Furious with DISNEY! (SORRY FOR THE VENT!)

[mjamm]

Alright, I have spent endless hours price comparing packages etc with the pin I received via email a few days ago. I have received others in the past and when I called on them I found they were actually under my MIL's name, because I made ressie's for her previously. The CM told me then she switched everything and it was taken care of. So now naturally when I receive this PIN and want to act on it, I sit for 20 minutes to listen to another CM tell me he switched everything AGAIN :mad: and it is all taken care of, if I want to book. I call today, to book...disney will NOT honor it, even though it is my email and I can forward it to them via fax or email, they will not honor it. :scared1:


WHY, WHY, WHY when I finally decide to use it, does this happen!?!?! It was for free dining in december, so really isn't THAT great of a PIN, but enough to get us back down there. I am so mad I just spent another 36 minutes on the phone to be told this!!!!

I am ready to say we will be vacationing somewhere ELSE!

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I'd call back. Unfortunately, my experience is that different CM's give you different answers. I got a pin sent to my son (a minor) and was told by one CM I could not use it for our family :confused3 I called back and another CM was more than happy to let me use it. No rhyme or reason. I know its frustrating.

[bytheblood]

I agree about the inconsistencies in the CMs, it is worth giving it another go. Just be sure you are not talking to the same CM.

However, they are getting tighter on this now because there are so many people always trying to pull a fast one on Disney or feeling that they are entitled to something for nothing. I am not saying that you are, but there are people like that. Disney is tightening their belts like the rest of the globe....as well as their rules.

[RMulieri]

I agree about the inconsistencies in the CMs, it is worth giving it another go. Just be sure you are not talking to the same CM.

However, they are getting tighter on this now because there are so many people always trying to pull a fast one on Disney or feeling that they are entitled to something for nothing. I am not saying that you are, but there are people like that. Disney is tightening their belts like the rest of the globe....as well as their rules.

Agree. They are definitely cracking down on the usage of pins by people they aren't addressed to.

[dizneydiva2005]

call back and talk to a different CM- and again and again until you find one that will honor it. That's what I would do. You're likely to come across one that will give it to you. Some are better than others, some are willing to go the extra mile, some are friendlier than others... and so on.

I can totally understand your feelings. I would feel the same way.

[OceanAnnie]

I'd call back too. Different time frame to hopefully ensure someone different. Good luck. Very frustrating.

[Kristallc]

that sounds nuts! My 7 year old son got a pin in my email (I had registered for a free dvd to be mailed in his name). My MIL was able to use my sons pin on all 9 people going in our grand gathering. (free dining). i would call again. May its because your MIL isnt in your party on your ressie?

[sabrecmc]

This is sort of OT, but the name thing made me laugh...we just got back from Disney and I booked a bounceback for December. I used my name, my credit card, my address, my email...today we get the reservation mailing and it lists my mom as the primary guest. Why? Where in the world did that come from??? Its like once Disney gets some idea in its computer, it just won't let go. Yes, my mother booked all our rooms in her name when we were kids. 20 years ago! Geez, Disney, let it go!

[ruthfamilyvacationer]

Are you close with your MIL? Could she book it for you?

[cnjmom]

today we get the reservation mailing and it lists my mom as the primary guest.

I made numerous calls to WDW to plan our trip. We changed our resort a few times, and I probably made at least 30 calls to try to get/tweak ADRs (this was before the online system). During one of these calls, the CM decided that the resort reservation should be in my husband's name. The next time I called, the CM told me that the reservation with that number was under another name. So, I gave her the names on the reservation and she confirmed it was under my husband's name.

Not a big deal, really, but it was funny, considering he made not one phone call about the trip.

[ddleffers]

My husband has never phoned Disney, has never put anything in his name. I have made all the reservations, it has my e-mail address, everything and yet the reservation is under his name. Whenever they ask who the reservation is under, I give my name and they say "I'm sorry, that is not the name associated with the reservation". The funny part is that the CMs apparently pull up a list when they answer questions about a reservation and it shows who they talked to making it abundantly clear to anyone looking at the reservation that my husband has never had anything to do with it. Strange.

[cdrn1]

Boy do I feel your pain. I go to WDW frequently. I NEVER get pins any more. But my sister (who has gone twice in twenty years) gets them ALL the time, in MY EMAIL. She went with me two years ago, with her room reservation made by me, but the emails never have my name on them. Last week I hit "reply" on the email she got (which I had been hoping for, free dining) and spelled out my frustration to the Disney powers that be and got (what else) an automated response that it is an unmonitored email!!! :rotfl:

[mjamm]

I have debated calling back, and in general that has been experience as well, talking to different CM leads you to different results. I am just so frustrated...three phone calls, and yet my main email address is still under someone else name?:confused3 Last night, the CM was all set to put my deposit down, now today, sorry not happening!

I honestly wonder if the problem was I was trying to make a ressie for BW and the free dining prices quoted are for values. Maybe this is only for values, because unlike other PINS I have received (for my MIL :lmao:) there is no disclaimer stating other resorts are available with this specific pin.

I am sure I will break down and call back, even if just to prove my point that my email will still not be MY email! Thanks for all the advice!

[mjamm]

OH YES...I also wanted to mention that the CM told me this email is targeted for specific "profiles" and our family does not fall into that profile. So free dining would have been offered to MIL and FIL, but not for a family of five...economically I get it, just poor customer service...

[disneynuts777]

Yes...it sure can be frustrating. I have been organizing a Grand Gathering for my family for a year. Everything is in my name...except the rooms. They are in each families name all under my address.
So this week our magical express tags arrive to my address but in the name of one of my sisters. I just shook my head...and opened the envelope to make sure that everything was there.
It sometimes really makes me wonder how such a big organization can be so poorly organized:confused3:confused3

[mjamm]

Very well said! I also wanted to add that when I called the disney destinations number to book the pin I was prompted to enter my pin number. I am positive if I would call with my husband's cell it wouldn't ask for a pin. I think that might be my argument if and when I call back.

[bytheblood]

that sounds nuts! My 7 year old son got a pin in my email (I had registered for a free dvd to be mailed in his name). My MIL was able to use my sons pin on all 9 people going in our grand gathering. (free dining). i would call again. May its because your MIL isnt in your party on your ressie?


If your son's name was on the reservation, that is why she was able to use it.;)

[bytheblood]

OH YES...I also wanted to mention that the CM told me this email is targeted for specific "profiles" and our family does not fall into that profile. So free dining would have been offered to MIL and FIL, but not for a family of five...economically I get it, just poor customer service...


That sounds like a load to get you to back off. ;)

[gailanncreates]

I am vacationing somewhere else. All this silly pin code waiting wore me down.

[Tisha_PA]

I got a pin code a few weeks ago and called to get a price quote. Was told that my name was not the one attached to the pin and therefore I could not use it. Now, this pin came to my work email address and had my name on it. I sent an e-mail to Disney asking them to update their info. I received a reply back that the last name matched up with mine but the first name did not. Turns out they had my middle name shown as my first name. Go figure!

[Bete]

The rumor mill is saying a new code is forthcoming. Noone knows for sure, but it might be as good or better than your pincode. Let's all hope for the best, here.

[dizfamily4]

it is frustrating, I too recieved and e-mail addressed to "me" and when I called they told me it was the "wrong" name, so when I asked well what "name" is it, it turned out to be my husbands name the pin was attached to....no big deal but then why did I recieve the e-mail and why was it like pulling teeth to get them to tell me what name it was under? Again I agree different CM's can be a little more helpful in solving a problem than others :)

[clutter]

I've been to disney way too many times, all since 2000. On my second ever trip, I booked rooms with AP rates for friends as well as my daughter and I. Suddenly, about 3 years ago, my friend's old phone number (she'd moved a few times since) showed up as the phone number for my record. Numerous CMs have tried to change it, but failed. So to this date, my official phone number isn't even from my state! Their computer system certainly picks out random data at times!

[CanadianGuy]

Disney is cracking down on PIN abuse... and even tho in some instances (like here with the OP) no such abuse is going on... what has been happening.. is the following..

PIN gets email to Joe Smith. Joe gives email to sister in law Nancy Smith who uses the pin claimin JOE is her dog, cat, son who isn't coming on the trip.. etc.

It's unfortunate. But it's another case of a few ruining it for everybody.

That said - when they are wrong, they are wrong and if you can prove it - call and immediately ask to speak to Guest Services. Try with the rep if you have the patience, but just demand to speak to Guest Services. When you get them on the line, explain your predicament in detail.

I agree their database management is downright awful.

[onelilspark]

Just a tip: just because there's not an actual "disclaimer" on your mailing, doesn't mean Disney won't hold you to one...

Case in point: I received a "Passholder" pin code...all the dates listed were for after my pass expired. They tell me I must have an active AP. It doesn't state that anywhere on the mailing. I'm still a little bitter about it, but I've decided not to fight it and hope that a general public room only discount will come out.

[mjamm]

So my husband says I need to "let this go..." but one last point I wanted to make was when I printed the actual email, MY name was on it, my email address, and like I said previously it was "linked" to my cell phone.

The CM yesterday said that I needed more "identifying methods" to the email other than just my email address, being that the mailing address for this pin was my MIL's. Seems like those three things should qualify.

AND it does says other resorts are available, so there goes that theory! Thanks to all of you, you brought the smile back to my face!

[PolyAddict]

I have received 2 pins to my email for my sister and CRO will not let me use it.

I am OVER it at this point...i will never get my own pin.:sad2:

I have moved on and just wait for the public codes.:3dglasses

They know i will come anyway...i just might not upgrade my resort or type of room.....but i will come....it's a sickness.:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[LoveKermit]

AND it does says other resorts are available, so there goes that theory! Thanks to all of you, you brought the smile back to my face!

I was going to tell you that your choice of hotel doesn't matter. I called for quotes on my pin (with DHs name on the postcard) and had no trouble. Of course, I only called for quotes. I didn't try to book.

I'd try again. Maybe they "ran out" of availability in that short time between calls at the hotel you're trying. Widen your range (I understand, with 5, that's tough) of hotels. Something might pop up. However, they should have told you that too, so I guess I have no solution.

[dizneydiva2005]

Several times I have received a pin via snail mail in my parents names. :confused3 I have NO clue how my parents name is connected to my address... but one year, I tried to use it NO go. The next time, the CM was very friendly and said, well, it's your address so I'll let you use it. The next time, I got one and we went with my parents so I was able to use it for both rooms. :rotfl: Since then no pins in my moms name to my address although she gets them via her email all the time!!! GRRRRRR!!!!

[TheRatPack]

Well, I just got a strange PIN explanation when I called. They said Pins are tied to the address, not a name......HUH? My husband got a PIN in his email, we weren't going to use it but called and got a few quotes anyway and now we are going to use it but can't pull the email up again. I called and asked about them pulling it up (it was for FD in December) and she only asked my name and my address. I told her it was in my husbands name and she said it didn't matter, it was tied to address and not name?

Ummm, okay??? So why can I not use my MIL's if it comes to my address LOL

[TheRatPack]

I've been to disney way too many times, all since 2000. On my second ever trip, I booked rooms with AP rates for friends as well as my daughter and I. Suddenly, about 3 years ago, my friend's old phone number (she'd moved a few times since) showed up as the phone number for my record. Numerous CMs have tried to change it, but failed. So to this date, my official phone number isn't even from my state! Their computer system certainly picks out random data at times!

We have a similar problem, CM's have tried to change our phone number for YEARS, from our old phone number to our new one. It never takes....so we still have to give them our old phone number when we call to check on ressies...etc.

[robinb]

I honestly wonder if the problem was I was trying to make a ressie for BW and the free dining prices quoted are for values. Maybe this is only for values, because unlike other PINS I have received (for my MIL :lmao:) there is no disclaimer stating other resorts are available with this specific pin.Well ... if it makes you feel any better you will probably find a better deal at Boardwalk with another code than the Free Dining code. With FD you are getting a value of $113 per night (2 adults & 3 kids) ... that's about 33% of the rack rate. If Disney extends their current 35% off code into December it may turn out cheaper to book the discounted rate and pay for the DDP.

[Pinkpony]

I booked 2 rooms last November, one for me, DH and 2 kids, and one for my oldest DS and his wife. Had a wonderful trip, yadayadayada.

Fast-forward to this year. I get an email in my email box a couple of months ago addressed to my oldest DS and it is a pin code. MY EMAIL ADDRESSED TO HIM. He didn't even make a ressie last year. In fact, he's only 24 and had never made a ressie at WDW before. :sad2:

When I called to use the pin code for all six of us again (2 rooms), guess what....yep, my oldest son had to be the one that made the ressie. And my DH and I can't use it unless he's at WDW with us! (not that we'd ever leave him behind :rolleyes1)

So now my oldest son booked two rooms for this November, one for him and one for us, using his pin code he received in my email.

So maybe next year he'll get the email and it will be addressed to me and the cycle will complete itself? :lmao:

[mjamm]

So I called again today (and yes the system was down for awhile, if that means another code coming out is anyone's best guess) and asked to speak with customer service. I told them I really wasn't interested in booking the FD in
Dec deal, but my concern was this continues to happen and it is very frustrating. Well instead of trying to figure out WHY this is happening she wanted to just book the ressie.

ah yes the big sigh and I see the olive branch offering as a sign off peace.

:confused3

I still didn't book, I am too stubborn, and still feel like proving my point. Like tiny little me matters to disney or something :rotfl:

But I just wanted to give you the update, and now we can all spread the love:hippie:

[erv1216]

OT, but can someone please tell me where I can sign up to get pins?? Im a member of the Disney website but Ive never gotten a pin.

[MusicMouse]

They are completely random (or so Disney claims :rolleyes:), thus all the venting.

[mjamm]

I wish I knew how my MIL keeps getting this pins...I have no idea. My theory was the more you log onto the disney website and price out vacations without booking the more "hits" so to speak, the better the chances of getting a pin. The account that I have set up with the website is the account I keep getting pin offers on, and I frequently visit to price different options of vacations for my family. I have also ordered the DVD's that past members have suggested, but I have never gotten anything via mail. Hope that helps!

[ksoehrlein]

I booked two rooms for coworkers who had to attend a conference at Y&BC this past February and provided my contact info when I made the ressie. Well, Disney has sent each of these coworkers several PIN codes via my email address. I don't believe either of them had ever done a WDW trip prior to this conference, so my theory is that the majority of PINs are targeted toward those whom Disney profiles as unlikely to return -- unless a great PIN offer can somehow entice them to book.

[robinb]

I still didn't book, I am too stubborn, and still feel like proving my point. Like tiny little me matters to disney or something :rotfl:I'm confused. They offered to book you under the pin code anyway and you passed on it?

[bytheblood]

So I called again today (and yes the system was down for awhile, if that means another code coming out is anyone's best guess) and asked to speak with customer service. I told them I really wasn't interested in booking the FD in
Dec deal, but my concern was this continues to happen and it is very frustrating. Well instead of trying to figure out WHY this is happening she wanted to just book the ressie.

ah yes the big sigh and I see the olive branch offering as a sign off peace.

:confused3

I still didn't book, I am too stubborn, and still feel like proving my point. Like tiny little me matters to disney or something :rotfl:

But I just wanted to give you the update, and now we can all spread the love:hippie:


I am not attacking you at all, but it sounds to me like you are hard to please. Somebody was willing to give you what you wanted and instead of taking it, you were stubborn about it?? :confused3 Why? :upsidedow I guess I just don't understand.

[Cmbar]

:confused3
WHY, WHY, WHY when I finally decide to use it, does this happen!?!?! It was for free dining in december, so really isn't THAT great of a PIN, but enough to get us back down there. I am so mad I just spent another 36 minutes on the phone to be told this!!!!

I am ready to say we will be vacationing somewhere ELSE!

So I called again today (and yes the system was down for awhile, if that means another code coming out is anyone's best guess) and asked to speak with customer service. I told them I really wasn't interested in booking the FD in
Dec deal, but my concern was this continues to happen and it is very frustrating. Well instead of trying to figure out WHY this is happening she wanted to just book the ressie.

ah yes the big sigh and I see the olive branch offering as a sign off peace.

:confused3

I still didn't book, I am too stubborn, and still feel like proving my point. Like tiny little me matters to disney or something :rotfl:
But I just wanted to give you the update, and now we can all spread the love:hippie:



OK I don't mean to be rude, but why did you waste all our time complaining you wanted to use a PIN and then call and get a CM that was willing to book it and you still didn't :confused3

I don't think that is stubborn but maybe a little bit on the stupid side :goodvibes

I tried to figure out why the FD isn't a good deal. I guess if it is just two people it wouldn't be that good of a deal but for my sister's family of six thats about 1000.00. I find it hard to believe that you can find a room discount for 1000.00 with any pin code. OF course, it all depends on which resort you want to stay in and how many people!

[nicolemomof4cuties]

Today I called to pay while driving to the tanning bed and they said that I wasn't in their system....period. I actually had to pull over the car. I thought that I was going to hyperventilate, LOL! I mean we have 4 kids- finding a room for 6 people this late in the game would be a joke. Besides the fact that we have been 6 times..... Finally, they said that I was in the system underneath my EX-husband's name (who has never even BEEN to WDW LOL!) What a riot! I told them they neede to fix that in a flamin' hurry because the last thing that some poor CM neede to do was call my sweet hubby by my ex's name LOL! It might be the last thing that CM did for a while or wanted to at least from sheer embarrassment! I think that their computer's have went on crazy pills!:thumbsup2:lmao: The CM on the phone got a real kick out of it too though- she said her hubby wouldn't have liked it one bit either! And where in the world are you guys getting these PIN codes? Disney must just not have the good love for us or something because we haven't recieved not a one!

[robinb]

I tried to figure out why the FD isn't a good deal. I guess if it is just two people it wouldn't be that good of a deal but for my sister's family of six thats about 1000.00. I find it hard to believe that you can find a room discount for 1000.00 with any pin code. OF course, it all depends on which resort youwant to stay in and how many people!Yes, that's exactly it. Free Dining is worth $40 per adult and $11 per child. For us, it's equivalent to a $91 per night "discount". The current AP rates are about 35% off, so for that discount to be better the rack rate would have to be above $260 (35% of $260 = $91). So ... for us anything under $260 free dining is worth it and anything over $260 35% code would be better. That assumes that we would but the DDP anyway, of course.

[snykymom]

Yes, that's exactly it. Free Dining is worth $40 per adult and $11 per child. For us, it's equivalent to a $91 per night "discount". The current AP rates are about 35% off, so for that discount to be better the rack rate would have to be above $260 (35% of $260 = $91). So ... for us anything under $260 free dining is worth it and anything over $260 35% code would be better. That assumes that we would but the DDP anyway, of course.
Remember that it's only a $91 "discount" if you have no other discount on the room before FD. For example, I had a reservation at CSR with a AAA discount of 20% (cost of $119). To get FD, I'd have to pay rack rate of $149 for the room. So FD would be "worth" $91 (assuming the same configuration as your family) minus the extra $40 I'd have to pay for the room. Then the discount is only $51 - nothing to sneeze at, certainly, but not as big a discount as it may appear at first.

[bytheblood]

I recieved free dining for my December trip and it is a savings $820. We are staying for 10 nights, so for us, that is a good deal. There is only 2 of us. (both adults)

Of course, if there is another discount I can take and apply towards my stay at the Wl, then I will do that if it is better. I am happy with what I have, however. :)

[mjamm]

I guess you can call it what you want.

The ONLY reason I called disney for the 4TH time was to clear this up and make sure that IF I would want to book on this or ANY other pin offer that comes through I could. That is what I stated at the beginning of my fourth call to the CM, whom at that point told me a whole different story then the first three.

This free dining really isn't that great of a deal for my family for several reasons. We are not going to eat that many sit down meals if we are paying out of pocket. For us free dining is slightly less than $800 for a week. I would get a better deal with several other discounts that have been offered. Keep in mind I would need to also book two rooms at a value to accommodate my family, the family suites were booked. It is all a matter of which resort and discount, I am limited with 5, therefore when a good one comes by I want to book it when I can. I had already done all the configuring and new this wasn't that great.

This also came on the heels of what some considered to be the eve before a big discount announcement through disney. I know I have until October to use the pin, also, if the next time I call the magic eight ball says it's ok. So if a better discount falls into my lap that I don't need to spend endless hours on the phone on hold hoping I have someone who wanted to come to work today, who will grant my request.


I was merely trying to voice my complete frustration with the obvious incompetence in this database and "random" selection process, which is even more unnerving with what seems to be a book of policies that is rewritten every time I call. Whether you think that is stupid or not is up to you.

[CathrynRose]

Book it under your MIL's name, include yourself on the reservation, and call back in a few months and switch it to your own.

It wasn't a 'pin' but we booked free dining for this fall, under my husbands names, with myself and my youngest son included on the reservation.

My husband isn't going to go this year, so I switched it to my name and his name switched to my step son, who is going with us.

Might even help to book it, switch it to a Travel Agent (I have a great one) and have them switch it over to your name.

[got2luv_Tink]

I understand how frustrating it is to get the run around and have issues like this. Granted it depresses us and changes our mood; but do you guys honestly think you will have a more awesome time somewhere else than going to Disney?

Sure it's insane to go through the whole code junk, but seriously that's just their little workers taking calls all day long. It doesn't change the feelings and joy you have being with your family in a magical place. There are other offers and specials they are running now. I'm sure a supervisor someone can hook you up.

There really is no place like Disney. I did the whole Sea World/Six Flags thing this year and will be looking forward to our next vacation at Disney again. Haven't planned it all out yet, but there will be 12 of us this time instead of our little 4.

Even Disney can have crazy slacking and annoying cast members also. It's a magical place but it's still difficult to correct everyone they hire with a snap of their fingers.

Just my thoughts. I hope you all have a wonderful time no matter where you go.

[JPN4265]

Alright, I have spent endless hours price comparing packages etc with the pin I received via email a few days ago. I have received others in the past and when I called on them I found they were actually under my MIL's name, because I made ressie's for her previously. The CM told me then she switched everything and it was taken care of. So now naturally when I receive this PIN and want to act on it, I sit for 20 minutes to listen to another CM tell me he switched everything AGAIN :mad: and it is all taken care of, if I want to book. I call today, to book...disney will NOT honor it, even though it is my email and I can forward it to them via fax or email, they will not honor it. :scared1:


WHY, WHY, WHY when I finally decide to use it, does this happen!?!?! It was for free dining in december, so really isn't THAT great of a PIN, but enough to get us back down there. I am so mad I just spent another 36 minutes on the phone to be told this!!!!

I am ready to say we will be vacationing somewhere ELSE!

Just tell them what they want to hear. You are the MIL, and you want to make a reservation.:confused3

[marcielm]

I'm curious if you ever went ahead and booked a trip, now that free dining has gone public. I know that you were complaining that FD really wasn't a great deal for you family due to the number of TS meals, so did you go with a room-only discount that has come out?

I guess I'm curious if you are taking your fall/winter trip or not after all the frustrations of trying to go for less than rack rate! :rotfl:

[mjamm]

I am still holding out hope for a winter...January deal. It works better with our schedule to go in January. We went with the free dining last fall, and it was crowded! Then again what is disney without crowds ? ;) You couldn't get a table service meal without an ADR, which meant a strict schedule. It was fun, but I enjoy a more laid back vacation, and letting the kids decide where we will go for the day.

We are also uncertain of my husband's job situation right now, their company is in the middle of a 60% lay-off. That was one of the main reasons I didn't book in the first place. We could not swing a trip this year if he does get laid off.

If disney continues to offer some great deals for this next winter, it will be very tempting though!

[marcielm]

I am still holding out hope for a winter...January deal. It works better with our schedule to go in January. We went with the free dining last fall, and it was crowded! Then again what is disney without crowds ? ;) You couldn't get a table service meal without an ADR, which meant a strict schedule. It was fun, but I enjoy a more laid back vacation, and letting the kids decide where we will go for the day.

We are also uncertain of my husband's job situation right now, their company is in the middle of a 60% lay-off. That was one of the main reasons I didn't book in the first place. We could not swing a trip this year if he does get laid off.

If disney continues to offer some great deals for this next winter, it will be very tempting though!

I hear you. I'm anxiously waiting for the new rates for 2010 & the deals to come out afterwards. I plan to book our Spring Break trip as soon as they announce the package prices, then I'm going to adjust it with any PINs or offers that come out. We need the family suite at ASMu to fit everyone, and I don't want to chance not getting what I want!

[MS_mom_1965]

Just tell them what they want to hear. You are the MIL, and you want to make a reservation.:confused3

Do you have to show ID at check-in? If not, this approach would work!