TouringPlans sunsetting room requests

[Brian Noble]

This is not (yet) directly relevant to DVC, but TouringPlans is going to turn off their "send a room request" feature on Sunday. The full post is here, but the explanation is possibly relevant:

Disney wants all guests to go through My Disney Experience’s room request feature going forward.

WARNING: Wild Speculation Ahead

I can imagine that this could mean that (1) Member Services will likewise stop taking requests, leaving the MDE drop-downs as the only way to make them. Of course, (2) they could also keep taking requests, and then just not do anything with them. Or, (3) nothing will change for DVC owners.

I have a sneaking suspicion it won't be Option 3.

Edited to add: Full article here
https://touringplans.com/blog/wdw-room-request-feature-last-day-is-april-19-2026/

 

[walt34]

That's sad. I found the MDE drop-down options always quite limiting. I understand that Disney might want to simplify things for themselves but the current options do not really reflect that I might value something that other people don't. If they know about it, they can improve my experience without taking anything away from anyone else.

To give a specific example: We like to take the stairs (if it's not too many) and we don't like ground floor rooms. So a room on a third or fourth floor, close to a staircase is great for us. High floor, away from elevator (which is often a drop down option) doesn't quite reflect this, as it leaves us competing with people who prioritise views (I'd rather not have a 6th floor) and people who want a quiet room (which might or might not be close to a usable staircase).

Maybe they'll improve the MDE selections?

 

[LadybugsMum]

I am so sad. I love using the TP room finder request feature. There won't be much a reason to use TP for me after this.

 

[AstroBlasters]

That's sad. I found the MDE drop-down options always quite limiting. I understand that Disney might want to simplify things for themselves but the current options do not really reflect that I might value something that other people don't. If they know about it, they can improve my experience without taking anything away from anyone else.

To give a specific example: We like to take the stairs (if it's not too many) and we don't like ground floor rooms. So a room on a third or fourth floor, close to a staircase is great for us. High floor, away from elevator (which is often a drop down option) doesn't quite reflect this, as it leaves us competing with people who prioritise views (I'd rather not have a 6th floor) and people who want a quiet room (which might or might not be close to a usable staircase).

Maybe they'll improve the MDE selections?

This feels like a Thomas Mazloum move…

 

[Boopuff]

I can't help but think this is also a part of banning 3rd party. All the many faxes did was gunk up the reservation system. By using MDE it will be much more streamlined for reservation agents.

 

[AstroBlasters]

The resort I see this being the biggest deal at is Aulani….

 

[Tatebeck]

They probably want it to mostly (if not completely) be done by computer algorithm to cut down on CM labor/costs, which would be much harder to make work with custom typed in/phoned in/faxed in requests. You choose your requests, (hopefully from a broader set of presets), then the computer does it all. Then the CMs only have to deal with major problems/issues with rooms from guests after they have their rooms.

 

[walt34]

They probably want it to mostly (if not completely) be done by computer algorithm to cut down on CM labor/costs, which would be much harder to make work with custom typed in/phoned in/faxed in requests. You choose your requests, (hopefully from a broader set of presets), then the computer does it all. Then the CMs only have to deal with major problems/issues with rooms from guests after they have their rooms.

This could be done so much better today - but not with two underpopulated drop downs. Allow me to name all of my preferences and prioritize them, than have the computer system puzzle out the best solution to satisfy most guests.

 

[J-Dog]

(2) they could also keep taking requests, and then just not do anything with them.

Thanks for the update.

#2 is what they did for me last time I contacted MS with a room request, anyway. The CM took my request and then basically just clicked one of the drop-down options on my MDE for me. Don't know if that was the start of a trend, or just a lazy CM.

 

[sethschroeder]

Time to write DVC and tell them I want Hilton room selection options now. When you are 1-2 days out open up website or the app and choose your specific room. Possibly allow system auto-picking of rooms via the room selection piece as well.

They act like this is some master plan they need to work through. Yes WDW is close to capacity at all times but that doesn't stop this from working.

Nothing stops the system from recognizing that your studio has to be paired with a 1br that checks out on _____ date so it becomes a 2br. If you are fast you get to pick anywhere but if you wait you fall in to that filter and only see the combo 1br locations.

 

[Brian Noble]

An important clarification: apparently MDE does take some more specific requests via chat.

Post in thread 'Touring Plans Room Request Feature Ending April 19'
https://www.disboards.com/threads/t...feature-ending-april-19.3981071/post-66637720

 

[reddog21]

Gee, who would have thought that something meant as a nice option for those who truly needed it would end up being abused by everyone and now likely taken away. Didn't see that coming.

 

[EveV]

Gee, who would have thought that something meant as a nice option for those who truly needed it would end up being abused by everyone and now likely taken away. Didn't see that coming.

Genuinely asking-- how do you feel this was abused by everyone? Room requests (high floor, near elevator, near lobby, etc) are pretty common in hotel reservation systems.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Time to write DVC and tell them I want Hilton room selection options now. When you are 1-2 days out open up website or the app and choose your specific room. Possibly allow system auto-picking of rooms via the room selection piece as well.

Yes, I absolutely love the "pick an exact room" feature at Hilton (including Hampton Inn). And the advantage to them is that if you don't like your room when you get there, you picked it so don't blame them.
And I suspect that if Disney goes to this, lots of people will resort to calling.

 

[Brian Noble]

I'd rather take a sharp stick to the eye. Most Hilton hotels do not have discussion boards with hundreds of posts a day devoted to e.g. the very best rooms in each. Can you imagine the feeding frenzy when room selection for a DVC check-in day goes live?

 

[sethschroeder]

I'd rather take a sharp stick to the eye. Most Hilton hotels do not have discussion boards with hundreds of posts a day devoted to e.g. the very best rooms in each. Can you imagine the feeding frenzy when room selection for a DVC check-in day goes live?

First step is room selection at a specific time. Followed by an upgrade that allows you to rank the rooms so the system automatically assigns the rooms based on request randomizing assignment for like requested rooms.

Additionally if I were in charge on cash side I would charge for the room selection access either via upgrade or room category (something between Club and Deluxe).

 

[RuntheMouse]

I'd rather take a sharp stick to the eye. Most Hilton hotels do not have discussion boards with hundreds of posts a day devoted to e.g. the very best rooms in each. Can you imagine the feeding frenzy when room selection for a DVC check-in day goes live?

We do use the Hilton room selection when we stay there. These are mostly hotels with less than 200 rooms. Even then it doesn’t always work as intended.

Disney resorts are SO much bigger and people have gotten ridiculously specific in what they request which has created a monster that I think Disney wants to cut the head off of. I use the pull down menu on MDE for a ballpark of what I hope to get. In the grand scheme it doesn’t really matter where my room is. The only request I bother DVC MS with is when we stay at BRV, I always ask for 5th floor there because so many people hate it but we don’t.

 

[KPeterso]

I am going to assume that DVC (and CRO for that matter) will still allow for certain medical requests. I always request an allergy cleaning due to my severe allergies. There can be no scents in the products used or I risk flare ups of hives and breathing issues. I am always told when I call to request that this will be guaranteed even though they normally say requests are not guaranteed. I usually also give them my other preferences at that time such as upper floor and near transportation, but those are never guaranteed.

 

[muppets3d]

I hope DVC member services continues to accept requests for villa requests. I don't always put in a special request, but I do like having the option.

 

[reddog21]

Genuinely asking-- how do you feel this was abused by everyone? Room requests (high floor, near elevator, near lobby, etc) are pretty common in hotel reservation systems.

If you’ve been on this board long enough, you know some of the requests can be pretty ridiculous. The only reason a company would sunset a service is if people aren’t using it or the requests are getting out of hand—otherwise, there’s no reason to remove it.

"I want to be right next to the lobby, but also in a completely silent area, on the top floor, but also right next to the pool, and I need to see the fireworks but also have a south-facing balcony"