Reservation requests + check-in questions

[luvdisney999]

Here's my story:

I made the following reservation requests for our trip to the POP at the end of May:
1. Non-smoking
2. 2 beds = probably pointless considering there are 3 people
3. 50's area = preferably building 1

Do you guys have any tips on how BEST to have these requests granted? I realize that they are requests and I will try not to be disappointed if we don't get them, but it is a special trip for us and we would just like the best chance of getting them.

We will probably get to the hotel around 11 AM and hopefully will be able to check-in. I'm using an AP rate and I don't have an AP or voucher yet (b/c using days left on my old park hopper ticket). A POP rep said that I could check-in and show my pass later. Anyone know if this is possible? If I can't check-in, can I voice my requests again in the hopes that they would hold a room that meets them?

Can anyone help me? Any advice? Does the time of day of check-in matter?

All help is most appreciated! Want to make this a REALLY magical trip for the family and I know it will be because this is Disney! It's our first time staying on-site as a family (I stayed on-site with friends before and loved the POP). Anyway, thanks for the help all you disers out there!

 

[safetymom]

Your first two requests should be easy to grant. It is your location that may be a little harder. As long as there is room they will try to grant the location also.

Checking in earlier does help. Just keep telling yourself they are requests. I don't think you won't have a bad time if the request isn't met.

 

[luvdisney999]

Has anyone ever checked-in without an AP or a voucher? If not, do they ever hold rooms?