Location Requests at SSR

[carolina_yankee]

We have two specific requests for our upcoming trip to SSR that are kind of important (but not getting them wouldn't bus the experience either). They are:

1.) Arriving Saturday, 11/25 - requesting Springs. We will already be on property, so we plan to check in early in the AM. Honestly, we couldn't care where we are, but our concerns are related to #2.

2.) friends arriving Sunday, 11/26 (on our points) requesting both Springs AND close proximity to our location. Both rooms are studios. Ditto regarding check-in - they will already be on property, so can check in early in the morning. This location is more important to them since walking long distances outside of their parks is not their Happy Place.

Congress Park would be an acceptable alternative, because of DD views.

The questions:
If SSR assigns rooms based on room-ready at time of check-in, then is there even any point to noting these requests on the ressies?

Does early check-in help our cases?

Will SSR really be able to get the two studios close to each other since we are checking in on seperate days? It is T'giving Weekend, but I"m thinking there will be massive departure on Sunday, 11/26, and likely some even on 11/25.

I'm asking because of I've never had a room request denied on cash reservations in the resorts, but I've never gotten a location request on a DVC reservation (and our requests are always minimal). Any advice?

Dirk

[tjkraz]

If SSR assigns rooms based on room-ready at time of check-in, then is there even any point to noting these requests on the ressies?

I think it makes sense to include the requests. If you happen to run into an apathetic CM (we all know they are out there), he/she could just assign you to a room without even presenting options, and then do the "sorry, that's all we have available" routine when questioned.

I've also heard there are times--usually during high-occupancy periods--when they revert back to pre-assigning rooms.

Does early check-in help our cases?

Absolutely. I've always viewed the Room Ready system as having two phases. First they will try to put you in an open room (a "ready" room) that meets your requests. We've had CMs show us a map and point out the exact location of the available rooms and let us make our own choice.

If nothing is available or if the available rooms aren't quite what you are hoping for, they will look at all rooms which will open that day.

Bottom line: The inventory slowly decreases over the course of the day. Get there early to have the best choice.

Will SSR really be able to get the two studios close to each other since we are checking in on seperate days?

Hard telling. Sunday is a big check-in day so there are usually a lot of rooms unoccupied at the start of the day. But The Springs is also very popular. I requested The Springs for a May reservation and we arrived around 11am, but they didn't have anything opening up in The Springs that day. Ours was a mid-week check-in.

DVC can probably assist with the best method of phrasing the requests. I was thinking perhaps it would make the most sense to list "The Springs" on just YOUR reservation and then on the second ressie just put that they want to be as close to you as possible. If you put "The Springs" on both, there's always a chance that you could end up in Congress Park (due to lack of availability in The Springs), while your guests get pre-assigned to a room in The Springs for their Sunday arrival.

I'm asking because of I've never had a room request denied on cash reservations in the resorts, but I've never gotten a location request on a DVC reservation (and our requests are always minimal). Any advice?

Cash resorts average occpancy of less than 90% over the course of the year. Thus each resort has dozens or hundreds of empty rooms on any given night. They have a lot more flexibility in getting parties grouped together and meeting guest requests. DVC is designed to be near 100% year-round which leads to less flexibility.

Also, I doubt your typical "let's go to Disney World" family in 2006 is going to do enough research to formulate specific requests. I don't recall ever putting anything other than "non-smoking" on our reservation until we were DVC members. I think it's reasonable to conclude that DVC members are a lot more in-tune with their resorts than cash guests. DVC members know what to ask for, and unfortunately there are often more requests than rooms available when it comes to location-specific assignments.

[carolina_yankee]

I think it makes sense to include the requests. If you happen to run into an apathetic CM (we all know they are out there), he/she could just assign you to a room without even presenting options, and then do the "sorry, that's all we have available" routine when questioned.

I've also heard there are times--usually during high-occupancy periods--when they revert back to pre-assigning rooms.
That's good to know. I'll definitely list them, then.

DVC can probably assist with the best method of phrasing the requests. I was thinking perhaps it would make the most sense to list "The Springs" on just YOUR reservation and then on the second ressie just put that they want to be as close to you as possible. If you put "The Springs" on both, there's always a chance that you could end up in Congress Park (due to lack of availability in The Springs), while your guests get pre-assigned to a room in The Springs for their Sunday arrival.
That's a great idea - I hadn't thought of that.

I could even ask at check-in what the likelihood would be of a nearby studio the next day, and have them assign us to Springs or Congress Park (if available) based on the answer. Personally, I'm just as happy in Paddock, but I know the walk to pool and Artist's Pallete will frustrate the guests (yet they walk miles in the parks, go figure!)

Thanks for the feedback, Tim!

Dirk

[Leftcoaster]

I think you would be able to get your request of having the second room close to yours. Here's how I would handle it:

On the day your guests arrive, go ahead and check in for them (in case you are up and awake before they arrive). While you arechecking them in, tell the CM what you are trying to accomplish and usually they will work with you. They'll even find something in the same building or pull out a map and show you what buildings have rooms available. If you'll still be asleep when your guests arrive, make sure they know where your room is and what to look for on the map so they are as close as possible to you
Now, it'll be OK to have them wait for a room. Since you'll already be checked in, your guests can use your room to freshen up, etc.

[carolina_yankee]

They'll be coming from AmeriSuites off-site, and aren't morning people, so I'll definitely be the first up. I guess I can check them since they're my points anyway!! They'll already have their tickets, so they can just add a card for incidentals later in the day.

Thanks!

Dirk

[Leftcoaster]

They'll be coming from AmeriSuites off-site, and aren't morning people, so I'll definitely be the first up. I guess I can check them since they're my points anyway!! They'll already have their tickets, so they can just add a card for incidentals later in the day.

Thanks!

Dirk

and I have no actualy experience with that time but, I think your assumption is right that a lot of people will be returning home from the Thanksgiving weekend.
And of course, sometimes it's just luck of the draw.
When I was there for the EE preview, we arrived on a Sunday morning around 6:30. We had taken a red eye from the west coast. So, the IMPORTANT factor was getting a room that was immediately available. Our room was in The Springs, in the building across from the High Rock Springs and next to the bus stop. I couldn't have requested a better location.

[TW1]

My guide always gets me the rooms I request.

I think you need a new guide.

[tjkraz]

For what it's worth, if you're interested in minimizing walking time, some of the buildings in The Paddock might be worth considering before Congress Park.

Here's a link to the map:

http://www.mouseowners.com/images/SSRBigMap.JPG

With that bridge across the water, the building numbered 5501-5836 looks to be just as close a the Springs building 3101-3436. Even the other two Paddock buildings to the right would only be a minute or two further away. And, from a perceptual standpoint, at least the pool complex is right in front of you as you're walking toward it. From Congress Park you can't even see the pool until you are right on top of it, often giving the impression that the distance is much longer than it really is.

The walk from CP to Downtown Disney is a nice convenience, but irrelevant if your guests aren't going to make use of it.

[carolina_yankee]

I see what you're saying, but I'm not sure I agree about the distances. We had a studio (5505) which was near the far corner of 5501-5836 bldg, so we know the walk. I loved it - it was nice to go across the bridge, and I think the Paddock quiet pool has a really nice neo-classical quietness that reminds me, strangely of Hearst's Castle in San Simeon. The bus stop is very convenient, too. I do think even the further Springs building is closer, however I like the environment of the Paddock better than the Springs, unless we get the 4101/3501 buildings.

I hadn't though about the hill aspect from Congress Park - while I think they would enjoy the DD view, the hill would be a further deterrent. I may just request Springs as first choise on my ressie, and have noted on their ressie to be near us. Then, since we'll check in early on Saturday, I can see what they think they'll be able to do for overall location. I certainly wouldn't complain if we got Paddock 5501 or 5101 buildings.

(Why can't they give numbers to the buildings like at PO-R?!! Or even names, like Polynesian? Maybe famous horses who've won their races.)

Dirk

[carolina_yankee]

My guide always gets me the rooms I request.

I think you need a new guide.
And

You're kidding me.

My guide arranges for the boat to be there whenever we need it.

Sounds like you need a new guide.
Plus
My guide sends me new pins as they hit the markets.

Sounds like you need a new guide.
Then, there's
All your email had was a reminder about upcoming events?

Mine had a coupon to print our for a free AP and a free plush Mickey at WoD.

You all need new guides.
You know, you're guide must be Bob Iger!! If he can get me a Southwest ding fare for my dates from Philly, I'll switch guides!!

Dirk

[nono]

My advice is pray, pray, pray, that the SSR folks weren't trained by the jokers assigning rooms at OKW. Last week, we had 3 villas arriving on 3 dates and were fed more B.S. than a mushroom in Kennett Square, PA about room assignments! I think it would have been technically impossible to assign 3 rooms further apart. But I haven't measured it out yet. :hahahaha: We've decided to no longer link our reservations together at OKW for future visits and simply negotiate at check in...having the linkage seemed to have the opposite of the intended effect. :tearsaref

[carolina_yankee]

Thanks for the heads up! It sounds like my simple desire to have 2 rooms close to each other might have the makings of a very interesting trip report anecdote!!

Fortunately, I'm going to be happy with whatever happens, and my guests are staying on my points, so they don't get to be unhappy!!

Dirk

[Leftcoaster]

My advice is pray, pray, pray, that the SSR folks weren't trained by the jokers assigning rooms at OKW. Last week, we had 3 villas arriving on 3 dates and were fed more B.S. than a mushroom in Kennett Square, PA about room assignments! I think it would have been technically impossible to assign 3 rooms further apart. But I haven't measured it out yet. :hahahaha: We've decided to no longer link our reservations together at OKW for future visits and simply negotiate at check in...having the linkage seemed to have the opposite of the intended effect. :tearsaref


nono, I'll say it for TW1....
TW1's guide gets him rooms next to each other complete with a bucket of champagne. You need a new guide. ;)

[nono]

nono, I'll say it for TW1....
TW1's guide gets him rooms next to each other complete with a bucket of champagne. You need a new guide. ;)

Don't you know it! My former guide (the one who called, etc) was just recently replaced. :hahahaha:

[Rozzie]

(Why can't they give numbers to the buildings like at PO-R?!! Or even names, like Polynesian? Maybe famous horses who've won their races.)

Dirk

OM Gosh, this is the coolest idea! :bowdown:

But do you think they would honor Seabiscuit? (the greatest thing that has ever walked the planet, maybe I'm biased, since I have a custom framed portrait of him in my Living room staring at me as I type :slyasafox, and and yeah, I was a Seabiscuit fan before Spidey rode him! :hahahaha: )

I would like to stay in John Henry (the irony of staying in a Gelding), but as a 2nd request would take Winning Colors, since she kicked the boys a....butt. So wonder which building would hold the beloved name of Big Red......as long as I don't get War Admiral, I'd be happy with my request! :)


Btw Dirk, You have definately peaked my curiousity on the Paddocks. I always thought they looked nice, minus the few of them that have road views.

[tjkraz]

Why can't they give numbers to the buildings like at PO-R?!!

Got me. :idontgeti

Although the current system does lead to quite a bit of amusement on my part. I've seen people ask "what building should I request", only to have others respond with something like "ask for building 15." Well, on the current map, all 4 buildings in Congress Park have map coordinate 15. :)

I've even seen people take it one step further. One woman said their party got lost and stopped a CM to ask where to find building 15. The CM pointed them toward Congress Park (and perhaps even gestured toward the right building out of the 4), so clearly there MUST be a single "Building 15", right? Right? (Naah!)

[carolina_yankee]

OM Gosh, this is the coolest idea! :bowdown:

But do you think they would honor Seabiscuit? (the greatest thing that has ever walked the planet, maybe I'm biased, since I have a custom framed portrait of him in my Living room staring at me as I type :slyasafox, and and yeah, I was a Seabiscuit fan before Spidey rode him! :hahahaha: )

I would like to stay in John Henry (the irony of staying in a Gelding), but as a 2nd request would take Winning Colors, since she kicked the boys a....butt. So wonder which building would hold the beloved name of Big Red......as long as I don't get War Admiral, I'd be happy with my request! :)


Btw Dirk, You have definately peaked my curiousity on the Paddocks. I always thought they looked nice, minus the few of them that have road views.
Well - clearly this has struck a chord with you! We should start a petition . . .

As for the Paddocks, I defnitely don't want to look at the street or parking lot out of a studio window or balcony (I wonder if any studios even face that way), but I really don't mind the area. The fire station across the road is so creatively designed, it's fun to look at.

http://www.reedycreek.org/images/station4_day_lg.gif

http://www.reedycreek.org/images/station-4_night_lg.gif
Photos courtesy of http://www.reedycreek.org/photogallery.html

[Leftcoaster]

Well - clearly this has struck a chord with you! We should start a petition . . .

As for the Paddocks, I defnitely don't want to look at the street or parking lot out of a studio window or balcony (I wonder if any studios even face that way), but I really don't mind the area. The fire station across the road is so creatively designed, it's fun to look at.




You may begin that petition AFTER we get the duvets into the resorts.

[Rozzie]

You may begin that petition AFTER we get the duvets into the resorts.

Changing the World one petition at a time!! :lmbo:

[TW1]

TW1's guide gets him rooms next to each other complete with a bucket of champagne. You need a new guide. ;)
And a duvet.

Dirk, I'll call and ask about that Ding fare.

My guide usually works that out for me, maybe he can help a friend in need.

(you really need a new guide.)

[carolina_yankee]

And a duvet.

Dirk, I'll call and ask about that Ding fare.

Tell Mr. Iger we think he's doing a great job!

Dirk

[Leftcoaster]

And a duvet.

Dirk, I'll call and ask about that Ding fare.

My guide usually works that out for me, maybe he can help a friend in need.

(you really need a new guide.)


Who's your guide? With the Duvet and the Ding fares, I want your guide.

[carolina_yankee]

don't you think a really good guide would also make sure your room is stocked with starbucks instead of the crappy nescafe coffee packets? I don't think TW1 mentioned that . . .

Dirk

[TW1]

don't you think a really good guide would also make sure your room is stocked with starbucks instead of the crappy nescafe coffee packets? I don't think TW1 mentioned that . . .But of course...but I don't want to brag.

Oh, and did I mention the Yuenglings in the fridge?