Due to security concerns over the recent years, Walt Disney World started a security procedure on December 22, 2017. It started with Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary hotels and expanded this practice over time.
Walt Disney World no longer provide guests with “Do Not Disturb” signs to put on their doors. The signs were replaced with “Room Occupied” signs that notify cast members guests are in the rooms. Guests could still be “disturbed”, though, while in their room. A Disney cast member is required to enter the hotel room at least once a day to ensure guest safety. They empty the trash, if needed, at the same time.
You can still choose to skip mousekeeping. Disney states that “the hotel and its staff reserve the right to enter your room, even when this sign is displayed, for maintenance, safety, security or any other purpose.” See the pictures of the sign above. Disney cast members knock and announce their presence before entering.
Tip
Some view this as a great inconvenience, but it is not as bad as you think. If you are in the room, be sure the sign is out and you have the manual door guard pushed over so they do not walk in on you by accident if they do not hear you, you are in the shower, etc. You can ask them to come back later, but just remember that they need to get in there no matter what. Bottom line: This process is not going away and it is a different world now. Certain security measures are necessary to protect guests and cast members.
Just remember, when you are in the room and won’t hear the knock (napping, shower, etc), be sure you have the door latch secured, because if it’s not latched and if you don’t answer to their knock, the cast member assumes you are not there and will enter.