Anyone else disappointed?

[burberryplaid]

My TA could not get us anything at Wilderness Lodge today. I am so very, very disappointed! I really don't want to switch resorts. Almost all of the deluxes are considerably more money, except Animal Kingdom which I don't want to stay at because I don't like the location. I just thought since our dates were flexible and we were willing to pay for an upgraded room we'd get in.. I feel like crying! :(

[always quiet]

I coudnt get the cabins at FW! I have 3 kids (and are staying for 2 weeks). I could of gone to the Poly at over $6800 (!!!!) or Riverside for under $4000. Guess where we are going? I am still so bummed that the cabins are totally sold out - even without a discount! :mad:

[noseybuddy]

My dates in August don't fall during the time frame of FD. I am very disappointed.:mad:

[teentoddlermom]

AKL is great!
We had the BEST bus service transportation of any resort we ever stayed at in WDW. We never waited more than 5 min for any bus when we were there. It does not share a bus with any resort or destination. It is a misconception that this resort is so far away. It is not and it is a resort that is so different in experience than most resorts. I would book it and soon if I were you.

[mookie]

Just got on with a CM now. WL was booked for my dates (22nd-27th) but she found ONE ROOM for the 9th-14th!!! :cool1: I know conceirge is still available, but I just didn't feel like paying an extra 500.00 for snacks, when we already have free dining...

Not too happy about the dates, but I'll take that instead of changing resorts.I guess I'll keep calling back to see if anyone dropped....

[ga9497]

My TA could not get us anything at Wilderness Lodge today. I am so very, very disappointed! I really don't want to switch resorts. Almost all of the deluxes are considerably more money, except Animal Kingdom which I don't want to stay at because I don't like the location. I just thought since our dates were flexible and we were willing to pay for an upgraded room we'd get in.. I feel like crying! :(

You can't blame the TA, if Disney isn't offering the WL with the discount there is nothing anyone can do
I have been checking for the WL from mid Sept to the end of Sept since 7am this morning and all that is coming up is the concierge level room but when I just check for regular availability (not with the discount) all room categories are available

[burberryplaid]

You can't blame the TA, if Disney isn't offering the WL with the discount there is nothing anyone can do
I have been checking for the WL from mid Sept to the end of Sept since 7am this morning and all that is coming up is the concierge level room but when I just check for regular availability (not with the discount) all room categories are available

I'm not blaming the TA..not by any means. I just thought that more rooms were being released and I just thought we had a shot, but it doesn't sound like that was the case.

We do have an existing reservation at Wilderness Lodge and we are planning to go regardless..I just feel left out, if that makes sense.

[caresy]

My TA could not get us anything at Wilderness Lodge today. I am so very, very disappointed! I really don't want to switch resorts. Almost all of the deluxes are considerably more money, except Animal Kingdom which I don't want to stay at because I don't like the location. I just thought since our dates were flexible and we were willing to pay for an upgraded room we'd get in.. I feel like crying! :(

I would book the AKL now and keep trying back over the next while to switch to WL. I'm willing to bet that other reservations are going to open up as people lose their courtesy holds or change their minds about dates/resorts/etc....

[scrap4u]

I agree with another poster here, AKL is terrific. We are staying there next week for a our 3rd time. We love this resort. We have used the bus system and have driven ourselves and it's great! Not having to stop at multiple bus stops at the resort and not having to share the bus with another resort. Very quick service and not all that far away. MK is maybe 15-20 minutes away and MK is farther away then any other resort.

Try it! You'll like it !:goodvibes

[space ranger 1]

We are waiting to hear back from our TA about WL also. We have a reservation a CBR, but we so wanted to go to WL. I am worried based on all of the reports I have read. We will wait and see. But on the plus side I know we will all have a great time anyway!!!!!!!

[ninaeve]

But isn't that part of the problem. People like OP have already booked rooms making the hotel booked full. Of course, there won't be rooms if a lot of people are doing that. Disney is trying to sell the empty rooms. If they are already booked, then Disney can't open it for more discounts.

But I thought that if you already had a package booked, you got the discount anyway or did OP book a room only or maybe it wasn't in the dates for the free dining?!?

[CathrynRose]

Can I join in your pity party? I didnt want ASMu or Sports.....

I wanted POP!!!! :guilty:

So, Im at POP - paying for dining. :sad2:

[caresy]

But I thought that if you already had a package booked, you got the discount anyway or did OP book a room only or maybe it wasn't in the dates for the free dining?!?

No, you do not get the discount anyway if you had something previously booked - I had booked ASMu in a preferred room but needed to downgrade to a standard room this morning because there was no preferred room FDP packages left available...

[CathrynRose]

But I thought that if you already had a package booked, you got the discount anyway or did OP book a room only or maybe it wasn't in the dates for the free dining?!?

I already had a package... and it couldnt be applied.

[caresy]

Can I join in your pity party? I didnt want ASMu or Sports.....

I wanted POP!!!! :guilty:

So, Im at POP - paying for dining. :sad2:

Keep trying back, use the 800 number so all you might waste is your time and you never know, something might open up!! Here's hoping for you anyway...

[ga9497]

But isn't that part of the problem. People like OP have already booked rooms making the hotel booked full. Of course, there won't be rooms if a lot of people are doing that. Disney is trying to sell the empty rooms. If they are already booked, then Disney can't open it for more discounts.

Yes that is part of the problem, a couple of weeks ago someone posted not to book rooms before the free dining became available because the resorts that are almost full would not be available with the discount, the person was 100% correct, sorry don't remember the poster

But I thought that if you already had a package booked, you got the discount anyway or did OP book a room only or maybe it wasn't in the dates for the free dining?!? No this isn't the case, you can only modify it if the the hotel you have is showing availability with the discount not because you already have the room booked

[C_leen]

I'm not sure of the story, but if you don't opt for free dining, there is all kinds of availability during my dates except CSR. I'm sure they run like other hotels or airlines offering different price point levels and they seek a particular mix. They are making a killing off people who are classing up in lodging to save on dining. :eek:

[smidgy]

pop is grreat, but not THAT much better than asmu to pass up free dining! we stayed at all the values, and music was very nice. at least at the allstars you can use the amenities at all 3! and holy cow! last sept. hubby and I had $700 worth of food, and still left 2 counter services unused. we just weren't hungry and didn't want to waste food. I would consider asmu w/FD

[ZephyrHawk]

Yes, a little disappointed. I wanted WL, but ended up with AKL...which isn't a huge problem as it was my second choice. However, I was forced to go from standard to savannah view...and that's an extra $400 I was intending to spend on airfare. I have now officially gone over my vacation budget...I figured I would eventually, but I was hoping it would happen while we were actually there as opposed to months beforehand. I might have to shave a day off the trip and drive down (19 hours...ugh). However, I'm going to keep my eye on the website in the hope they'll open up some WL options.

[ninaeve]

So basically all the people that booked rooms/packages hoping for free dining contributed to less available discounted room(rooms with free dining) bc Disney had no need to entice more people.

Very good reason never to book except what you want, when you want at what you are willing to pay. And not to book at all if you can't go without free dining.

(I am not saying that the OP is even suggesting this...just noticing other posts around the boards.)

[Vickie46]

from what I was told about the BUC rate.. if someone cxls the BUC it will go back to RACK rate.. b/c they only allow so many rooms with a discount.. and if the hotel is showing almost full.. they won't sell another room at a discount.. atleast that is what I was told.. I will tell you I didn't give up.. and I got 4 days at BUC.. but its SO HARD.. I try everyday .. probably atleast 10 times a day.. to be told sorry.. each time! I am not giving up...

[CathrynRose]

Very good reason never to book except what you want, when you want at what you are willing to pay. And not to book at all if you can't go without free dining.

.)

Hmmmph. I booked exactly what what I wanted, and when I wanted and CAN pay for dining, even though THIS year, I didnt get t.

I did this exact same thing last year, with no problems.

No reason to be nasty.

[Simbee3]

pop is grreat, but not THAT much better than asmu to pass up free dining! we stayed at all the values, and music was very nice. at least at the allstars you can use the amenities at all 3! and holy cow! last sept. hubby and I had $700 worth of food, and still left 2 counter services unused. we just weren't hungry and didn't want to waste food. I would consider asmu w/FD

I see that you and your family stayed at all 3 all star resorts. Can you tell me if all star sports is any good. I too really wanted Pop. Was offered music but choose sports. Though I am still thinking of upgrading to Carribean or Por. I feel lost please someone help me.

[Joan1]

Hmmmph. I booked exactly what what I wanted, and when I wanted and CAN pay for dining, even though THIS year, I didnt get t.

I did this exact same thing last year, with no problems.

No reason to be nasty.

I don't think the person was being nasty just stating a fact and her opinion

ga9497-that was me that posted that but a lot of people didn't believe me

[ninaeve]

I apologize if I came across nasty. It is hard enough to "talk" on a message board, and not have the facial expressions and inflections to help your meaning come across, but I am also dealing with cranky toddler today in my lap.

I just think that it is sad that so many people are having to cancel trips and be disappointed in where they are staying when in reality, having already booked trips that they couldn't take without a discount contributes to there not being any. If most people waited or booked what they could get no promotion, then more spaces would be open and given discounts to be filled. It is just people don't realize the damage they do by reserving spaces that they don't intend to use without a deal. That hurts all of us.

Our first family trip 2 yrs ago, I booked for the dates I wanted and could pay for. When AP rates came out, I upgraded and was pleasantly surprised and very happy. Because me and hundreds of others did not book the upgraded resort just hoping for a discount, there was space for me to upgrade. The year before, we could not go without a discount...one did not come out, and so we did not book or end up going.

Hoping this makes some sense. I am not slamming anyone. Just trying to help some people understand the system better.

[2forMe]

Keep trying back, use the 800 number so all you might waste is your time and you never know, something might open up!! Here's hoping for you anyway...

Yes I agree.. keep trying.. you never know

[2forMe]

So basically all the people that booked rooms/packages hoping for free dining contributed to less available discounted room(rooms with free dining) bc Disney had no need to entice more people.

Very good reason never to book except what you want, when you want at what you are willing to pay. And not to book at all if you can't go without free dining.

(I am not saying that the OP is even suggesting this...just noticing other posts around the boards.)

COuld be true.. but once those people who had reservations go and get their new ones with the free dining I would assume then that their old non-free rooms could come up for someone else with the free dining

[islandmum]

I've just checked the WDW website to see availablilty incase we want to do a 2 stay resort trip (instead of the 1 resort we've booked) and was AMAZED to find that in the first / second week in October - where theres no free DDP - WL, BWV, Beach CLub, Yacht Club, Contemp, and 3 others were not available!!

holy cow! I was purely trying to see a room with 10 day pass and regular dining and they're all full. The only deluxes to choose from were AKL, WL , SSR, OKW.

Are they really all full or full for what I WANT and they have rooms set aside for room-only clients?

[burberryplaid]

Just wanted to report back that I decided to take matters into my own hands and call Disney myself. I had to adjust our dates a bit (Sept 3 as opposed to Sept 7) BUT I was able to get WL Standard View and free dining for $2258! We're saving around $600!

Moral of the story..if you are like me and need to be in control, don't use a TA and don't give up hope if there are things you can change to make it work out somehow!

[ga9497]

Your travel agent can only go by the dates you give them and unless you let them know you are flexible they can't just guess or just change your dates without your approval

[burberryplaid]

Your travel agent can only go by the dates you give them and unless you let them know you are flexible they can't just guess or just change your dates without your approval

I SPECIFICALLY told her we could go ANY 7 days during the free dining so she had no reason to guess. We're flying on Southwest so we don't have plane tickets yet because they aren't selling tickets for September yet. So she had my approval to make changes if need be.. but I guess it's easier for you to put the blame on me.

[mickey2000]

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/PopCentury2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/diz/mr_six_old_guy_lg.jpg

[CathrynRose]

I apologize if I came across nasty. It is hard enough to "talk" on a message board, and not have the facial expressions and inflections to help your meaning come across, but I am also dealing with cranky toddler today in my lap.


Our first family trip 2 yrs ago, I booked for the dates I wanted and could pay for. When AP rates came out, I upgraded and was pleasantly surprised and very happy.

Hoping this makes some sense. I am not slamming anyone. Just trying to help some people understand the system better.

No - I understand, and Ill be honest. I booked because I wanted to go those dates, to POP. I was kinda hoping free dining WASNT offered...i figured less crowds.

But now, it's out - Im booked and planned on going either way and CANT GET IT? Its stinks. :guilty: KWIM?

[ga9497]

I SPECIFICALLY told her we could go ANY 7 days during the free dining so she had no reason to guess. We're flying on Southwest so we don't have plane tickets yet because they aren't selling tickets for September yet. So she had my approval to make changes if need be.. but I guess it's easier for you to put the blame on me.

I wasn't putting the blame on you, just stating a fact. You didn't mention in your earlier post that you had given them free reign on the dates. There was no way of knowing that is what you told her without posting that info
If that is the case then she let the ball drop as she should have checked all the dates

Glad you got what you wanted

[TeenyWeenyJellyBeany]

My TA could not get us anything at Wilderness Lodge today. I am so very, very disappointed! I really don't want to switch resorts. Almost all of the deluxes are considerably more money, except Animal Kingdom which I don't want to stay at because I don't like the location. I just thought since our dates were flexible and we were willing to pay for an upgraded room we'd get in.. I feel like crying! :(

I actually had the opposite happen. When I booked Animal Kingdom Lodge a few weeks ago, a Savannah view room was not available. I wasn't aware of free dining. My TA called early and told me she re-booked me for animal kingdom with free dining and got me the Savannah view room we originally wanted. I guess someone canceled or something. It was a good morning:) Maybe you could keep calling. People probably cancel every day.

[C_leen]

Well I could tell WL was not offering fd rooms for my dates even on Monday. Unfortunately, my parents & I both scored good savings on our airfare, so we had locked in dates. When my TA sent me an E-mail offering POR or Poly, I was surprised the Poly was cheaper than my original package cost at WL when I paid for dining. Since my mom always wanted to stay at Poly, I took Poly.

Today I got my confirmation info. The reason it was lower than WL was not enough nights on my ressie! Even POR & Poly gone today as an option for my dates. So crazy as it may sound, we are back at WL paying for dining during fd. It was cheaper than the fd Poly package to go back to WL (our first choice anyway). I am sort of in a daze after the whole build up for fd and then I'll be one of the crazy people not in on the deal. :eek:

[dance2874]

I think part of the problem was that 40% off code that was going around a few weeks back. Alot of people booked it thinking that if free didning didnt happen, they could at least still afford to go. I dont think people reserving rooms they never intended to use was a big part of all the rooms being booked. Sure, I am sure there were some. But there were alot more that had the 40% off code and converted their reservations I suspect.

[annaaidan99]

Although my husband was initially upset about not getting POP- I can't really say either of us are disappointed. We've never been to any other value, so we may actually like it!

As far as dining choices- I got absolutely everything I wanted.:)

[ToyStory]

I think part of the problem was that 40% off code that was going around a few weeks back. Alot of people booked it thinking that if free didning didnt happen, they could at least still afford to go. I dont think people reserving rooms they never intended to use was a big part of all the rooms being booked. Sure, I am sure there were some. But there were alot more that had the 40% off code and converted their reservations I suspect.


Also the 40% code could be a greater or similar savings at a Deluxe hotel and depending on the number of guests (adult and children).

Standard room at WL with the 40% code = $86.00 savings per night
Woodview room at WL with the 40% code =$96.00 savings per night

Between the bounce back program, 40% off code and free dining given to overseas folks would limit the amount of rooms. Technically there were/are four discount programs for similar time frames so there would seem to be more limited rooms.

I feel bad for those who did have vacation planned during this time frame and weren't able to take advantage of it or get there choice of hotels.

[Simbee3]

I was very upset and disappointed when I couldn't get pop or coranada springs. The CM talked me into ASSP which I later found out one of the pools were going to be closed during our visit.

After many attempts to change resorts I have decided to enjoy myself and if I am able to change resorts later then I can, if I can't, then so be it. We are going to be at Disney for 10 nights 11 days and at Universal for another 3.

So now instead of being upset we will now be happy and begin to prepare for our trip.
Let the good times begin.

[CanadianGuy]

So now instead of being upset we will now be happy and begin to prepare for our trip.
Let the good times begin.

What a wonderful positive attitude! YAY YOU! :goodvibes

Knox

[mickey2000]

Another thread from last year. Makes good reading!

[Trekker]

AAARRRGGGG! - it took me forever to realize this thread was a year old - I was like - "when did they release free dining dates"


Wow this is a good way to confuse the old and senile like me......