Rooms now being assigned by computer

[KellyNY]

I will still put my requests in either over the phone or or on-line check in. When you show up they will pull your reservation and see that you already have a request in and can check right away without asking....

It is a good idea if they will actually put them on file and technically if they do not consider them anymore when rooms are being assigned what difference does it make when to put your request. I do not think oldest request will be given any priority over those recieved at check in.

 

[cjsm&d]

It is a good idea if they will actually put them on file and technically if they do not consider them anymore when rooms are being assigned what difference does it make when to put your request. I do not think oldest request will be given any priority over those recieved at check in.

According to the OP, they stillput them on your reservation file. It makes sense (at least to me) that if they pull your reservationup when you get there they will see your request right on the res. and check right away. I would assume they are trained to do this.

When we went in February they pulled up our res. and the CM said "okay, you requested this this and this. This one is available.

Rather than have them tell me what room I have... then ask them check on other rooms....

Just saying...

 

[safetymom]

I wonder how they are going to handle requests for handicapped-accessible rooms since that is still a request noted in the file? Even Marriott has a box to check to require handicapped-accessible rooms but as far as I know, Disney does not have this yet.

If you call in they have to check with special services to block out a handicapped accessible room. It isn't a request.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I do not think oldest request will be given any priority over those recieved at check in.

1) Correct.
2) At check-in, the earlier check-in gets changes.
3) As the day goes on, later check-ins get what is available.
4) So, the earlier you check-in the better the chance at a change.
5) Check-in late in the evening, and you are out of luck for a change.
6) IF A CHANGE IS AVAILABLE.

 

[Sammie]

Check-in late in the evening, and you are out of luck for a change

That would only be true if the resort was completely sold out and everyone had checked in before you.

 

[KellyNY]

According to the OP, they stillput them on your reservation file. It makes sense (at least to me) that if they pull your reservationup when you get there they will see your request right on the res. and check right away. I would assume they are trained to do this.

When we went in February they pulled up our res. and the CM said "okay, you requested this this and this. This one is available.

Rather than have them tell me what room I have... then ask them check on other rooms....

Just saying...

You were lucky. I put requests for 3 posible building, nothing else. They never checked my requests and wanted to give me another location. After I mentioned my requests, c'mon 3 buildings and nothing available with half booked resort, they checked, double checked, called mousekeeping, tried to give me room that will be available in the evening and after all that finally found a room in one of the buildings I wanted. Half of our building was empty from the first to the last day of our stay. I wonder maybe system was already on at that time.

 

[sonjaandsue]

1) Correct.
2) At check-in, the earlier check-in gets changes.
3) As the day goes on, later check-ins get what is available.
4) So, the earlier you check-in the better the chance at a change.
5) Check-in late in the evening, and you are out of luck for a change.
6) IF A CHANGE IS AVAILABLE.

That's what I'm worried about! We're checking in very late. We don't have any specific requests but I don't want to be put in the room no one else wanted either! I'll just have to trust to karma...

 

[TheRustyScupper]

That would only be true if the resort was completely sold out and everyone had checked in before you.

1) I meant change to a room meeting your requests.
2) Those are usually popular and go quickly.

 

[GailT]

Agreed! but it won't STOP the people from whining

I agree but I need a room near and elevator I have MS abd walking is hard for me, I sit more in the parks then walk, all the walking gives me drop foot People with MS will know what I am talking about

 

[dfarner]

1) Correct.
2) At check-in, the earlier check-in gets changes.
3) As the day goes on, later check-ins get what is available.
4) So, the earlier you check-in the better the chance at a change.
5) Check-in late in the evening, and you are out of luck for a change.
6) IF A CHANGE IS AVAILABLE.

I am going to repost what I just put on another thread of this nature. You are obviously knowledgeable about this, but from your posts I also sense a bit of animosity towards the public in general. I have no doubt that you have served many, many, many people that have asked for things they are not willing to pay for. I am not one of the those people, and when I pay $600 or more a night for Disney magic I would at least like to have my requests looked at and seriously considered. The post is below, and I'd like your input.

I have mixed feelings about the news. We try to arrive at the resort early so that we can get the best room available in our booked category, and I hope that the new system doesn't hinder castmembers from changing rooms for us if we'd like something different (different floor, closer to elevator, etc...)than what's been assigned to us. Also, there is that pixie dust that we've received several times with small upgrades (standard to preferred at a mod, waterview, etc...)that I would like to still have as a possibility. Will those magical upgrades go away? I don't know enough about it yet, so I'm on the fence. I do agree with you about the price paid at the deluxes and the chance for a request to be made and (hopefully) fulfilled. I know, I know a request is a request and not a guarantee. I got that, but I'd like to still be able to make my request and show up on check in day with butterflies in my stomach and hope that pixie dust is in the air...

 

[Pixiedust34]

I like the concept of early check in, but now I'm wondering if it's just better to walk up cold and ask for a room request if you have one? I know that if you're assigned a room that it may or may not be changed, but it can't hurt to ask for the building you'd like to have.

We have what I consider to be an oddball request, Building 7 at POFQ in August. It's the farthest away from the POFQ bus stop and food court. We want that building because we'll be there 11 days with no car, and plan to walk to POR several times. I think very few people request that building. (I know that building is popular now because it's the only one fully rehabbed, but by August the whole resort will be rehabbed). Anyway, we're staying for 11 days and plan on a lot of R&R resort time and I'm hoping to get Building 7. We paid for a standard room and I'm not looking for an upgrade at all. I'd just like to be at that particular building, which is not in a desirable location for most guests. Top floor would be icing on the cake. : )

 

[Baltazar]

Oh drat, there goes my request for the farthest room on the highest floor with the dust bunny encased socks under the bed ...

 

[Sinderelly]

I wonder how they will handle requests based upon a medical "need". I just had foot surgery and have quite sometime to heal before our trip.My surgeon said there is a chance my surgery may not be successful. Walking might still be very painful. I don't want to request a HA room and take one from someone who really needs one as I don't really need HA just a location that doesn't require alot of walking. We are staying @ BLT. Any ideas on what location would be best and with the new system how to make that request?

 

[mrsksomeday]

I wonder how they will handle requests based upon a medical "need". I just had foot surgery and have quite sometime to heal before our trip.My surgeon said there is a chance my surgery may not be successful. Walking might still be very painful. I don't want to request a HA room and take one from someone who really needs one as I don't really need HA just a location that doesn't require alot of walking. We are staying @ BLT. Any ideas on what location would be best and with the new system how to make that request?

HA rooms are located throughout the resorts not just close to the elevators etc. You would just have to explain your situation to the front desk, does BLT have preferred rooms? They are usually closer to the amenities.

 

[ppony]

1) It is about time.
2) It will surely cut down on the amount of picky room requests.
3) And complaints.

4) This has been a thorn to WDW for a very long time.
5) People pay for a room category.
6) As long as the room meets that category (and there lots of new ones), it should be accepted.
7) After all, an individual room should not be a vacation deal breaker.
8) Few other hotels allow such room requests, and now Disney is finally following suit.
. . . it causes a lot of complaints and guest whining
. . . it requires one heck of a lot of extra manpower at ressie time, assignment and check-in time
. . . it creates open room nights trying fit all the requests

EDIT: Of course, CM's at the desk will try to accommodate last minute requests - when possible. I think this is the best change in the ressie system ever made. It will also cut out the faxing of requests to the resorts, since computers can't read. Of course, it might mean the ROOMS assigners now have a different type of job, and maybe some re-assignments (but we will know soon enough).

I for one an happy to see this.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I have mixed feelings about the news. We try to arrive at the resort early so that we can get the best room available in our booked category, and I hope that the new system doesn't hinder castmembers from changing rooms for us if we'd like something different (different floor, closer to elevator, etc...)than what's been assigned to us. Also, there is that pixie dust that we've received several times with small upgrades (standard to preferred at a mod, waterview, etc...)that I would like to still have as a possibility. Will those magical upgrades go away?

From what I understand . . .
1) The CM at the desk can still look for room changes.
. . . CM's always have a view of what is available in the resort
. . . they can tell at a glance if rooms are open/available
. . . if no rooms are open, it is up to them if they want to swap rooms
2) But, those depend upon room availability, and the CM.
3) As for Pixie Dust upgrades, they are still available.
4) But, more at the discretion of the CM than pre-assigned.
. . . by computer assignment, it lessens the chances of double-bookings
. . . this eliminates a large amount of upgrades due to room overbooking
. . . thus, when upgrades do happen, it is less of an assignment nature
5) With computer assignment, however, there will be less and less of them.

NOTE: There is no animosity. It is simply that Disney has allowed requests to go on for so long that now it now an entitlement. When people can't get exactly what they want they know they can complain to a Manager and usually get a room change. With the new system, this is less likely. Very few other hotels or resorts have allowed this to such a degree, and Disney is just coming into conformity with others.

Walt believed that all guests should be treated identically regardles of money or status (that is why Concierge can't accept tips), and this actually reinforces his principles. Now, room assignments within a category are more fairly distributed. I like fairness and equal treatment, and I think this goes a long way toward that end.

 

[dvcHammer]

I have to jump in on this thread, I've worked for years setting up and installing these types reservation systems and can hopefully give some insight on how they work

Room assigned by computer are rotated so that no set of rooms gets used more than others. This keeps some rooms from wearing out faster than others. Saves repair costs and keeps the rates down. Some blocks of rooms are even taken out of service to even up the use numbers.

The front desk can override the automatic room assignments and wants to make your request happen if it can be done. Why would they want you unhappy? If the room is not available, it is not available. There are only so many rooms of specific types, even with thousands of rooms to choose from. Everyone can't have the ground floor corner room.

Accessible rooms with roll in showers or other amenities are the last ones assigned to non-handicapped guests as by ADA law they have to be reserved for those in need of the services.

Checking in earlier does give the staff a better chance of granting room requests as there is more inventory to work with. One of the choices you are making when arriving late is that there will be fewer rooms to pick from.

By law, a guest can extend their room stay and not have to change rooms. The hotel will tell you that you can't, but all a guest has to do is stand their ground and they will not be moved. The word for this in hotels is "under-departed". Causes havoc with the best room assignment plans and it is not the front desk's fault.

On a personal note, I have sometimes gotten none of my requests at check in and found a great room or building with unexpected features that I turned out to be completely happy with.

 

[ppony]

It is simply that Disney has allowed requests to go on for so long that now it now an entitlement. [/I]

And this is probably my biggest reason for thumbs up. Entitlement is like a virus and it's taken over. NOT to negate the true NEEDS. If there are NEEDS though, they may be able to be met by the dept. that handles disability requests and needs. Can't recall what it is called right now.
Streamlining isn't always good, but in this case, I think it was necessary.

 

[Sammie]

1) I meant change to a room meeting your requests.
2) Those are usually popular and go quickly.

Ok that I would agree with.

 

[mickeyfan85]

I think people are getting themselves into an uncalled for tizzy. Everything will be ok! The only real change is that someone isn't manually going through every reservation and having to type in a number. It's still going to be checked by a human being for accuracy.

Automatic room assignment is actually going to enhance your experience while at the resort. Here are a couple reasons why.

-The computer will automatically block guests travelling together (unless there are physically no rooms left, then it will get them as close together as possible)

-It will automatically choose the number of upgrades needed to balance out the resort. It will also choose who is upgraded picking the people paying the full rack rate first and going down.

-Automatic room assignment can be overridden at anytime and requests will be honored as available. No different then how it is today.