Room Requests/Assignments

[DISNUT21]

Hey guys, I dont want to be a bug or anything but I was wondering when exactly are rooms assigned? I called WDW central reservations today to add a quick request to our reservation and they told me it was too late, I don't know if I should call back and speak to a manager or just let it go. We check in on the 16th of this month, so I figured maybe they assign rooms two weeks out. What is your input on this? Thanks again for all of your help!

***Need some more help, updated on pg. 2

 

[Haley]

Call back and get another CM who will add the request.

Most of the time they don't assign the room until you get there or maybe a day or two before.

If they won't put it on the reservation then I would just fax my request directly to the hotel (the worst thing they can do is toss it out).

When you arrive just remind the CM of your request ("We'd love a room on the 3rd floor")

 

[DISNUT21]

Thanks alot! I figured something sounded wrong buy who knows with some CM's!

 

[fall08CP]

They are assigned about a week before you check-in. Things can always be changed within the last 48 hours but do remember it's a request, not a guarantee PLLLLEASE do it over the phone though- it's a pain for the assigners to weed through all the faxes. When it's done over the phone, all those reservations are flagged and easy to go through. I was in the back office working tonight with the room assigners so I know this from an inside source

 

[3"Mouse"keteers]

They are assigned about a week before you check-in. Things can always be changed within the last 48 hours but do remember it's a request, not a guarantee PLLLLEASE do it over the phone though- it's a pain for the assigners to weed through all the faxes. When it's done over the phone, all those reservations are flagged and easy to go through. I was in the back office working tonight with the room assigners so I know this from an inside source

Since you have an inside track, any tips for getting your requests fulfilled? What makes the room assigners send pixy dust your way and grant your requests?

 

[DISNUT21]

I am also very curious to hear also...
But, now look at the can of worms you opened up everyone wants to know the inner secrets of the pixie dusting room assigners

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, let's see... first, reasonable requests will be granted before unreasonable ones.

Reasonable expectations (near a pool and a bus) will likely be met before unreasonable ones (room 5841 - and if that's not available we expect to be upgrade to Grand Floridian Concierge with our own personal 24 hour butler).

Keep your requests to a minimum.

Request them in the order of importance to you.

IF THERE ARE ROOMS AVAILABLE that meet your request/s, you will likely be assigned to one. If there aren't, well, even Disney Magic can't make a hotel room from a sow's ear.

 

[mjfox]

You can call the resort and ask to speak to the room assigner. 2 weeks before your arrival date the reservation leaves central and moves to the resort for them to start processing.

If the hotel direct tells you that there isn't a room assigner than just call back a little later and try again.

"Remember it is easier to catch flies with honey" so be extra nice when talking to them.

 

[karibritt01]

We try to make our requests, but leave plenty of room for them to work with. We usually stay at CSR, so we request Ranchos 6A, third floor. We have always gotten our requests because they have plenty of choices that will make us happy. Hoping for the same pixie dust in Oct at POP, where we requested 60's building, top floor facing the lake!

 

[goofy4tink]

I don't think it's a great idea to start trying to get through to the room assigners. They have plenty of work already. For heaven's sake...because of these, and other, boards, they stopped accepting faxes at a lot of the resorts. They were just innundated with faxed requests. Just give your requests when you make your reservation. If you didn't, for some reason, then call back and have them added now. You should be able to get your requests added up to about 5 days before you arrive. The rooms start getting blocked out a week, or a bit less, before you arrive.

As for how to get your requests met.....simple, keep it simple. If you ask for, let's say at the Polynesian, a third floor room in Tokelau that faces towards the lagoon...well you have just narrowed your room availability to about 4 rooms. So, I would ask for a more general location....Tokelau, with a balcony. Then, let the pieces fall where they may.

After all, you aren't buying the room, only going to be there for a week or so.
There truly aren't rooms that are horrible....well, maybe one or two, but I wouldn't worry all that much about getting one.

 

[mbanks21]

Rooms are assigned 5-7 days prior depending on the resort

 

[disnut8]

OP - you should be able to add your requests via the phone now. Not sure what that Cast Member was thinking.

To the others who really want the perfect room and want to ensure you are going to get that, please don't. Please think about why you are making the request. Because you need it or because you want it? I think if we all just made our requests based on need, things would be a lot simpler.

 

[iluv2go2disney]

We leave in 16 days. Should I just call the reservation # and have my request added to my reservation?

 

[DISNUT21]

Thanks alot for your help guys! I called central reservations and they told me that they will try and honor our requests as we are a magical gatherings, but he said as the key word states they are just requests. Thanks alot!

 

[Disney Dreamin]

How many requests would be unreasonable? I think I have 3 attached to my ressie at CBR, adjoining rooms, courtyard view and Jamaica Bldg. Is this going to get me bumped into the "she's nuts" category?

 

[twinklebug]

How many requests would be unreasonable? I think I have 3 attached to my ressie at CBR, adjoining rooms, courtyard view and Jamaica Bldg. Is this going to get me bumped into the "she's nuts" category?

You can have as many requests on there as you want, but be sure you state the order of importance. It would be a shame if you got one courtyard view Jamaica bldg room and the second room were on the other end of the earth.

I have never made any requests other than 'non-smoking room' (no need to request this anymore) and all but once gotten a great location.

 

[3"Mouse"keteers]

OP - you should be able to add your requests via the phone now. Not sure what that Cast Member was thinking.

To the others who really want the perfect room and want to ensure you are going to get that, please don't. Please think about why you are making the request. Because you need it or because you want it? I think if we all just made our requests based on need, things would be a lot simpler.

A request is just that......a request. I don't see how it ever hurts to ask. Ask not, want not!
Do I expect my requests to be filled? No. If they are, that's just an added bonus. Disney has no way of knowing what I would like unless I tell them.

The way I look at it, I would like a poolside room. Some people would absolutely hate this and prefer a lakeside room. If I did not request a poolside room, I might get lakeside, thus bumping someone who really wanted it from actually getting it. If I ask for what I want, that opens up the possibilty for others to get what they want.

 

[kxmeeh]

is it advisable to call, or should I fax, and make sure that a request is on a reservation. We paid for a water view, but since my sister is in a wheelchair, we can not have the second floor in AB (we have 5 so I know we will be in AB section of POR) I booked through a TA, and she is a really good one, but this is a very important trip with my sister. We are also a late check-in, getting to por around 9.30 at night.

 

[3"Mouse"keteers]

is it advisable to call, or should I fax, and make sure that a request is on a reservation. We paid for a water view, but since my sister is in a wheelchair, we can not have the second floor in AB (we have 5 so I know we will be in AB section of POR) I booked through a TA, and she is a really good one, but this is a very important trip with my sister. We are also a late check-in, getting to por around 9.30 at night.

I would call the reservations line and make sure that it is noted as a request on your reservation. With it being due to a medical condition, you shouldn't have any problem getting your request. Make sure to tell them that it is for a medical reason. You might also want to request a handicap accessible room.

 

[powellrj]

I know they say your rooms are assigned early, but my experience has always been pretty bad at getting appropriate rooms.

The only request I have ever made is no smoking and I have always paid for a preferred room.

Our last trip was the very worst. We were at POP for free dining. My only request was no smoking and I had paid for a preferred room. I had to list all 4 of my family members on the reservation because we needed park tickets and free dining listed on the room key.

What I got was a king size handicap room. I called down and told them this wasn't going to work out because we are a family of 4 and can't use a king size bed for all of us. They sent someone up 1/2 hour later and moved us to ANOTHER KING SIZE ROOM!!! This one wasn't handicap, but it was only had one bed!!

It was late, we were tired and we kept having to move! We honestly moved from one end of the resort to the other! We finally got a non preferred room, but it was non smoking and at that point, I just wanted a room!