Room Selection

[tndr_cpl]

We went to DRM for the first time last year. We went to DLC a number of years in October (apparently one of the few busy times each year) before it closed and almost always were able to get a room in the area we wanted if we sent in a request ahead of time. When DLC closed we were given the option to move our reservations to DRM and we are more than happy that we took advantage. We just showed up and they assigned us a room.

We are wondering if anyone has any tips on the best way to get a specific room we'd like to have. Does it actually do any good to request ahead etc? Thanks for your help Rich (and Linda)

[scottish_couple]

We have previously asked via the online contact form for a specific Passion suite and they have given it to us.
Last week when we arrived I wanted to be in the 1100 block of passion suites and they gave us that also.
If the room\area you want to be in is available then I think they would give it to you.

[Gemini Rose]

We have asked for a specific room when we do the express check-in. We've always gotten it.

[desireaddict]

What's the procedure for express check in?
(Over a dozen trip, we should know this by now!)

[CokeMann]

What's the procedure for express check in?
(Over a dozen trip, we should know this by now!)

First, you can't use the on line Express Check In form unless you are within a two week window of arrival, but filling it out is easy

[TandD]

What's the procedure for express check in?
(Over a dozen trip, we should know this by now!)

First, you can't use the on line Express Check In form unless you are within a two week window of arrival, but filling it out is easy

I just did this but I don't know if it went through. I filled out the form and hit the Submit button but all I got was a page refresh. Normally, you would get a "Thank You" type of page or something like that. I didn't see any warnings about missing information either. I also didn't get any kind of email confirmation of my express checkin so I can't tell if they actually got it.

Is that how it worked for those who have done it or should I try again?

Edit: Also, is there a room I should request? I've never been before so I don't know anything about room pros and cons. I have a regular Ocean View room. Should I request something specific?

[CokeMann]

Generally they send a email confirmation/thank you - can take some hours thou, also check your spam folder

They had some issues with their auto email a while ago, so even if you don't get the confirmation they probably have your express check in info now

[miranda2]

One thing to note is that, although you request a specific room, you aren't necessarily going to get it. We have been to DRM a number of times and always 'ball park' the area we prefer to be in, stating that we really enjoyed such and such a room on previous occasions.

Here's our 'not so great' story about our last visit.

We arrived late due to flight delays and the resort had given away the room they had scheduled us to be in (we requested in advance and they had it booked for us and it was the one we wanted).

They put us in a beautiful 'ocean view' room, but told us that we could only stay one night and either: A). pay extra for the upgrade if we wanted that room for the week or B). move to a garden view room the next day (not the one they had originally booked us into but had given away to someone else for the week).

We opted to move to a different room, rather than pay the extra for the 'ocean view'.

So, they put us into a little tiny room as it was the only one available for the week (we were there during a take-over). It virtually had no windows , barely housed the bed, the set of drawers and the TV cabinet. Sometimes we would come back to the room and we couldn't open the door because the bed was in the way due to the maid making our bed and having to move the mattress to do so.

One thing it did have going for it was that it had it's own private balcony oh, and it was close to the lobby bar so it was convenient in that respect.

Oh, and in answer to your question - I don't know if we have ever gotten and confirmation that they got our request but if we have, they basically say they will see what they can do - no guarantees.

And just for your info as well, Ocean View can mean all sorts of things. Your room can be facing the ocean but the palm trees may be in your way. You won't necessarily have your own private balcony - most balconies are shared, and you won't be sitting in your room, viewing the ocean - there aren't really any windows facing that way. The ground floor rooms have a nice patio you can sit out on (shared as well) and enjoy your view.