way you might want him to. For instance, "close to pool" is common and could jump out at a Cm and get a response on auto-pilot that misses your medical need. It might be unlikely, but it has happened to us.

 

[momsgoofy]

Thanks for the comments! I do appreciate it!

I remembered that I had a map from our December trip, so pulled it out and starting mulling it over...I'm thinking I might request one of the Springs buildings, 4101-4436 or 3501-3836. Those buildings are as close to the Springs bus stop as you can get, plus have a small pond between them and are still quite close to the main buildings. When I told DH that, he (who isn't even going this trip) said, "But those will be really noisy I bet." So, anyone have any experience with those buildings?

Thanks again!

 

[ttfn3]

We just returned from SSR and got a great room. I checked in early (stayed offsite the first night). I was the only person checking in and had a great CM. She actually was filling in for the day (normally works at the Coronado Springs). I wanted a 1 BR nonsmoking (very few of SSR units are smoking), Springs unit (close to pool), top floor, water view. I know it's a lot of requests, but I was happy to wait for the room - and I was very nice to the CM. We got a great room - 3414. It was also an end unit. We had a nice view of the water - saw lots of ducks, turtles, a swan, etc. Very peaceful start and end to each day. And the unit was a quick walk to the pool and main activity area - as well as the Springs bus stop. The room wasn't ready at checkin - but was ready around noon (we were thrilled to get in early!).

I think the important thing is to check in early if possible.

 

[Melrosgirl]

I agree. check in early and you *should* have a better chance of getting what you want. The room has to be ready sometime that day though.

I've told this story before, but it's worth repeating (I think so at least!).

3 years ago. I checked into BCV. Super happy. I had requested an Epcot view (high floor). I check in, the CM says Oh I see you wanted an Epcot View. I said YES! He said, I can do that for you! Great!

Then he starts chit chatting with me, where am I from, etc. 2 mins later he looks at his computer and says, "oh, sorry. while we were chatting, someone else who is checking in right now grabbed your Epcot view room!" He was all embarrassed. I was like, huh? he said that the room was available at the time, but while he was making small talk with me, he forgot to assign the room to me, so the lady next to me was assigned it!

I was so angry (inside). I was like, whatever. Turns out that I ended up getting a pool view room and enjoyed it.

The point is rooms are not assigned until you check in. No matter what they tell you.

 

[stacy6552]

The check in early theory is just a theory. Your room is assigned days in advance. When we checked in at 9am to SSR, we got a room that we had to move out of that evening because they cahnged our room assignemnt to accomodate us early in the day and completely screwed the whole thing up.. On our most recent trip we checked in at 11:30PM and got the exact room we asked to be close to.

 

[ttfn3]

Our experience has been that we have been assigned a room at checkin - both at SSR and BWV. Of course, we have always checked in early - and have been willing to wait for a room. I've actually had this process explained to me at both resorts by the people checking me in. I don't think they preassign rooms early - unless maybe there is a limited inventory

 

[kitty44]

DH and I stayed in the Springs area when we were there in November for F&W. We both really liked it. It was quiet and the view from our balcony was beautiful. We looked out on the pond and there were always ducks there in the morning. The walk to the bus stop and the pool was very short, but yet we didn't notice any noise from them. I would definately stay in this area again.

 

[Sammie]

If 2nd or 3rd floor is important, I would request that over location.

 

[momsgoofy]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the information! Since we will be switching from YC to SSR, it shouldn't be a problem to check in early and since I know they will stow our bags and even the cold items, it wouldn't be a problem to wait for the room to be ready...we can head on out to the parks.

So, thanks again for all the info!