Disney World’s Hotel Cast Members are renowned for their excellent customer service and helpful disposition. However, just under the surface, there are some things they’re often biting their tongues to stop from saying.
©Disney
From dining to luggage to check-in and check-out issues, Disney Hotel Cast Members are often dealing with situations that they have no control over, though some guests simply ignore that. These are some of the thoughts running through their heads.
“A Hotel Stay Doesn’t Equal Dining Reservations”
While many guests may think that staying at a certain Disney hotel may give them priority access to that hotel’s restaurants and dining offerings, that’s simply not the case. A guest staying at, say, the Polynesian still has to book ‘Ohana reservations the same way as anyone else. However, that doesn’t stop sometimes irate guests from taking it out on Cast Members if they’re unable to get the dining of their choosing.
Grilled chicken
“Only Bell Service has Luggage Information”
While Disney Hotel Cast Members often have a wealth of information, one thing even front desk workers don’t have access to is luggage information, all of which is handled by the hotel’s Bell Services.
Bell Services at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
“Magical Moments are Not Guaranteed, Especially if You Ask. “
Many Disney fans are familiar with the concept of “Magical Moments” — usually small gestures from Cast Members that make a Disney fan’s day more — well — magical. When it comes to hotels, this could be something small, like giving you an extra treat with your Mobile Order or even sending a gift to your room.
Cast Members love to celebrate YOU!
While it is fun for Cast Members to create magic like this, asking for a Magical Moment takes away the fun. Additionally, a Cast Member must run a Magical Moment by leadership first, so it is not always up to the actual Cast Member to decide whether they can purchase something or not.
“Eat Before You Leave the Park.”
Most dining locations at Disney World hotels, such as the quick service areas, pool bars, and restaurants, close before most late-night guests have gotten back from their park of choice. While this is overall an issue Disney should probably adjust, it’s also a scheduling decision far above the heads of the Cast Members working at the hotel.
Everything POP!
“No, Your Room’s Not Ready Yet.”
Don’t expect a room to be ready before 3:00 PM (or 4:00 PM for DVC villas). Guests often show up early, usually from Orlando International Airport (MCO), and sometimes get mad when rooms aren’t ready. While it’s understandable, it’s not fair to take it out on Cast Members, especially since the 3:00 PM time is made clear during the check-in process.
Your room may not be ready when you arrive
“You Need to Check Out On Time.”
Moving from arrival to departure, Disney’s checkout policy is pretty strict, with guests expected to be out of their rooms and automatically checked out by 11:00 AM. Late check-out requests are at the full discretion of the housekeeping team and are usually reviewed the day of, once they have an idea of staffing for the day, but typically nothing later than 12:30 PM is approved.
©Disney
“I Need to See the Person Who Made the Reservation.”
Only the guests listed on the reservation can check in for a given reservation or get keycards for the associated room. This applies even if someone staying in a different room is paying for it all. In fact, Disney’s system doesn’t tell Cast Members the names on the credit card that paid for the room.
Coronado Springs Resort Room
Next time you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, be sure to keep these things in mind… because the Cast Member you’re speaking to almost assuredly does. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World and its Cast Members.
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When given the opportunity at booking, it will ask special requests. You can say at that time you’ll be there before 3 pm. My room has always been ready early as a result. If I do get there early, I just hang out around the amenities. I’ve never verbally assaulted any cast member like I see today. It’s really sad. And btw, they have no way of monitoring name on reservation with their digital room keys now. If you don’t check in with desk and lay low, they have no clue as to who’s in the room.