No response to Dining Plan Complaint...

[CanadianMouse]

Hi all, I’m new to the boards!:hippie:

In September 2007, Disney sent me the Planning DVD and Dining Plan pamphlet. Both referred to the 2007 plan. Logically, if I am requesting the info in September, I am assuming that Disney will send me valid information for the coming months.:sad2:

On January 3rd 2008, I called the Disney Reservations to book for August 2008 (10 days at the Coronado with DDP) No mention was made of the changes to the DDP even after I mentioned that I had received the DVD in September and asking if there was anything else that I should know.

In February, I heard about the changes to the DDP and was quite upset that this was not mentioned to me when I reserved. Also, it would have been very easy for Disney to have included a small note with the DVD informing me that there would be changes in 2008. Nothing on their website either, except for the fine print on the new version of the DDP pamphlet (which I never looked at since I believed Disney had sent it to me in September!)

I sent a polite email stating my dissatisfaction at the way this was handled by Disney, that the changes should have been clearly explained either on their website, or by Reservations. I then requested if any compensation would be available to me, since I did not enjoy starting off my Disney “Adventure” thinking I had been mislead.

I received absolutely no response to my email, aside from the automated response thanking me and stating that “Your message is very important to us and we'll be getting back to you as soon as possible” I waited 3 weeks and sent them a “reminder” note, telling them that this was not the customer service I expected from Disney. It has been 3 weeks since I sent the second note and still no response. :hourglass

I am now more upset at the fact that Disney appears to be ignoring me that at the changes to the DDP!! Should I push this further? Has anybody else made complaints to Disney and did you get any response?

I am not too pleased with the Mouse right now…:mad: :mad:

Karyn

[Mermaid_Ariel]

I don't see why you expect to be compensated. If they sent you information for a 2007 plan you should know that it's not valid for 2008. No one was expecting drastic changes, but common sense tells me to at least ask questions like, "Will the 2007 plan be the same as the 2008 plan?"

I just don't understand the compensation aspect at all. :confused3

And by the way, if you received information in September 2007 is WAS valid for the upcoming months through December. How are they to know whether you're booking for December 2007 or January 2008? I think you just didn't ask the right questions. You have to empower yourself with information. I know there was a lot of miscommunication with the Dining Plan changes but I still don't think that entitles anyone to anything.

Disney Guest Relations probably receives thousands of e-mails. I highly doubt they respond to every single one. Just take it with a grain of salt, either cancel the DDP or continue on with it and enjoy your vacation. It's not the end of the world.

Sorry for the snarkiness, but it just really ticks me off when people immediately expect compensation for something that truly didn't impact them negatively. Maybe it annoyed you, but should you be compensated because you were annoyed? Judge Judy always says no to that! LOL :)

[CanadianMouse]

I had just found out about the changes and was hoping that it was an actual mistake on their part and that they had forgot to include the new paphlet or or to inform me during reservations. It is possible... even Disney makes mistakes. And when a large corporation makes mistakes I thought it normal that they might offer some kind of compensation.

From all the reading I have done lately on the board, it seem that Disney did not make a mistake but purposely kept the changes "low profile" on their website. Also, I did not specifically ask for a 2007 paphlet. To avoid any confusion, Disney should have included both the 2007 and 2008 versions since it was already late in the year. And having reserved in the first week of January, would it have been too much trouble for the reservations clerk to say"...oh, by the way, you DO know about the changes, right?" Had this been done, I would have been fine with the whole thing and would have still taken the DDP.

I am not a seasoned veteran to Disney, it is the first trip for me and my family and I am simply disappointed, that's all. As for not responding to my email complaint because they receive so many... they responded to my email asking about height restrictions on one of the rides withing 24 hours!
I really think they are trying to avoid the whole situation since they realize that they should have been more clear to everybody from the start.

I wouldn't accept my email being ignored by any other hotel or resort or by any other big business. I am 100% certain that I won't get anywhere with my email but I needed to speak out about the situation. A simple response to say "sorry for the inconvenience and we appreciate your business" would be the norm!

All that to say that we aren't canceling the DDP and are still going, and are still ooking forward to an exciting week!

Karyn:wizard:

[chief19spixi]

I don't see why you expect to be compensated. If they sent you information for a 2007 plan you should know that it's not valid for 2008. No one was expecting drastic changes, but common sense tells me to at least ask questions like, "Will the 2007 plan be the same as the 2008 plan?"

I just don't understand the compensation aspect at all. :confused3

And by the way, if you received information in September 2007 is WAS valid for the upcoming months through December. How are they to know whether you're booking for December 2007 or January 2008? I think you just didn't ask the right questions. You have to empower yourself with information. I know there was a lot of miscommunication with the Dining Plan changes but I still don't think that entitles anyone to anything.

Disney Guest Relations probably receives thousands of e-mails. I highly doubt they respond to every single one. Just take it with a grain of salt, either cancel the DDP or continue on with it and enjoy your vacation. It's not the end of the world.

Sorry for the snarkiness, but it just really ticks me off when people immediately expect compensation for something that truly didn't impact them negatively. Maybe it annoyed you, but should you be compensated because you were annoyed? Judge Judy always says no to that! LOL :)

I have no problem with the snarkiness!! I agree.. I see it way too many times!! Like I always say if you are paying appx $3,000 or more on a vacation , I sure hope you did your homework on every aspect of that vacation and that includes reading ALL the small print.

[eliza61]

I am not a seasoned veteran to Disney, it is the first trip for me and my family and I am simply disappointed, that's all. As for not responding to my email complaint because they receive so many... they responded to my email asking about height restrictions on one of the rides withing 24 hours!
I really think they are trying to avoid the whole situation since they realize that they should have been more clear to everybody from the start.

I wouldn't accept my email being ignored by any other hotel or resort or by any other big business. I am 100% certain that I won't get anywhere with my email but I needed to speak out about the situation. A simple response to say "sorry for the inconvenience and we appreciate your business" would be the norm!

Karyn:wizard:

Glad your looking forward to an exciting vacation. I will have to say as a customer service rep for the last 20 some odd years (for the auto industry) you got the standard reply. Very rarely do large companies have the resources to reply to emails individually. How did you book your trip? Is their a customer service # where you can call and speak with a human?

Not sure why or how you want to continue to push this. Since the ddp is voluntary the most I can see you getting is an apology for the ambiguity and an offer to remove the ddp from your vacation. Don't think any other compensation would be deserved.

[rainy~daze]

according to the website for the dining plan...

Package features for all plans are subject to change and may be based on features available at time of arrival, not those in effect at time of booking.


they have covered themselves in the event changes have or will occur. unless you specifically said to them, 'i have the info from the dining plan for 2007, is it all still the same for 2008?' and they said yes, then they did not give you false information. if you don't like the changes to the plan, you can cancel it and pay OOP for dining, but depending on when you are going, you may have the option of free dining discount if it is offered. so the whole point would be moot if it were free. if they had to tell everyone who called about any changes made to everything without being asked specific questions they would be on the phone all day with 1 person.

[girt25]

I don't understand what you want to get compensated for?

You didn't actually suffer any damages. It's not like if they told you over the phone for sent you another planning DVD you would get the 2007 plan. It would be the same price for the same product no matter what.

You can also cancel any or all of the trip at anytime if you don't believe it's a good deal anymore. (By the way, that's a much better way of showing your displeasure, not with emails but by canceling your trip, hits them in the pocket books and all that).

Also there is a price difference between the 2007 and 2008 plan.. did you not question the price difference when you booked? I would think that is a huge red flag that the plan is not the same.

[GrannySandy]

I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. I booked the third week of January 2008. I did not know about the dining plan. The rep doing the booking sold me on it. She told me that tips and apps. were included. It was only after I started reading this forum that I realized she had mislead me. I emailed and got a message on my answering machine asking if I wanted to cancel. I can't cancel because this is a trip that has been planned for 3 years. I am taking my entire family. The tips are going to cost me more that $1000.00 total. What do I do? Tell them oops you are going to have to eat peanut butter and jelly instead of the wonderful schedule I told you about. LOL. I am busily looking for ways to come up with the cash. Also spending alot of time going over everything else they told me expecting to find more lies. I am determined that we will have a wonderful vacation in spite of their employees who don't know what is going on. Sometimes you just have to get over it. We can't change them!

[*disgal*]

I'm sorry things were misrepresented to you. They have covered themselves though with that line that says things can change at any moment.

I feel especially bad for you, GrannySandy because that is a lot of cash to come up with and you called in Jan. I thought they knew then. don't know what happened there.

But, you both learned an important lesson........and I'm not being light about this either........this board will let you know EVERYTHING! I know you are new and I wish you could have made your way here before your planning. But at least you know now where to come to. It's sad to say, Disney is NOT the place to go for info. It's here.

I hope everything works out for both of you and I'm sure when you get past this snaffu, you will have an awesome trip!:wizard:

[sjaakie]

I downloaded the Disney Dining plan for 2008 from the original Disney page on this date and time: Friday 24 Augustus 2007, 14:03:10.
That means that the information was already available on the internet when you booked.
Why should Disney compensate you for information that was there for everyone to see?

[CanadianMouse]

GrannySandy,

Does Disney record the phone conversations? Alot of companies do to protect themselves. Because if they really told you that tips and apps where included when you called in January 2008, then you might want to pursue this further.

I would give them a call to ask them if they could review the phone conversation.

As for myself, I guess I just put too much trust in the Disney Rep and will have to live with my mistake. No, they did not lie to me and were very helpfull on other points. But the extra $300 or so will still hurt, considering we have been saving up for it for 2 years.

This is our first family vacation and the only one for several years. I would love to be able to go several times a year or even every year like some people here. But from Montreal, plane tickets alone cost us $2500! :scared1: That's why I really want everthing to be perfect.

I feel bad for you and hope everything works out well for you and your family. It sound like a vacation of a lifetime and I hope you have a great time! :dance3: :grouphug:

[honeymo78]

Please please please, also ask for hard copy information on any package/dining plan you purchase. Of course, it's available on the internet but if you don't always have access you should ask the CM when you book to send you the dining brochure (if booking for the next year, ask if the new brochure is available).

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

CanadianMouse

I feel your pain. I, too, was misled about the dining plan when I booked in January. I didn't find out until weeks after I made the full payment, and boy was I pissed.

I believe when you call Disney Travel Company to get information -- they should PROVIDE the necessary information regarding the subject you're asking about, verbally, at that time. They push so hard to make a sale when you're on the phone, but they don't tell you the relevant facts.

We have no recourse for the misinformation because Disney lawyers have covered themselves with disclaimers. It really, really stinks.:headache:

Unfortunately, you will get precious little sympathy or understanding on the disboards. I'm so sorry! :confused3

[traci]

Planning a Disney trip can be fun yet complicated task - especially if you are new to it. I can understand where the op is coming from. It can be confusing and overwhelming. Perhaps venting and some little understanding from us will go a long way.

Have a great trip :goodvibes

[Melissa_E]

I booked our February 2008 trip in November of 2007. I received a 2008 Dining Plan Brochure not long after I booked, it was around December. In that brochure it stated in bold print that there were changes from 2007 to 2008 including the gratuity difference. Since I chose the DxDP it didn't mention anything about the appetizer because the DxDP includes the appetizer.

I booked through Disney Travel.

[wezee]

Sorry is you were given misleading info from CRO, or maybe, being new to booking with WDW.....you were unaware of a few key questions, which can eliminate many misunderstandings.....like what are the changes at WDW, for 2008, that will affect my reservation, or since the price on the DDP went down....did the plan change??

The 2008 dining changes has been posted on the WDW website since at least the beginning ot Sept. 2007 or earlier (because we knew long before our last vacation) Too bad you did not talk to the same CM's at CRO, that I have over the last 5 mos....(on 4 occasions) because each CM made sure to inform me of the new 2008 dining changes.

Also, you said you ordered the WDW DVD...did you call them or do this on-line???? Because I called for the new DVD yesterday ( for my parents) and they asked the year and date of their next possible trip. Also, we rec'd our DVD this week...and I do not recall seeing any info about the DDP they did not include a DDP brochure???

I do agree with the majority here, that compensation should not be expected in this case......other than WDW offering to remove the DDP.
And thank goodness for the DisBoard, which helps all of us, be wise WDW consumers.

[eliza61]

We have no recourse for the misinformation because Disney lawyers have covered themselves with disclaimers. It really, really stinks.:headache:

Unfortunately, you will get precious little sympathy or understanding on the disboards. I'm so sorry! :confused3


I don't think that's true, we really do sympathize, it stinks any time you expect one thing and get another and disney is expensive enough without popping another grand on to the tab. We are trying to get her to see it from all points though, no one is going to automatically agree with you. OP said she wants compensation, imo compensation is not warranted. I've seen plenty of post here reeming disney justifiably.
One of the problems I have with Disney vacations is that I some times think we get pixie dust in our brains when we plan a disney vacation. We automatically think just because it's Disney every thing will be "Perfect". People come to disney and think "crime doesn't happen", "CM's are always happy & jolly" and every one knows all the current information, that is just so unrealistic for a company with 100,000 employees. They operate just like any other vacation venue.

[JACKNAG]

What email address did you use, Last year some one called me, I used the general Disney site contact us with the canned pull down menus and selected resort reservations. Some one called in a week. Didn't get the anwers I wanted but they did call twice.

[willis37862]

Please please please, also ask for hard copy information on any package/dining plan you purchase. Of course, it's available on the internet but if you don't always have access you should ask the CM when you book to send you the dining brochure (if booking for the next year, ask if the new brochure is available).

I agree 100%. The CM's are notorious for giving out wrong info all the time. I love when I call and I know more about things than they do :rolleyes: When booking our 2008 trip I was told by one CM that the tip was included and by another that is was not. I emailed Disney because I hated that not everyone was a DIS member and wouldn't know they were receiving the wrong info. I was contacted my a nice lady and I just told her that the CM's were giving out all kind of different answers to the same questions. Sometimes we forget that not everyone booking a WDW trip hangs out here and is in the know. I feel sorry for them because I have received some way out there info from CM's :headache:


CanadianMouse

I feel your pain. I, too, was misled about the dining plan when I booked in January. I didn't find out until weeks after I made the full payment, and boy was I pissed.

I believe when you call Disney Travel Company to get information -- they should PROVIDE the necessary information regarding the subject you're asking about, verbally, at that time. They push so hard to make a sale when you're on the phone, but they don't tell you the relevant facts.

We have no recourse for the misinformation because Disney lawyers have covered themselves with disclaimers. It really, really stinks.:headache:

Unfortunately, you will get precious little sympathy or understanding on the disboards. I'm so sorry! :confused3

That was the other reason I contacted customer service. :sad2: A pushy rude CM. Some people should not work in customer service!


I'm sorry you all were mislead and I hope that you can all have a nice trip anyway , whether it is Disney or elsewhere :)

[momof3girls6712]

Our first family trip I called CRO and booked our trip. I wasn't even offered the DDP and had no clue it even existed. We booked in December for our Jan trip (4th family trip and dis educated) and was told about the dining plan changes by the cm at CRO. We declined for that trip. We booked last month for May, using the DxDDP this time since we can without buying tickets now(special AP rate). The CM explained the plan to us and answered all of our questions. We just recieved a packet of trip info and a dining plan brochure this week. We were impressed with the wealth of information we did recieve. Maybe Disney has listened to the complaints and improved.

[mom2my3kids]

I don't see why you expect to be compensated. If they sent you information for a 2007 plan you should know that it's not valid for 2008. No one was expecting drastic changes, but common sense tells me to at least ask questions like, "Will the 2007 plan be the same as the 2008 plan?"

I just don't understand the compensation aspect at all. :confused3

And by the way, if you received information in September 2007 is WAS valid for the upcoming months through December. How are they to know whether you're booking for December 2007 or January 2008? I think you just didn't ask the right questions. You have to empower yourself with information. I know there was a lot of miscommunication with the Dining Plan changes but I still don't think that entitles anyone to anything.

Disney Guest Relations probably receives thousands of e-mails. I highly doubt they respond to every single one. Just take it with a grain of salt, either cancel the DDP or continue on with it and enjoy your vacation. It's not the end of the world.

Sorry for the snarkiness, but it just really ticks me off when people immediately expect compensation for something that truly didn't impact them negatively. Maybe it annoyed you, but should you be compensated because you were annoyed? Judge Judy always says no to that! LOL :)

Ditto!!!

[Terk-1]

I then requested if any compensation would be available to me, since I did not enjoy starting off my Disney “Adventure” thinking I had been mislead.

With Disney, like almost any other company, things are subject to change without notice. Everyone makes mistakes. I doubt that it was intentional.

Unfortunately, you will get precious little sympathy or understanding on the disboards. I'm so sorry!

I have to disagree with that. People are sympathetic & understanding on these boards, but we all can't expect to be compensated for being misinformed.

[Allison]

There is no need to push this further. You don't deserve compensation for this. It's up to the consumer to research exactly what they are purchasing and to know what policies are in effect at the time of your visit.

Now, you do know which is a good thing. Perhaps you should consider dropping the dining plan if it isn't going to work out for you.

[Tricia1972]

I don't feel that compensation is warranted in this case, however I do feel sorry for you being misinformed. I believe that when you call Disney that the CM's should know the answer to your question and if they do not they should investigate further before giving wrong information. I think that it's sad that in order to find out the truth that you need to scour internet sites to get the real story.

I also agree with a PP who said that we know more than they do. Some days it sure feels like it! I too have been given wrong information, and even when I questioned it and gave them reasons why they were wrong, the CM insisted they were correct. To me that's sad.

Anyway, I am sorry you were misinformed. Thankfully you found this site so you can research and find out the real story.

Hope you have a magical trip! :wizard:

[willis37862]

There is no need to push this further. You don't deserve compensation for this. It's up to the consumer to research exactly what they are purchasing and to know what policies are in effect at the time of your visit.

Now, you do know which is a good thing. Perhaps you should consider dropping the dining plan if it isn't going to work out for you.

I don't believe compensation is needed but I see no reason the OP can't contact customer service if they want. :confused3 It's no skin off anyone's nose here.

And as for the consumer knowing what the policies are before purchasing a package from Disney, is it not Disney's responsibility to offer the customer correct information ? They can take your money but they can't give out correct info :confused3 :sad2:



I don't feel that compensation is warranted in this case, however I do feel sorry for you being misinformed. I believe that when you call Disney that the CM's should know the answer to your question and if they do not they should investigate further before giving wrong information. I think that it's sad that in order to find out the truth that you need to scour internet sites to get the real story.

I also agree with a PP who said that we know more than they do. Some days it sure feels like it! I too have been given wrong information, and even when I questioned it and gave them reasons why they were wrong, the CM insisted they were correct. To me that's sad.

Anyway, I am sorry you were misinformed. Thankfully you found this site so you can research and find out the real story.

Hope you have a magical trip! :wizard:

ITA

[CanadianMouse]

And as for the consumer knowing what the policies are before purchasing a package from Disney, is it not Disney's responsibility to offer the customer correct information ? They can take your money but they can't give out correct info :confused3 :sad2: ITA

I totaly agree! 3 years ago I bought a car and was given a special price rebate. A couple of days after taking possession of the car, I received a phone call from the salesrep telling me he had made a mistake and that I was not entitled to the rebate!! He expected me to send him a check for $1500 or he would come and get the car!!!:scared1:
I fought this with the head office and they agreed that the contract was signed based on the information given to me by the salesrep and the dealer had to respect the contract.:lovestruc

In the case of the lady who was told on the phone that the tips were included and she bought the package based on this info, how is her case any different from the one I just described? Just because it's Disney?:confused3

[kaytieeldr]

- A car is a solid item; a vacation is not
- You had possession of the car; the OP has not yet taken her trip
- Your car purchase involved a contract, signed and agreed to by all responsible/involved parties or their representatives; the OP has a cancelable reservation.

I don't see how it can be considered the two situations are remotely similar.

[sjaakie]

What email address did you use, Last year some one called me, I used the general Disney site contact us with the canned pull down menus and selected resort reservations. Some one called in a week. Didn't get the anwers I wanted but they did call twice.

I used the same mail adress and they called me back even in Europe !!!

[sjaakie]

This is our first family vacation and the only one for several years. I would love to be able to go several times a year or even every year like some people here. But from Montreal, plane tickets alone cost us $2500! :scared1: That's why I really want everthing to be perfect.




You can't lay the responsibility the price you have to pay for of the tickets on the plate of Disney.
Try Flying from Europe :rotfl2:

[christa112]

This is not a slam on OP, but why if something goes wrong nowadays, why does everyone wants something for free? I work in retail and honestly I think some people just complain to get free stuff!!! As a society, what have we become?

Honestly, OP talked to a person correct? Well unfortunately, people make mistakes. Unless Disney fires all their CM and replaces them with a computer automated system that we have to listen to every last word it is going to say and I guarantee people will not, you are always going to have mistakes, because CM's are human and do make mistakes, as do everyone person in the world, so maybe everytime I make a mistake I should give something away for free. I don't think so!!!!

[Mermaid_Ariel]

This is not a slam on OP, but why if something goes wrong nowadays, why does everyone wants something for free? I work in retail and honestly I think some people just complain to get free stuff!!! As a society, what have we become?

Honestly, OP talked to a person correct? Well unfortunately, people make mistakes. Unless Disney fires all their CM and replaces them with a computer automated system that we have to listen to every last word it is going to say and I guarantee people will not, you are always going to have mistakes, because CM's are human and do make mistakes, as do everyone person in the world, so maybe everytime I make a mistake I should give something away for free. I don't think so!!!!

This is the underlying problem. People think they're always entitled to something if they're inconvenienced. And that REALLY bugs me. Why do you think you're entitled to anything just because someone made a mistake that you didn't suffer any damages from? :headache:

In the case of OP, it just sounds like because they paid $2500 in plane fare alone (ie, they spent a lot of money on this trip) that they're entitled to a perfect vacation. And anything less than perfect, they expect "compensation" for. Disney made a mistake. I've been a customer of other venues that have made mistakes. Was I annoyed? Yes. Did I expect anything in return? No. You have to learn to roll with the punches and realize that to err is human. Or, if you'd prefer, poopie happens.

That's why I try to empower myself with knowledge and information as much as possible to avoid inconveniences like this. It stinks when you're unpleasantly surprised while on vacation. Why do you think there's so many travel books written? Because most people like to research what they're buying beyond the sales pitch. They don't just blindly say, "Oh, here's my money, Disney/Italy/St. Lucia! Book me a perfect vacation!" :confused3

[morgy827]

Things will always be inconstant change at the world. I booke dmy trip well in advance and when I booked the trip my TA was not yet aware of the changes to the DDP (I don;t even think the brochure was out yet) Although, dissapointing there is no way I would ever expect compensation due to the fact that I booked early or "assumed" that things would never change.
I'm just excited to be going to WDW and getting to eat in some fabulous restaurants. We're always so bust complaining about the little things that we forget how lucky we all are to be going to the 'happiest place on earth'

[Allison]

I don't believe compensation is needed but I see no reason the OP can't contact customer service if they want. :confused3 It's no skin off anyone's nose here.



Of course they can if they want. If you read the OP's question, I directly answered it. Isn't that what they wanted people to do?

[Goofy22]

GrannySandy,

Does Disney record the phone conversations? Alot of companies do to protect themselves. Because if they really told you that tips and apps where included when you called in January 2008, then you might want to pursue this further.

I would give them a call to ask them if they could review the phone conversation.

As for myself, I guess I just put too much trust in the Disney Rep and will have to live with my mistake. No, they did not lie to me and were very helpfull on other points. But the extra $300 or so will still hurt, considering we have been saving up for it for 2 years.

This is our first family vacation and the only one for several years. I would love to be able to go several times a year or even every year like some people here. But from Montreal, plane tickets alone cost us $2500! :scared1: That's why I really want everthing to be perfect.

I feel bad for you and hope everything works out well for you and your family. It sound like a vacation of a lifetime and I hope you have a great time! :dance3: :grouphug:

Candaian Mouse and Granny Sandy:

When are you going to disney what are your dates? You actually maybe able to get free dining! Then all you would have to do is pay tips! You could try calling but i'm assuming that they would just offer to delete the dining for you! GRANNYSANDY: Are youre children grown? If they are you explain the situation to them and tell them you are sorry you have to do away with the dining plan because it will cost another $1000 or so in tips above what you are paying and you can't do that. Maybe they will split the cost of the tips between them since if you didn't have the dining plan they would be paying for there own meals? or not? Just an idea in case you don't get what an answer from Disney.

[GrannySandy]

Sorry so many people think that asking for correct information is wrong on my part. I think it is sad that I can't get the information from Disney and had to find this site to answer my questions. What if I hadn't stumbled across you and got to Disney $1000.00 short. And I love this site and I thank all of you who have been so patient with me and my questions. Disney did not send me a brouchure on the dining plan. In fact I can't even download it. (This area only has dial up so we are limited and .pdf files are nearly impossible.) Disney has sent me only a invoice and the free maps that I requested. Otherwise I am depending on you guys. Doesn't anyone get that they took our money based on a lie? It's not my aim to get something for nothing. I just want someone to give me a straight answer about what I am getting for my money. Sorry that upsets all you seasoned Disney fans who already know all the answers.

[libinatorsmom]

1st your not the only one that recieved the 07 info while working on planning 08 trips - we actually booked our trip in the late summer of 07. However we checked and double checked what if any changes would be made. The new 08 plan was out before we could book out 08 trip... yes the dvd was updated late and I agree that should have been fixed - but we did our research - we checked online and on non official boards before officially booking our trips... I believe that us as the consumers have the responsibility to research what we are booking.... we did and had no issues and actually booked our trip long before you did - so the information was out there and available...

I would guess disney doesnt respond to every email sent...and so far we have recieved incredible customer service in all of our dealings with Disney - dont let it ruin your trip...

[honeymo78]

GrannySandy - since you can't get the PDF, please call disney back and ask them to send you the proper dining plan brochure, so you can have it on hand. They will be more than happy to send it to you if you request it - some CMs will send it out without any request but others will only do so if you request it.

Again, my DH and I have both worked in sales in the past and never do I trust what someone says - even if they are a company representative. Not every employee understands all the products offered or can explain them all properly. Finding good employees is harder than it looks. That is why everyone should always request information in writing detailing all aspects of what they are buying - vacations or otherwise. That way there is no confusion.

I'm sorry you spoke with a misinformed CM, it happens, as it happens in any other line of business. There are plenty of travel agents who have no clue what they are talking about as well. And if every CM fully explained all the aspects of the dining plans to guests over the phone, you'd be there forever. That's why we always request a brochure (or get one from the disney site) and detailed information regarding what we have purchased.

[Allison]

Sorry so many people think that asking for correct information is wrong on my part. I think it is sad that I can't get the information from Disney and had to find this site to answer my questions. What if I hadn't stumbled across you and got to Disney $1000.00 short. And I love this site and I thank all of you who have been so patient with me and my questions. Disney did not send me a brouchure on the dining plan. In fact I can't even download it. (This area only has dial up so we are limited and .pdf files are nearly impossible.) Disney has sent me only a invoice and the free maps that I requested. Otherwise I am depending on you guys. Doesn't anyone get that they took our money based on a lie? It's not my aim to get something for nothing. I just want someone to give me a straight answer about what I am getting for my money. Sorry that upsets all you seasoned Disney fans who already know all the answers.

Who said asking for correct information is wrong?

How have you been able to determine you were lied to versus given incorrect information by an uninformed CM? Lieing implies it was a deliberate action done to deceive you.

What seasoned fans are upset by you wanting to know what you are getting for your money? I think that is what most of them are encouraging people to do.

[willis37862]

Sorry so many people think that asking for correct information is wrong on my part. I think it is sad that I can't get the information from Disney and had to find this site to answer my questions. What if I hadn't stumbled across you and got to Disney $1000.00 short. And I love this site and I thank all of you who have been so patient with me and my questions. Disney did not send me a brouchure on the dining plan. In fact I can't even download it. (This area only has dial up so we are limited and .pdf files are nearly impossible.) Disney has sent me only a invoice and the free maps that I requested. Otherwise I am depending on you guys. Doesn't anyone get that they took our money based on a lie? It's not my aim to get something for nothing. I just want someone to give me a straight answer about what I am getting for my money. Sorry that upsets all you seasoned Disney fans who already know all the answers.

I don't think it's wrong at all. I stand by my post earlier that it is Disney's responsibility to give the consumer correct information when selling them a product. I am sure if a certain CM does not know the answer to a question there has to be a book or a supervisor they can check with before giving out wrong information :confused3 This has been a problem for a long time now with Disney. As much as I like Disney I don't feel the need to make excuses for their employees not knowing their job and not being able to go the extra distance to find the answer.



Of course they can if they want. If you read the OP's question, I directly answered it. Isn't that what they wanted people to do?

You come across rude IMHO.

[gina2000]

While I don't think the OP deserves anything for the inconvenience, I do believe that WDW has done an absolutely lousy job of informing the consumer of dramatic changes in their dining plan. If a company rep can't give you correct information, then the company has no business employing that rep. And unfortunately, WDW reps have become incredibly slipshod in their information. Also, sending a 2007 planning video that includes the DDP in its 2007 form is incredibly misleading. The DDP changes are too dramatic to leave it up to the consumer to find out for himself, fine print or not. The information is conflicting and the consumer would probably choose the easiest method of absorbing information - i.e., the video. Believe me, if the DDP changes were in favor of the consumer, WDW would be touting it to the rafters.

Sorry, I think WDW has done a bad job informing the consumer of this huge change in the DDP. And if I were the consumer and I were to show up on January 1, 2008 not knowing of the DDP changes, I'd be one unhappy, loud, extremely vocal individual.

[disney0210]

... I still believe that companies should get their information straight. I believe that people should thoroughly do research especially if it is a very expensive trip - part of that research, sadly, is speaking with the experts on the topic. Who are they? I would think Disney CM of course! If I had questions about taxes, I would call the Revenue Agency. If I have questions about airfare and flights, I will call the Airline company. If I have questions about Disney, I will call Disney! They should be the main source of correct, accurate and up-to-date information.

Sadly, OP and GrannySandy will probably just have to take this with a grain of salt and just try to enjoy their trips despite the hiccups. Feel free to use the board to vent - it is only thru posts like yours that people know what to ask CM when we do call and do `research`. We learn through other people`s mishaps...

JMHO.

[disneyfan2kids]

I then requested if any compensation would be available to me, since I did not enjoy starting off my Disney “Adventure” thinking I had been mislead.


:confused3

[Allison]

You come across rude IMHO.

I'm sorry, I don't see how it was rude and there was no intention for it to be (really). It was to the point. That's my writing style-direct without a lot of fluff. I just wanted to directly answer one of the questions posed.

Here is the question I answered:

Should I push this further?


Here is the answer:

There is no need to push this further. You don't deserve compensation for this. It's up to the consumer to research exactly what they are purchasing and to know what policies are in effect at the time of your visit.

Now, you do know which is a good thing. Perhaps you should consider dropping the dining plan if it isn't going to work out for you.

[Deemarch]

Just in case you hadn't heard about it on your own...Or would have explained the 2008 plan in case you had heard about the earlier plan.

Not too many of the really good agents out there...Bummer.

Lesson learned...ASK QUESTIONS!!!

[emmabemmainc]

Wow--there must be a lot of Disney employees on this board. I can't believe the rudeness that I've read. Why do some of you care if she gets any compensation at all? I seriously doubt she's talking about getting free dining or anything like that out of it. It makes me laugh when I read some of these threads where people complain and there's a long list of people just waiting to jump down their throat b/c they aren't happy with Disney. I just don't see why some of you can't feel someone's pain. So what if she didn't do what you would have done--no one's perfect.
I would be upset too, if I asked for info, got the info, and then booked my trip, and then found out that the info I received just a couple of months earlier was not valid anymore. I honestly don't see why she would have asked about changes, I don't know that many people that would.

Maybe some of you that love Disney so much need to feel the Disney magic all year round, not just when you are there. It would make the world a much better place.

OP: I feel your pain. I'm sorry that you are disappointed. An apology would have been nice, atleast.

[disneyfan2kids]

OP: I feel your pain. I'm sorry that you are disappointed. An apology would have been nice, atleast.


But the OP didn't ask for an apology. He/She asked for "compensation" there's a difference.

IMO, there's also a difference in asking for compensation for something that truly impacted your trip, versus something that you find out MONTHS before hand and have every opportunity to change.

[sjaakie]

The OP also tries to lay his/hers problems with an expensive flight/holiday on the plate of Disney.
So sorry for the OP but if 300 dollar would be such a great attempt on my budget I would be afraid if anything else would go wrong.
And yes we have to save our money also but I don't blame any one if I get information from 2007.

If you go early to a travel agency and receive a summer prospect I can't expect them to charge me the same prices in the winter season.

[CanadianMouse]

WOW!!!!:eek:

Didn't mean to start a revolution here! Really, I didn't!

First of all: Why does everybody call me OP????:rolleyes1

Second: GrannySandy, you feel like going out for a beer? I think we would have a lot to talk about....:rotfl:

Third: I NEVER blamed Disney for the cost of my airline tickets. I was simply making a bit of conversation and pointing out that I'm nervous about this trip because it's more expensive than I was originally planning.

Fourth: The point of my original post was that I made a complaint (legitimate or not) to Disney and received no response, even after sending them a "reminder", and I was wondering if this had happened to anyone else.:confused3

Fifth: I have learned to never, never use the word "compensation" on the boards again! :lmao: I certainly wasn't planning a multi-million dollar suit against Disney! Actually the best I was hoping for was maybe a water-view instead of a standard view (you know, some places will do this just to smooth out ruffled feathers....) I have come to my senses now, so you can stop with the tar and feathers!:rotfl2: What I wanted to "push further" was the fact I had received no response.

Six: I did speak to someone at Disney when I requested the DVD and pamphlets and I DID specify that I would be travelling in 2008. They still sent me the 2007 info.

Please understand that not everybody is as computer savy as the people on these boards are. And there still exist people who do not even have internet!!!These people HAVE to rely on Disney for their information (yes, or a good TA...) I am not blaming the poor customer service employees who are not properly trained! But Disney does have a responsibility to give out the correct info.

Truly,truly sorry if I upset anybody here. Didn't think I would come off as a money-grubing, uninformed shyster just for venting and asking a question... :sad2:

I'll shut up now and let everybody to back to being friends...:grouphug:

[Allison]

OP means original poster.:)

[GrannySandy]

OP (:)) if I ever get to Canada I wll look you up for that beer. Always wanted to travel up that way.

To everyone else: The question that I ask the lady who sold me the plan was "What all do I get for that price" The answer she gave was "6 meal credits that include apps, entree, drink, desert, taxes, tips, 6 snack credits that include anything less than $4 and 6 credits that buy a packaged meal like you get at McDonald's" (her words) I wrote it down as she talked. All I wanted was an apology and someone to go over my reservations with me to ensure I didn't have other surprises coming. I didn't get either. I'm taking extra cash just in case. I'm going to have a good trip, the trip is not about money. My post was not about money. It's about not trusting Disney anymore. They don't know what they are doing. They also charged my card for the Mickey BarBQue even though I told them I had the dining plan. That has been fixed.

Please forgive my venting. I'll go back to lurking in the background. Frankly the rudeness from some of you is worse than the lie from Disney. And it's certainly no help.

[willis37862]

Please understand that not everybody is as computer savy as the people on these boards are. And there still exist people who do not even have internet!!!These people HAVE to rely on Disney for their information (yes, or a good TA...) I am not blaming the poor customer service employees who are not properly trained! But Disney does have a responsibility to give out the correct info.

Truly,truly sorry if I upset anybody here. Didn't think I would come off as a money-grubing, uninformed shyster just for venting and asking a question... :sad2:

I'll shut up now and let everybody to back to being friends...:grouphug:

I completely agree. Like I said before not everyone hangs out on the DIS and knows the right questions to ask, they depend on Disney to give them the correct info.

You will find on the DIS that no matter what you post about someone will agree with you and someone will disagree with you ;) Don't let it scare you away. There is a ton of great info on this site and some very helpful members.

I hope everything turns out ok for you and you at least get a response from Disney. :goodvibes

[honeymo78]

I completely agree. Like I said before not everyone hangs out on the DIS and knows the right questions to ask, they depend on Disney to give them the correct info.

You will find on the DIS that no matter what you post about someone will agree with you and someone will disagree with you ;) Don't let it scare you away. There is a ton of great info on this site and some very helpful members.

I hope everything turns out ok for you and you at least get a response from Disney. :goodvibes

And this is exactly why you get everything you possibly can in writing - even if you don't know the right questions to ask, you won't miss out on info if you have a hard copy of it from the company. Granny knew enough to ask what exactly she was getting, but the next step is asking for that same info mailed to you - just in case the CM forgot something, or in this case didn't remember that the DDP had recently changed.


If someone is planning $1000 in tips that means about $5500 worth of table service food (18% grat). While the DDP can be a good deal, you must be spending a several thousand dollars on the DDP to get to get that much value in food. I'm guessing you're going with quite a large group or for an extended trip. Anytime I spend that kind of money on anything, I want all the promised details in writing, and not just my own writing.

[willis37862]

Please forgive my venting. I'll go back to lurking in the background. Frankly the rudeness from some of you is worse than the lie from Disney. And it's certainly no help.

I hope you change your mind and hang around here. :) I find that some people can find no fault with Disney , ever! Don't let that scare you away. I don't think it is our responsibility to do Disney's job for them unless they want to give us a commision. ;)

[willis37862]

And this is exactly why you get everything you possibly can in writing - even if you don't know the right questions to ask, you won't miss out on info if you have a hard copy of it from the company. Granny knew enough to ask what exactly she was getting, but the next step is asking for that same info mailed to you - just in case the CM forgot something, or in this case didn't remember that the DDP had recently changed.


If someone is planning $1000 in tips that means about $5500 worth of table service food (18% grat). While the DDP can be a good deal, you must be spending a several thousand dollars on the DDP to get to get that much value in food. I'm guessing you're going with quite a large group or for an extended trip. Anytime I spend that kind of money on anything, I want all the promised details in writing, and not just my own writing.

Ok so you ask for the dining plan info to be sent to you and they sent the info from 2007 and your trip is in 2008. If you don't frequent the DIS do you think to ask them if that info is outdated or do you just accept that they sent the right info to you seeing as they have the dates you are traveling right in front of them :confused3

[Pumbaa_]

For those not around at the beginning of the year, what the OP (:thumbsup2 ) asked was commonly reported for those arriving in January.

To anyone who was snarky, and you know who you were, :sad2:

New posters may not know as much as you, they may not breathe disney the way many of us do, or hang out on the DIS all the time:rolleyes1.

To the new folks, so glad you found us! If the DDP changed so extreme, consider cancelling it and paying out of pocket. If you had expected appetizers, and they are not part of the meal, will that also cost you more?

Fortuantely, you did find out before you arrived and now you can make decisions if it is still the right plan for you.

[missy2217]

Is the fact that there is no appetizer the drastic changes they are talking about? You must be kidding:rotfl2:

[kaytieeldr]

anyone get that they took our money based on a lie? Nope. Not at all. Not in the least.

If a company rep can't give you correct information, then the company has no business employing that rep. Then THAT is what should be addressed with Disney.

Also, sending a 2007 planning video that includes the DDP in its 2007 form is incredibly misleading. Guests and potential Guests who requested the planning video in 2007 should EXPECT the 2007 video and information. A reasonable person consider that there MIGHT be 2008 changes to the 2007 information provided.

Wow--there must be a lot of Disney employees on this board. I can't believe the rudeness that I've read. Why do some of you care if she gets any compensation at all? Very few, actually - and those that do post know that Disney monitors Internet forums and is likely aware of their identities (that's not an assumption, it's fact). Care if she gets compensation? No. Know she has no basis to expect or get compensation? Absolutely.

DID specify that I would be travelling in 2008. They still sent me the 2007 info. Wild guess but... most likely they sent you the 2007 video because the 2008 video did not exist at the time you requested one. And since you got A planning video, it would be your (any traveler's) responsibility to request updated information, not the provider's responsibility to automatically provide one.

[willis37862]

Is the fact that there is no appetizer the drastic changes they are talking about? You must be kidding:rotfl2:

The appetizer and tip are no longer included. And yes that is a pretty big difference in the dining plan. Those two things make quite a difference in the value of the dining plan.

[disney0210]

it would be your (any traveler's) responsibility to request updated information, not the provider's responsibility to automatically provide one.

I'll have to politely disagree. Some food for thought. Last year (2007), I bought DVC and cancelled within 10 business days (the cooling off period) due to personal issues. March 2008 comes and I feel we can buy now, so we call the same sales rep and go over everything like which resorts are for sale at this time, what use year, what i'm getting etc. Then she told me "NOW, JANE DOE, THERE HAVE BEEN CHANGES SINCE YOU LAST JOINED DVC. YOU CAN NOW BANK 100% OF POINTS BEFORE THE END OF SO AND SO MONTH, THERE WILL BE A NEW SECTION IN THE DVC MEMBER WEBSITE FOR SHORTER STAYS" etc etc. After I said that I am fine with the changes, that was the time that she asked about deposit and payment plan.

There are really some CM's that are better than others, but consumers should not suffer because others are lacking in training. Whether we admit it or not, we call MS one day, we talk to someone and then you hang up and call again, you talk to a different CM and SOMETIMES it's a different story. You see it all over the boards, whether in Restaurants, in the DVC Operations, DVC Planning, etc. Thankfully, both OP and Granny Sandy can still opt out of the DP because they found these things before their trips.

Again, JMHO and we are all entitled to our own.

Peace!

[Magical JenK]

OP-I'm sorry you didn't hear back from Disney yet. But maybe that's because you haven't taken your trip yet & maybe they are working on the complaints of the visitors from January & February still?? Also, since you haven't taken your trip yet, you can easily remove the DDP from your ressie as you're far enough out w/o get penalized for changes & if you're paid in full, you will get your money back in full.

I understan frustration w/the changes, as I LOVE appetizers & not desserts & not worrying about the tip (although we always tipped more) was really nice, but I guess since you learned about them before you have gone on your trip, you can decide if the new plan will be a fit for you. Take a look throughout the board, there are plenty of threads on the new plan that may help you!

We were at CSR last September! You'll love it there! It's great! So great, we're going there in December again!! Have a great trip & even if you decide against the DDP, be sure to make your ADRs!!

And lastly, welcome to the Disboards!

[gina2000]

Nope.

Guests and potential Guests who requested the planning video in 2007 should EXPECT the 2007 video and information. A reasonable person consider that there MIGHT be 2008 changes to the 2007 information provided.

Absolutely not true. If you request a planning video toward the end of a year (September in this case) that has information that will not be valid for the next year, the CM should have made it clear that changes to the DDP were about to be made....and changes that were NOT in the favor of the guest. Many guests (if not most) do not plan a trip with a couple of months as a time frame and it is WDW's responsibility to be aware of that potential and to act accordingly.



Wild guess but... most likely they sent you the 2007 video because the 2008 video did not exist at the time you requested one. And since you got A planning video, it would be your (any traveler's) responsibility to request updated information, not the provider's responsibility to automatically provide one.

Again, a planning video should be current to ANY time frame in which a patron could book OR should have included a written sheet BOLDLY explaining changes in the DDP. The OP called in SEPTEMBER and it's more than reasonable to suggest that she would be visiting in 2008. Also, when she booked in January, AND MENTIONED THAT SHE HAD RECEIVED A VIDEO IN 2007, the CM should have made her aware of DDP changes. The CMs' jobs are to be proactive and to INFORM, not to merely book reservations.


Quite frankly, too many people on these boards think that WDW can do no wrong and the customer must absorb all mistakes and happily accept sub-par customer service. While I do not believe this customer deserves any compensation at all, I do believe that this is another example of WDW shoddy customer service. I know all too many people who have gone to WDW and have not come back worshipping the mouse because of the same sort of problems the OP brought to this forum. WDW relies on more than just fanatics to support their operations. They are not servicing or capturing an important part of their customer base. The CMs booking reservations are the front line in this operation and to mislead and misinform, intentional or not, is not a hallmark of a well-run business.

[TiggerStac]

I was aware of change prior to booking DDP for the 1st time. I have noticed the last couple of weeks when I'm calling and changing ADR's, I have had a few castmembers mention the changes in DDP since 07 and they want to make sure I know that there are changes, including tip is not included. I tell them I'm aware and they stop.

[kaytieeldr]

Quite frankly, too many people on these boards think that WDW can do no wrong Not at all. But it is the customer's responsibility to know what they're buying.

[gina2000]

And it is the company's first line of defense's responsibility to provide accurate, insightful information relavent to each and every customer's needs. If a corporate representative does not accurately address a customer's needs, the encounter reflects poorly on the corporation. The entity will suffer regardless of where the ultimate responsibility lies. Ultimately, that affects the corporate bottom line.

This encounter was easily fixed. The CM merely had to ask the customer what her possible arrival date was....2007 or 2008...and explain the change briefly and accurately. All CMs should have been schooled to do that the minute the DDP changes were agreed upon by the corporation. Dissemination of information is important.

[Mermaid_Ariel]

All CMs should have been schooled to do that the minute the DDP changes were agreed upon by the corporation. Dissemination of information is important.

What's the name of this perfect world you live in? ;)

This isn't so much about Disney as it is about consumer responsibility. Blame the corporation because the cup didn't say the coffee was hot kind of a thing. I'm not saying that the company has no responsibility to provide accurate information but it's up to us to be educated in our purchases. Personally, no - I don't accept anything verbally as truth unless I have it in writing. If I received a pamplet that said "2007 Dining Plan" I would question it. Just as with planning my Disney Wedding, I received a 2007 price list for something and I questioned it. It's common sense and you should protect yourself as the consumer. Don't be on the ready to point blame, it's just so inconvenient and annoying. I'd rather avoid the hassle altogether. :rolleyes1

[gina2000]

What's the name of this perfect world you live in? ;)

This isn't so much about Disney as it is about consumer responsibility. Blame the corporation because the cup didn't say the coffee was hot kind of a thing. I'm not saying that the company has no responsibility to provide accurate information but it's up to us to be educated in our purchases. Personally, no - I don't accept anything verbally as truth unless I have it in writing. If I received a pamplet that said "2007 Dining Plan" I would question it. Just as with planning my Disney Wedding, I received a 2007 price list for something and I questioned it. It's common sense and you should protect yourself as the consumer. Don't be on the ready to point blame, it's just so inconvenient and annoying. I'd rather avoid the hassle altogether. :rolleyes1

Sorry, I disagree for two reasons. First off, there is a ton of old, conflicting information out about WDW by virtue of guides which may or may not be accurately updated year over year. These guides may say 2008 on them but may not have been revised to reflect changes in WDW policies. Also, if WDW chooses to change a policy mid-year, these guides are useless. However, most consumers would consider a guide published in 2008 with 2008 prominently displayed on it to be accurate. If their next information source is a CM, it is the company's responsibility to accurately disseminate information BECAUSE THEY KNOW THERE IS CONFLICTING INFORMATION OUT THERE.

Secondly, and I say this over and over and will continue to say it. If the customer is not happy with the service, they will bad mouth the corporation 10 times more than they will praise it for good service. Would you continue to use a travel agent that provided you with outdated information? I certainly wouldn't. The service industry standard should be to provide accurate information in writing AND verbally.

Oh, and btw, what do you mean by "Don't be on the ready to point blame, it's just so inconvenient and annoying." If I interpret correctly, you've said that the company has responsibility to provide accurate information. If the company has not done so, then the company needs to retool and rethink how they are disseminating information. This is not pointing blame; this is good business.

[Mermaid_Ariel]

Sorry, I disagree for two reasons. First off, there is a ton of old, conflicting information out about WDW by virtue of guides which may or may not be accurately updated year over year. These guides may say 2008 on them but may not have been revised to reflect changes in WDW policies. Also, if WDW chooses to change a policy mid-year, these guides are useless. However, most consumers would consider a guide published in 2008 with 2008 prominently displayed on it to be accurate. If their next information source is a CM, it is the company's responsibility to accurately disseminate information BECAUSE THEY KNOW THERE IS CONFLICTING INFORMATION OUT THERE.

If you're referring to unofficial Disney travel books you can't rely on them 100% either. I'm talking about receiving a 2008 pamplet or brochure from Disney in writing. That's just me.

Secondly, and I say this over and over and will continue to say it. If the customer is not happy with the service, they will bad mouth the corporation 10 times more than they will praise it for good service. Would you continue to use a travel agent that provided you with outdated information? I certainly wouldn't. The service industry standard should be to provide accurate information in writing AND verbally.

No, and I'll say what I've been saying over and over again, too. If people are this unhappy with the alleged misinformation from Disney, why do they continue to pad their pockets with their business? Money speaks much louder than complaining. I wasn't pleased with the Dining Plan changes so I'm not purchasing the DDP. People still continue to suck it up and therein lies the problem. Again, it's just my understanding that the employees (in general) don't care about the company's bottom line. If they don't fully understand the changes, as you said it's the company's responsibility to either hire better workers at a better salary or just try to cut corners. If Disney or any other company is still doing great business despite this, what reason do they have to change? This is the exact reason why I protect myself with knowledge.

Oh, and btw, what do you mean by "Don't be on the ready to point blame, it's just so inconvenient and annoying." If I interpret correctly, you've said that the company has responsibility to provide accurate information. If the company has not done so, then the company needs to retool and rethink how they are disseminating information. This is not pointing blame; this is good business.

It would be good business if it actually happened that way. I'm just seeing the reality of it - and it's just much easier to avoid problems than to try and sue or prove where you've been wronged. Just no point. As the OP was saying, "they record phone calls". Seriously, what's the point? Where is it going to get you? It's like swimming upstream.

[aubriee]

[QUOTE=kaytieeldr;23961037]Not at all. But it is the customer's responsibility to know what they're buying.[/QUOTE

I agree! Totally unrelated to the OP complaints, but still proves the above poster's comment: We've had free dining the last three Septembers and will have it again this year if it is offered. The first year we had it, we were waiting at Le Cellier for our names to be called. We had been told they were running about an hour behind. They were turning walkups away, right and left. A rather large family came up and the CM waiting outside with her clipboard full of that nights ADRs, asked if they had an ADR. The woman rather breezily said, "no, we don't need one of those things. We have free dining, so can eat anywhere we want and have front of the line privileges over these other people". She then waved her hand over toward where all of us with ADRs were waiting. The CM looked almost speechless and people all around started giggling. The CM tried to explain ADRs and that Le Cellier had been booked up for months. This woman was having none of it. She kept insisting that with their 'free dining plan' Disney had said they could eat anywhere they wanted to, anytime they wanted, and didn't have to wait.:rotfl: :rotfl: She insisted a manager be called, and when the manager again tried to explain ADRs and the DDP, she literally started screaming at him, that he didn't know what he was talking about it and she was going to guest relations to get it straightened out. This lady had no idea about ADRs or the DDP. How could someone be so foolish to spend so much money on a vacation and do absolutely no research to see what she was getting? It was apparently their first night at WDW, but I often wondered that week if they got in anywhere to eat with their 'free dining plan'. All the restaurants we saw that week were turning away walkups, as everywhere was packed with free diners. I feel sure she went back home badmouthing Disney for not explaining the DDP throughly to her and for not letting her know she would need ADRs.

[kaytieeldr]

Sorry, I disagree for two reasons. First off, there is a ton of old, conflicting information out about WDW by virtue of guides which may or may not be accurately updated year over year. These guides may say 2008 on them but may not have been revised to reflect changes in WDW policies. First, for the most part, those guides are UNofficial, i.e. not published by, or the responsibility of, Walt Disney World.
Second, while no, a 2008 guide printed in August 2007 could logistically be updated ("Hey, everybody who bought kaytie's Guide to WDW back in 2007, please send them back to me so I can throw in updated information!"), guides DO generate additional printings over the ensuing twelve months and DO update information in the new printings.

However, most consumers would consider a guide published in 2008 with 2008 prominently displayed on it to be accurate However, a consumer who purchases a 2008 guide obviously published in 2007 - i.e. buying the UG in August 2007 when it is first published - would reasonably be expected to at least CONSIDER that, barring time travel, the information might not be 100% up to date. Heck, travel guide authors and publishers admit that, due to production time, a percentage of the information is outdated by the time the guide prints.

If their next information source is a CM, it is the company's responsibility to accurately disseminate information BECAUSE THEY KNOW THERE IS CONFLICTING INFORMATION OUT THERE. Actually, not as far as Disney is concerned. With the exception of Birnbaum's Walt Disney World, NO source is connected with, the responsibility of, or endorsed by Disney. Thus, there is no 'conflicting' information as far as they're concerned.

[mom2my3kids]

Just cancel it if you are not going to be happy, you have plenty of time to cancel before your trip..

[willis37862]

And it is the company's first line of defense's responsibility to provide accurate, insightful information relavent to each and every customer's needs. If a corporate representative does not accurately address a customer's needs, the encounter reflects poorly on the corporation. The entity will suffer regardless of where the ultimate responsibility lies. Ultimately, that affects the corporate bottom line.

This encounter was easily fixed. The CM merely had to ask the customer what her possible arrival date was....2007 or 2008...and explain the change briefly and accurately. All CMs should have been schooled to do that the minute the DDP changes were agreed upon by the corporation. Dissemination of information is important.

:thumbsup2 I agree. I don't understand why some people don't get that Disney has the responsibility to train their employees to give the correct information. :rolleyes:

[hugabearjo]

I don't know where I stand on the compensation idea. However, I did want to address the fact that someone asked the OP if she asked point blank if the plan would be the same. I had heard rumor that it was changing when I booked and asked them if the plan would be the same for 2008 as it was for 2007 and I was told yes, when I asked about the rumor I was told rumors are just that, rumors that no changes were made to the 2008 plan. I called back a couple of different times and told the same thing. No changes were made. Just thought I should defend someone who thought they had all the information and was given mis-information. As late as Feb. sometime if you searched Frequently asked questions it said the tip was included. I know it isn't there today when I searched but, I don't know when it was removed.

I understand the frustration by not being responded to, a polite sorry you didn't get correct information would have gone a long way.

[CanadianMouse]

I read somewhere in one of the postings that, as consumers, we have to do our reseach and that the best place to get the right info is right here, on the DisBoards.:)

My question is: Where does the info we get on these boards come from? I assume it's Disney themselves, right?

So we're right back at square one..... It's Disney's responsibility to give out the correct info.

OP ;)

[acourtwdw]

It says in all the info that disney sends out that all programs are subject to change without notice. Not all CM's are up to speed on all the info and may give incorrect information. Before you flame me, I know that Disney should have all CM's on the same page, but as we all know that isn't always the case.
If the OP feels strong enough to contact Disney, they she (he) has that right, but don't always expect to get what you want.

Good luck though :)

[tloft]

I read somewhere in one of the postings that, as consumers, we have to do our reseach and that the best place to get the right info is right here, on the DisBoards.:)

My question is: Where does the info we get on these boards come from? I assume it's Disney themselves, right?

So we're right back at square one..... It's Disney's responsibility to give out the correct info.

OP ;)

Actually I think most of the information that is posted here is the results of actual experiences at Disney not what we are told by the CMs. Which is why this is the best place to find out what is actually happening.

I understand that people want to receive accurate information from the CMs when the call about their Disney vacations. However, I think people are overlooking the fact that one of the things that makes Disney such a wonderful and addicting tourist destination is that it is constantly changing. I'm working on my 4th trip in three years and there are always new restaurants, rides, and attractions. The dining plan is just one compenent of the Disney experience. People also get upset when favorite rides are being refurbished, when restaurants close, when stage shows end their runs, etc... With the mind boggling amount of information there is to know about DW what percentage do you actually think a call center rep, who often live nowhere near DW, should be accountable for?

If Disney management was to decide that having frontline employees, like the call center reps, be 100% accurate and up to date on all Disney information was of the utmost priority, how do you think this would be accomplished? It would raise prices further as they invest more time/money into each employee. But, of greatest concern to me is that it would totally stifle the creativity and constantly changing environment. They would have to schedule refurbs years out to properly notify everyone that they might not get to ride Space Mountain. There would be no rush to open a "Finding Nemo:The Musical" because they have 18 to 24 months of people who might have expected "Tarzan Rocks!" Essentially absolutely no changes could be implemented until a full calender year after they are announced to insure that no one possibily experiences something different than what they expected. They would also be extremely conservative with any new promotions because they know they would be stuck with it another year or so after they are ready to pull the plug.

[sjaakie]

My question is: Where does the info we get on these boards come from? I assume it's Disney themselves, right?

So we're right back at square one..... It's Disney's responsibility to give out the correct info.

OP ;)


This information was available at the original Disney site by the time you booked.
Disney did provide the correct information.

You obviously you have access to internet so why didn’t you look there?
Nobody can expect that you get a 100% information from people on the phone. People aren’t perfect there no robots ore computers and just make mistakes.
I think neither of us can state for their selves he/she never, ever has provided a wrong information to anyone. Of course unless you are perfect.
That’s life and we all have to accept this fact.

Besides it seems as every big corporation in the USA is used as a Piggy Bank.

" I want receive compensation" is the firs cry and no one seems to be realising in the end you pay the compensation yourself.
The prices just keep increasing.

[TooExcitedCantSleep]

*

[dbelmo]

I personally consider a family vacation to DisneyWorld as a "huge" expense, like with any other Huge expense I do a significant amount of research to make sure I am getting what I want and also to fully understand what I am paying for. That being said you would not go in to an electrionics store and just by anything without know something about it.

I booked my APril 08 trip last April, first I started with room only --then that Sunday in August 07 when the 2008 Packages were announced(on here other Disney planning sites) but most of all on Disney world dot com!! It was there I researched and then called to confirm and verify what I was buying. I totally feel that those who feel "taken advantage of" were in fact not very good consumers by not researching, and asking the necessary question.

I know some may flame me for being honest here-- but lets face it what you get is what you put into it!!

SO for my APril trip in 24 days!!! I plan on having the best time with my family on the DlxDDP--for 8 nights/8 days at Pop knowing That I have to still Tip (already in tip envelopes) Happy as a clam!! I did my research and questioning!!

dbelmo

[skater]

Not at all. But it is the customer's responsibility to know what they're buying.


I love Disney, but really. How much responsibility does one have to take? Getting info. from Disney should be enough :confused3 . Why should the average consumer have to go to many other sources to get the real story about the dining plan? Its poor customer service - I would feel that way if any corporation made this mistake. If a hotel rep. told me a free full breakfast was included in my stay and they gave me only donuts, I would feel tricked. Would it be my fault, because I didn't scan the web to make sure it wasn't a trick or a mistake? Isn't there any level of responsibility on Disney's part to have correct info. for their customers?

And not responding to an e-mail for 6 weeks is also poor customer service.

[skater]

Another thought. I now tell my friends to not even bother with Disney's website for the most part, and don't ever totally believe a CM on the phone. I think that's a sad commentary on Disney's customer service.

(I do of course tell them that once you're there, its wonderful - if you have a little knowledge - gleaned from other sources of course ;) ).

[gina2000]

I love Disney, but really. How much responsibility does one have to take? Getting info. from Disney should be enough :confused3 . Why should the average consumer have to go to many other sources to get the real story about the dining plan? Its poor customer service - I would feel that way if any corporation made this mistake. If a hotel rep. told me a free full breakfast was included in my stay and they gave me only donuts, I would feel tricked. Would it be my fault, because I didn't scan the web to make sure it wasn't a trick or a mistake? Isn't there any level of responsibility on Disney's part to have correct info. for their customers?

And not responding to an e-mail for 6 weeks is also poor customer service.


Totally, totally, totally agree. WDW had the info at their fingertips when this person called on January 3, 2008. She asked if there were any changes she should know about. She had a video that was dated 2007 but was sent to her in September, 2007. It was totally realistic for her to expect either CM to make mention of the DDP changes.

While I don't think she deserves compensation (and I've now said this for the third time), I do believe that the level of customer service WDW is providing their patrons is steadily declining. And I do have to say (for the second time) that had I been the patron who showed up at WDW on 1/1/08 and discovered the changes to the DDP, I'd be one angry individual. I'm sure it happened to a number of people. And I'll bet you dollar to donuts that WDW won't see them on the DDP again.

As a result, we are walking with our vacation dollars (this is for the poster who suggested that no one is walking away from WDW). We no longer eat onsite and we're now making plans to hit the new Hard Rock Theme Park this year. Our next trip to FL will include US/IOA (and probably stay onsite there) as well as Seaworld and Discovery Cove, all of which we've enjoyed before. We're changing our focus.

[kaytieeldr]

Where do the call center reps live? Indonesia? Let's just say they do, how impossible is it to enter information into a central database where it can then, be easily accessed and/or updated by computer and if necessary relayed to the customer? Then Guests and potential Guests should be contacting Disney-the-corporation stating THAT and expressing their general and specific dismay with the misinformation being provided (not stating on an Internet forum that Disney should give them some type of compensation).

[kaytieeldr]

I love Disney, but really. How much responsibility does one have to take? Getting info. from Disney should be enough . Why should the average consumer have to go to many other sources to get the real story about the dining plan? They don't. They merely 'have to' visit the OFFICIAL source - disneyworld.com - for the accurate information.

[willis37862]

They don't. They merely 'have to' visit the OFFICIAL source - disneyworld.com - for the accurate information.

They should be able to get correct info from the CM's also. I just don't get why people think it's ok for them to give out false info. I really wonder if those people would feel the same if it was a company other than Disney and it was them that had been misinformed. :rolleyes:

[kaytieeldr]

It's NOT 'okay', but it happens. People are people, not automatons.

Is it right for not all of Disney's CMs to have and provide the accurate information? Of course not. Does anybody have any reasonable suggestions for how to get 60,000+ employees on the same page?

Is it right for somebody who got incorrect information, then (from any source) the correct information BEFORE, in this case, their trip to expect compensation from the company? Nope, not at all. There's nothing to be compensated FOR (and I really hate ending a sentence with a preposition, but "there's nothing FOR which to be compensated" doesn't have the same effect).

Is it right for Disney to not respond personally to the OP's two (I think) e-mails? No, but it happens. With over fifteen million visitors a year, Disney gets a LOT of e-mail. Perhaps the OP should try snail mail - maybe certified, return receipt, some way to know that it was received.

If that's the route the OP chooses, expressing disappointment over the misinformation will likely be more effective (and get a more positive response) than an emotional "Your Cast Member lied, I want compensation".

[TooExcitedCantSleep]

Then Guests and potential Guests should be contacting Disney-the-corporation stating THAT and expressing their general and specific dismay with the misinformation being provided (not stating on an Internet forum that Disney should give them some type of compensation).For the record, I have no qualms with Disney, whatsoever. I'm a savvy shopper, who knows exactly what to ask, what to look for and I obsessively research always looking for something better or for a possible loophole that needs to be addressed. This all started as a teen when I purchased my first gym membership at Bally Vic Tanny's and didn't read the fine print.:laughing:

Anyway, what's wrong with expressing your concerns on an Internet forum to ask a question? OP felt she was wronged and felt entitled, came here for opinions and got slammed. In her defense, she asked if this has happened to others and whether she should continue to push this further?

I agree with everyone regarding compensation, I don't understand the open hostility toward the OP, like she's this evil panhandler out to destroy Disney. In spite of this, I think this has been a great learning experience for the OP and countless others. An educated consumer is the best consumer. :thumbsup2

[GrannySandy]

If that's the route the OP chooses, expressing disappointment over the misinformation will likely be more effective (and get a more positive response) than an emotional "Your Cast Member lied, I want compensation".[/QUOTE]

You are confusing the original post with mine. The OP did not say Disney rep lied. I did. And I did not ask for compensation. The OP did but compensation could merely be a refund for the service he had already paid for. He never ask for something he didn't pay for. I ask for clarification. I got a response that I could cancel my dining plan if I wanted to. Again that wasn't clarification. I specifically ask the Disney rep in January of 2008 what was included for my money on the 2008 Dining plan and she specifically told me that tips were included. That is why I said she lied. If she was unsure she should have checked before she answered my question. To me that is the issue.... why lie if you don't know and what else don't I know? And why should I be expected to know if someone who works there doesn't know. I haven't paid and won't until someone goes over my whole plan with me. Otherwise I plan on having a wonderful vacation.

[skater]

They don't. They merely 'have to' visit the OFFICIAL source - disneyworld.com - for the accurate information.



Sorry - I was under the impression that the information was not very clear on the official website at the time the OP booked.

[mom2my3kids]

I REPEAT!!! if you don't like the plan then you have plenty of time to cancel, no harm done. There are always people out there that want something for nothing..

[skater]

I REPEAT!!! if you don't like the plan then you have plenty of time to cancel, no harm done. There are always people out there that want something for nothing..



Who wants something for nothing?

[mom2my3kids]

Hi all, I’m new to the boards!:hippie:

In September 2007, Disney sent me the Planning DVD and Dining Plan pamphlet. Both referred to the 2007 plan. Logically, if I am requesting the info in September, I am assuming that Disney will send me valid information for the coming months.:sad2:

On January 3rd 2008, I called the Disney Reservations to book for August 2008 (10 days at the Coronado with DDP) No mention was made of the changes to the DDP even after I mentioned that I had received the DVD in September and asking if there was anything else that I should know.

In February, I heard about the changes to the DDP and was quite upset that this was not mentioned to me when I reserved. Also, it would have been very easy for Disney to have included a small note with the DVD informing me that there would be changes in 2008. Nothing on their website either, except for the fine print on the new version of the DDP pamphlet (which I never looked at since I believed Disney had sent it to me in September!)

I sent a polite email stating my dissatisfaction at the way this was handled by Disney, that the changes should have been clearly explained either on their website, or by Reservations. I then requested if any compensation would be available to me, since I did not enjoy starting off my Disney “Adventure” thinking I had been mislead.

I received absolutely no response to my email, aside from the automated response thanking me and stating that “Your message is very important to us and we'll be getting back to you as soon as possible” I waited 3 weeks and sent them a “reminder” note, telling them that this was not the customer service I expected from Disney. It has been 3 weeks since I sent the second note and still no response. :hourglass

I am now more upset at the fact that Disney appears to be ignoring me that at the changes to the DDP!! Should I push this further? Has anybody else made complaints to Disney and did you get any response?

I am not too pleased with the Mouse right now…:mad: :mad:

Karyn

Who wants something for nothing?

This is part of the OP original posting..
I sent a polite email stating my dissatisfaction at the way this was handled by Disney, that the changes should have been clearly explained either on their website, or by Reservations. I then requested if any compensation would be available to me, since I did not enjoy starting off my Disney “Adventure” thinking I had been mislead


:confused3 :confused3 Also I would be sympathetic to the OP if you got the DDP then went to Disney not knowing, the OP has 5 months until her vacation plenty of time to cancel the DDP..

[tloft]

Wow, this is genius. How ever did you come up with this? :thumbsup2


Wow - for someone who later claims to not understand why the op would "get slammed" or understand "open hostility" you sure don't mind turning up the heat yourself.

Umm, that's what she just said, she never mentioned anything about "CMs" in her last statement, that's your own little made-up concoction.:thumbsup2

The PP, before my post you responded to, was specifically discussing information available from CMs. I was simply expressing my opinion that information received here based on what actually is happening day to day at the world is infinately more valuable than what anyone will tell me on the phone at central reservations. I have no idea where the attitude is coming from.

Where do the call center reps live? Indonesia?

The bulk of reservations is done through their Tampa call center. While this is not in Indonesia the employees are probably not skipping through Magic Kingdom every weekend keeping abrest of the changes.

This is not cardiac thoracic surgery

They also aren't compensated like surgeons. The Unofficial Guide is 750 pages long. How quickly could you memorize every detail?

[TooExcitedCantSleep]

I apologize, you don't deserve that, I'll remove it. {{hugs}} :hug:

[kaytieeldr]

Anyway, what's wrong with expressing your concerns on an Internet forum to ask a question? Not a thing. But there is no person on this forum who can do anything for the OP. None of us is Disney. None of us makes decisions for the company. None of us contacts customers/Guests who have complaints.

You are confusing the original post with mine. The OP did not say Disney rep lied. You're right. That happens sometimes when a poster pops into a thread with their own experience instead of responding directly to the original post.
The OP wasn't lied to; as far as she is concerned, her questions did not get answered clearly (not putting the onus on the OP, but asking, "Is the 2007 planning video accurate for 2008?" might have gotten a more specific response than "Is there anything else I need to know?", especially if that question was not IMMEDIATELY adjacent to the statement, "I have the 2007 planning video...."

[willis37862]

Not a thing. But there is no person on this forum who can do anything for the OP. None of us is Disney. None of us makes decisions for the company. None of us contacts customers/Guests who have complaints.

Well if people had to limit their thread topics to things that we could fix for them then their would be about half as many threads.

You're right. That happens sometimes when a poster pops into a thread with their own experience instead of responding directly to the original post.
The OP wasn't lied to; as far as she is concerned, her questions did not get answered clearly (not putting the onus on the OP, but asking, "Is the 2007 planning video accurate for 2008?" might have gotten a more specific response than "Is there anything else I need to know?", especially if that question was not IMMEDIATELY adjacent to the statement, "I have the 2007 planning video...."

Again why is it the consumers responsibility to assume that they are being sent info that will not be valid for there trip when the CM they are talking to knows when they are taking the trip. :confused3 I ought to quit asking cause it is pretty apparent you and I are not going to agree on this topic. :)

[kaytieeldr]

Common sense. If you request information in 2007, and it's DATED 2007, there is no reasonable reason to expect that absolutely nothing will change in 2008 (compare last year's tax form to this year's; in addition, due to the AMI calculations some information on this year's tax form changed even after the current forms were printed). Combine that with the pretty much STANDARD business disclaimer, "subject to change without notice", and it's ultimately the responsibility of the consumer, the person SPENDING the money, to be aware what that outlay covers.

[CanadianMouse]

Hey GrannySandy!:hug:

I feel like a spectator at a very messy food fight...how about you?:umbrella:

Quick! Duck!:scared:

OP:wave2: :dance3:

[skater]

This is part of the OP original posting..
I sent a polite email stating my dissatisfaction at the way this was handled by Disney, that the changes should have been clearly explained either on their website, or by Reservations. I then requested if any compensation would be available to me, since I did not enjoy starting off my Disney “Adventure” thinking I had been mislead


:confused3 :confused3 Also I would be sympathetic to the OP if you got the DDP then went to Disney not knowing, the OP has 5 months until her vacation plenty of time to cancel the DDP..

You have a point - I agree that someone shouldn't be compensated who still has time to make a change. (Guess I got carried away with my opinions :lmao: ) I do still maintain that Disney has messed up in communicating the DDP changes to its customers. This is not a small thing. Would it have been hard to indicate the changes on the confirmation letter? If they can print the code I used on mine, they could print a couple sentences about the 2008 plan :confused3 .

[GrannySandy]

To Canadianmouse: You have accurately described the situation. And while I was ducking the mashed potatoes I checked out the other forums here. I learned that I can't use my card on the day I check out, I learned that many resturants may or may not be limiting what you can purchase with our ddp and I learned that I can't count on the buses getting me where I want to go. All false of course but it only proves that no one seems to have all the right information. And there doesn't seem to be anywhere that I can accurately research the information so that I can be a good consumer. And this is laughable....I got a new video Saturday. You guessed it...it's the same. Sadly no one has given you advice on your original question. How do we let Disney know that bad information is still being given out if all our emails are being ignored? And you will laugh at this...I've decided to go deluxe so I can spend more in tips. I did the spreadsheet and it's saving us about $1400. There's my tip money. And now the DxDDP is merely a convenience. (There are 18 of us). I am so excited that even this food fight is laughable. I never knew I was so dumb. And now while I am thinking about it I am going to call Disney to see if the room fee includes beds.

[Nancyg56]

They should be able to get correct info from the CM's also. I just don't get why people think it's ok for them to give out false info. I really wonder if those people would feel the same if it was a company other than Disney and it was them that had been misinformed. :rolleyes:

It's NOT 'okay', but it happens. People are people, not automatons.

Is it right for not all of Disney's CMs to have and provide the accurate information? Of course not. Does anybody have any reasonable suggestions for how to get 60,000+ employees on the same page?






The bulk of reservations is done through their Tampa call center. While this is not in Indonesia the employees are probably not skipping through Magic Kingdom every weekend keeping abrest of the changes.





I have issues with this as well. I worked in a large call center, and then worked in quality services. We were an outsource center and we were still able to receive updated accurate information. As a company we provided a resource for agents to refer to and then we monitored them to ensure that they used it. For some reason Disney does not find it necessary to create a database for their CM's to refer to and that just boggles my mind. People here seem willing to accept that things change and CM's simply cannot keep up but I wonder if this viewpoint would be the same if there were not giant forums to utilize. Disney customers should be able to trust that their information that a CM gave to them over the phone is accurate. They should not need to search the internet to find out if the CM was right. Most companies need to create a system that provides their customers with complete and accurate information or they would find their call volume snowballing. From an operations standpoint alone this makes sense.

A database that any CM can access from anywhere they are located is one method that would assure less repeat calls. It really should not matter where the call center is located agents should have information that is accessible and is accurate. When you call your insurance company the agent does not need to be in the building that holds your records to provide your plan details. The CM should not need to be perched on a bench in the MK in order to answer reasonable questions.

I believe that as consumers we would not accept this type of customer service from any other company and while I understand that mistakes do happen I cannot understand why people attack those who are irritated with inaccurate Disney information. Yes, it is important to research but if you ask all of the right questions when you call you should not have to be surprised upon your arrival because changes happen and CM's cannot keep up. This occurs in every industry and I would not accept that the information my insurance agent can be wrong because she is not located in my area.

[sjaakie]

To Canadianmouse: You have accurately described the situation. And while I was ducking the mashed potatoes I checked out the other forums here. I learned that I can't use my card on the day I check out, I learned that many resturants may or may not be limiting what you can purchase with our ddp and I learned that I can't count on the buses getting me where I want to go. All false of course but it only proves that no one seems to have all the right information. And there doesn't seem to be anywhere that I can accurately research the information so that I can be a good consumer. And this is laughable....I got a new video Saturday. You guessed it...it's the same. Sadly no one has given you advice on your original question. How do we let Disney know that bad information is still being given out if all our emails are being ignored? And you will laugh at this...I've decided to go deluxe so I can spend more in tips. I did the spreadsheet and it's saving us about $1400. There's my tip money. And now the DxDDP is merely a convenience. (There are 18 of us). I am so excited that even this food fight is laughable. I never knew I was so dumb. And now while I am thinking about it I am going to call Disney to see if the room fee includes beds.




If I had so many troubles and complains about a vacation I would certainly not go and stay at home.

And yes al emails I ever send have been answered polity.
But you did give any answer why neither of you did look on the original Disney site.

[tloft]

I believe that as consumers we would not accept this type of customer service from any other company

Really - when is the last time you dealt with the phone company, a cell phone provider, a cable/satellite company, a car dealer, the dmv, a retail salesperson, or any public utility? If you are going to ask any form of technical questions of anyone at any of these businesses you are more likely than not going to receive bad information.

[TDC Nala]

Generally this issue appears to come down to the five words "Subject to change without notice."

[sjaakie]

Generally this issue appears to come down to the five words "Subject to change without notice."

And that's the truth. Amen.

[disneyfav4ever]

Common sense. If you request information in 2007, and it's DATED 2007, there is no reasonable reason to expect that absolutely nothing will change in 2008 (compare last year's tax form to this year's; in addition, due to the AMI calculations some information on this year's tax form changed even after the current forms were printed). Combine that with the pretty much STANDARD business disclaimer, "subject to change without notice", and it's ultimately the responsibility of the consumer, the person SPENDING the money, to be aware what that outlay covers.ITA.

[GrannySandy]

All I wanted was advice. I am trying to get educated about this mess. I'm trying to laugh about how little I knew about Disney when I made my reservations. I am older than most of you guys yet willing to admit that I don't know alot about this type of vacation. I thought you would help. I'm not into being trashed or put down or petty little disagrements. I am absolutely floored with how I have been treated by absolute strangers. And you may be right I should stay home. Disney can't give me answers. You guys are too busy arguing to help. I still don't know what I am getting for all the thousands of dollars I have put into this. But you know what? I'm going to go and I'm going to have a good time. I may be in for more surprises. I may spend alot more than I planned. I'm going to stop planning and stop worrying. And you are not going to spoil my good time.

[tloft]

All I wanted was advice. I am trying to get educated about this mess. I'm trying to laugh about how little I knew about Disney when I made my reservations. I am older than most of you guys yet willing to admit that I don't know alot about this type of vacation. I thought you would help. I'm not into being trashed or put down or petty little disagrements. I am absolutely floored with how I have been treated by absolute strangers. And you may be right I should stay home. Disney can't give me answers. You guys are too busy arguing to help. I still don't know what I am getting for all the thousands of dollars I have put into this. But you know what? I'm going to go and I'm going to have a good time. I may be in for more surprises. I may spend alot more than I planned. I'm going to stop planning and stop worrying. And you are not going to spoil my good time.

I went back and looked at your posts within this thread and don't see any particular questions. You initially defended the op and I think most people that have "trashed" anyone have done so over the op's notion of getting compensation. It was my impression that you understood now what the dining plan got you but that you believed you were misled by whoever you made your reservations with. If you have a specific question I would be glad to answer it in as straightforward a manner possible.

[sjaakie]

I am older than most of you guys yet willing to admit that I don't know alot about this type of vacation.

You can't be as old as I am. That 's no excuse :rotfl2:

[disneyfav4ever]

All I wanted was advice. I am trying to get educated about this mess. I'm trying to laugh about how little I knew about Disney when I made my reservations. I am older than most of you guys yet willing to admit that I don't know alot about this type of vacation. I thought you would help. I'm not into being trashed or put down or petty little disagrements. I am absolutely floored with how I have been treated by absolute strangers. And you may be right I should stay home. Disney can't give me answers. You guys are too busy arguing to help. I still don't know what I am getting for all the thousands of dollars I have put into this. But you know what? I'm going to go and I'm going to have a good time. I may be in for more surprises. I may spend alot more than I planned. I'm going to stop planning and stop worrying. And you are not going to spoil my good time.I haven't read through this whole thread, but I find your comment rude.

First of all, I don't see what your age has to do with any of this. If you have a question, feel free to ask it, but I don't see why the OP should be compensated for getting the 2007 info in 2007, even though her trip is this year. I think you're misinterupriting our different opinions as "arguing."

You really should plan though. I don't know why anyone would spend thousands of dollars on a vacation and not plan, it makes no sense to me.

[Anjelica]

Generally this issue appears to come down to the five words "Subject to change without notice."

BINGO!!!!

As far as folks getting snarky, etc. I can somewhat understand where they are coming from. I think folks view the "compensation" portion with great disdain because actual damages were not incurred. I also think that folks are somewhat tired of the ever increasing attitude that "I was inconvenienced therefore I deserve compensation". We all make mistakes and although many people try (as well as companies) to be perfect it's not possible.

[Mermaid_Ariel]

I went back and looked at your posts within this thread and don't see any particular questions. You initially defended the op and I think most people that have "trashed" anyone have done so over the op's notion of getting compensation. It was my impression that you understood now what the dining plan got you but that you believed you were misled by whoever you made your reservations with. If you have a specific question I would be glad to answer it in as straightforward a manner possible.

Agreed. Sounds like she's trying to back-pedal to me. :confused3 If there was a question asked, I would've gladly answered. We like to help, but it ruffles our feathers when people aren't seeing it from another perspective other than your own. Trust me, I completely understand and wish the reality could be perfect - but it's not, and we're just trying to say that it's best to arm yourself with knowledge so you CAN have a magical vacation.

I genuinely hope you have a good time. We're debating about it because we all love Disney so much, whether you think Disney is wrong or not, we can all agree that we do it out of love. :rotfl2:

I agree with the earlier post about dealing with other companies - I can't even begin to tell you the frustration I've endured dealing with Cablevision and their "technical support". You would assume they're experts in their field because they're technical support, right? Just as Disney CMs should be experts in all things Disney? But, you wouldn't believe the plethora of stupidity that escapes from their mouths! I work in the computer industry so I know a bit more about what they're talking about than they do. :laughing:

Being told after three technicians came to our house and "fixed" the outside lines for our internet connection that maybe it's the WIND throwing out the Internet connection EVERYDAY - give me a break! :rotfl2: Among other silly things they've said before. But, anyway! Just saying that it's the unfortunate reality of things, I wish customer service was better in general.

[Mermaid_Ariel]

BINGO!!!!

As far as folks getting snarky, etc. I can somewhat understand where they are coming from. I think folks view the "compensation" portion with great disdain because actual damages were not incurred. I also think that folks are somewhat tired of the ever increasing attitude that "I was inconvenienced therefore I deserve compensation". We all make mistakes and although many people try (as well as companies) to be perfect it's not possible.

EXACTLY!!! Entitlement is such a hot-button with me. :headache:

[Nancyg56]

Really - when is the last time you dealt with the phone company, a cell phone provider, a cable/satellite company, a car dealer, the dmv, a retail salesperson, or any public utility? If you are going to ask any form of technical questions of anyone at any of these businesses you are more likely than not going to receive bad information.

I am not sure that you are correct. I understand that you remember when you are given incorrect information because of the inconvenience, cost or headaches associated with the incorrect information. This does not negate all of the accurate information that you are provided any number of times.
My point is that if given information that proves to be false or has been change yet not updated for the customer, most customers will not attempt to explain the issue away. Instead they spread their story or perhaps call and ask for some sort of compensation. I am not suggesting that this means monetary compensation.


The call center I worked for was a global company, we accepted business from cell phone companies, health insurance networks, television programs that solicited calls from viewers, land line telephone companies, credit card companies and brokerage firms. I will not even pretend that we did not make mistakes but I will say that we took active measures to ensure that information was complete and accurate and that we had tools available for our agents so that they were able to access information quickly and accurately. This makes sense from a business standpoint. Repeat calls are expensive. They create angry and frustrated customers. I have no idea why Disney gets a pass from so many people on this site.

[Mermaid_Ariel]

I have no idea why Disney gets a pass from so many people on this site.

You also have to remember - that there's probably many people who do receive correct information that are not DISers and I'm sure there's plenty of other people who do receive correct information but aren't motivated to post about it.

For instance, I received wonderful information for our December 2007 trip. I didn't make it a point to make a thread and say, "Received correct information! YAY!" In general, most people tend to voice their opinions when they have something negative to say (such as trip advisor, etc) so they can save others from their bad experiences and the positive opinions tend to fall silent. That's why you can only take the information you read here or on other websites with a grain of salt - there's thousands upon thousands of people who call and visit Disney everyday, I'm willing to bet a good majority of them who did receive accurate information. They're just not saying anything because there's no need to.

That leaves a handful of people that mentioned something here on the DIS, not even 1% of the population that calls or visits Disney. If this was such a widespread problem and not just a mistake here and there, you definitely would see a response from Disney. Disney has been fantastic in all areas of customer service from my perspective and from other threads I've read here. They've gone above and beyond countless times to accomodate people.

So, just because a handful of people are complaining that they received incorrect information doesn't mean it's happening to everyone else.

[disneyfav4ever]

So, just because a handful of people are complaining that they received incorrect information doesn't mean it's happening to everyone else.I agree. I had a wonderful CM on the phone today when I made my reservations, but I didn't bother to post about it. But I will now, she made all my reservations, all 21 of them, in less then 20 minutes. I was able to get everything I wanted, at the time, or close to the time I wanted.

[tloft]

I am not sure that you are correct.

I can only speak from my experiences but cell phone companies are the worst and, again in my experience, they will actively lie to you to sell their product. Then they hide behind magically extending contracts and never ending phone queues when you have a problem. JD Power consumer satisfaction ratings, of which cell phone companies are the lowest, would seem to suggest I'm not alone.

Go to a furniture store and ask about the warranties. Again, in my experience, they will lie to you. If you don't know what I'm talking about ask a Rooms To Go rep about their lifetime warranties.

Ask a Circuit City / Best Buy sales rep about the upcoming switch to digital over the air tv transmission in 2009. They will lie to you to get you to buy a HDTV. This was backed up recently in a AP investigation of how stores were handling this problem.

When I finally bought my HDTV in July of 2006 I choose to go with Directv over Cable because they were supposed to have the premier lineup of HD channels starting in October of 2006. Well, in October of 2007 I finally started seeing those new HD channels. I was told a blatant lie - they knew full well that new channels were not going to be launched within a year, much less 3 months. I'm also still waiting on my HD locals that were promised back in 2006 as well.

The problem is you have to already know the answer to the questions you're asking to know whether you are being lied to or not. Lots of people will buy that $2000+ TV and never realize that a simple converter that the governement would have sent you a rebate for would have sufficed.

While I have listened as people at Disney have given me what I knew was bad information it is nothing that rose to the level of deceit that I find to be commonplace with most companies these days.

[Nancyg56]

You also have to remember - that there's probably many people who do receive correct information that are not DISers and I'm sure there's plenty of other people who do receive correct information but aren't motivated to post about it.

For instance, I received wonderful information for our December 2007 trip. I didn't make it a point to make a thread and say, "Received correct information! YAY!" In general, most people tend to voice their opinions when they have something negative to say (such as trip advisor, etc) so they can save others from their bad experiences and the positive opinions tend to fall silent. That's why you can only take the information you read here or on other websites with a grain of salt - there's thousands upon thousands of people who call and visit Disney everyday, I'm willing to bet a good majority of them who did receive accurate information. They're just not saying anything because there's no need to.

That leaves a handful of people that mentioned something here on the DIS, not even 1% of the population that calls or visits Disney. If this was such a widespread problem and not just a mistake here and there, you definitely would see a response from Disney. Disney has been fantastic in all areas of customer service from my perspective and from other threads I've read here. They've gone above and beyond countless times to accomodate people.

So, just because a handful of people are complaining that they received incorrect information doesn't mean it's happening to everyone else.

I agree that most get good customer service. I also do think that that Disney CM's do not all give the same information and the general consensus is that you can call back until you get eh answer that you want. I know that dining plan questions have been an issue since I started reading posts here.

My point really is that when someone posts that they have had an issue with Disney CM's many get "beat up" here. I don't understand that, if misinformation is provided it is a mistake. I don't get the posts stating that insofar as Disney is concerned the buyer must be the one to bear all responsibility to educate themselves. Disney is a company and should be accountable for the information that it provides.

[GrowingUpDisney]

I don't see why you expect to be compensated. If they sent you information for a 2007 plan you should know that it's not valid for 2008. No one was expecting drastic changes, but common sense tells me to at least ask questions like, "Will the 2007 plan be the same as the 2008 plan?"

I just don't understand the compensation aspect at all. :confused3

And by the way, if you received information in September 2007 is WAS valid for the upcoming months through December. How are they to know whether you're booking for December 2007 or January 2008? I think you just didn't ask the right questions. You have to empower yourself with information. I know there was a lot of miscommunication with the Dining Plan changes but I still don't think that entitles anyone to anything.

Disney Guest Relations probably receives thousands of e-mails. I highly doubt they respond to every single one. Just take it with a grain of salt, either cancel the DDP or continue on with it and enjoy your vacation. It's not the end of the world.

Sorry for the snarkiness, but it just really ticks me off when people immediately expect compensation for something that truly didn't impact them negatively. Maybe it annoyed you, but should you be compensated because you were annoyed? Judge Judy always says no to that! LOL :)

I have not even read the rest of this thread, but I have to say ITA with the above post. Why would you (and I may find out after posting this so pardon me if already answered) expect to be compensated? What exactly would they compensate you with? Your $200 deposit? After all, that is all you had paid at this point was it not? :confused3

[CanadianMouse]

I went back and looked at your posts within this thread and don't see any particular questions

Actually, I did ask a question and received not one single answer out of the 117 responses to my post! :confused3

Should I push this further? Has anybody else made complaints to Disney and did you get any response?


I did not ask if it was ethical for me to (gasp!) request "compensation" (learnt my lesson there...) but if it was "normal" to get no response to my complaint (whether it be legitimate or not). THAT was the point of my original post!:rotfl:

OP;)

[disneyfav4ever]

Actually, I did ask a question and received not one single answer out of the 117 responses to my post! :confused3



I did not ask if it was ethical for me to (gasp!) request "compensation" (learnt my lesson there...) but if it was "normal" to get no response to my complaint (whether it be legitimate or not). THAT was the point of my original post!:rotfl:

OP;)She was quoting a different poster who had not asked any questions, unless you and grannysandy are the same person? :confused3

[Mermaid_Ariel]

Actually, I did ask a question and received not one single answer out of the 117 responses to my post! :confused3

The comment was made toward GrannySandy actually.. :rolleyes1

[sjaakie]

Actually, I did ask a question and received not one single answer out of the 117 responses to my post! :confused3



I did not ask if it was ethical for me to (gasp!) request "compensation" (learnt my lesson there...) but if it was "normal" to get no response to my complaint (whether it be legitimate or not). THAT was the point of my original post!:rotfl:

OP;)



On the first place you just to seem to like to "stir op the pot"

On the second place you did not answer the question why on earth you did not look on the original Disney Site.

On the third place if you are really speaking the truth maybe the Disney people just got tired with your moaning.

I think tread thread has come to and end because there no answers and I think the only reason you opened this thread is to get everyone upset.

[Mermaid_Ariel]

On the first place you just to seem to like to "stir op the pot"

On the second place you did not answer the question why on earth you did not look on the original Disney Site.

On the third place if you are really speaking the truth maybe the Disney people just got tired with your moaning.

I think tread thread has come to and end because there no answers and I think the only reason you opened this thread is to get everyone upset.

Which I think proves my point further. OP wasn't moved to create an account and post on DIS until something bad happened. People usually don't feel motivated to give an opinion on something unless it's a bad experience. To "stick it to" the business in hopes they'll get even for treating them that way.

How about contributing something helpful to the community instead of coming on here to complain as your introduction? :idea: And then sit here and continue to poke fun just because you didn't like the response you received?

[sjaakie]

Which I think proves my point further. OP wasn't moved to create an account and post on DIS until something bad happened. People usually don't feel motivated to give an opinion on something unless it's a bad experience. To "stick it to" the business in hopes they'll get even for treating them that way.

How about contributing something helpful to the community instead of coming on here to complain as your introduction? :idea: And then sit here and continue to poke fun just because you didn't like the response you received?


:thumbsup2 :lmao: :thumbsup2

[Allison]

Actually, I did ask a question and received not one single answer out of the 117 responses to my post! :confused3





Actually, that's not true, I answered one of your questions directly. It was the one about should you push this further.

[tloft]

Actually, I did ask a question and received not one single answer out of the 117 responses to my post! :confused3


My reply you quoted was directed very specifically at another poster. And, I think you have gotten a fairly resounding no you should not proceed further if further is an attempt to receive some form of compensation.

[fey_spirit]

You know I keep reading responses like this and it saddens me.
There are two sides to every story. Disney sells itself on an image of "perfection" that they choose to market because selling dreams is big bucks. If they are going to set that standard then perhaps it's not so wrong to expect them to live up to it.

If someone who represents this company fails to do even an adequate job (as was the case with the person who asked the right questions and was outright given the wrong information) then yes by all means Disney does owe some sort of compensation. Not something big mind you, but maybe an extra TS credit or two. That was the kind of customer service that Walt built into his parks in the first place... and it is on Walt's reputation that the current corporate pirates are currently trying to trade in on.

I see post after post on these boards about how the service at Disney is slipping across the boards, maybe that's happening because even when someone speaks up with a valid complaint they are shot down - because God forbid anyone dare hold Disney to it's promises and to the level of customer service it likes to claim. As long as there are so many voices shouting that we should just allow Disney to get away with making mistakes and offering crappy service, they will do so. Why? Because shoddy service doesn't cost so much and they can get away with it.


This is the underlying problem. People think they're always entitled to something if they're inconvenienced. And that REALLY bugs me. Why do you think you're entitled to anything just because someone made a mistake that you didn't suffer any damages from? :headache:

In the case of OP, it just sounds like because they paid $2500 in plane fare alone (ie, they spent a lot of money on this trip) that they're entitled to a perfect vacation. And anything less than perfect, they expect "compensation" for. Disney made a mistake. I've been a customer of other venues that have made mistakes. Was I annoyed? Yes. Did I expect anything in return? No. You have to learn to roll with the punches and realize that to err is human. Or, if you'd prefer, poopie happens.

That's why I try to empower myself with knowledge and information as much as possible to avoid inconveniences like this. It stinks when you're unpleasantly surprised while on vacation. Why do you think there's so many travel books written? Because most people like to research what they're buying beyond the sales pitch. They don't just blindly say, "Oh, here's my money, Disney/Italy/St. Lucia! Book me a perfect vacation!" :confused3

[CanadianMouse]

Hi Allison ,

Actually, I believe you are the only who directly responded to my question:lovestruc
But I assumed you were telling me that I shouldn't push the "compensation" request any further (which I am not, BTW) What I wanted to "push further" was the fact that they had not responded to my email, even though they had responded very rapidly to other questions I had.:) If I misunderstood, I apologize.

Tloft: I mis-used your quote, I am truly sorry. I was basically trying to refer to the comment that was made at least twice about asking a direct question and I wanted to point out that I had asked a question but that the whole direction of the post went towards my use of the word “compensation” instead of my actual questions.

To others who have replied with nasty comments: I have been polite in all my postings. I have never insulted anyone or called them names. I never had any intent to "stir anything up" or cause any fights. I was actually astounded at the growth of this thread and at the varied opinions that were stated. Any laughing smilies :rotfl: :laughing: :lmao: were never directed at any posters but at the whole situation that just seemed to grow out of hand (with very few posts from myself, actually) My reference to this resembling a foodfight was in no way meant as derogatory since a foodfight is usually done for fun and everybody remains friends at the end (as opposed to using the words fistfight or catfight). I have never made fun of anyone but I did see this response to someone nastily slamming me: :thumbsup2 :lmao: :thumbsup2 So who is making fun of who?

I have been insulted, slammed, laughed at and misquoted. It is disappointing to see people responding to a post like that, especially on a board dedicated to the happiest place on earth. I completely accept when someone does not agree with me, differing comments are always appreciated; it allows you to see things from another's point of view. But the slamming really wasn’t necessary.:guilty:

"To all who come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past...and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts which have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."
-Walt Disney
Dedication of Disneyland on July 17, 1955
Disneyland Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A.


OP;)

[kaytieeldr]

The call center I worked for was a global company, we accepted business from cell phone companies, health insurance networks, television programs that solicited calls from viewers, land line telephone companies, credit card companies and brokerage firms. I will not even pretend that we did not make mistakes but I will say that we took active measures to ensure that information was complete and accurate and that we had tools available for our agents so that they were able to access information quickly and accurately. I say this with 100% sincerity - maybe your marketing people should be contacting Disney. Gather information from this and other forums, and show Disney how much misinformation is being provided by their Cast Members (usually I deal in percentages, but while there are a lot of complaints by count, there are relatively few in comparison to ALL the calls and e-mails Disney gets).

and I'm sure there's plenty of other people who do receive correct information but aren't motivated to post about it.

For instance, I received wonderful information for our December 2007 trip. I didn't make it a point to make a thread and say, "Received correct information! YAY!" Yeah! What she said! So: I called Disney today to see if I could change the dates of my Future Stay (commonly known as BounceBack) package in September. I spoke with a VERY nice Cast Member, who, when she found out I had that package, had to transfer me to another desk - and about every THREE SECONDS, updated me on what she was doing and how long it would take to connect me. Then I got another wonderful, pleasant, happy Cast Member who was easily able to accommodate me!

Actually, I did ask a question and received not one single answer out of the 117 responses to my post! Yeah, I think it was that 'compensation' thing that distracted everybody. So: Yes, I have not been contacted by Disney following the "we have your e-mail and will get back to you" automated response. I wrote three different e-mails after my last trip, addressing three entirely different issues. I actually only got a second response to one (and, now that you remind me, I haven't written back!). It happens. It could be the volume of e-mail Disney gets; it could be the tone of the e-mail sent; it could be the legal issues involved - back to that compensation thing again, I'm sure most CMs aren't authorized to respond to that.

Once more (and if I didn't say it TO you, I did say it somewhere in this thread) - TRY SNAIL MAIL.

You know I keep reading responses like this and it saddens me.
There are two sides to every story. Disney sells itself on an image of "perfection" No, they don't. Disney sells itself on the image of "magic", and when you come right down to it, magic is entirely illusionary.

[PrincessAurora]

OK would you snarky women stop it with the necktie party! CanadianMouse was not nasty or rude in her original post. Sorry I didn't log on sooner and spare some of this pointless snarking.

To your question: "I am now more upset at the fact that Disney appears to be ignoring me that at the changes to the DDP!! Should I push this further? Has anybody else made complaints to Disney and did you get any response?"

Should you push it further? No because it really has no point. If it makes you feel better to send a letter, calm and well worded to the top, ccing the various managers in charge of the call center recommending better training, do that but don't expect an answer.

I have made complaints to Disney. The things that happen in person at the resort "tend" to get a better response.

Example: I had a phone issue (which is why I book through Dreams Unlimited and skip dealing with them altogether). They had the wrong info. They didn't apologize, I wrote a letter, only got a form letter back. No call. I wouldn't expect more.

In person we were awakened at Wilderness Lodge at 2AM with music BLARING from the Magic Kingdom as they "tested" the sound system for Grad Night. I went to the desk in the morning VERY upset. It seems that people were complaining from all of the Deluxe resorts that night to the Park. Way to go - PO your high paying guests. They said they would call the Park to keep it down but couldn't guarentee if wouldn't happen that night as well. I wasn't paying to stay in a Value. They didn't comp the night. If I pushed it, they may have but I don't know. I decided since the gal was nice that I would wait and see if there was a repeat. If so, I would have wanted money back. The sound was kept at a reasonable level the next night.

So I understand your issue. I personally am looking at paying ala carte for my 2009 trip if things don't change and I've paid for dining for years. The changes aren't worth it to me but I don't have a large party.

Hope this answers your questions.

[willis37862]

OK would you snarky women stop it with the necktie party! CanadianMouse was not nasty or rude in her original post. Sorry I didn't log on sooner and spare some of this pointless snarking.



:rotfl2: Sorry but how was you logging on sooner going to keep people from debating this topic. :confused3

[Mermaid_Ariel]

If someone who represents this company fails to do even an adequate job (as was the case with the person who asked the right questions and was outright given the wrong information) then yes by all means Disney does owe some sort of compensation. Not something big mind you, but maybe an extra TS credit or two. That was the kind of customer service that Walt built into his parks in the first place... and it is on Walt's reputation that the current corporate pirates are currently trying to trade in on.

Are you KIDDING? :scared1: Seriously? Wow, so if somebody makes a mistake that automatically entitles them to a free dinner? :lmao: Yeah, I'm sure that's exactly what Walt had in mind.

To others who have replied with nasty comments: I have been polite in all my postings. I have never insulted anyone or called them names. I never had any intent to "stir anything up" or cause any fights.

I would believe you if you didn't create a DIS account with the sole intent of starting a complaint thread. Your account was created on 3/20 and your first post on this board was on 3/20 to create a thread to complain about Disney. Sounds like stirring up trouble to me. :stir: I mean, what did you expect from us?

OK would you snarky women stop it with the necktie party! CanadianMouse was not nasty or rude in her original post. Sorry I didn't log on sooner and spare some of this pointless snarking.

:lmao: I guess I fail to see how you would "spare" the OP any of the "snarking". I don't exactly see moderator next to your name. Are you the snarky police? ;)

[Anjelica]

You know I keep reading responses like this and it saddens me.
There are two sides to every story. Disney sells itself on an image of "perfection" that they choose to market because selling dreams is big bucks. If they are going to set that standard then perhaps it's not so wrong to expect them to live up to it.

If someone who represents this company fails to do even an adequate job (as was the case with the person who asked the right questions and was outright given the wrong information) then yes by all means Disney does owe some sort of compensation. Not something big mind you, but maybe an extra TS credit or two. That was the kind of customer service that Walt built into his parks in the first place... and it is on Walt's reputation that the current corporate pirates are currently trying to trade in on.



I respectfully disagree with some of your statements. I don't see how Disney has ever sold themselves (aka image) as "perfectionists" in any shape or form. I also don't agree that any form of compensation should be given in this particular situation. There were no damages incurred.

Like I said before - we all make mistakes even big companies like Disney. They are only run by human's and I have yet to find a "perfect" human. With any situation there must be reasonable expectations (yes even with Disney).

While I can only sympathize with the OP I really think what "irked" people was the expectation of compensation.

[Allison]

Hi Allison ,

Actually, I believe you are the only who directly responded to my question:lovestruc
But I assumed you were telling me that I shouldn't push the "compensation" request any further (which I am not, BTW) What I wanted to "push further" was the fact that they had not responded to my email, even though they had responded very rapidly to other questions I had.:) If I misunderstood, I apologize.


OP;)
Oh, I missed what is was you actually wanted to push further. Thank you for clarifying.

[wezee]

FYI...I just watched our Disney DVD, that the orig. poster said gave her mis-information ( in addition to a phone cast member) concerning the dining plan. The DVD does not describe the different dining plans, but....tells you to go to www.disneyworld.com for details. I do know for a fact...that at the time the OP booked her vacation....the website listed all the correct info about the changes to the 2008 dining plan.

After watching the DVD, and knowing that it did not give the OP any dining details.....I must agree with the majority. The DVD said to research the WDW website for details, and if the OP did not do so......then who is at fault???

No additional compensation should be expected. I also assume you did not receive a second reply from WDW....because hundreds(thousands) of people have sent emails complaining about the dining changes....and I imagine WDW has created a trash bin to store each and every one of them.

If you don't like the changes to the dining plan....you have plenty of time to cancel it!!!

[Anjelica]

I see nothing wrong with expecting a response when the information presented did not encompass the trip dates you gave. Sure people make mistakes but she NEVER said "give me a free dinner".

Again what upset some folks was the "compensation" statement. She never said "give me a free dinner" but she did state that in her letter/email to Disney she asked "how she was to be compensated".

Had the whole issue of compensation been left out of the discussion to begin with I don't think we would have 10 pages of on going posts (and that would probably be a good thing - although I myself have contributed).

While I am not defending folks on either side of the issue I think its good for folks to understand where some of the real "kinks" lay in this whole discussion. For me personally I do get somewhat irked that society as a whole keeps going down the path of "entitlement".

Bottom line - it sucks she didn't get the right information. Luckily she knows now the correct information before her trip and can hopefully plan accordingly (i.e. if that means cancelling the DDP or some other action, etc.). It also sucks Disney did not respond to her but I can only imagine the amount of email Disney receives daily, let alone hourly, from around the globe. Not an excuse but a reality. I hope that her trip turns out well.

[CamColt]

This thread has run its course with too much arguing.