Whatever happened with...

[Maistre Gracey]

....the request policy? I remember some members here reporting a trial run at OKW and BCV for granting requests on a first come, first serve basis. I never heard any more about it. Did it get permanently implemented, or did they revert to the old way (hopefully)?

Sorry if I just missed the topic on the boards.

Thanx....

 

[colleen costello]

When we were at OKW in mid-March I hightailed it over there at 7:30 in the morning. We had spent the previous night at Riverside and my family was still asleep... Anyway, the nice CM at the desk did the "disappear to the back" deal -- to consult the oracle or whatever they do -- and came back saying if I wanted room #5512 I could have it.

So? I am not sure. She said something like "We had you in building #56 but this room is ready now." This says to me that they ARE preassigning rooms but if you get there early it's flexible. Worked out great for us. #5512 was perfect and we felt like we got almost a whole extra day in that room.

 

[Lisa F]

We just made a reservation for NYE at BWV and when I requested quiet pool view, I was given a somewhat stern speech about how requests are NOT GUARANTEED. I said "I understand" about 80 times and left it at that. When I called back to change to a 1 bedroom I requested the same and again got a fairly emphatic speech about how requests are NOT GUARANTEED. I have to wonder what all of that means. The first time I thought it was just the particular MS person we had. THe second time I wondered if they are really being driven nuts with these requests that people make.

I should just stop making requests. The first time we stayed there we requested boardwalk view and got quiet pool view. The next time we had a standard view and requested top floor, got the first floor. We decided we loved the location (no elevators!) and requested that on our next trip. Guess where we ended up? 5th floor. Next trip we had a preferred and I requested quiet view pool. Guess where we ended up? Overlooking the village green! My husband thinks that they look at our requests and then give us the direct opposite. I've requested quiet pool view again this time but I guess we'll see what happens!

Lisa

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Lisa F
We just made a reservation for NYE at BWV and when I requested quiet pool view, I was given a somewhat stern speech about how requests are NOT GUARANTEED. I said "I understand" about 80 times and left it at that. When I called back to change to a 1 bedroom I requested the same and again got a fairly emphatic speech about how requests are NOT GUARANTEED. I have to wonder what all of that means. The first time I thought it was just the particular MS person we had. THe second time I wondered if they are really being driven nuts with these requests that people make....(snip)....Lisa

First of all, I hope you get your requests.

As far as I know, they have always pre-assigned rooms at the BWV. I think only OKW and BCV did the "trial".

I think we are getting the request speech from MS because of the problems the front desk CMs are having with people and their requests. I'm willing to bet that more and more people are refusing to accept that requests are not guaranteed. On a recent trip, I witnessed one guest make quite a scene and I felt just terrible for the CM.

On another visit, the CM started out the conversation with a little speech about how sorry he was that all our requests couldn't be met (I had asked for non-smoking, dedicated and upper floor), but the resort was full, and etc. When I told him that I was positive that whatever room we had would be just great, he looked like he was about to kiss me! Haven't seen a smile of relief like that in some time!

Rant on!
There are lots of reasons for people to want a particular room/view. IMHO, way too many believe it's an entitlement and get downright nasty when they don't get what they want. I really wish Disney would stand up to these people. In some ways, I think Disney's policy of "giving in" has contributed to many people's sense of entitlement.
Rant off.

Thanks for reading.

 

[jaysue]

I wonder if the people who make a scene when they do not get their requests are the same people that hog the pool chairs

Anyways, the only thing I ever request is "non-smoking" at any resort I go to. It has been rare for me to be disappointed with the room I get. I am quite polite and friendly at the check-in desk and when I do reservations with CRO/WDTC and soon to be MS as well.

Not sure if it matters or not but honey attracts flies.....

I found the story about getting the opposite rather funny. As a member of the male species I agree with your DH - try asking for what you do not want and you might get what you want

Thanks
Jason

 

[Pa@okw95]

I think the only request they should honor is "non-smoking", after that everthing else should be a big question mark. Like someone said I think people are driving them nuts with requests. As far as the trial thing, I believe it depends on which way the wind is blowing when you check in. I really don't beieve there is any set arrangement that they stick to.

 

[colleen costello]

After "non smoking" or "ground floor necessary" (for grandparents, at OKW only) I would take anything BUT I draw the line at the infamous dumpster view room at the Wilderness Lodge Villas. Not so much the view but the "beepbeeps" as the trucks come early every morning... Ugh! That room should be less points! I guess my request would be "Please not the dumpster room!"

 

[Cruelladeville]

I agree!! That dumpster room should only be worth 1/2 the points of the other rooms! The same goes for the preferred rooms at BWV that overlook the back of the red building and their dumpster! when I request a room, I always tell them what I DON'T want, and overlooking another building or a dumpster is definitely on my list of bad rooms.

 

[jimmytammy]

That dumpster rm. is it a studio, a 1 bed, 2 bed? Just wondering since I had a couple requests ( cause thats probably the one I will get ).

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
I think the only request they should honor is "non-smoking", after that everthing else should be a big question mark. Like someone said I think people are driving them nuts with requests.

I certainly hope you never have a request that is due to medical concerns. I request 1. non-smoking & 2. first floor &/or elevator building - both for medical reasons. I have been told by my doctor not to do stairs (for medical reasons). DVC has always been very accomodating.

I mention this because there are valid reasons for putting in requests. However, from talking to DVC managers, I do realize that some members' requests can be somewhat unrealistic/difficult to fulfill.

 

[colleen costello]

JudithM, of course you are right and this is only an issue at OKW. I always ask for "ground floor medical reasons" when traveling with my parents and we have always gotten it. My parents will probably always pick OKW because of the layout. Too much walking at Boardwalk, Wilderness Lodge and Beach Club no matter WHERE you request!

 

[CK1]

We always request NS and more recently, no handicapped room. It never occurred to us until we read some threads about folks getting HC rooms that this could happen. Trouble is, when you have small children, having all the "tools" at their level is NOT a good thing! I prefer that stove knobs and such be at typical heights, not put at easy access for my toddler...

As for other requests, it does floor me what some folks will put down. At OKW, our requests never seemed to matter -- we must have "TURTLE POND ONLY" written on our permanent record. It's gotten to be a running joke with my dh and I. We would ride the bus past other parts of OKW and say, "Hmmmm, wonder what it's like to stay there? Alas, as a TPO, we'll never know....." THe only parts of our requests that have been consistently met are the NS and no HC, or getting grd floor one time when we had an infant with us and didn't want to lug a stroller upstairs and my 73 yr old mom was with us also. So I guess the important needs were met! I have to say that for more frivolous requests (like pool view, location, etc) we had better luck at VWL (or so it seemed!)


Cindy (who would love to be at TP right now instead of her computer!)

 

[Claudia1]

Over the years, I have seen a change, too. It used to be that you could request a specific area and get it. Now, too many people are requesting the same thing and it is logicistically impossible.

We only make requests now that have solid reasons, like no smoking. When our DGD was 4 months old, we were scheduled to arrive at BWV around 1pm. I made a simple request (5 days in advance) for the first available 2-BR. Location was not as important as getting in as soon as possible for naptime. We were thrilled to get in before 3pm and the villa was ready!

IMHO, they appear to be accomdating specific reasons, not specific location requests.

(..... and I understand why......)

 

[spiceycat]

I don't know about OKW - when I requested (as always) water view, near a quiet pool - they did not have me near anything - this was a very difficult manager - he refuses to allow the front desk clerk to move me - although she say there were rooms availability that meet my request - oh yes I got there at 7:00am - he also stated that I had no request - despite me showing him on my confirmation the request that I made at 11 months.

So I fax now and get what I want - if the managers are tire of people faxing request - they should honor the request make at 11 months and unless you fax they don't. this has been my experience yours may be different.