Rooms now being assigned by computer

[bicker]

I think it would be beneficial for Disney to expand the bookable categories specific to each resort and add request choices that are generic resort wide.

Not necessarily since that would end up creating much smaller sets of comparable rooms, and some of the categories you outlined would create very small sets. That, in turn, would result in a lot more cases of guest disappointment - there being insufficient rooms to satisfy the reservations for these smaller sets of room - where, due to mechanical problems or the aforementioned problem of folks not checking out on their check-out date.

They'd effectively have to have more ROH reservations, which essentially are "you take your chances" reservations. They'd be priced a little higher than what they'd have charged for the lowest class room, if there weren't ROH reservations, and would guarantee you at least that class of room, but you might be "upgraded" (which sometimes feels like a downgrade, if you were really hoping for the characteristics of the lower class room) if the lower class category is full. And since they'd effectively be building into the system the providing of "better" rooms to folks paying lower rates, at least some of the time, that'll boost the room rates for folks who do want a specific category. Sounds complicated? Yeah; I think so too. And for what? No good reason imho. Though to be fair, if it was better off for Disney that way, then they'd probably do it more often.

 

[maxiesmom]

Lets not mistake needs and wants.
Some people need ground floor or elevator around them for medical reasons or connecting rooms when it is a big family with little kids, those are needs and should be granted as this is the only way guests stay is possible.
Wanting top floor just because there is less traffic there or ground floor because there is simply less walking or corner room because there are 2 windows and it is slightly bigger or next to parking lot or away from it or particular view at particular building or my favorite a particular room... all those are just wants and has nothing to do with needs.
Just imagine trying to grant those requests, it is a huge headache.

I do mostly agree with you. However, there is a seperate department that handles reservations when you have a medical need for a certain type of room. So that is the route people need to go if they have to have a ground floor room because they use a scooter, or whatever room type fits with what their challenges might be. Though I do think Disney could do a better job of getting that information out there.

I also don't think connecting rooms are a need for larger families. If you have 2 adults you can split up into 2 rooms without the inner door. It is way more convenient to have connecting doors, but it isn't truly a need.

 

[KellyNY]

I do mostly agree with you. However, there is a seperate department that handles reservations when you have a medical need for a certain type of room. So that is the route people need to go if they have to have a ground floor room because they use a scooter, or whatever room type fits with what their challenges might be. Though I do think Disney could do a better job of getting that information out there.

I also don't think connecting rooms are a need for larger families. If you have 2 adults you can split up into 2 rooms without the inner door. It is way more convenient to have connecting doors, but it isn't truly a need.

Actually you are right, I did not think of that. There is no need to have connected rooms.

 

[Colleen27]

I do mostly agree with you. However, there is a seperate department that handles reservations when you have a medical need for a certain type of room. So that is the route people need to go if they have to have a ground floor room because they use a scooter, or whatever room type fits with what their challenges might be. Though I do think Disney could do a better job of getting that information out there.

I also don't think connecting rooms are a need for larger families. If you have 2 adults you can split up into 2 rooms without the inner door. It is way more convenient to have connecting doors, but it isn't truly a need.

They need to do a better job of getting the info out there, but there will always be people who just don't think there's any need to go through that dept for a relatively simple request. Particularly for those who don't have a serious medical condition that would require a scooter, a handicapped room, etc. but minor mobility issues.

As far as connecting rooms, I really wish they'd make that a bookable category. It might not seem like a need to you, but I personally can't wrap my mind around the idea of spending thousands of dollars on a vacation to sleep in a different room from my husband. We don't fit in one room at most resorts any more, and options for larger families (especially at nicer resorts; we've never stayed value and don't really want to start) are one area where Disney really falls short.

And CRO isn't great about those traveling together notations in our experience - out of two trips where we needed two rooms, once it was properly noted and we got connecting rooms. The other, my mom joined us part way through our trip and the front desk had no mention of us on her reservation (even though I personally talked to CRO when she booked to make sure it was clear). And because she arrived late there was nothing they could do about the fact that she was assigned a room that couldn't possibly have been further from ours. That would have been a nightmare had it happened with just DH & I and the kids - a 15 minute walk from one room to the other would be absolutely unacceptable.

 

[Lucky'sMom]

Actually you are right, I did not think of that. There is no need to have connected rooms.

Wow, I couldn't disagree with you more. As a PP mentioned, to spend all of this money on a vacation and then be separated from my husband and some of my children is terrible. We have been staying off-site in villas to avoid this issue, as the Disney villas are just way to steep for our budget. We are finally trying out the free dining at CSR this time (in only 2 weeks!) and I will be very disappointed if we do not get connecting rooms.

 

[bicker]

The point people were making, though, was the difference between "want" and "need". Folks with physical handicaps simply cannot be in a room that is not handicapped accessible. It isn't safe. It's a matter of life and death. And it also isn't sanitary (nuf sed). Meanwhile, using that as calibration, my wife and I sleeping in separate rooms doesn't come anywhere close to being a "need". It's just something we married couples may "want".

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

The computer is not replacing the "Room Assigner" role, it's just cutting down on the work they have to do. There will be some reservations, that, for whatever reason, the computer won't be able to block. DRC can enter very limited requests, through the use of check-boxes, and the computer will try to accommodate this. However if the reservation agent clicks 2 of them that contradict each other, the computer won't be able to assign (for example, if someone requests a 1st or 2nd floor room, DRC will check both boxes, and the computer will look for a room that's on both the 1st and 2nd floors ... not going to find anything, and it's not smart enough to know to pick one or the other).

Regardless of what people say on these boards, in real life, people do get very bent out of shape about room assignments. I've been screamed at, threatened, and even on one occasion had something thrown at me because someone didn't get their room request. So, obviously, no matter how much Disney tells people that "requests are ONLY a request and not guaranteed", people still aren't getting the message, and thus, limiting requests by going to an automatic room assignment system is a good thing.

 

[KellyNY]

Wow, I couldn't disagree with you more. As a PP mentioned, to spend all of this money on a vacation and then be separated from my husband and some of my children is terrible. We have been staying off-site in villas to avoid this issue, as the Disney villas are just way to steep for our budget. We are finally trying out the free dining at CSR this time (in only 2 weeks!) and I will be very disappointed if we do not get connecting rooms.

I understand you very well but request is not a guarantee. The only way to guarantee that you and your husband slept in a same room is to book suite or villa, otherwise you just take your chances, nothing to be upset about.

 

[bookwormde]

Initial computer assignment of rooms is the standard for the hotel industry. I have yet to find a 3 star or above that does not take requests. Since the lodging industry is highly competitive, most staff understand the importance of giving the customer the best experience possible so they will return.
I do not think it will be any different at WDW. WDW has much stiffer completion now for park based $ so if you are paying 2 to 5 times what a comparable room off site is every portion of the experience contributes to the customers willingness to pay that differential.
Yes those who feel "entitled" to a request create problems for everyone, but those who make requests to help guide the resort in provide the most positive experience are just helping the resort full fill their customer service mission.
Now we can all argue if WDW is customer service oriented, but with the current discounting I can assure you that they are, the question is just top what extent.
bookwormde

 

[ppony]

Regardless of what people say on these boards, in real life, people do get very bent out of shape about room assignments. I've been screamed at, threatened, and even on one occasion had something thrown at me because someone didn't get their room request. So, obviously, no matter how much Disney tells people that "requests are ONLY a request and not guaranteed", people still aren't getting the message, and thus, limiting requests by going to an automatic room assignment system is a good thing.

WOW! I'm SO sorry you've had these experiences! And I BOW to you for still keeping that smile going strong in spite of it! I simply couldn't do it. Even if only a few rotten apples, spoil the bunch, I fixate on those apples.

 

[Sammie]

I think what it will do and this supports what SyracuseWolvrine stated is force people to make one request and one request only.

If you need connecting rooms, then that will be the only thing you need to request with any hope of getting it. If you request connecting rooms, on a certain floor in a certain building, the computer system is not going to be able to fufill that.

Same with top floor. If for example you are staying at the Polynesian. If you want top floor, then that should be the only request, and not top floor in a particular building.

Everyone will simply have to decide what is the one request you want to try and get.

We don't make requests so it's fine with me.

 

[ElizabethB]

I, for one, am going to make my requests as I always have. When I check in, if I don't get what I want, I'm going to ask for something that matches my requests.

If the desk clerk lies and says, "No, nothing else available" I will request a manager and won't move until I get one! Note that a pp admitted that the desk clerks do, in fact, lie. Nice. Real nice.

We didn't get the high floor we asked for when we checked in a month ago. I asked for something higher and we were easily and very nicely accommodated with one of our favorite rooms on the top floor.

So, everyone can plan that if you're behind me in line, you're going to have a wait!

 

[KellyNY]

If the desk clerk lies and says, "No, nothing else available" I will request a manager and won't move until I get one! Note that a pp admitted that the desk clerks do, in fact, lie. Nice. Real nice.

But how can you know if he lies?

 

[ppony]

I, for one, am going to make my requests as I always have. When I check in, if I don't get what I want, I'm going to ask for something that matches my requests.

If the desk clerk lies and says, "No, nothing else available" I will request a manager and won't move until I get one! Note that a pp admitted that the desk clerks do, in fact, lie. Nice. Real nice.

We didn't get the high floor we asked for when we checked in a month ago. I asked for something higher and we were easily and very nicely accommodated with one of our favorite rooms on the top floor.

So, everyone can plan that if you're behind me in line, you're going to have a wait!

Entitlement, party of 1.

Just becuase a PP said CMs can and do lie, does not mean they ARE in fact to you.

 

[twooley2]

I, for one, am going to make my requests as I always have. When I check in, if I don't get what I want, I'm going to ask for something that matches my requests.

If the desk clerk lies and says, "No, nothing else available" I will request a manager and won't move until I get one! Note that a pp admitted that the desk clerks do, in fact, lie. Nice. Real nice.

We didn't get the high floor we asked for when we checked in a month ago. I asked for something higher and we were easily and very nicely accommodated with one of our favorite rooms on the top floor.

So, everyone can plan that if you're behind me in line, you're going to have a wait!

This person must be writing this to get a rise. Where does this sense of entitlement come from?

 

[twooley2]

Wow, I couldn't disagree with you more. As a PP mentioned, to spend all of this money on a vacation and then be separated from my husband and some of my children is terrible. We have been staying off-site in villas to avoid this issue, as the Disney villas are just way to steep for our budget. We are finally trying out the free dining at CSR this time (in only 2 weeks!) and I will be very disappointed if we do not get connecting rooms.

This is Disney Marketing you to buy DVC

 

[Sammie]

I, for one, am going to make my requests as I always have. When I check in, if I don't get what I want, I'm going to ask for something that matches my requests.

If the desk clerk lies and says, "No, nothing else available" I will request a manager and won't move until I get one! Note that a pp admitted that the desk clerks do, in fact, lie. Nice. Real nice.

We didn't get the high floor we asked for when we checked in a month ago. I asked for something higher and we were easily and very nicely accommodated with one of our favorite rooms on the top floor.

So, everyone can plan that if you're behind me in line, you're going to have a wait!

Yikes, surely you are not serious.

 

[coopersmom]

This person must be writing this to get a rise. Where does this sense of entitlement come from?

Perhaps from the thousands of dollars they are paying Disney for the privilege of staying there?

 

[crashbb]

Perhaps from the thousands of dollars they are paying Disney for the privilege of staying there?

Which is different from the thousands of dollars everyone else paid, how?

 

[twooley2]

Perhaps from the thousands of dollars they are paying Disney for the privilege of staying there?

Everyone is paying thousands. Just like the other.