Be sure to WRITE DOWN the name of the associate you speak with in housekeeping, or simply ask to speak with a Supervisor. When you leave your room for the parks, etc., locate the nearest housekeeper with a cart. Ask her if she is "responsible" for cleaning your room (as you point in the general direction and state the room number). If yes, inform her you just called the housekeeping department and spoke with a supervisor. Let her know you requested EARLY cleaning, as you will be returning by _______ (fill in the blank with your estimated time). If the housekeeper is not the one responsible for cleaning your room, ask her where she is? Find her, and let her know. It's also a good time to let her know if you want this done each day of your stay, etc. Repeat the first part of this reply (call the housekeeping office/dept) each day before you depart.
I always do this, and request housekeeping ASAP (and let them know we are LEAVING the ROOM!!). I've never been disappointed using this method.
IF...you are in the room preparing to leave when the housekeeper knocks--simply offer her a time frame. I open the door, and kindly inform her we are planning to exit the room in five minutes. She appreciates the information, and I take the opportunity to ask for service as soon as we have left. If we pass her in the hall, I tell her we have left...and she can clean now.
These women are the hardest working people on all of WDW. I always TIP generously, and appreciate every thing they do to make our stay special. We have a friendly repor with them, and enjoy conversing with them as well. They are always polite, and exceed our expectations. These associates definitely help to make our stay MAGICAL!