Room Request ignored again...

[OKW Lover]

We've been very happy with the results of our room requests overall. Yes, some haven't been met, but most have been.

We've found over time that it actually becomes less important to us to make requests. About all we do now is to request an upper floor and not to be in a HA room. That's pretty easy to accommodate.

 

[ssawka]

I imagine that DVC members who are most knowledgable all make the same requests (i.e. top floor at BWV, Congress Park at SSR).

Then picture a room assigner sorting through HUNDREDS of requests every day! I saw an article somewhere (maybe Disney Files) where a room assigner said that fitting the various reservations together with what's available was like solving a giant Tetris puzzle. Throw in the multiple room requests and trying to prioritze who's an owner and who's not...it's a nightmare in the making.

Are you saying that this is all done manually? If that's true, that is crazy! An expert system could easily be written to handle room assignments, assuming Disney would pay to have it developed.

 

[hakepb]

Are you saying that this is all done manually? If that's true, that is crazy! An expert system could easily be written to handle room assignments, assuming Disney would pay to have it developed.

It would not require an expert system for the logic.

Just (again?) make it "first come, first served" Just put all reservations in a list from first reserved to last (nothing in a computer is simultaneous, even if it is a millisecond different) Then grant the first one their request, and try to do the best you can for each reservation after it...

(Of course, that "first reservation" should be the instance you made the reservation for that 1st full week you actually use (if 11+7) or day, just to prevent more "walking".. If you cancel a day from the beginning of your reservation, the cancel time is when your request gets put in the list)

 

[crisi]

Its apparently done manually, and then the moment a front desk CM gives into a complaint and gives someone arriving early who had a "first floor" room a "third floor" room because they complain, everything falls out of whack.

We almost always stay at the BW and we've only had one request met ever. It was the most important request I've made, so I was happy that was the one time they decided to give me what I asked for. Back in the smoking unit days, we even got smoking units requesting non.

 

[Chuck S]

It would not require an expert system for the logic.

Just (again?) make it "first come, first served" Just put all reservations in a list from first reserved to last (nothing in a computer is simultaneous, even if it is a millisecond different) Then grant the first one their request, and try to do the best you can for each reservation after it...

(Of course, that "first reservation" should be the instance you made the reservation for that 1st full week you actually use (if 11+7) or day, just to prevent more "walking".. If you cancel a day from the beginning of your reservation, the cancel time is when your request gets put in the list)

While it wouldn't require a super system to match requests with rooms based upon reservation date. The first person to not be satisfied with their room, or to want a room that is ready NOW rather than waiting upon their request could easily create a cascade of problems within that system. You can never please everyone, and as long as people complain about their pre-assigned rooms, the logical thing seems to be not to pre-assign rooms unless trying to place a large group together, or block a wheelchair/ECV modified room. Other than that, it is just simpler to have everything up for grabs.

 

[Sandisw]

While it wouldn't require a super system to match requests with rooms based upon reservation date. The first person to not be satisfied with their room, or to want a room that is ready NOW rather than waiting upon their request could easily create a cascade of problems within that system. You can never please everyone, and as long as people complain about their pre-assigned rooms, the logical thing seems to be not to pre-assign rooms unless trying to place a large group together, or block a wheelchair/ECV modified room. Other than that, it is just simpler to have everything up for grabs.

I agree. If they stopped allowing people to put in "requests" ahead of time (vs. just asking when they arrive), maybe people would not be as disappointed when they don't get what they want.

It seems like it would just as easy to walk up, check in and have the CM ask if you had any special requests. They could then check what was available, and either give you what you want or not. And, the more information that we put out there about rooms and views, the more people put in special requests.

I do find it a bit funny, though, that people know that a request is not guaranteed but then expect that it should be if asked far enough in advance.

 

[Sheribo]

Wow! Lots of varied responses and it's interesting to see how others feel about it. I do request a certain floor at another hotel that we stay at regularly and they have met it every time. No system is perfect and we had a wonderful time!

I do have to wonder how they decide which guests are more deserving than others. While sitting at the pool at my new fave building - Congress Park - I had the opportunity to chat with another couple who had requested the Paddock and were put in our building. They don't spend time at DTD so didn't need the close proximity. We walked back and forth every day so it worked out very well for us.

So, I'm on my way home now. Had a magical time - of course!

 

[Muushka]

I agree. If they stopped allowing people to put in "requests" ahead of time (vs. just asking when they arrive), maybe people would not be as disappointed when they don't get what they want.

It seems like it would just as easy to walk up, check in and have the CM ask if you had any special requests. They could then check what was available, and either give you what you want or not. And, the more information that we put out there about rooms and views, the more people put in special requests.

I do find it a bit funny, though, that people know that a request is not guaranteed but then expect that it should be if asked far enough in advance.

After our first fiasco at VWL of getting such a poor location for a villa reserved at 11 months, we no longer make requests on our reservations. We do as you mentioned, we ask when we check in. Always politely, with a smile and very cooperative (we can wait for it to be cleaned, sure, no problem!).

And more times than not, we will stop back at the check in desk and thank the CM for being so kind and patient with us.

It drives me nuts when I see posts that ask "What is the BEST villa at (fill in the blank) resort"? And so many replies will be as specific as a room number. Talk about setting people up for disappointment. And then they ask for that villa on their reservation request!

 

[KristineN]

We have issues each and every time at BWV.....my husband has mobility issues...so I always try to get as close to an elevator or the lobby as I can. NEVER happens...I have tried putting the request on the reservation...calling...writing a letter.....NOTHING! We will be back on the 24th...here's to hoping!!

 

[Chuck S]

We have issues each and every time at BWV.....my husband has mobility issues...so I always try to get as close to an elevator or the lobby as I can. NEVER happens...I have tried putting the request on the reservation...calling...writing a letter.....NOTHING! We will be back on the 24th...here's to hoping!!

When you've made the reservation, have you specified it as a medical request? Also, if you are willing to stay in a handicap accessible unit, WDW special needs may be able to block a room for you that is close to the elevators or to the lobby. After you've made your reservatio with MS, you'll need to be transferred to Special Needs. But again, as far as I know, they can only block rooms that have been modified, usually with a raised commode and roll-in shower.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have issues each and every time at BWV.....my husband has mobility issues...so I always try to get as close to an elevator or the lobby as I can. NEVER happens...I have tried putting the request on the reservation...calling...writing a letter.....NOTHING! We will be back on the 24th...here's to hoping!!

When we've had mobility issues, we've always asked for "medical reasons", and we've always gotten our request.

 

[KristineN]

I have always said for medical reasons....although I have never spoken to special needs.....we really don't need a modified room per se....but with avascular necrosis every extra step counts. Maybe I will call again on Monday to see how I do.

When you've made the reservation, have you specified it as a medical request? Also, if you are willing to stay in a handicap accessible unit, WDW special needs may be able to block a room for you that is close to the elevators or to the lobby. After you've made your reservatio with MS, you'll need to be transferred to Special Needs. But again, as far as I know, they can only block rooms that have been modified, usually with a raised commode and roll-in shower.

When we've had mobility issues, we've always asked for "medical reasons", and we've always gotten our request.

 

[HsvTeacher]

I always make our room requests 3-4 days out. Then, when we're checking in, I always confirm our requests. When we were at SSR in May, they had no record of our requests but were more than happy to honor them. (And we had a split stay, so they helped us out both times.)

 

[justloveit]

I am just happy to be at Disney. With the exception of views with point values, I never make room requests, I am there to be at Disney, that is all. Any view is wonderful!!

 

[ssawka]

It would not require an expert system for the logic.

Just (again?) make it "first come, first served" Just put all reservations in a list from first reserved to last (nothing in a computer is simultaneous, even if it is a millisecond different) Then grant the first one their request, and try to do the best you can for each reservation after it...

(Of course, that "first reservation" should be the instance you made the reservation for that 1st full week you actually use (if 11+7) or day, just to prevent more "walking".. If you cancel a day from the beginning of your reservation, the cancel time is when your request gets put in the list)

I'm afraid it is more difficult then that given the number of parameters:

1. The date of the reservation
2. The date of arrival
3. The date of departure
4. The location of the room (floor, building, distance to busses, etc.)
5. The room amenities (handicapped vs. Regular, etc.)
6. Ranking of peoples' request items.
7. Is the person an owner.
8. Is the reservation on points or cash.

Just to name a few.

 

[DisneylandOriginal]

Since we usually arrive fairly early in the day. I don't make requests, and I'm usually offered my choice of several locatins upon check-in, unles the resorts are VERY busy and have pre-assigned all the rooms.

 

[rsuydam]

We had an instance where we ahd a request at reservation time to be in Congress Park. Upon arrival, we were given Grandstand. I appreciate that they cannot fulfill all requests, so I asked them to confirm that their system showed the request. It did not....so I showed them my confirmation that was mailed to me with the request clearly noted. They claimed that the ressie system is different from the check-in system. Shouldn't this all come form the same database? In any case, had a great time, but to not even have a chance......

 

[DisneyFreaks]

We've been pretty lucky with our DVC rooms with the exception of AKV. Since we travel together as a family the only request we ever make is to be as close to each other's rooms as possible. Usually we are but at AKV we were at different ends of the floor. I did ask politely if we could be moved closer to be near our DGS but I was told it is the strict policy of the hotel not to move anyone once their room is assigned. The CM was not as polite back to me either. The funny part of this is the family checking in next to us in line were in the process of finding a different room from the one given to them.

 

[goofy4tink]

Best way to avoid disappointment is to make no requests and be happy with whatever you get.

That's what I do as well. I seldom make any kind of room location requests when staying DVC.....I have never gotten any requests to date, so stopped making them.
I've only been disappointed twice...once we got a room overlooking what is now the croquet lawn, but had a huge tree in our viewline and no balcony off the master, with the window in the master looking directly onto the balcony that was 'around the corner' so to speak. We asked to be moved, which we were.
The second time was a one bedroom that was two doors down from The Attic...it was a loooong walk from the elevators, but a quick walk down the stairs to get to DHS. We kept that room but hope to not get that area again.

 

[Cmbar]

We've been pretty lucky with our DVC rooms with the exception of AKV. Since we travel together as a family the only request we ever make is to be as close to each other's rooms as possible. Usually we are but at AKV we were at different ends of the floor. I did ask politely if we could be moved closer to be near our DGS but I was told it is the strict policy of the hotel not to move anyone once their room is assigned. The CM was not as polite back to me either. The funny part of this is the family checking in next to us in line were in the process of finding a different room from the one given to them.

This is my concern when we check in next Saturday. We have on our reservation to please keep our two studios close since we are traveling with grandparents in their 90's. I put the request in when I made the reservation at 11 months and then just emailed Member Services to reiterate. Asked to not be too high if possible (they were in a hotel fire once and are nervous about being up to high). Since we get in around 7pm on the Saturday before Thanksgiving I am thinking our chances of getting any of our request are NILL! Oh well, I will try and be happy with what we get and just keep thinking it is just an inconvenience not a disaster!