Why does MS want an address for everyone?

[deedeetoo]

We just made reservations for our trip next summer. My Mom is coming with us (as she usually does) and MS asked what her address was. I lied and said that she lived with us. I don't want to contribute to her getting junk mail so I thought there was no reason for her address to be given to them. Why would they want her address? Does it matter that I didn't give it to them?

 

[Brian Noble]

I'm guessing that it's for Disney's fancy-shmancy new Cutomer Relations software. It was just rolled out at CRO within the last year or two, and I would not be surprised to see it extended to DVC as well.

The Mouse's ultimate goal is to be able to track every penny of spending you've ever done---this allows them to make more targeted offers, e.g. the recent merchandise credit offer made to "big spenders".

 

[drusba]

Actually, it was one security measure recommended that hotels should follow by Homeland Security after 9/11.

 

[deedeetoo]

Actually, it was one security measure recommended that hotels should follow by Homeland Security after 9/11.

Sorry but this makes no sense. Unless they verify everything at check-in, asking for it over the phone does nothing for security. They don't have my mom's address and they don't know they don't have it. Will they ask for her ID at check-in to verify that her address matches ours? They've never done this before.

 

[ILIKEWDW]

Yes, just wonder in how many are being honest providing guests addresses......................

 

[drusba]

Sorry but this makes no sense. Unless they verify everything at check-in, asking for it over the phone does nothing for security. They don't have my mom's address and they don't know they don't have it. Will they ask for her ID at check-in to verify that her address matches ours? They've never done this before.

No, they won't ask her to verify address at check-in. However, the recommendation had valid reasons, including: (a) provides additional contact info in the event guests are injured or killed in an event; (b) provides information that can be used to narrow the potential list of persons of interest either following an event or in case an actual threat of an event is made.

 

[wilma-bride]

I don't remember having to provide my in-laws address when I made the reservations for our April stay this year

I must admit, this has me a little confused as well. I can understand that they would want the address if you were booking a separate villa for someone else but I'm not sure why, if they're staying in the same unit as you.

 

[Tozzie]

I just made a reservation yesterday for next October and I have my sister, niece and nephew on the reservataion and I wasn't asked for their address

 

[mjy]

I don't remember having to provide my in-laws address when I made the reservations for our April stay this year

I must admit, this has me a little confused as well. I can understand that they would want the address if you were booking a separate villa for someone else but I'm not sure why, if they're staying in the same unit as you.

There are many people who book multiple people into their units and who also arrive at different times. If you are all arriving together, it wouldn't be as much an issue.

However, if someone listed on your reservation has an earlier flight/arrival time, they need to check in under their own driver's license information. That would be one reason to ask for the addresses of people included on the same reservation, I would think . . .

 

[JCLNJ]

when I made a recent reservation I was asked for the address of people who had a different last name. I was told this was a security issue so they knew who was there in case something did happen.

 

[LargoLori]

Actually, it was one security measure recommended that hotels should follow by Homeland Security after 9/11.

This was the answer I was given when I asked.

 

[pyrxtc]

I'm not sure of the official reason but my sister's have gotten so much Dinsey mail since I booked that they have e-mailed me about it.

 

[bookwormde]

I have searched the DHS site and have found not references to “hotel registration” so until someone finds a link to the policy I give that “excuse” little consideration. Some states/localities require this information for accountability information for emergency services (in the event of a serious fire) but I have never done it in FL. For the most part I assume it is for internal use and marketing.

bookwormde

 

[crisi]

I have searched the DHS site and have found not references to “hotel registration” so until someone finds a link to the policy I give that “excuse” little consideration. Some states/localities require this information for accountability information for emergency services (in the event of a serious fire) but I have never done it in FL. For the most part I assume it is for internal use and marketing.

bookwormde

They didn't say homeland security recommended it - just that it was a recommended security measure. My firm, and many others, hired private security consultants to review policy and procedure after 9/11.

 

[Tozzie]

They didn't say homeland security recommended it - just that it was a recommended security measure. My firm, and many others, hired private security consultants to review policy and procedure after 9/11.

Actually the OP did state it was recommended by Homeland Security. I personally think it is for marketing purposes.

 

[DebbieB]

Actually the OP did state it was recommended by Homeland Security. I personally think it is for marketing purposes.

I agree. I added a friend at the front desk in June, they didn't ask for her address. If it was homeland security, they would be sure to get it. Plus they don't ask for ID to verify it (except the lead name), so if someone was trying to get around "homeland security", they could just make something up, defeating the purpose.

 

[Mtnman44]

Actually the OP did state it was recommended by Homeland Security. I personally think it is for marketing purposes.

Homeland securty....? LOL

Marketing purposes....? BINGO!

I don't even give my kids real names. If I don't intend on using EMH and don't need keys for eveyone, they are not even listed on teh reservation. I'm a pretty aggressive privacy person. I never give more info than is actually needed, to anyone! You should see me in the Dr. Office when they ask for my SS#. Once at the Vet, the form wanted my DL# ???????

 

[jaurban]

I was never asked for this info when I booked for us and BILs family - in one 2BR - but we all have the same last name, which could be why.

 

[wilma-bride]

Well, I made our October 09 reservation today - a 2-bed for us and studio for our friends and MS did ask for our friends' address.