The folks at portorleans.org report a limited two week test at the POR that will allow guests to bypass the front desk and go directly to their room. The test begins June 16th. Here is the link: http://www.portorleans.org/news.php#050614
This is great use of the new system.
My only concern is that this takes away the hospitality side of things. However, I would assume that the type of guests participating in this sort of feature are the "no frills" type of hotel guest, meaning, they don't really care how friendly the staff is, they just want the bed and shower clean and they're happy.
First thing that came to mind......It also means they can cut down on staff so they can increase their profits.
My concern is this:
When I reserve and pay for water view, I want *real* water view. I've lost track about how many times that I was told 'you're right by the pool' or 'you're right by the fountain'....(last trip I called 5 days in advance so it wasn't an issue). It's a reason that I've never did online checkin. If I thought 'pool view' was good enough, I'd save that coin and go to Days Inn or something like that.... I worry if the ability to move from an 'unacceptable' room to an acceptable one will be compromised...
My concern is this:
When I reserve and pay for water view, I want *real* water view. I've lost track about how many times that I was told 'you're right by the pool' or 'you're right by the fountain'....(last trip I called 5 days in advance so it wasn't an issue). It's a reason that I've never did online checkin. If I thought 'pool view' was good enough, I'd save that coin and go to Days Inn or something like that.... I worry if the ability to move from an 'unacceptable' room to an acceptable one will be compromised...
The comment I am about to make is not meant to reflect upon the OP personally, but I have to say I have never understood paying for a water view at Port Orleans. It would be different if there were balconies or patios in your room, or if the rooms had expansive floor to ceiling windows, but even with a water view room you really cannot see the water except from the outside of your room. To each his/her own but I have never understood why anyone would pay extra money for this. On the other hand I have paid (excessively!) for great views at Deluxe hotels with balconies and I thought it was well worth it.
Or...guests have been requesting this feature and Disney is trying to give them what they are asking for.I sorta put this in the same category as the automated spiel at Living with the Land -- which is better than a poorly delivered live spiel, but not nearly as good as the enthusiastic live spiels that the ride started with. Automated check-in is an acknowledgement that Disney can't get enough top-level desk staff, either because they're just not in the local job pool or Disney isn't willing to pay enough, and for that reason I think this news is a bit sad. This is the same company that when a ride is closed, puts a cast member -- or several -- out front to answer questions because they figure that's a better experience than reading a sign. I understand that for people who have been to the same resort many times, the pleasure of personal service may have worn off, but I doubt that's the only people who will be using these kiosks if they become permanent, and that will allow Disney to lower service standards even more.
It also means they can cut down on staff so they can increase their profits.
Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.