5 people in a 4 person room

[Charleston Zurg]

We just decided to take a trip over Thanksgiving week. My 8 year old daughter has a friend who lives in Orlando so we invited her to stay with us for two nights. I have tried to get a room at PORS that sleeps five. However, trying to use a military discount there are none. So I went ahead and booked a room for four. It is not in our budget to move to a Dlx or any other hotel on WDW property that sleeps five. I plan on calling back on a regular basis to see if a discounted room will open up. If I am not able to get a room that sleeps five should I ask when we check in to see what they suggest or just let it ride and see what happens?

Thanks for you help.

 

[KatMark]

That really is a personal decision. If you get caught with five in a room, you could be asked to leave. They have these rules in effect because of fire codes, etc. Also, the fifth person in the room will not be able to take advantage of the ME, extra magic hours, etc., if you do not admit in your room.

 

[maxiesmom]

Having 5 in a 4 person room will cause you problems. One person won't be able to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. Housekeeping will not give you bedding for a 5th person, and may in fact report you, which would mean you would either be asked to leave or made to get another room at rack rate.

Have you looked into getting 2 value rooms? Or even checked out some off site resorts?

 

[Lynne M]

You might want to check availability at the values. A family suite at ASMu would comfortably and 'legally' fit your party, and wouldn't cost much more than a room at POR. Two rooms at a value would also be in that same price range.

If you ask at check-in, they're going to tell you that you're not permitted to have a fifth person in the room, as it would be a violation of the fire code. Once a CM has been informed of this, they're almost duty-bound to require you to pay for a second room, or to move to another resort that has rooms for 5. You'd have to pay the difference in cost.

I think you'd be much better off changing your reservation now; you'll have a much better shot at finding availability in your price range.

 

[RMulieri]

Having 5 in a 4 person room will cause you problems. One person won't be able to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. Housekeeping will not give you bedding for a 5th person, and may in fact report you, which would mean you would either be asked to leave or made to get another room at rack rate.

Have you looked into getting 2 value rooms? Or even checked out some off site resorts?

This is correct..You are opening yourself up for a host of problems.

 

[aidtrismommy]

Rules are rules for a reason.

 

[Charleston Zurg]

Thanks for the input everyone. I just got off of the phone and made my reservations at PORS. Before I called to make my ressies, I called PORS and explained my situtation to them. The lady I spoke with was very nice and basically told me that having an extra person in the room in not allowed. However, since it is only for two days and is a child she did not see it being a problem she even told me to just request some extra pillows and sheets for the extra child to sleep on.

I realize that I am taking a very small risk doing this, however, the way the she talked Disney knows that people do it all the time and as long as they dont go overboard with people in the room it is no big deal.

So I guess we will just have to wait and see what happends. In the mean time I will continue to call to see if a room that sleeps 5 will open up.

 

[CleveRocks]

Thanks for the input everyone. I just got off of the phone and made my reservations at PORS. Before I called to make my ressies, I called PORS and explained my situtation to them. The lady I spoke with was very nice and basically told me that having an extra person in the room in not allowed. However, since it is only for two days and is a child she did not see it being a problem she even told me to just request some extra pillows and sheets for the extra child to sleep on.

I realize that I am taking a very small risk doing this, however, the way the she talked Disney knows that people do it all the time and as long as they dont go overboard with people in the room it is no big deal.

So I guess we will just have to wait and see what happends. In the mean time I will continue to call to see if a room that sleeps 5 will open up.

Here's the deal.

You didn't talk to anyone at POR. I know that Disney publishes direct numbers for each resort, but it's an illusion. ALL of those calls go to a department with the name Main Switchboard (not a very creative name, I agree). The cast member knows, from their computer screen, where the call is intended for, and will even answer your call with the name of that resort.

These cast members are trained to be gate-keepers. They are trained to NOT let a call through to the actual resort unless they truly believe they can't handle the answer. Unfortunately, many of them BELIEVE they can correctly answer the question but are very badly mistaken.

And even if they do decide to call the resort, what happens is you get placed on hold while the CM calls the resort. A CM at the resort then decides whetehr or not to take your call. If the resort decides NOT to take your call, then the original Main Switchboard CM gets back on the phone with you and gives a guess or a phoney baloney answer.

I promise you, this is how it works.

And the shame of it is, many of the call center CMs have never even been to the resorts they are giving answers about. The same thing happens when they are asked questions about transportation, the parks, restaurants, and so on ... they inadvertantly just give BAD information.

And, in my opinion, that's what you got, bad information. The person who gave you that answer wasn't empowered to give you that answer. It's such a shame that Disney's system stinks this bad when it comes to communicating with guests.

 

[TiggerCat]

Here's the deal.

And, in my opinion, that's what you got, bad information. The person who gave you that answer wasn't empowered to give you that answer. It's such a shame that Disney's system stinks this bad when it comes to communicating with guests.

So if talking to a Disney CM at a Disney number isn't good enough in your opinion, than who exactly is the "right" person to speak? Do you have a direct line to the CEO Robert Iger?

 

[RMulieri]

So if talking to a Disney CM at a Disney number isn't good enough in your opinion, than who exactly is the "right" person to speak? Do you have a direct line to the CEO Robert Iger?

The Mgr of the resort in question.The other poster is correct. The call center has NO authority or clue .I had one tell me that I could walk from Poly to MK.I had one tell me that the Garden wing rooms at the CR are 1 bdr suites( Before BLT was even built).They notoriously give out wrong info.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) You are trying to get around the rules and cheat the system.
2) I doubt you do that in your military life.
3) Why do it at Disney?
4) What would be the justification/rationalization for such an action?

 

[rebster]

We have done this before with no problem, but it was for only one night. It was more unexpected though because my friend's flight got canceled, and the airline was cheap, and did not provide her a room for the inconvenience. Anyway, I'm not sure if I would do it if it was planned because there are a host of problems with it and I was nervous the entire evening that we were going to get caught, and it was NO fun. I really wish now that we had just paid for her to get a room somewhere...but hindsight is always a little different.

If you are going to do it, I would bring your own sheets and pillows, and not ask a CM for anything. If you ask them, you are putting them in an uncomfortable position where they run a risk of getting in trouble if they help you. Its simply an inconsiderate thing to do to a CM. They either have to say no to you (possibly awkward for them and you) or they have to take a risk themselves. The CM you spoke was simply speaking from his or her own perspective, and another person may not be as comfortable allowing you to do this because it means they are responsible for breaking the rules.

I hope you are able to get a room that sleeps five or book at a value resort. You could also try the wilderness cabins...they sleep plenty and have some nice amenities (you might be able to save money on food, and have more room and fun with kids in a larger space).

 

[CleveRocks]

So if talking to a Disney CM at a Disney number isn't good enough in your opinion, than who exactly is the "right" person to speak? Do you have a direct line to the CEO Robert Iger?

I'm detecting a negative, sarcastic tone in your post, and I truly don't appreciate it. I also KNOW that I don't deserve it.

I am sharing true information. I'm merely trying to help people understand that Disney has a bad breakdown in telephonic guest relations/communications, and that we here on these boards have sat back for YEARS and watched people trust answers that have just been WRONG at times.

Can I not say that without incurring your sarcasm??? If these boards aren't here for us to help one another, then what are they for? For you to accuse me of something and feel better about yourself?

I've read SO MANY posts in which people were given bad information on the phone (such as RMulieri encountered) and then believed it, and then defended that information here on The DIS. I've written something like the following in numerous posts: "I now it seems strange that I'm asking you to trust information from a random stranger in New Jersey rather than from a bona fide Disney cast member, but that's exactly what I'm asking you to do." I only say things like that in specific situations when I know for 100% sure that my FACTS are correct. I would never do that about an opinion. But if someone says they were told by a call center CM that Caribbean Beach Resort guest buildings have 3 floors and have elevators, I know that that information is wrong and I will point it out to the person so that they can know the FACTS. In such cases, I'm not trying to be Robert Iger, I'm trying to be a nice guy who doesn't want someone to be disappointed at the start of their vacation.

 

[creativeamanda]

I completely understand the frustration of finding a room for 5 at Disney World. I do not, however, think you are doing a wise thing in trying to cheat the system, so to speak. The lowest price location for 5 is Port Orleans-Riverside. Also, the suite is available the same week at ASMu for about $100 more. I'd pay the $100 or I'd ask the mom of the girl who wants to visit to pitch in if she wants to go.

I would not, however, try to sneak an additional person in on Disney. This is a fire code situation, and they could be hit with a heavy fine if they are found out.

 

[KatMark]

I'm detecting a negative, sarcastic tone in your post, and I truly don't appreciate it. I also KNOW that I don't deserve it.

I am sharing true information. I'm merely trying to help people understand that Disney has a bad breakdown in telephonic guest relations/communications, and that we here on these boards have sat back for YEARS and watched people trust answers that have just been WRONG at times.

Can I not say that without incurring your sarcasm??? If these boards aren't here for us to help one another, then what are they for? For you to accuse me of something and feel better about yourself?

I've read SO MANY posts in which people were given bad information on the phone (such as RMulieri encountered) and then believed it, and then defended that information here on The DIS. I've written something like the following in numerous posts: "I now it seems strange that I'm asking you to trust information from a random stranger in New Jersey rather than from a bona fide Disney cast member, but that's exactly what I'm asking you to do." I only say things like that in specific situations when I know for 100% sure that my FACTS are correct. I would never do that about an opinion. But if someone says they were told by a call center CM that Caribbean Beach Resort guest buildings have 3 floors and have elevators, I know that that information is wrong and I will point it out to the person so that they can know the FACTS. In such cases, I'm not trying to be Robert Iger, I'm trying to be a nice guy who doesn't want someone to be disappointed at the start of their vacation.

Excellent post. And you did not deserve the post!

 

[chocovrdmicears]

So if talking to a Disney CM at a Disney number isn't good enough in your opinion, than who exactly is the "right" person to speak? Do you have a direct line to the CEO Robert Iger?

If I had a nickle for every bit of wrong information that has come from a Disney CM... . The "misinformation" may be from a lack of training, lack on interpretation on the CM's part ..whatever...But it DOES happen (unfortunately too often). The PP is completely right in warning the OP that just because you heard it from a CM doesn't mean you should take it as being completely true. Especially when it comes to something as important as putting 5 people in a room with a 4 person max and could result in the entire party being asked to leave the resort.
I was told by a CM as recently as last month that the regular dining plan now included two snacks per person each day....Thanks to the information I had gather previously, I KNEW that was not correct. Unfortunately some folks head to Disney with the perception that because a CM told them on the phone, it MUST be true. Imagine how suprised I would have been on MY vacation if I didn't know.

 

[sersee05]

I am sorry..but this annoys me. We have five in our family. I agree that the travel industry makes it harder for bigger families. Some hotels from what I understand are starting to address the needs for bigger families. I have always heard that the occupancy limit is so if anything should happen, they can get people out in a safe and timely matter. But, how much bigger is the Riverside from the rest of the hotels with occupancies of 4?

For my family, 2 queens works much better than 2 doubles and a trundle that my kids won't sleep on...also because 5 would be crowded in some of these rooms.

With that being said, I follow the occupancy guidelines. It usually costs me more. I have to stay in either a suite or a deluxe type resort...or I could pay for two connecting rooms..Either way, I am spending more. So it really aggravates me when people cheat the system like that. They save money as I spend it. But I guess this is the way it works in life anyhow. Maybe I am just stupid for following the rules...

 

[TiggerCat]

I'm detecting a negative, sarcastic tone in your post, and I truly don't appreciate it. I also KNOW that I don't deserve it.

I am sharing true information. I'm merely trying to help people understand that Disney has a bad breakdown in telephonic guest relations/communications, and that we here on these boards have sat back for YEARS and watched people trust answers that have just been WRONG at times.

Can I not say that without incurring your sarcasm??? If these boards aren't here for us to help one another, then what are they for? For you to accuse me of something and feel better about yourself?

I've read SO MANY posts in which people were given bad information on the phone (such as RMulieri encountered) and then believed it, and then defended that information here on The DIS. I've written something like the following in numerous posts: "I now it seems strange that I'm asking you to trust information from a random stranger in New Jersey rather than from a bona fide Disney cast member, but that's exactly what I'm asking you to do." I only say things like that in specific situations when I know for 100% sure that my FACTS are correct. I would never do that about an opinion. But if someone says they were told by a call center CM that Caribbean Beach Resort guest buildings have 3 floors and have elevators, I know that that information is wrong and I will point it out to the person so that they can know the FACTS. In such cases, I'm not trying to be Robert Iger, I'm trying to be a nice guy who doesn't want someone to be disappointed at the start of their vacation.

Wow, did you read an awful lot into my comment and I regret that you took offence to my post. I don't normally attempt to explain my choice of words but given your response, I will make an exception. You stated your opinion that the OP couldn't rely on the information provided by certain CMs to which I asked the question - than who can you trust? I think that was a fair question since I don't agree that a Disney employee does not speak for the Disney Company. My further comment about Robert Iger was to point out that we all can't go to the top dog to have a decision rendered since that would be chaos. It was that simple.

Again, I regret the confusion over my comments and regret any negativity that you may have read into it my post.

TC.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I just got off of the phone and made my reservations at PORS.

In the mean time I will continue to call to see if a room that sleeps 5 will open up.

I think I'm missing something. PORS is the moderate resort that has rooms that accommodate 5 - in the Alligator Bayou section.

You can't reserve rooms in that section but you can request them. I'd have it noted on my reservation that there will be a 5th person a couple of nights to increase the "need" for a room in that section.

 

[kelly01]

Just curious...if you are not on some type of package, what about the Dolphin? They allow 5 in a room, and sometime have great rates for Military/Gov't workers. (Although on WDW property, they are not owned by Disney, so although you get many of the perks-like transportation and extra Magic Hours-you cannot get ME or meal plan...so it might not work if you have already reserved a package).