If you're anything like me, you know that where your room is located at a Disney World resort can make a surprising difference in how much you enjoy your trip.
Whether you're hoping for a view of the fireworks, quick access to transportation, or just a quieter spot away from the pool, learning how to request a room at Disney World can really pay off. I've tested out a few different strategies over the years, and here's what has worked best for me.
Some resorts have sprawling layouts with long walks between your room and the main lobby or transportation. Others offer beautiful water or theme park views, but only from a few rooms in each building.
Knowing how and when to make your preferences known can help you land in the right spot without paying for a premium room.
Key Points
- Submit your room request through online check-in, but also call the resort 3–5 days before arrival to politely confirm.
- Be specific but flexible. Instead of asking for “Building 5,” say “close to transportation or main lobby” or “lake view if available.”
- Learn the layout of your specific resort. Some views cost more, but many prime locations are available at the standard price if you know what to ask for.
How to Request a Room at Disney World That Fits Your Priorities
Before you even book, it helps to understand how the different Disney resorts are laid out. I’ve stayed at everything from Value Resorts to Deluxe Villas, and no two are the same. If you're still deciding where to stay, check out this full guide to Disney World hotels to get a sense of which resorts might fit your needs.
Once you’ve picked your hotel, it’s time to think strategically. Disney doesn’t guarantee room requests, but they do try to honor them when possible, especially if your request is noted well in advance and isn’t tied to a specific numbered room.
Use Online Check-In Wisely
When you complete your online check-in (available about a month before your trip), you'll see a place to mark room preferences. The options vary by resort, but usually include choices like “ground floor,” “near transportation,” or “king bed.”
You’ll typically get to pick two priorities. I usually choose “near lobby” and “lake view” when staying at places like Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, where the layout is very spread out.
This is also where you can input your estimated arrival time, which can influence what rooms are available when you check in. For example, early arrivals may get a broader room selection if they’re flexible about waiting for their room to be ready.
Call the Resort Directly
Here’s a tip that’s worked for me more than once: call the resort 3 to 5 days before check-in. You won’t be able to speak with the room assigner directly, but the front desk cast member can note your request on your reservation.
Be polite and clear. For example, I’ll say, “We’d love a quiet room on an upper floor, ideally with a view of Hourglass Lake, but being near the Skyliner is our top priority.”
Don’t expect them to promise anything—they won’t. But in my experience, these requests are reviewed when room assignments are finalized a day or two before your arrival.
Understand Which Views Are Worth Requesting
Some views come with a higher price tag, but others are standard—if you know what to ask for.
For example, at many Value Resorts, a Preferred Room (closer to dining and transportation) might cost $20–$40 more per night. At Moderate Resorts, Water or Preferred views usually cost $30–$60 more per night compared to Standard.
Deluxe resorts, especially those with Theme Park View rooms, can charge $100–$250 more per night just for the view. In those cases, it makes sense to weigh whether you’ll actually be in the room enough to enjoy it.
At Coronado Springs, for example, I’ve booked standard rooms but requested a view of Lago Dorado (the lake), and got it without paying extra. Not every request will be granted, but it’s worth trying.
Best Room Locations for Different Priorities
Everyone’s priorities are different, so here’s how I approach it depending on what matters most for a trip:
If Transportation is Key
Choose a room near the lobby or transportation hub. These rooms tend to be labeled “Preferred,” but you can sometimes get similar proximity in a standard room if you know what buildings to request.
At Art of Animation, I always request a room in Building 5 (Lion King section) for the best walking distance to the buses and Landscape of Flavors dining. The suites cost more, but there’s some flexibility within each section.
If you want easy access to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, I highly recommend staying at a resort with Skyliner access, like Pop Century or Riviera Resort. Request buildings closest to the Skyliner stations to save steps.
If You Want a View
Aim for higher floors or lake-facing rooms. Many of these aren’t booked as upgraded categories, so they’re up for grabs if you ask early.
At Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, I once got a room in Aruba Building 51 with a quiet corner view of the water. I hadn’t paid for it—I just requested “upper floor, lake view if available.”
If You Want a Quiet Room
Avoid rooms near pools, elevators, or main pathways. During one stay at Pop Century, I requested a top-floor room facing the lake. It was peaceful and quiet, even during spring break.
At Value Resorts especially, pool-facing rooms tend to be noisy well into the evening. Even if they offer nice views, you’ll hear a lot of foot traffic and splashing.
Research Before You Request
Every resort has its quirks. Some buildings have elevators, some don’t. Some “preferred” buildings are close to the action but offer zero privacy. Some standard rooms have surprisingly good views.
One of the best ways to get an idea of what to request is to look at resort maps, watch room tour videos, or browse forums where guests share room numbers and experiences. I also recommend reading reviews on this site—you can get a lot of insight from other travelers.
For an official overview, check out Disney’s resorts page. You’ll find descriptions, transportation details, and amenities, which can help you narrow down what to ask for.
If you value proximity over perks, it’s worth considering resorts like the hotels within walking distance to EPCOT or the hotels within walking distance to Magic Kingdom. Walking beats bus lines any day, especially after fireworks.
Final Thoughts
Requesting the right room at Disney World isn’t about being demanding—it’s about stacking the odds in your favor for a smoother, more enjoyable trip.
It doesn’t cost anything extra to ask for a room near the Skyliner, or to be close to the lobby. If your trip is already costing thousands, spending five minutes on a polite room request is totally worth it.
I've had both hits and misses over the years, but the times I’ve done a little extra research and followed up respectfully, I’ve almost always ended up with a room that made the trip more enjoyable.
