Touring Plans and Resorts

[AngiTN]

If you do online check-in on the MDE site or app, there is the opportunity to select up to 2 requests from repopulated menus. There is also a check box to select if it is more important for you to if possible have your room ready early. If you check that box, the assigner will likely try to assign a room that is empty the previous night - yes, it does happen though rare - even if it does not meet your requests. If you would rather them try to meet your requests, it is better to not check that box.

That used to be the case, but several of the Disney resorts DO allow you to make a room request online with your reservation. We did it when staying at the Contemporary a few months ago and it worked out fine. Perhaps Touring Plans paid subscription offers other features, but doubt they are any more likely to get your preferred location vs. any other method.

The thing is, this feature comes and goes. Sometimes it works for a given resort, next time it may not. And, if there is no way to put a request in on MDE then you can also not click on "room ready early" box mentioned too
But yeah, TP doesn't give you a better chance over any other method. It's just an easy method, since MDE is so very wonky on if it's working or not. And calling Disney yourself is a PITA

 

[Dug720]

The thing is, this feature comes and goes. Sometimes it works for a given resort, next time it may not. And, if there is no way to put a request in on MDE then you can also not click on "room ready early" box mentioned too
But yeah, TP doesn't give you a better chance over any other method. It's just an easy method, since MDE is so very wonky on if it's working or not. And calling Disney yourself is a PITA

And adding to the MDE wonkiness... It has not been saving the requests if I make them on the app, but will if I use the website.

 

[tnolan]

We have used Touring Plans room request for years, and usually get about 50/50 success with that. This past August we got the room right next door to the one we requested! It really is a matter of luck, no set formula to ensure success.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Just saw the 30 days on my dashboard. I always put my request in way early, but wow thanks for pointing out you guys. Sometimes I go in and change it closer to the date!

 

[Dug720]

We have used Touring Plans room request for years, and usually get about 50/50 success with that. This past August we got the room right next door to the one we requested! It really is a matter of luck, no set formula to ensure success.

Exactly. No matter how you do it, a request is only a request. I trust that the assigners try their best, but also recognize that sometimes it simply is not possible! (I was just looking at views at the various resorts I am considering for February and realized that last year when I stayed at POFQ and was mentally not happy about not getting my building request - especially as I got in after midnight and was not thrilled to schlep to the furthest building - I was actually upgraded to a river view room (I had booked standard).

 

[DizFan13]

I’ve used TP room request before. First trip location was what we wanted (I just requested a certain location). Second time at Poly nowhere what we requested (were CL and asked first or third floor non-connecting) - got second floor connecting. CM was great and got us non-connecting second floor at far end of hall lagoon view when we were garden view. I’d never request a specific room. We are trying again at Coranado tower in January (doing CL standard so I know limited rooms). Will just do generic higher floor, non-connecting, away from elevator

TP is a great tool!

I'm using the TP room request tool for the first time this trip, and I'd prefer to do as you suggest here and not request a specific room and instead just list our three priorities, but I couldn't figure out how to make the request without requesting a room through the room finder. Any tips?

Also, can anyone tell me how I can be sure that TP does submit the request?

 

[AngiTN]

I'm using the TP room request tool for the first time this trip, and I'd prefer to do as you suggest here and not request a specific room and instead just list our three priorities, but I couldn't figure out how to make the request without requesting a room through the room finder. Any tips?

Also, can anyone tell me how I can be sure that TP does submit the request?

You can't be sure that they submit the request. You have to trust they do what they claim.
They will tell you if the request was sent, after the fact. I got 2 notices this week for our Christmas trip

You are never requesting a specific room with TP. You are requesting rooms that match the type you select. This is always a group, or series of rooms. All with similar parameters.
Like, if you the room you pick is a 3rd floor west facing room, that's what the others that populate the subject line match.
You have an entire box to type in and you can add in that whatever other details you'd like.
For instance, if Any West facing room, no matter the floor, is your preference, put that.
If any room near an elevator is your preference, put that.
If any room on the 3rd floor is your preference, put that.
Rank them if you feel the need but only 2, maybe 3 options. I always limit mine to 1