[MerlinMatt]

I read this on Mousesaver.com and I wondered if anyone has tried to really push the envelop?

Apparently, it's an acceptable practive to send a fax to your resort 3 or 4 days prior to arrival to make room requests, such as time of checkin (if early), desired room location, room layout (2 queens or one king), etc.

But what about pre-checking in? We're taking a town-car from the airport and Quicksilver lets you use their cell phone for a 10 minute local call.

Has anyone ever tried to call the resort and say, "we'll be there in 20 minutes, could you please begin the checkin process including printing out our PS reservations?" or something like that?

[dznygrl]

I've never called ahead prior to check-in, but myself and quite a few of us here have faxed in requests to the resorts a few days ahead of time.

Last year, before our September trip to All-Star Movies, I faxed in a request exactly one week ahead of time. I was pretty picky in my room request, but very polite and thankful.

I asked for:
1) Fantasia Building 5
2) 2nd story or higher
3) non-smoking
4) pool view

It was worth it, because the CM had my fax in her hand when we checked in, and they'd picked out the perfect room for us, exactly what we asked for! No problem at all.

And as for calling the resort while you're on your way, it's definitely worth a shot! Can't hurt. The worst they could do is say no. But Disney is pretty accommodating!

[tinkerbell]

In March we had 5 nights ..but due to DH getting sick on the drive down .. we stopped sooner then planned which put us near WDW sooner the next day .. Sooo i went in the WDW Welcome Center in Ocala and got a room for that night. I think there is a real good chance that unless the resort is totally booked ..you can get a room by phone a day early.. oh and Ocala isnt 20 minutes away ..its an hour away ..but still we had no problem .. even activated our AP's there at the same time (read my trip report Hint hint )

[downsouthtigger]

I cant request anything!!!:cry:
Being a Cm means I can ask for waterview or kingsized bed, but I can't ask for a specific room.
So now I have a room at PO-FQ, but I don't know where.....
Oh well it makes sense though, guests are top priority and they get first pick.
See there are some drawbacks to being a CM!!!

[downsouthtigger]

Originally posted by Tinkerbell
Sooo i went in the WDW Welcome Center in Ocala and got a room for that night

Tink I'm sorry youre DH got sick, I would hate to get sick on the drive down, but I think aside from going stir cray 8 hours in the car isn't bad!
could you clarify, did you stay the night in ocala or did you make it wdw?? The wording is throwing me off, plus if you made it to ocala I know the draw of wdw could keep you in the car another 2 hours.

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by downsouthtigger
Tink I'm sorry youre DH got sick, I would hate to get sick on the drive down, but I think aside from going stir cray 8 hours in the car isn't bad!
could you clarify, did you stay the night in ocala or did you make it wdw?? The wording is throwing me off, plus if you made it to ocala I know the draw of wdw could keep you in the car another 2 hours.

lol sorry .. we got a room at the Pop Century .. when we stopped at the Welcome Center in Ocala :) for that night, turning our 5 night stay in to a six night stay at P.C.

hey and 8 hours would be nothing .. our drive takes between 14 and sometimes 17 hours ..depending on stops :)

[mickaholic4077]

I faxed a letter to AKL 5 nights before my stay requesting an upgrade and got it,but I never considered calling and saying words to the effect of what you said. Who knows,maybe it might work!!

[cindy1970]

My husband is a cast member and I am a travel agent but I plan to put in a request for a high floor away from atrium area at WL. Last year they were very accomodating. I don't care that much what we get but being away from the atrium is nice. it is too loud over there. It is hard to sell a property too when they give you a bad room. Being a travel agent you either get the best or the worst sometimes. usually the worst.

[brumcg]

To show that your mileage may vary, we've stayed at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge 3 straight years. The first 2 years I faxed requests - mostly regarding room location - and didn't get them. This year we didn't fax and, of course, we got the absolute perfect room.

Bruce

[LAURENGOLD]

Originally posted by brumcg
To show that your mileage may vary, we've stayed at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge 3 straight years. The first 2 years I faxed requests - mostly regarding room location - and didn't get them. This year we didn't fax and, of course, we got the absolute perfect room.

Bruce

Hey!!!!

The same thing has happened to me!!!! At CBR, I was pretty specific about what I wanted, didnt' get it . When I've made just "general" requests...close to food court, pool, etc...we had AWESOME rooms!!!

For our trip in May, I've done the same, general requests.....who know's??? Time will tell.....

[disneyguy]

I think with introduction of the Value's and HUGE resorts they are looking at the faxes less and less. I just put a note on our reservation and got everything we asked for. However next time I will be more specific. I didn't really like where we were BUT technically I did ask for it.

[BuzzLightyear]

Originally posted by brumcg
To show that your mileage may vary, we've stayed at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge 3 straight years. The first 2 years I faxed requests - mostly regarding room location - and didn't get them. This year we didn't fax and, of course, we got the absolute perfect room.

Bruce

LOL. Now that figures!

I am going to go with the general requests that are already on my reservation this time.
The fax thing worked one time for us and didn't work the next.
I'll let you all know what happens this time.

[WVWISEGUY]

twice I have faxed asking for general things.

Last summer, we stayed at the Poly and I had requested a room with a nice view and close to the Great Ceremonial House due to leg injury. Got a room in Figi that had a great view of the marina and you could see the Contemporary and monorail across the lake, and it was close to the GCH. Also, mentioned in the fax that wew were celebrating our anniversary while at WDW, and we received a very nice gift basket with goodies and a rose.

This past March, we were staying in the Pop Century, and requested a room near the bus stops. Got a great room in the 70's close to buses and the main building.

Also, my parents went in March and stayed in the Poly and I faxed request for them and they received room in same area we were in last summer.

In all instances, I explained why I was making the requests and this may help.

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by WVWISEGUY

Also, mentioned in the fax that wew were celebrating our anniversary while at WDW, and we received a very nice gift basket with goodies and a rose.

Well, we're staying at the All-Stars, so I won't expect a goodie basket for my son (who's birthday is the day before we check in)
All I want is for the CM to indicate that Mickey had left a birthday wish in the computer. I think both my kids would get a kick out of that.

[DisneyTeacher]

I have no idea if this is true but I read some place that WL is no longer accepting room requests by fax. I understand if that is true, each resort must gets hundreds each week. We have been lucky, we have never requested anything but a non-smoking room and have been ugraded for free all but one time.