Getting Sick of the "Code Game" and the CM's!!!!!!!!!!!

[jerseygal]

Have something booked at a deluxe for summer and I just called to see if there were any "codes" attached to my name...Anyway, called on the
new reservation #, gave info, and they said "Are you shopping..Looks like you've called a few times"...Yea, you're darn right I'm shopping at deluxe rates...If I can get a discount with these economic times, I will call periodically to see about prices, "supposed codes"...

Disney Travel CM"s should be glad people are patronizing their hotels and should gladly look up info...In case they haven't noticed, we are in troubled times and Disney Guests are keeping them employed!

Who wouldn't want a 40% code like some have gotten???:mad:

[geokeim]

Have something booked at a deluxe for summer and I just called to see if there were any "codes" attached to my name...Anyway, called on the
new reservation #, gave info, and they said "Are you shopping..Looks like you've called a few times"...Yea, you're darn right I'm shopping at deluxe rates...If I can get a discount with these economic times, I will call periodically to see about prices, "supposed codes"...



Disney Travel CM"s should be glad people are patronizing their hotels and should gladly look up info...In case they haven't noticed, we are in troubled times and Disney Guests are keeping them employed!

Who wouldn't want a 40% code like some have gotten???:mad:

It's like calling any place else, sometimes you get that.(though luckily not to often IME)
I'm not embarrassed to ask for a discount OR to keep calling. It's your $ after all:worship: not theirs!

[mousebouncer]

The more you call...the more CM's they need to cover the calls! You're helping people get jobs and the economy! Call away!:banana:

[WDW Newsletter]

Jersey Girl yeah keep calling. If you are planning a vacation and possibly spending thousands, any savings will help, so they can field a few extra calls from you.

[Alicnwondrln]

probably cuz they wont be booking you so it doesnt help them reach there quota. I would keep calling though, hey its $$

[Luv2Roam]

I would have replied -- Give me a good code and I'll quit calling. ;) :rotfl2:

[dclfun]

I really don't like the codes, pins, and other offers that are given to some and not all. To me it makes more people angry than satisfied and just plain feels "unfair". Last year there were posts about people lying regarding getting a PIN or upgrade offer because they were so desperate to get what others had gotten yet they hadn't been "entitled" to get. Back in the days when less folks were on the internet and information wasn't shared so freely then perhaps PINS and codes were needed to attract a certain chosen population to WDW but with information sharing being the way it is, I'd much rather see an offer posted, first come first served like FD and then let it sell itself. Then it wouldn't hurt to send mailers to guests who might not see the offer online to be sure they are invited to take advantage of it and thus also aren't left out. I feel for you, OP, but call as often as you like. It's your money and your vacation and you deserve the pixie dust as much as anyone else. It sounds like the CM who took your call should've said, "oh I see you've been calling often- we're so glad you're looking forward to your stay and hope you'd like to book another!" vs. you ending up feeling like they didn't appreciate your calls.---Kathy

[polineedyan]

When I got my phone bill last month, I was upset I had called them at all. Get a good Disney authorized TA. Then you dont have to pay to call them, when every other company in the universe has an 800 number. This website and my TA have saved me more money than their phone number ever could. I did get a random offer on my single call to them. If I was willing to change my dates, they had a deal at another resorts. Did not take the offer.

[mmmears]

I would let them know that you'll keep calling until you find what you're looking for!!!:rotfl: Honestly, the CMs that ask you that are not the good, helpful ones, anyway. Keep trying -- I've said the same thing to them about the deluxe prices!

[LauraAnn630]

They DO have a 1-800 number. Im sure someone will post it.

I have to look for it.


I wish they would give people a discount code upon checkout. Like they did for free dining. If you come back over and over I think you deserve a discount code!

Make sure they have your correct email. We got very lucky getting upgrades through email. Me and my DH both made accounts on the Disney site.


Disneyland doesnt give any codes! They are more expensive too!

[Vickie46]

I think they have cut off all the toll free numbers now..

[skipperkim]

I think they have cut off all the toll free numbers now..

I believe you are correct. OP call as often as you like, it's your money and time. They get paid to answer the phone. Yes, they have to meet a quota. If you get a CM who acts like that again, get their name then ask to speak to their manager. Who knows, maybe a code will magically appear for you because of a rude CM?

[JoshWDW]

Well, guys, as for the "quota"..in the past couple years it has gone from a nice way to make a living to a struggle to just keep your job. I left in November but I hear it's only getting worse. They folks in charge at drc definitely make it hard to focus on anyting else..its very hard to book, say $2400 an hour, when every single caller wants a campsite at christmas, or is checking for another code or discount.
As for the repeated calling, my advice to people...don't. It does 2 things: 1: Ties up the phone line for other people who either want to book or have issues with their reservations that require immediate attention and 2: hurts the CM who has to go through all the Quality Monitoring steps just to tell you no.
Now, Im not saying don't shop around for discounts. By all means, please. However, if you have found disboards, you already have access to whatever might be out there. Combine that with the Disney site itself and you are doing good. If theres a PIN offer for you in the system, you will be sent it...Disney is not smart enough for some reason to know you already booked. It never made sense to me why we sent those to people who already had paid reservations...I know guests loved it, but its not the best business sense.

[JoshWDW]

Oh, and I forgot to mention this...the whole idea of "hey, were keeping them employed"....not true. That place has a very high turnover and is usually understaffed. They folks in charge do not try to retain employees and drive them off very quickly. Its quite sad,really. Of course, that spawns people on the phone who are newer and don't know what theyre doing, etc etc which doesnt really benefit anyone. I , for one, still have every guest compliment letter I ever recieved :)

[abeyst]

I fell for you Josh and the situation you described, but until DRC can assure that we're all going to get an email/postcard with the code that so many are only finding out by calling to discover is on their account, the calls are going to keep happening. Disney needs to fix whatever is wrong with their system in that so many aren't getting notified of their PIN codes.

[jlewisinsyr]

When I got my phone bill last month, I was upset I had called them at all. Get a good Disney authorized TA. Then you dont have to pay to call them, when every other company in the universe has an 800 number. This website and my TA have saved me more money than their phone number ever could. I did get a random offer on my single call to them. If I was willing to change my dates, they had a deal at another resorts. Did not take the offer.

My guess, you'll see more and more companies abandon 800# lines, they're expensive, and people have more and more options for low cost long distance (or free). Digital phones are available in most areas that have access to a high speed internet connection, mobile phones are as numerous as land lines, etc.

[dreamin_disney]

Well DF had a code and we didnt get a notice. I signed up also on the site and got a disney visa. DF had a code but i didnt. The 2 cm's i talked to before i knew about asking didnt mention it. The 3rd CM (female) went the extra step on her own and checked, thats how i knew he had one. Unfortunetly it want for our dates. I've only called 3 times in the last 2 month and the nice lady told me to check back in May and june

Well, guys, as for the "quota"..in the past couple years it has gone from a nice way to make a living to a struggle to just keep your job. I left in November but I hear it's only getting worse. They folks in charge at drc definitely make it hard to focus on anyting else..its very hard to book, say $2400 an hour, when every single caller wants a campsite at christmas, or is checking for another code or discount.
As for the repeated calling, my advice to people...don't. It does 2 things: 1: Ties up the phone line for other people who either want to book or have issues with their reservations that require immediate attention and 2: hurts the CM who has to go through all the Quality Monitoring steps just to tell you no.
Now, Im not saying don't shop around for discounts. By all means, please. However, if you have found disboards, you already have access to whatever might be out there. Combine that with the Disney site itself and you are doing good. If theres a PIN offer for you in the system, you will be sent it...Disney is not smart enough for some reason to know you already booked. It never made sense to me why we sent those to people who already had paid reservations...I know guests loved it, but its not the best business sense.

[mbanks21]

Well, guys, as for the "quota"..in the past couple years it has gone from a nice way to make a living to a struggle to just keep your job. I left in November but I hear it's only getting worse. They folks in charge at drc definitely make it hard to focus on anyting else..its very hard to book, say $2400 an hour, when every single caller wants a campsite at christmas, or is checking for another code or discount.
As for the repeated calling, my advice to people...don't. It does 2 things: 1: Ties up the phone line for other people who either want to book or have issues with their reservations that require immediate attention and 2: hurts the CM who has to go through all the Quality Monitoring steps just to tell you no.
Now, Im not saying don't shop around for discounts. By all means, please. However, if you have found disboards, you already have access to whatever might be out there. Combine that with the Disney site itself and you are doing good. If theres a PIN offer for you in the system, you will be sent it...Disney is not smart enough for some reason to know you already booked. It never made sense to me why we sent those to people who already had paid reservations...I know guests loved it, but its not the best business sense.

I dont even know where to start with this. With all the overtime they offer and the incentive bonuses for hitting your goal you can make a very nice living. Theres a lot of CM's that take early release everyday and have high ACW times (40+%???? How is that even possible) that are struggling to make any money and reach their goals. There are cast members that work for Disney because they love working there and love helping people book vacations and dont mind checking for pin codes. It takes about 20 seconds to do. "Do I have a pin code on my household?" "Let me check....yes you do"


I do agree however about the computer system not being accurate and updating properly but like I said, you can always call and see if you have a pin code attached to your household.

[maxiesmom]

Have something booked at a deluxe for summer and I just called to see if there were any "codes" attached to my name...Anyway, called on the
new reservation #, gave info, and they said "Are you shopping..Looks like you've called a few times"...Yea, you're darn right I'm shopping at deluxe rates...If I can get a discount with these economic times, I will call periodically to see about prices, "supposed codes"...



The comment by the CM makes me wonder if Disney is have a bigger problem than usualy with people booking rooms they can't afford without a discount, and then cancelling their resevation when they don't get one. Maybe the CM is worried you will cancel.:confused3

[G8r4evr]

I feel your frustration. I got so tired of the code game that I gave up and we have decided to take our business elsewhere for a while. We havent been in 18 mths and wont be going back anytime soon, unless a code miraculously drops in my lap. LOL

[*NikkiBell*]

This is America and you have the right to call and ask if you want to. I find CM who complain like that are the ones who really shouldn't be working there to begin with.

[mbanks21]

and they wont be working there much longer since all the calls are monitored and recorded.

[Iluvjiminy]

This summer we will be making our third thrip to WDW I NEVER received a pin number or code or anything until we returned home last summer. The week we returned there were two codes in the mailbox and I said...it figures :confused3 this year.........I have received two codes in the mail and one email which I called about and was politely told oops not available during your dates :( less than a month later I received an email with yet another code and decided what the heck I'll call anyway.............to my surprise the code was available :cool1: ONLY "if" :eek: my TA called and there were still rooms available after she got my email franticly (sp) asking her to please try. Long story short......after two days of back and forth emails Beth from Dreams Unlimited sent me an email telling me the code had been applied :woohoo: she not only got it applied to my reservation but to my DF reservation who will be going with us as well. We saved $220.00 each but that $220.00 will buy alot of dole whips. :banana: Finally my patience paid off and to Beth I say :worship: thank you so much for dealing with all my questions!!! I am grateful for the code but like many of you wonder how Disney decides who gets the code and when.

[LauraAnn630]

I get a code every year since 2004!

maxiesmom - The comment by the CM makes me wonder if Disney is have a bigger problem than usualy with people booking rooms they can't afford without a discount, and then cancelling their resevation when they don't get one. Maybe the CM is worried you will cancel.

I do not think it has anything to do with "affording" rack rate.
Its getting the best price. Like buying a car. Why pay top dollar if you dont have to? Its being a smart consumer. If someone has money to waste they could give it to charity. I want the best possible price on everything all the time. I think its foolish not to try to get the best price.

Disney doesn't care if you cancel. They can rebook. I dont think the CMs really care if anyone cancels.

[Alicnwondrln]

Oh, and I forgot to mention this...the whole idea of "hey, were keeping them employed"....not true. That place has a very high turnover and is usually understaffed. They folks in charge do not try to retain employees and drive them off very quickly. Its quite sad,really. Of course, that spawns people on the phone who are newer and don't know what theyre doing, etc etc which doesnt really benefit anyone. I , for one, still have every guest compliment letter I ever recieved :)

yeah I hear the turn over is crazy ! I have been to disney over 30 times and have gotten one postcard and no other pin that I know of. I figure they know I am going so why give me a discount.
I really wish they had a loyalty program.

[nurse.darcy]

When I went this month, there was an offer in the hotel room that if you book room only you could get 20% off a value or mod, 30% off on a deluxe and 40% off on a villa. The only stipulation was you had to book it before checkout. Which I did.

[mbanks21]

The turnover rate is no higher than any other call center, probably a little less because working for disney is a lot funner with better benefits than most call centers.

[dclfun]

I agree that I'd much prefer a loyalty program than PIN codes which seem to always get screwed up somehow. People don't get a discount code that IS attached to their name, the computers can't keep someone's email "turned on" to accept mailings and offers, and many folks end up frustrated and feeling like they had to work too hard to get a deal or that they aren't sure that they got the best deal to start with. When I asked once about a loyalty program I was told it's the Disney Visa...where one can earn rewards for spending. I had to laugh....I never thought of a credit card and CC debt as "loyalty" to a company where I had been spending vacations several times a year for many years with my family and had paid cash or used a different CC. Oh well.:-) ---Kathy

[DznyDreams]

I agree that I'd much prefer a loyalty program than PIN codes which seem to always get screwed up somehow. . . . ---Kathy

I couldn't agree more, Kathy!!!!!:thumbsup2

Sorry to go OT, but were you and Skye at WDW in May (last month)? I know there are many service dogs that visit WDW, but Skye looks SO familiar to DD & I. We were there mid May.:goodvibes

[mskayjay]

We are booked for a great trip in Aug/Sept for our anniversary. I commented to the CM when I made our ressies how we don't get offers like we used to and please check for codes on our name. Nope! Okay I can live with that. There had been a problem that "somehow" they lost our address/phone/email during computer updating but even though we've been a lot, we had no codes. So they update us yet again (last done less then 2 years ago!) and lo and behold, right after I book I get a code in my email but it is for summer travel ending 8/2. I'm not too upset because our whole trip is free but its still frustrating as all get out on how they do this. I agree with the idea of loyalty points instead. Even if you don't go often, let the user get points they can apply how they want towards whatever they want, similar to how credit card companies do mileage.

And as for the CMs, give them a break. I understand calling over and over but these folks aren't to blame for the problems Disney has allowed to fester. They aren't the top mops making millions in bonuses or anything. They are typical folks just like us trying to make a living and almost everyone I have spoken to has been super helpful and understanding of the need/desire to save a few dollars.

[mbanks21]

And as for the CMs, give them a break. I understand calling over and over but these folks aren't to blame for the problems Disney has allowed to fester. They aren't the top mops making millions in bonuses or anything. They are typical folks just like us trying to make a living and almost everyone I have spoken to has been super helpful and understanding of the need/desire to save a few dollars.


Preach it!

[dclfun]

I think everyone wants to feel appreciated for giving their business to a company- rewards and "frequent guest" programs abound. I wonder if the data base at WDW is just too large to do anything accurately to account for guest's past visits (and thus is a concern), however something that started on a certain date and would offer a loyalty program beyond that date would at least be a start. It would depend on a lot of IT support. I'd like to have a card that could be swiped upon check-in that would "credit" my nights spent at resorts and add up to points that could be used for future stays. Since all the info would be on a card then no one would have to manually input information or count on accuracy in reporting from guests. Giving loyalty rewards for purchases could stay with the Disney Visa. Hey, a girl can dream.

OT to Diane...I'm not sure it was us that you saw. We just returned from a stay at AKLodge ( May 25-June 1) and were over at Pop from May 4-6th but neither of those dates was really mid-May. I need to tie my lime-greem Mickey head on the back of my chair again. I'd love to meet you -please say hello and if it's not us, I'm sure another guest would feel honored. :-)---Kathy

[spiceycat]

I though the new program - bounceback was to reward their current guests?

[eliza61]

Have something booked at a deluxe for summer and I just called to see if there were any "codes" attached to my name...Anyway, called on the
new reservation #, gave info, and they said "Are you shopping..Looks like you've called a few times"...Yea, you're darn right I'm shopping at deluxe rates...If I can get a discount with these economic times, I will call periodically to see about prices, "supposed codes"...

Disney Travel CM"s should be glad people are patronizing their hotels and should gladly look up info...In case they haven't noticed, we are in troubled times and Disney Guests are keeping them employed!

Who wouldn't want a 40% code like some have gotten???:mad:


I'll play devils advocate on the side of the phone cm's. Yes, we notice the economic times, most of them don't make enough to patronize the deluxes. Asking if you're shopping around does not infere any thing. Maybe cm was just making ideal chit chat. They have no controls of codes or the economic times, they do not determine who gets a code and who does not. so why are you biting their heads off? As long as she politely and professionally gives you the answers to your questions to the best of his/her ability, what else do you want?

[larryz]

I think everyone wants to feel appreciated for giving their business to a company- rewards and "frequent guest" programs abound. I wonder if the data base at WDW is just too large to do anything accurately to account for guest's past visits (and thus is a concern), however something that started on a certain date and would offer a loyalty program beyond that date would at least be a start. It would depend on a lot of IT support. I'd like to have a card that could be swiped upon check-in that would "credit" my nights spent at resorts and add up to points that could be used for future stays. Since all the info would be on a card then no one would have to manually input information or count on accuracy in reporting from guests. Giving loyalty rewards for purchases could stay with the Disney Visa. Hey, a girl can dream.




Good point. Anyone here a member of the Castaway Club? It's a small token, but when you go back for another Disney Cruise, you're recognized as a return customer...almost a "client"...and you get some bennies associated with it.

[JennandJaryd]

I fell for you Josh and the situation you described, but until DRC can assure that we're all going to get an email/postcard with the code that so many are only finding out by calling to discover is on their account, the calls are going to keep happening. Disney needs to fix whatever is wrong with their system in that so many aren't getting notified of their PIN codes.

Problem with system: I have two WDW stays and a DCL cruise planned this year and every time I call, they state that the address I give doesn't match. They have an address from when I was in college and they change it every time I call.

They keep saying "Oh, it just needs to be changed in one more place." Then I call again and whatdoyouknow, wrong address...

It is very annoying...

[WDW~Lover]

Problem with system: I have two WDW stays and a DCL cruise planned this year and every time I call, they state that the address I give doesn't match. They have an address from when I was in college and they change it every time I call.

They keep saying "Oh, it just needs to be changed in one more place." Then I call again and whatdoyouknow, wrong address...

It is very annoying...

lolol I am laughing because I go through this EVERY TIME with my phone number! and I always start with my name and go straight through with my email address. I also give them 2 different phone numbers. they always start to laugh, gee, you know disney!
I think a lot of problems have started since they have gotten those "Other" out of town call centers. Half the time the CM 's are not current as to what is going on! and when find something off, I ask them where it is I am calling. Oh we are a satellite center for Disney and are NOT in Florida. So I think some of this is the issue also!

[rainy~daze]

I had a room only reservation booked for september (after free dining) at CBR...we have been talking about upgrading. I received the june email which talks about free dining, but says the typical call and ask about other dates and lenghts of stays.
So I called: (paraphrased)
me: hi we are booked to come in september and i was wondering if any discounts might be available.
cm: our policy is not to be proactive in giving discounts, you need to have a code when you call if you want it applied to a reservation ...blah blah blah...for like 3 minutes about why she can't look at anything or tell me anything or help me in anyway. (then why do you freakin work there???????????????)
me: no, proactive is me calling and you saying hi mrs X can you come to disney on such and such a date we have a great offer available. me asking a direct question if you have a discount available and getting a direct answer is you being polite and offering good customer service by answering a question.
cm: blah blah blah.....is their anything else i can do for you?
me: i'm sorry, can I get your name one more time?
cm: gives name (fake sounding name, too)
me: yes, you can cancel the reservation i am holding
cm: can i ask why?
me: yes, i am not happy i have been treated so rudely
cm:can i ask you to hold while i cancel that for you?
me:sure

it gets cancelled...i then send an email to guest services documenting the issue and letting them know if their policy is in fact not to tell a caller about available discounts to the public, then it needs to be worded in a different manner. it was very condescending to be treated like that...like we send out codes to people entitled to get them and if you didn't get one then screw you. (not what i wrote in my email, but it sums it up).
i am sure we will rebook, possibly for the upgrade we want, but she was such a ***** i couldn't even help myself.

[maxiesmom]

So are you all saying you would rather Disney did away with room codes, and only did a loyalty program? Because I really can't see how doing both codes and a loyalty program would benefit them. It would for sure benefit us, but I don't see it happening.

[eliza61]

I had a room only reservation booked for september (after free dining) at CBR...we have been talking about upgrading. I received the june email which talks about free dining, but says the typical call and ask about other dates and lenghts of stays.
So I called: (paraphrased)
me: hi we are booked to come in september and i was wondering if any discounts might be available.
cm: our policy is not to be proactive in giving discounts, you need to have a code when you call if you want it applied to a reservation ...blah blah blah...for like 3 minutes about why she can't look at anything or tell me anything or help me in anyway. (then why do you freakin work there???????????????)
me: no, proactive is me calling and you saying hi mrs X can you come to disney on such and such a date we have a great offer available. me asking a direct question if you have a discount available and getting a direct answer is you being polite and offering good customer service by answering a question.
cm: blah blah blah.....is their anything else i can do for you?
me: i'm sorry, can I get your name one more time?
cm: gives name (fake sounding name, too)
me: yes, you can cancel the reservation i am holding
cm: can i ask why?
me: yes, i am not happy i have been treated so rudely
cm:can i ask you to hold while i cancel that for you?
me:sure

it gets cancelled...i then send an email to guest services documenting the issue and letting them know if their policy is in fact not to tell a caller about available discounts to the public, then it needs to be worded in a different manner. it was very condescending to be treated like that...like we send out codes to people entitled to get them and if you didn't get one then screw you. (not what i wrote in my email, but it sums it up).
i am sure we will rebook, possibly for the upgrade we want, but she was such a ***** i couldn't even help myself.


But I'm not getting the condescension. What did you want cm to say. Disney is the one with the idiotic policy of not giving code information over the phone. :furious: She works there because she needs the job but she can't go against company policy. (I was a phone customers service rep, so I know how she feels) She said you need to have the code when you call. How is that not giving you an answer. The only other option I can see is the cm just flat out saying no, there are no codes available.
I think you just didn't like the answer you got, which is totally understandable. Sorry, unless I'm missing the tone of the phone call (which is hard to convey on the net) CM was simply matter of fact, but not rude.

[dclfun]

I would much prefer a loyalty program to codes since there is so much room for error on who receives a code due to incorrect information in their computer system. As "rainy-daze" wrote in the post regarding cancelling her reservation, it does "feel" like codes are given only to the entitled people and it's anyone's guess as to who are the random entitled. People's demographics could be entirely the same yet one person gets a code and another doesn't. It engenders anger and resentment amongst those who aren't the "chosen", esp. when they find out about others getting something they aren't getting and have no idea why. It would be interesting to find out how much business is lost by those who cancel when they find out that others are getting a much better deal/rate than they are due to a code that they didn't get. Research has already been done on hotel loyalty programs and perks for frequent guests and research shows that those programs work in getting people to come back again and again vs. going to a competitor.---Kathy

[eliza61]

I would much prefer a loyalty program to codes since there is so much room for error on who receives a code due to incorrect information in their computer system. As "rainy-daze" wrote in the post regarding cancelling her reservation, it does "feel" like codes are given only to the entitled people and it's anyone's guess as to who are the random entitled. People's demographics could be entirely the same yet one person gets a code and another doesn't. It engenders anger and resentment amongst those who aren't the "chosen", esp. when they find out about others getting something they aren't getting and have no idea why. It would be interesting to find out how much business is lost by those who cancel when they find out that others are getting a much better deal/rate than they are due to a code that they didn't get. Research has already been done on hotel loyalty programs and perks for frequent guests and research shows that those programs work in getting people to come back again and again vs. going to a competitor.---Kathy


I guess that's where I differ. When I decide to go to Disney, I never "expect" a code. I go because it's a great vacation. I know the price up front and I know what discounts I get take part in (AP, AAA, free dining) If some one with the same demographics gets a code so be it. It seems ridiculous, in my opinion for me to cancel my vacation because the luck of the draw didn't favor me. To me that's like complaining because everyone else gets a prize during this stupid year of a million dreams campaign (one of the big reasons why I hate freebies, people start complaining because they hear of every one else getting some thing and they too feel "entitled").

I was in the WL last March and a women was throwing a major hissy fit because she wasn't offered a free upgrade. I mean a major, almost had the cm's in tears tantrum.
Disney doesn't have to offer a loyality program (yes, it would be nice) and it wouldn't make sense business wise. They are averaging ~88-93% capacity without it. I wouldn't offer one either with those numbers. I doubt they are losing much business from that.

I stick to my opinion. If you get a could that's great but it is no way the cm's fault if you go your entire life without one.

[fla4fun]

But I'm not getting the condescension. What did you want cm to say. Disney is the one with the idiotic policy of not giving code information over the phone. :furious: She works there because she needs the job but she can't go against company policy. (I was a phone customers service rep, so I know how she feels) She said you need to have the code when you call. How is that not giving you an answer. The only other option I can see is the cm just flat out saying no, there are no codes available.
I think you just didn't like the answer you got, which is totally understandable. Sorry, unless I'm missing the tone of the phone call (which is hard to convey on the net) CM was simply matter of fact, but not rude.

Although I know they can't just give out every promotion they have going, to just anyone who calls, I could understand the poster's frustration if they didn't have access to the Internet. Not everyone does. Before I had the Internet, I would call and ask if there were any Florida Resident discounts or Annual Pass discounts, but I didn't have a "code" for the discount. Maybe my question was considered specific enough to get an answer, because I made a lot of discounted reservations that way (and was entitled to every one of them). I can't believe they would block people who don't have access to getting a "general" code, like a Fla Res, AP, or general public code, from getting a reservation at a discount they are entitled to. However, I can understand target specific codes being off limits.

Perhaps the CM's just need to do a little discovery and find out if any of the general discounts would apply.

[eliza61]

Absolutely. It's so frustrating but as a former "person on the other side of the phone" it's equally as frustating for the cm's. They have absolutely no control over who gets codes and sure you are bound to get a phone cm who might not be on top of every thing or even given out wrong information. It's a high turnover job. I can't tell you how many times I've simply hung up and called back and gotten totally different answers. I think instead of blowing up at the cm wouldn't the better alternative be to voice your anger at some one who could actually do some thing?

This was actually one of our reasons for first buying AP's and then DVC, we wanted to get better room rates without all the hoops. I know that's not an option for the general public but we can all email and write disney constently and let them know about their pricing.

[maxiesmom]

I guess that's where I differ. When I decide to go to Disney, I never "expect" a code. I go because it's a great vacation. I know the price up front and I know what discounts I get take part in (AP, AAA, free dining) If some one with the same demographics gets a code so be it. It seems ridiculous, in my opinion for me to cancel my vacation because the luck of the draw didn't favor me. To me that's like complaining because everyone else gets a prize during this stupid year of a million dreams campaign (one of the big reasons why I hate freebies, people start complaining because they hear of every one else getting some thing and they too feel "entitled").


That is what bothers me too. Everyone would love a discount, but I can't see getting so mad because you don't get one. :confused3

When you call Disney you have to know what you are asking for. The CMs are not allowed to volunteer discount info. That would be like me calling Delta and having the agent tell me that if I book at a different time, the rate would be cheaper. Ain't gonna happen.

Or even from my own work experience. I work retail. If a customer comes in and asks what the sale price will be for an item on a different day, I'm not allowed to tell them. I could be fired for telling them. And your saving an extra $5 on a pair of shoes is not worth me loosing my job. If you are not prepared to spend that $5, it is no skin off my nose. You are only spiteing yourself by not buying them. Someone else will probably come along and buy them. Same thing for the Disney CMs.

I have a radical idea: How about booking the vacation that you are prepared to pay for, and then not blowing a gasket because you don't get a discount? Not intending that comment for any particular person, but why book a vacation that you are not willing to pay for?:confused3

[dclfun]

This is why I'd prefer a loyalty program to discount codes. It wouldn't have to be something major, even a free gift thrown in like is given now when you make a purchase over a certain $$ amt. in a WDW gift shop, or a coupon for free non-alc beverages during your stay. These things wouldn't cost the company much but would make people feel as though they're valued and recognized for returning. A loyalty program that let you earn points towards a future stay would also be great and of course, would encourage someone to book a future stay to use the points accrued. I remember when we first moved to Fla and had our first AP's. We never got the AP newsletter and hadn't heard about Fla. resident discounts - we had no computer either. So I called for a rate for one night so we could stay over after attending the "Jolly Holidays Dinner Show". As we are a family of six the res agent kept offering a 2 bedroom villa at OKW for what I felt was too costly- almost $500 for the one night ( boy did we jump on buying DVC!). Years later I realized she kept hinting when I balked at the rate..."well, this is RACK rate".. as if to intimate there was a discount if I'd only known about it. I didn't know about it and I didn't book it- we drove home instead, lol. I don't feel as if Disney has to give discounts but people do feel badly when they aren't the ones chosen to get a random offer when they find out others do- again, someone who has the same demographics. This is why I like things posted on the website- they are offered to anyone who wants to book. To me a simple loyalty program including, if needed, BB offers, would sit better with me than random discount codes.---Kathy

[mommycrawford]

I really miss the Magic Kingdom Club for this reason....You could buy into it to get some nice package deals! The only time I stayed at anything other than a value resort was through this program. Now that I am disabled, my income is even smaller, and dreams of staying at the beach club will never come true without a pin code.:( Despite going every year for the last 8 (except following 9/11) I have never been sent one.

Still, I am grateful to have a fun place to take my daughter, where generally everyone is nice and tries to be helpful:cloud9:

I am also grateful for these boards ( and related ones) that let me know about free dining!...That is a tremendous savings, and very much appreciated
Mr. Mouse!!!!!:earboy2:

[dclfun]

Wow...I'd forgotten about the Magic Kingdom Club. I still have one of the totes and my old Gold Card from that program. I guess when DVC came out then there was another offering that makes guests feel like they "belong" to a club. ????? I remember employers could take advantage of the "Free" MKC program for their employees too. I guess I'm getting old when I can remember the good ole days, lol.---Kathy

[eliza61]

Wow...I'd forgotten about the Magic Kingdom Club. I still have one of the totes and my old Gold Card from that program. I guess when DVC came out then there was another offering that makes guests feel like they "belong" to a club. ????? I remember employers could take advantage of the "Free" MKC program for their employees too. I guess I'm getting old when I can remember the good ole days, lol.---Kathy

Me too Kathy, boy I think we are showing our age on this one. :lmao:
Eliza