Room Requests/Assignments

[Dr.Girlfriend]

Update 7/4:
I actually contacted Disney to give them my requests for AKL. Since we are going on a grand gatherings and my family is big, I need to have my nephews in the room next door as I am they taking them on their first trip to the world, so I requested that along with a zebra trail either 3rd or 4th floor. (Keeping my fingers crossed) but I also asked if there was any way I would be able to upgrade to a villa or perhaps the presidential/vice presidential suite and they told me those are reserved for VIG's (very important guests) and they are held until days prior to arrival... are there any prior or present CM's which can tell me if this is true? I dont seem to understand but everytime I call I get the same Grand Gatherings CM and shes extremely rude. It seems to be that she has a case of the why are you bothering me with this attitude, and overall it is very undisney like.

I used to work for AKL. What you're asking for is a bit extreme; you're paying for "regular" rooms and want to be upgraded to conceirge or the suites for free. Those rooms *are* reserved months in advance.

 

[Kellylynn3]

It sounds like you have 3 rooms booked in total, but maybe I'm reading that wrong. If that's what you do have though, at the most, only 2 rooms would connect to each other. There's no way to have all 3 rooms connecting.

I think I recall reading here that CRO can somehow link the reservations together. That way, your requests would be matched up with the others.

yeah we do have 3 rooms but I already knew we couldnt have all three linked. What I'm assuming they will do is have two connecting and one right next to or very near to the others.

 

[Kellylynn3]

You should call reservations and have them do a "travel with" on all 3 reservations. If you have 8 or more you could call grand gatherings and all be linked together.

When the other three people got there reservation confirmations in email it did say "travel with:" on it but it didn't have any of our other names on it or anything. I'm assuming that this just means in the system they are shown as traveling with other people and that would mean all three of our groups.

 

[DISNUT21]

I used to work for AKL. What you're asking for is a bit extreme; you're paying for "regular" rooms and want to be upgraded to conceirge or the suites for free. Those rooms *are* reserved months in advance.

I am sorry if it seems that way but I was looking to pay the complete rack rate for the room, currently we are in a concierge room and instead of having two rooms was willing to pay the additional amount to have all of us in a suite. But based off what the cast member said, I would have to wait or probably could not have one being that they are reserved for VIP's.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I used to work for AKL. What you're asking for is a bit extreme; you're paying for "regular" rooms and want to be upgraded to conceirge or the suites for free.

Did the OP edit her post? I went back and looked and I don't see where she said she wanted it for free . I admit I've seen some crazy requests over the years, so who knows. I just wasn't sure if I missed something and maybe I should get ready to microwave some popcorn .

 

[TammiMcMan]

Thanks DISNUT, we were posting at the same time. I think it was made pretty clear that the suites aren't held. Did you check online to see if anything was coming up for your dates? If not, then it's more likely because they've already been booked. It's not very common to be able to score an available suite within 2 weeks of your check-in. They just happen to sell out quickly. I'd definitely check on line though before you give up that option.

And just FYI, the standard club rooms are located on the 4th floor, so you don't have to worry about that request. You could check with the pre-planning staff in the IPO department. I'm guessing that you've spoken with them already, so it's just a quick e-mail.

 

[SurfinTX]

I would think that adjoining rooms would be the first request checked on each reservation first. After that it would come down to how easy is it to fulfill that request. Low season makes it easier while I imagine that holidays and high season are going to be tough.

If in doubt, request everything and hope for the best.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would think that adjoining rooms would be the first request checked on each reservation first.

Connecting!! Not adjoining - CONNECTING!!!

Yes, it matters. With the exception of the Fort Wilderness Cabins, ALL rooms at Disney adjoin other rooms!!! NOT all rooms connect!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, now that this is out of my system... the FIRST request checked on each reservation is the first request LISTED! Disney - any hotel, really - figures that the Guest made any requests in the order of importance. Thus, they're going to see, and fulfill if possible, the FIRST request shown. If they can then also fulfill the second request, they will. Third, ditto; etc. But EACH additional request narrows the pool of possible room assignments.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I'm getting the feeling that this situation is not quite the norm and that's what's causing some stress to both the OP and the grand gatherings CM she keeps talking to. Is the whole group staying at AKL, are they all in club level rooms? If the OP is booked in club level and the nephews are in a standard, then yes, it might be a big problem trying to get two connecting rooms. If everyone is in club though, the more appropriate department to have gone through for room requests, would have been IPO. That's part of the service you're paying for and I've been told that they do use their own assignors for those rooms.

This is the second thread I've read this week, where it sounds like the poster might be setting themselves up for disappointment and the vacation hasn't even started yet.

Not having the details results in some pretty generalized answers, but I think we've been able to cover the primary issues asked:

1. Connecting rooms gives you an interior door
2. List requests by priority, but do try to simplify
3. Request does not equal guarantee
4. 1 and 2 bedroom suite are available at times during the OP's stay, but not on all consecutive dates
5. Club level rooms should have their requests noted through IPO

 

[DISNUT21]

I'm getting the feeling that this situation is not quite the norm and that's what's causing some stress to both the OP and the grand gatherings CM she keeps talking to. Is the whole group staying at AKL, are they all in club level rooms? If the OP is booked in club level and the nephews are in a standard, then yes, it might be a big problem trying to get two connecting rooms. If everyone is in club though, the more appropriate department to have gone through for room requests, would have been IPO. That's part of the service you're paying for and I've been told that they do use their own assignors for those rooms.

This is the second thread I've read this week, where it sounds like the poster might be setting themselves up for disappointment and the vacation hasn't even started yet.

Not having the details results in some pretty generalized answers, but I think we've been able to cover the primary issues asked:

1. Connecting rooms gives you an interior door
2. List requests by priority, but do try to simplify
3. Request does not equal guarantee
4. 1 and 2 bedroom suite are available at times during the OP's stay, but not on all consecutive dates
5. Club level rooms should have their requests noted through IPO

Thank you so much Tammi! I finally feel like someone understands where I am coming from. I always look up information on the DIS and even post when I am unsure on a specific scenario or problem, but with regard to this situation/thread specifically I feel as though many posters are jumping to the conclusion that I am seeking to have something for nothing, and that is not the case. I go year after year to WDW and never expect anything more than what I have reserved. However, this situation is difficult as we are going on a pretty large grand gatherings. My group, which includes my nephews will be staying at the AKL but on the club level where as everyone else on the trip will be staying in standard view rooms. I tried contacting the AKL for requests via my the concierge assistant and she seems to be very busy as she never returns my calls, and the grand gatherings CM assigned to our group is not the friendliest CM. Which made it very difficult when I was searching to upgrade to a suite and pay out of pocket. But, I finally got around to calling CRO today, and asked to speak to a manager... he was very nice and told me that the two bedroom suite at AKL is currently available just not throughout the entire stay. He offered that perhaps we could do a split stay but I see that as being a waste because well be shuffling around the same resort. (I enjoy doing split stays at different properties, but with 4 kiddies it is close to impossible) However, he did tell me to check with the CM at check in as there maybe rooms blocked out for refurbishment and maybe ready to go upon my arrival or someone may decide not to show up for a reservation. So I am hoping with my fingers crossed, and would like to thank you guys for all your help and hearing me rant! I really do appreciate all of your help during this sticky situation.

 

[fall08CP]

Sorry guys- didn't mean to skip out on you all. My computer is broken so I can only get on when a roommates lets me.
Here's the low-down on requests (as much as I can think of right now):
*Others are right about calling the reservation line rather than faxing. Faxes are tedious to go through while requests noted on the computer are really speedy.
*You won't talk directly to a room assigners- they're incredibly busy the entire day and the back office they're in can only be reached by other cast members, it's not for guests.
*As said earlier, requests are not guaranteed. This is vital. We know you want a particular section, but it can't always be fulfilled. We have a lot of groups stay with us blocking out 100-200+ rooms per night in one section. That might happen to be the same section you are hoping for. We can't always move them around as many times there are minors (cheerleading, youth groups,etc) that need to be next to their guardians. PLEASE don't take it out on us. I did not personally put you in that room. It's a fine room.. I promise.
*The rooms really ARE assigned before you check-in. The front desk CM has little to no power to move your room around. We can only see empty rooms are those are few and far between. Only room assigners can switch you with other assigned rooms.
*Connecting rooms are not guaranteed either, even for magical gatherings or families.
*Just because someone on the phone said something doesn't mean it's true. They say a lot of stuff that ends up being balogna. We're sorry but even though we do make magic happen, we can't always do what they've said.
*We don't give free upgrades except for magical moments- ask for one and you're guaranteed NOT to get it. THey're pre-picked well before you arrive.
*The pres/vp suites are usually open. You can ask to be upgraded (if you're willing to pay that premium) but as far as I know we don't hold them "just in case" for anyone.. many VIPs stay in regular rooms. You might even be next door to one! The VIPs book those well in advance- I've never seen one just walk in and ask for a room.
I gotta go grocery shopping so I'll have to cut this short! I don't have a car so I have to rely on the roomies PM me if you have any specific questions! Not sure when I'll be able to respond but I'm more than happy to help

 

[DISNUT21]

Thanks alot fall08CP, it makes alot of sense... if I have any other questions I will be sure to PM you

 

[TammiMcMan]

My group, which includes my nephews will be staying at the AKL but on the club level where as everyone else on the trip will be staying in standard view rooms. I tried contacting the AKL for requests via my the concierge assistant and she seems to be very busy as she never returns my calls

Okay, now that you've confirmed that your nephews are booked in the same level of room, that should make your requests a little less stressful. I don't think you'll find anyone that disagrees that actually talking to a live person in IPO is nearly impossible. You will probably get much better results using the e-mail address they provided. I would go ahead and send them a message, informing them that you did add a few requests to your reservation. Just let them know that the connecting room is your first priority, followed by your preferred trail if at all possible. As noted, the club level rooms are on the 4th floor, so that's a non-issue.

fallcp08, while I'm sure your reporting information that you've been taught, some of it has been proven otherwise on these boards. For example, not all resorts pre-assign all their rooms. When we've checked into the GF, they usually offer us a selection of rooms. Some available immediately, while others that may fit our requests better, we'd have to wait for. Also, the part about upgrades not being given when asked, seems to be a little off. I do know that some CM's do not appreciate being asked, but there have been plenty of DIS'ers over the years who have done just that... asked at check-in, the CM goes into the mysterious back room and comes out with a smile and an upgrade. One thing I've learned from the DIS, never say "never" or "always" .

 

[HugsForEeyore]

fallcp08, while I'm sure your reporting information that you've been taught, some of it has been proven otherwise on these boards. For example, not all resorts pre-assign all their rooms. When we've checked into the GF, they usually offer us a selection of rooms. Some available immediately, while others that may fit our requests better, we'd have to wait for. Also, the part about upgrades not being given when asked, seems to be a little off. I do know that some CM's do not appreciate being asked, but there have been plenty of DIS'ers over the years who have done just that... asked at check-in, the CM goes into the mysterious back room and comes out with a smile and an upgrade. One thing I've learned from the DIS, never say "never" or "always" .

I totally agree. I know on some of my trips, the rooms were assigned at check-in because they were ready and available. When we checked into the Polynesian last September, we got a room in Aotearora that was ready. As we draggged our suitcases over and fumbled for our room keys, we saw the peope who checked-in at the same time as us (at the next counter) coming down the same hall, and entering their room across from us. Then I saw another family coming down the hall with luggage. It was pretty clear that everyone checking in right now (I guess with standard rooms) were going to 1st floor Aetearora.

My other issue is that these threads always make it sounds like the CM room assigners always try to fill requests, and if you don't get them, it's because the rooms you wanted weren't available or YOU made unreasonable requests. I seen enough posts here to know that often requests simply are never viewed at all. I don't know why people have a hard time admitting this could be true? I never had a single request granted - and even when I requested the simplest of things (a balcony at WL was too much to ask, it seems). I still believe much of the process is automated for average folks with no special needs.

To those who always get requests - believe me, you are not the norm! You are the lucky ones.

 

[SnowWitch]

I used to be in the camp that sweated the room requests but I got over it a few years ago. We generally stay DVC at the BWV's and we never had our requests met so we just quit requesting. In the last year we have stayed at the Poly 3 times and each time I stated no requests, upon arrival in the am I was given a chose of several rooms to pick from that were ready so I picked from those given to me. We seem to get into our room alot faster no having requests. We stayed at the WL many years ago and had requested several things and didn't recieve our room until 4:30pm, when I asked what took so long I was told they were trying to honor our request. I would rather get into my room earlier than to worry about small details. Just a thought.

 

[BamaFan121s]

I didn't read through all the replies, but to put my .02 cents in on the original question:
I've heard that rooms are assigned a few days in advance. However, that does not mean they are set in stone and you cannot get your room changed at check-in if you are unhappy with what you are given. (Trust me, I've done that more times than not.) Provided there is something available and there generally is.
I would make sure that you call and have your requests noted on your ressie first. If you want to take the time to send a fax, go ahead. It may help, may not--the worst thing that is going to happen is they will trash it. We've sent a fax EVERY trip, always have gotten our requests and always have had it confirmed that the fax was recieved and noted--never been blacklisted or lectured for having done so. (It seems like that is more of a DIS board pet peeve than a problem for the resort CMs.)
If all else fails and you HATE your room, ask if you can be moved the following day.

 

[bsbrady]

--Bump--

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

I am sorry if it seems that way but I was looking to pay the complete rack rate for the room, currently we are in a concierge room and instead of having two rooms was willing to pay the additional amount to have all of us in a suite. But based off what the cast member said, I would have to wait or probably could not have one being that they are reserved for VIP's.

Ahhh...now I understand. I had read into it as you wanted the suites at a regular room rate