WHEN DOES “DO NOT DISTURB” NO LONGER MEAN DO NOT DISTURB?
In 2018 the Disney Company began replacing their “Do Not Disturb” signs with a new “Room Occupied” sign. With the new sign change came a more profound change on the policy front: Effective immediately, a Disney employee would be required to enter guest rooms at least once a day “for any purposes including, but not limited to, performing maintenance and repairs or checking on the safety and security of guests and property.”
Did you know the most US hotels have adopted this policy? It has been widely understood in the hospitality industry that this is a response to the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, where a lone gunman opened fire from his room at the Mandalay Bay hotel, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds more. Daily room checks will presumably reduce the chances of such massacres’ recurring.
Most travelers are completely unaware of this shift in policy so while it is not yet a law, it is very common in most hotels based in the United States. So if you do decide to skip the housekeeping, beware that hotel staff may come into your room anyway and it may not be the most convenient time for you! Make note that all Disney hotels as well as all resorts at Universal Studios do adhere to this strict policy. Be sure to read the fine print on anything you sign at check in.
