Talked to a CM friend....

[PamNC]

A CM friend of mine informed me that the new Best Rate Program (which totally has me enraged!) came to fruition because they are trying to cut down on Passholders calling every single day to check on discounts. God knows I have a clear conscious because I was never one of "those." It only takes one bad apple to spoil it for everyone else.....

PamNC

[noodleknitter]

Between that and the ones who buy the kid's pass, etc. Many have said, Disney would not allow it if they didn't care about the abuses. Well, they proved the point!

[PamNC]

about the kid's pass thing. Are you saying that people would buy a kid's pass, but no adult pass, book a room at AP rate and then hope that upon check-in they wouldn't be asked to show their AP? Ohmygosh. The abuse is worse than I thought. In all the years we've gone, we've only been asked to show our AP once and that was at the Swan of all places. However, I always whipped it out anyway in hopes of reminding the CM to start asking to see them.

The whole world is just too Type A.

PamNC

[helenk]

I think that this is something that has been in the works for awhile. I have taken a few of Disney's surveys and they have asked if you would be interested in booking AP rates on line.
In this day and age of booking almost anything yourself online, I am surprised it took this long to get the capability to book the resort by going through the passholder website.
Of course there are alot of people calling about the AP rates wondering when they would be released....but do you really think that there are that many in comparision to all the calls they get in a day? By reading these boards it seems as though alot of people are calling, but I would link that it really only equals a small amount of the calls they get in any given day.
Besides at this point the new plan is in addition to the regular AP rate system.
Now we check on line, but I am sure there will still be phone calls.

[PamNC]

You're right - I think there will still be phone calls. I wonder if there will be less phone calls? I hope not.

Ya'll just keep on calling and bugging them and perhaps they will see that their "plan" isn't working....

I'm evil, I know.


PamNC

[Selket]

Well that's crazy - perhaps if they came up with a better way of notifying passholders if a discount is available THAT would cut down on the calls. I still don't see the nonrefundable part being thrown in there helping. :confused3

[lllovell]

You're right - I think there will still be phone calls. I wonder if there will be less phone calls? I hope not.

Ya'll just keep on calling and bugging them and perhaps they will see that their "plan" isn't working....

I'm evil, I know.


PamNC


lol Pam, how do you know it will be bad? I haven't tried to book, but there is a thread here about getting a moderate in November for $85 through the new program. Give it a chance before condemming it so harshly.

As far as there being lots of phone calls, I agree. However, I am sure that the CM's will have to say "I am sorry, you need to access your reservation online and check for any change of pricing there." The people that call 20 times a week will stop calling if they are never given any information and instead are refered back to the website where they made the ressie.

[bicker]

I suppose they could have posted the AP discount codes on the web and in the AP newsletter, at least a week before the discounts can be reserved, and then prohibit CRO from providing those codes to guests, or providing the discounts to guests who don't have codes -- having the code before calling CRO would be a required part of getting any information about the AP discount availability. I suspect if they went that way, there still would have been unhappy campers.

[LisaS]

A CM friend of mine informed me that the new Best Rate Program (which totally has me enraged!) came to fruition because they are trying to cut down on Passholders calling every single day to check on discounts. God knows I have a clear conscious because I was never one of "those." It only takes one bad apple to spoil it for everyone else.....

PamNC
If they are trying to reduce the number of calls from AP holders asking about discounts, their website is not going to be as much help as they think. As implemented, checking for AP rates on their website is tedious. You enter your dates and see what comes up. No discount? Try shifting your dates by one day. No discount? Try entering your dates one day at a time to see if one particular day is causing the problem. No discount? Try a different set of dates... etc, etc... all with the inevitable internet delays between each click of the "update" button... After a few rounds of this, I'll be picking up the phone to CRO to say "just tell me which dates have the discounts available so I can then go back to the website, plug in those dates and book my trip."

They need to display a calendar showing the rates for each room type on each day so you can see which days have AP rates available for the room type you are interested in. That type of display makes it quick and easy for people to figure out which dates to book and whether you need to shift your trip dates to get a discount and will eliminate a lot of calls to the CRO.

Sorry for the griping, but I'm a software engineer and whenever I see something implemented in such a user-unfriendly way it really gets to me!

[PamNC]

I CAN'T give this program a try. I cannot, repeat cannot, book 120 days in advance. And I don't think that I should have to forfeit one night's deposit.

I can see it now. I book my trip 120 days in advance. Okay great. Then my husband, who is an opera singer, gets an offer from the Met to come sing at the last minute. Oh yes, we will turn down the Met for a Disney trip. I don't think I should be punished for not being able to book that far in advance. OR, I book 120 days in advance. My business partner and I land a new account and it means I need to cancel the trip. We don't have regular jobs, THANK GOODNESS, so this just doesn't work for us. I know it's not all about me...but I'm sure there are others out there with unique job situations who feel the same way I do.

Good God Disney - just give us the darn discount - I like bicker's example - and be done with it. Then, the crazy worldphiles won't be calling CRO every day to check discounts.

Don't get me wrong, I'm fine with the new program being an "option." I fear that it will become the only way to book in the future.

I'll show 'em - I'll buy DVC. Then they will really have all my money. :rotfl:
Hmmm...perhaps that is what they are banking on, ever consider that?

PamNC

[gepetto]

Sorry for the griping, but I'm a software engineer and whenever I see something implemented in such a user-unfriendly way it really gets to me!

Bingo! I don't have a couple of hours to spend plugging in and changing resorts and dates to try find a discount. :confused3 :flower:

[DebbieB]

about the kid's pass thing. Are you saying that people would buy a kid's pass, but no adult pass, book a room at AP rate and then hope that upon check-in they wouldn't be asked to show their AP? Ohmygosh. The abuse is worse than I thought. In all the years we've gone, we've only been asked to show our AP once and that was at the Swan of all places. However, I always whipped it out anyway in hopes of reminding the CM to start asking to see them.

The whole world is just too Type A.

PamNC

But there have been posts by people saying they called CRO and asked if a child's pass could be used and they were told YES. So is it abuse? Or a case of poor training or not knowing what their own rules are? They should have said an adult pass is required and required to be shown at check-in. In the many check-ins I have had with either the old Disney Club or AP rates, only once was I asked for the card/pass. That was by a cm who was in supervised training. So is the fault of the people who took advantage of the lax rules or the company who did not make sure the rules were followed?

[chipscinderelly]

. In all the years we've gone, we've only been asked to show our AP once and that was at the Swan of all places. However, I always whipped it out anyway in hopes of reminding the CM to start asking to see them.
PamNC

That was true for us as well - however our last 2 trips we have had to show them (Dec 04 and May 05) and not only were they looked at but the dates were checked to ensure they were still valid APs.

I agree it's a crap shoot, but if we have the opportunity to do so we'll take our chances as well and hope for a fabulous rate. In the end I think the AP Best Rates will probably beat the other AP rates and then everyone will be complaining that they didn't get the cheapest rate cause they couldn't book 120 days out or didn't want to give up a deposit.

[CharlesTD]

They should offer something like Southwest Airlines and their ding program. All AP holders that sign up for it and download it will get notification of discounts that come up just like SWA does. This would allow them to send sort of a personal notification to the AP holders and the software is based on AP activity so if you have an active AP you get the updates if you don't then you stop getting them.

[MNSusan]

The whole world is just too Type A.PamNC

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Sammie]

If they are trying to reduce the number of calls from AP holders asking about discounts, their website is not going to be as much help as they think. As implemented, checking for AP rates on their website is tedious. You enter your dates and see what comes up. No discount? Try shifting your dates by one day. No discount? Try entering your dates one day at a time to see if one particular day is causing the problem. No discount? Try a different set of dates... etc, etc... all with the inevitable internet delays between each click of the "update" button... After a few rounds of this, I'll be picking up the phone to CRO to say "just tell me which dates have the discounts available so I can then go back to the website, plug in those dates and book my trip."

They need to display a calendar showing the rates for each room type on each day so you can see which days have AP rates available for the room type you are interested in. That type of display makes it quick and easy for people to figure out which dates to book and whether you need to shift your trip dates to get a discount and will eliminate a lot of calls to the CRO.

Sorry for the griping, but I'm a software engineer and whenever I see something implemented in such a user-unfriendly way it really gets to me!

You won't be able to call and get info about what dates are available for this particular program. This is an online program only.

[helenk]

You need to book in advance with the new Passholder Best Rate program but not using the regular AP booking.
You can go to the AP passholder site now and instead of chosing the new program click on the boxes for the summer program or fall program and you can book for a trip between now and October 4th.
The new program is for those who are willing to book in advance with the chance of getting a better rate. You still are able to book getting an AP discount on a short notice trip as well.

[BoyLovesBuzz]

about the kid's pass thing. Are you saying that people would buy a kid's pass, but no adult pass, book a room at AP rate and then hope that upon check-in they wouldn't be asked to show their AP? Ohmygosh. The abuse is worse than I thought.

This was not abuse, this was policy. As recently as Dec 2002, this was perfectly allowed to obtain a AP discount, as long as the person holding the AP was staying in the room. Although, I never did this, I confirmed it with CRO multiple times. It was also documented on reliable sources like www.wdwinfo.com (the information site, not these boards), mousesavers.com, and allearsnet.com. I appreciate the frustration, but trying to rationalize a cause and effect for this is foolish.

[johnnyr]

A CM friend of mine informed me that the new Best Rate Program (which totally has me enraged!) came to fruition because they are trying to cut down on Passholders calling every single day to check on discounts.

I just don't get it. I am a network administrator in our organization for a large computer network. When we need to get information to various large groups of people, we either post it on our Web site or communicate to these groups via email. They are informed where to look for the information. If all they are doing to try and cut down on calls is to mandate a similar program. Their system should already know who the AP holders are. Just tell the AP holder group where to look for the discounts! Why change the whole program with nonrefundable deposits, 120 days out, $50 change fee. They just need some creative thinking in their IT department.

[Sammie]

I just don't get it. I am a network administrator in our organization for a large computer network. When we need to get information to various large groups of people, we either post it on our Web site or communicate to these groups via email. They are informed where to look for the information. If all they are doing to try and cut down on calls is to mandate a similar program. Their system should already know who the AP holders are. Just tell the AP holder group where to look for the discounts!

The problem was not as much current AP holders calling wanting info, it is the " I want info first, I might get an AP later," callers. Many that called, and called and called were not even passholders at the time they called. They were only going to purchase an AP after they booked the room with the rate they were happy with. Some even did not intend to purchase the pass.

So now that problem is solved. Internet forums and even guidebooks have tooted the fact that buying an AP would be sure fire way to get a good discount. However many were only buying one AP to get this discount. I thin this new program is geared more toward the guest who has AP's for everyone in the family and wants a good discount, plans ahead and is comfortable with the cancellation policy.

It will not work for everyone. For those it will work for, it looks like a good deal.

The nonrefundable deposit is to discourage booking of multiple rooms until the last possible moment and then cancelling, leaving Disney with empty rooms.

Even if Disney did post the info on an AP member only site, someone would come here and post it anyway. Allowing those that are not members access to the info. This way only a card holding, active member is getting the best discount.

[Luv2Roam]

Many of us said long ago that Disney was moving more towards on-line bookings. And I think they should have advanced more in that long ago.
That being said, they should make booking on-line more enticing. Now it is simply a gamble. If I was wanting to book I would be too leery now to do it on-line. $50 change fees -- non-refundable deposit. hmmm.....
there should be perks to entice guests to book on-line. Not barriers to deter them from doing so. :confused3

[cobbler]

I also think that it will not decrease calls. We all know that their computer system isn't exactly accurate so how many of us are still going to call them to make sure the rate was lowered.

[Sammie]

I also think that it will not decrease calls. We all know that their computer system isn't exactly accurate so how many of us are still going to call them to make sure the rate was lowered.

I am still waiting on clarification on this particular point, but what I have been told so far is that this is a strickly online program. If you book online you will not be allowed to call CRO and have them access your reservation.

[johnnyr]

Sorry Sammie, unless they drastically change this program, there is no way I would use it. I'm a gambling man (heck I used to work in Atlantic City!), but I'll take the 15k+ I spend a year on Disney vacations and go elsewhere. I never bet on an unknown and that is exactly what this new program is. I have purchased AP's for every member of my family for the past 5 years. I've been traveling to WDW since I was 17. I'm 43 now. I spent a lot of money there.

[Sammie]

Sorry Sammie, unless they drastically change this program, there is no way I would use it. I'm a gambling man (heck I used to work in Atlantic City!), but I'll take the 15k+ I spend a year on Disney vacations and go elsewhere. I never bet on an unknown and that is exactly what this new program is. I have purchased AP's for every member of my family for the past 5 years. I've been traveling to WDW since I was 17. I'm 43 now. I spent a lot of money there.

I understand completely. I just don't see the risk, my opinion only. Interesting side about the access to the member's webpage. Already on this forum, people who can not access the AP webpage because they don't have an AP are asking DISers to go check their dates for them and get them prices. ;)

[LisaS]

I thin this new program is geared more toward the guest who has AP's for everyone in the family and wants a good discount, plans ahead and is comfortable with the cancellation policy.
In several of your posts, you've mentioned that you think this is geared toward the guest who has APs for everyone in the family. Since currently the Best Rates program requires only one adult AP per room, I'm curious about that statement. Have you heard something you're not telling us, like that the next phase of this program will require everyone in the room to have an AP in order to book the room at a discount? I just find it curious that you've stated this so many times.... just wondering what's really behind the comment.

[Sammie]

In several of your posts, you've mentioned that you think this is geared toward the guest who has APs for everyone in the family. Since currently the Best Rates program requires only one adult AP per room, I'm curious about that statement. Have you heard something you're not telling us, like that the next phase of this program will require everyone in the room to have an AP in order to book the room at a discount? I just find it curious that you've stated this so many times.... just wondering what's really behind the comment.

Lisa, absolutely at this time I have nothing to support this. I just know that the orginial plan for Annual Pass would be that each member of the group visiting would have one. Disney never intended the AP to be a resort discount program. They intended to be a park admission program that provided perks for the guest that came back often.

The only reason I have stated that and I guess it was misleading is that Disney, and I have been told this, was not happy with the direction the AP user was leading them. Of one person buying one including a child's strickly to use once or even twice a year to get room discounts. I think the one AP per booking will remain at this time. For one thing it would be too hard to regulate by having to enter multiple pass numbers.

I do think most that will use this program, even though it not a requirement, will have APs for all family members.

[LisaS]

Sammie -- Thanks for the clarification!

[PNO4TE]

I am still waiting on clarification on this particular point, but what I have been told so far is that this is a strickly online program. If you book online you will not be allowed to call CRO and have them access your reservation.

When I booked my reservation yesterday the page that says "please wait... this may take a few moments" was up on my screen for 5 minutes and still the Mickey fireworks were indicating it was working. So, I went to my cc site to see if the deposit charge had been made and it had, so I called CRO. I told CM Irma that I had a confirmation of the deposit being charged but I had no reservation number. She put me on hold and somehow went and found my reservation. Apparently they can access the reservation, if necessary. That certainly made me feel better.

Would I call CRO to confirm that a lower rate had been applied to my reservation? Nope! I can view my reservation online now so I don't have to do that.

Hope that helps.

[aubriee]

I understand completely. I just don't see the risk, my opinion only. Interesting side about the access to the member's webpage. Already on this forum, people who can not access the AP webpage because they don't have an AP are asking DISers to go check their dates for them and get them prices. ;)

You also have people like me who do have an activated AP. I activated mine in January and used it in January and May. I'll also be using it again in Sept and Dec. However I CAN NOT get into the AP site. Since I've had my AP I've tried multiple times on my computer at home, as well as the one at work. I can't get in. I've called the passholder number several times and all they ever say is that the site is down alot. I've also read posts from other AP holders who can't get into the site. How are people like us supposed to book through this program?

[PNO4TE]

You also have people like me who do have an activated AP. I activated mine in January and used it in January and May. I'll also be using it again in Sept and Dec. However I CAN NOT get into the AP site. Since I've had my AP I've tried multiple times on my computer at home, as well as the one at work. I can't get in. I've called the passholder number several times and all they ever say is that the site is down alot. I've also read posts from other AP holders who can't get into the site. How are people like us supposed to book through this program?

Aubriee...

We installed Mozilla Firefox on our computer a few weeks ago and it is the only browser I can use to get into the AP site. You might want to give that a try. www.mozilla.org (http://)

[bicker]

In the end I think the AP Best Rates will probably beat the other AP rates and then everyone will be complaining that they didn't get the cheapest rate cause they couldn't book 120 days out or didn't want to give up a deposit.I think this is getting to the crux of the issue. Previously, the people who had the fastest fingers got rewarded with the best rates. Now, it appears that the folks who are the most committed to WDW will get the best rates. I have a hard time understanding folks who indicate that they feel that that's not a smart move by Disney: Think about it.... who would you want to reward as a customer more?

[PamNC]

I think this is getting to the crux of the issue. Previously, the people who had the fastest fingers got rewarded with the best rates. Now, it appears that the folks who are the most committed to WDW will get the best rates. I have a hard time understanding folks who indicate that they feel that that's not a smart move by Disney: Think about it.... who would you want to reward as a customer more?

You make very valid points and I can understand why you and others feel this is a good program....that is, those of you who CAN book 120 days in advance. I cannot, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. And, just because I cannot book 120 days in advance and you can doesn't mean you are any more committed to WDW than I am. It simply means that my work situation is such that I can't plan way in advance. We MIGHT be able to book 3 months in advance, but it would be difficult to book any further out.

You're right this is the crux of the issue. I have NO problem with booking online and the "Best Rate Program" sounds good in one respect...we're guaranteed the best possible rate and if the rate goes down after we book, we automatically get the lower rate. No more chasing down codes. BUT, Disney is punishing folks like me who can't plan that far out. That's where I have a BIG ISSUE.

And, yes, I know...I know we can still book the old way. But, c'mon, by the time I book I'll betcha' the best rates will be gone by those lucky enough to be able to plan far in advance.

If they would take away the 120 days in advance thing, or even shorten it to 60 days...I would be absolutely thrilled with the program. oh, one more thing. I don't like the non-refundable deposit rule. It's a crap shoot. I don't want to plunk down one night's deposit that I WILL NOT get back in HOPES that I might get a discount. I love Vegas as much as the next person, but I'm not willing to take that gamble. If I KNOW I can get a discount on a deluxe room, then I will book deluxe. If I CANNOT get a discount on a deluxe room, I would book moderate. With this plan, it's totally up in the air and I can't take the chance.

Just my two cents worth...

PamNC

[aubriee]

Aubriee...

We installed Mozilla Firefox on our computer a few weeks ago and it is the only browser I can use to get into the AP site. You might want to give that a try. www.mozilla.org (http://)

Oh! you had me excited for awhile! I just downloaded Mozilla Foxfire, went to the site, but still can't get in. I also sent Disney an e-mail about some people's inability to get into the AP site, asking how are we supposed to access this new program of theirs. Thanks though!

[LisaS]

Oh! you had me excited for awhile! I just downloaded Mozilla Foxfire, went to the site, but still can't get in. I also sent Disney an e-mail about some people's inability to get into the AP site, asking how are we supposed to access this new program of theirs. Thanks though!
Can you be more specific about the problem you are having? Maybe some of us could be of some help if we knew a bit more about what's going on.

How far can you get? Can you get to the site: www.disneyworld.com/passholder ? Does the page come up where you enter your name and the numbers from your pass?

If you do see that page and can enter the AP info and click the Submit button, what happens next?

I just tried getting to the Passholders site and it took forever. Their system is very slow right now (11:06 am Eastern time) so you might want to try a bit later, but when you do try, please give us a bit more info about what's going on so that maybe someone here can help you out.

Edited to say: Once I did finally got into the site and made my way to the Best Rates page, I got a message saying the Booking Engine is down for maintenance, so right now is definitely not the best time to try to get into the site...

[lillygator]

BUT, Disney is punishing folks like me who can't plan that far out. That's where I have a BIG ISSUE.

And, yes, I know...I know we can still book the old way. But, c'mon, by the time I book I'll betcha' the best rates will be gone by those lucky enough to be able to plan far in advance.



PamNC

Like you said yourself, you can still book the old way - they are not punishing travelers who can't book that far in advance.

[lillygator]

Oh! you had me excited for awhile! I just downloaded Mozilla Foxfire, went to the site, but still can't get in. I also sent Disney an e-mail about some people's inability to get into the AP site, asking how are we supposed to access this new program of theirs. Thanks though!

I was having this problem....and I found out it was ME!! On the page where you put your info I had put my passholder number in and clicked the box that said save to this computer...well then I couldn't get in....I had put the entire 2005 for year when it should have been 05 only and where the month was I had a 3 instead of 03.....it took me forever to look at that and figure it out!! :eek: I know, I know.....

[LisaS]

Like you said yourself, you can still book the old way - they are not punishing travelers who can't book that far in advance.
If you read Lollipop Mom's latest summary, it may not be possible to book the old way anymore. She has been getting conflicting answers to that question.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=842623

[lillygator]

well, that's just it - we all don't know the full details yet. You can book the old way - there just may not be discounts available....which is always the case. We have been lucky and had discounts every year for a while now....

[bicker]

just because I cannot book 120 days in advance and you can doesn't mean you are any more committed to WDW than I am.Well, it depends on "from who's perspective." In this case, your internal perspective and my internal perspective are both irrelevant. What matters is the impact on Disney. And for a company, those willing to commit earlier are more comitted that those who aren't. That basically reflects the time-value of money: The longer they have it, the longer they can rely on having it.

Disney is punishing folks like me who can't plan that far out. No: They're rewarding those who can. BIG difference.

And, yes, I know...I know we can still book the old way. But, c'mon, by the time I book I'll betcha' the best rates will be gone by those lucky enough to be able to plan far in advance. Only if enough people are willing to make this deal with Disney -- this deal which is, from Disney's perspective, a better deal for them. Either way, the same number of customers are satisfied, to the same extent. Let's go one step further, if we put aside the advantage Disney derives, shouldn't Disney be indifferent between which set of customers they please, given that there is only a limited supply?

[bicker]

Be aware that toolbars and other add-ins (from folks like Google, Yahoo, and AOL) have been known to interfere with normal web application access for a wide variety of applications.

[freakylick]

Well, it depends on "from who's perspective." In this case, your internal perspective and my internal perspective are both irrelevant. What matters is the impact on Disney.

A sound business does consider the customer's perspective. Why?! Because of your last statement. If I am not happy and I can not book with a good discount, I am not going. And it looks like that is what is going to happen. Based on my perspective, they are losing my money. Do they gain someone else's money because I didn't go?! If all discounted rooms get filled, you could say yes. But maybe that person that took the room that I would have stayed in would have been perfectly willing to pay rack until they heard about this program....then they do lose.


No: They're rewarding those who can. BIG difference.

The BIG difference being the narrow view that you have taken. Any time that you reward someone, someone else is penalized. In this case, it is people such as PamNC and myself that are penalized.

Either way, the same number of customers are satisfied, to the same extent. Let's go one step further, if we put aside the advantage Disney derives, shouldn't Disney be indifferent between which set of customers they please, given that there is only a limited supply?

The same # of customers may be satisfied, but I am willing to bet that there are now a larger # of customers that are dissatisfied. Both ends of the spectrum have to be considered. I am sure that there are a large # of people booking through this program that would have been content (likely by their own ignorance) with paying rack. Those people are now satisfied..but they would have been satisfied paying rack anyway. Meanwhile, there are people who need those discounts to be able to book and they need less than 120 days notice to be able to book. Those folks are now left hanging in the air with "you may be able to get a discount later."

[lillygator]

However did WDW resorts make any money before they offered discounts?

It seems there are so many people who are reliant on a discount to book a WDW resort. Why doesn't everyone book what they can afford? I am sure everyone would love to stay at a WDW resort but it seems there are so many posts about not affording this or that because no discount or I had to cancel my trip because no discounts were available....and it seems everyone is getting so upset over something that doesn't have all the kinks even close to being worked out yet.

[bicker]

Well, it depends on "from who's perspective." In this case, your internal perspective and my internal perspective are both irrelevant. What matters is the impact on Disney. A sound business does consider the customer's perspective.Of course, but in this case we're talking about a situation where different customers perspectives differ: This is good for some customers, not good for others. Oppositional requirements.

Based on my perspective, they are losing my money.But perhaps gaining the money of others. And perhaps not losing the money of others.

Clearly, Disney is has forecasted that the net-result is more satisfied customers. It's okay to disagree with their forecast, of course, but they surely need to make their decisions based on the best information they have available to them.

They're rewarding those who can. BIG difference.
The BIG difference being the narrow view that you have taken.I disagree with you: I believe my view is broader than your view. Let's take 'em out and measure them. :rotfl2:

The same # of customers may be satisfied, but I am willing to bet that there are now a larger # of customers that are dissatisfied.I was joking above, but just a little. How much would you bet? How do you propose to measure whether you're correct or not? My point is that world-class companies have the resources to no only engage in such a "bet" (figuratively speaking) but actually make a good guess (forecast) which of their available options will be the winning bet. I'm inclined to believe that that is the case here, but I'm sure willing to read evidence to the contrary.

In the end, remember that Disney has an Ace-up-their-sleeve, one that they've used in case-after-case where fans on these boards have felt as you do about some decision they've made: They can moderate their policy, and change it to fit whatever is necessary to achieve their goal.

[Sammie]

However did WDW resorts make any money before they offered discounts?

It seems there are so many people who are reliant on a discount to book a WDW resort. Why doesn't everyone book what they can afford? I am sure everyone would love to stay at a WDW resort but it seems there are so many posts about not affording this or that because no discount or I had to cancel my trip because no discounts were available....and it seems everyone is getting so upset over something that doesn't have all the kinks even close to being worked out yet.

They sold their rooms at Rack Rate. As I stated in another thread. Prior to the travel slump and 9-11 you did not have PIN codes, email codes, postcard codes, general codes, plentiful AP codes or even AAA. You had AP codes and Fl resident and only during the seasons that were not being booked at rack or a very small percentage of the rooms were offered. This was prior to Internet forums and you found out about the discounts in the AP Mickey Monitor newsletter.

Disney was asked once prior to offering so many types of discounts, why they did not offer more discounts like other hotels. They said at this time we don't need to, to fill our rooms and if a time comes and we do offer them and then we don't need to anymore, the guest will be upset we took them away.

[PamNC]

I couldn't have said it better myself.

YES, they are punishing people like us. And I still stand by the statement that I am just as committed to Disney. Let's see, I spent 18 nights total at Disney last year, didn't leave the property to eat or to visit any other theme park. I spent 2 days at DL in May while in Southern CA, and I will spend 8 nights at the Beach Club in just 11 days (yahooo!!) at which time I will NOT leave the property nor spend a dime on anything but Disney food and merchandise.

According to the polls, more people dislike the program than like it, so hopefully it'll go away or at least be amended. I am actually an ex-cast member from marketing...and I'm trying to find out more info. A lot of people I know think that Disney didn't think this through carefully and I agree.

I love the idea of not having to check codes and play the discount game. I think they should shorten the window to 60 days. Again, I am no less comitted just because my career, and my husband's, are such that we can't plan far out in advance. Nor are folks who CAN plan that far in advance any less comitted than me. I think we're all committed or else we wouldn't spend 1/2 our lives on these boards, right? :rotfl:

In the end, it doesn't matter what we think. They will do what they will do, but I think they will definitely lose AP holders with the new plan. We'll see what happens. I for one will fight City Hall, voice my opinion, and stand up for us "non-traditional types" who aren't teachers, bankers, insurance salesmen, secretaries, or any other career that fits the "mold" of America. You know. 9 to 5. 2 weeks vacation. Blah blah blah

If I had to pick between my life choice of being my own boss and being able to plan my vacation 120+ days out, I'd certainly pick my life choice.

PamNC

[lillygator]

my opening stmt in my last post was being sarcastic....


....of course, the discounts are great and allow me to spend more money on other things while I am there but as you can see from many many posters here on the DIS boards "we" have all become to reliant on them....and fully expect them.

[freakylick]

Of course, but in this case we're talking about a situation where different customers perspectives differ: This is good for some customers, not good for others. Oppositional requirements..

Oppositional does not mean equal.

But perhaps gaining the money of others. And perhaps not losing the money of others.

So they have a guaranteed loss of my money and gain a couple of perhaps'. Sounds like how they expected the AP'ers to book with this new program. :rotfl: :rotfl:

Clearly, Disney is has forecasted that the net-result is more satisfied customers.

Based on the way that this whole program has been handled by Disney, I don't think the word "clearly" belongs in any sentence. You can believe that if you want though.

How much would you bet? How do you propose to measure whether you're correct or not? My point is that world-class companies have the resources to no only engage in such a "bet" (figuratively speaking) but actually make a good guess (forecast) which of their available options will be the winning bet. I'm inclined to believe that that is the case here, but I'm sure willing to read evidence to the contrary.

I haven't heard anyone say that they booked because of this program (or that this was an large factor in their decision)...but I have read a lot of people say that they won't book because of this program..or that they will book a lot less often. Granted this is after the fact knowledge that Disney didn't have before rolling this out. Certainly this is no measurement and my "bet" was more of facetious one used to emphasize my point. They can do all of the research that they want, but that doesn't mean that their "conclusion" is correct.

In the end, remember that Disney has an Ace-up-their-sleeve, one that they've used in case-after-case where fans on these boards have felt as you do about some decision they've made: They can moderate their policy, and change it to fit whatever is necessary to achieve their goal.

Well, it sounds like they are wrong quite a bit...but I am sure they are right on this one...they did their research. :rolleyes:

[PamNC]

I like your redirects to bicker. Very well said. But, my advice is to
just give up. :rotfl2: :rotfl2: I have. He will benefit, as will others, and you and I won't.

Bottom line - those who can book that far in advance may very well benefit from the new system. Those of us who CAN'T, which isn't the same as WON'T, will suffer.

I will suffer. :rolleyes1

And I will have to get over it, because quite frankly I don't think Disney cares how we feel. If enough people use the system, I'm sure it'll be a permanent fixture in our lives. I'm writing everyone and their grandbrother protesting. If enough of us speak up, maybe there is a .00001% chance we will be heard. I hope so.

In the meantime, suffer though I will, I will enjoy my trips to Disney and I might even give them even more of my money by purchasing DVC. It's a sick, twisted obsession. :rotfl:

PamNC

[freakylick]

I like your redirects to bicker. Very well said.

Thank you...My mom always said that I could debate with the best of 'em...Actually, she didn't use the word debate..she said "piss and moan", but I read between the lines. :rotfl: :rotfl:


And I will have to get over it, because quite frankly I don't think Disney cares how we feel. If enough people use the system, I'm sure it'll be a permanent fixture in our lives. I'm writing everyone and their grandbrother protesting. If enough of us speak up, maybe there is a .00001% chance we will be heard. I hope so.

I have written as well and hope it does some good (though I am not holding my breath). But sometimes these discussions helps because you find people in the same situation...and we all know that misery loves company :love: :teeth:

In the meantime, suffer though I will, I will enjoy my trips to Disney and I might even give them even more of my money by purchasing DVC. It's a sick, twisted obsession. :rotfl:


You are just asking for trouble, aren't you ;) Have fun on your trip!

[bicker]

I think we're all committed or else we wouldn't spend 1/2 our lives on these boards, right? :rotfl: Hehe... I think there is no question that everyone who frequents these boards are "outliers." By the same token, that means that we aren't a representative sample of the general population of WDW guests.

[bicker]

Oppositional does not mean equal.I'll grant you're equal, if you grant that I'm equal! :)

I haven't heard anyone say that they booked because of this programCheck some of the other threads. I've seen at least three messages in that regard.

Certainly this is no measurement ...This is a great board, but it in no way represents any view of the reality. We're fanatics, for good and ill: More likely to love and more likely to hate. What matters is what the general population does.

They can do all of the research that they want, but that doesn't mean that their "conclusion" is correct. Of course, but it doesn't mean it is wrong, and so what should one rely on? Their own research or what? It is easy to criticize and be a back-seat driver; it's hard to actually do the real work.

Been nice chatting with you! :wave2:

[Jennjon]

A CM friend of mine informed me that the new Best Rate Program (which totally has me enraged!) came to fruition because they are trying to cut down on Passholders calling every single day to check on discounts. God knows I have a clear conscious because I was never one of "those." It only takes one bad apple to spoil it for everyone else.....

PamNC


Is it just me, but calling to check on discounts is what Disney people tell you to do when you book your reservations. I believe it is part of their job of answering phones to answer ALL questions however minor they are. I just called today for our vaction in October, and the woman was VERY nice to me and said to call in about a week or two, for the week we are going. I went online to book and the dates we are going are out of the 120 days, so that being the case...... I have to call and check. I don't believe that people spoiled it by calling and checking everyday. I think Disney had other reasoning for doing it. I do believe that some people that abuse the discount system have caused these changes!!

[lllovell]

Is it just me, but calling to check on discounts is what Disney people tell you to do when you book your reservations. I believe it is part of their job of answering phones to answer ALL questions however minor they are. I just called today for our vaction in October, and the woman was VERY nice to me and said to call in about a week or two, for the week we are going. I went online to book and the dates we are going are out of the 120 days, so that being the case...... I have to call and check. I don't believe that people spoiled it by calling and checking everyday. I think Disney had other reasoning for doing it. I do believe that some people that abuse the discount system have caused these changes!!

It the number of calls a day was significant enough to have to hire extra CMs to answer the phones, then it IS a legitimate reason. This is a method for being able to keep the hotels at peek occupancy (if enough rooms aren't gone at 120 days, they can offer better discounts, etc...but if enough are gone, no AP discounts will be offered I think) and it cuts back on the number of CMs needed at CRO.

I bet when the rates came out, we were talking HUNDREDS of people if not thousands a day were calling to change ressies. People also were making multiple reservations on one AP and then waiting until they knew which rooms they could afford before releasing those other reservations (sometimes not releasing them until it is too late to rent them).

I am not saying this is ALL about AP ressie abuse, but it definately got the ball rolling on alternatives.

[Luv2Roam]

Not that I have any inside knowledge on why this was done. As anyone else here are a few guesses:
1) Attempt at becoming more up-to-date as most anything can be ordered and bought on-line
2) Cost effective; less overhead. On-line sales would lesssen the need for a real person on the end of a phone line. Not to mention al the expenses that go with hiring new CMs.

What COULD happen is loyal AP guests now looking at the off-site/Good Neighbor Hotels as an alternative. Many of the off site hotels offer a lot of perks and try to make up for the Disney perks they cannot offer. And CRO CMs should be knowledgable about off-site hotels.
So those who don't fit the 120 day window or don't want to gamble against extra fees may well look to off site as an option like never before. :confused3
Esp when many AP-ers are DVC owners, are WDW repeats. They most likely know the ins and outs and how and how to get around without WDW transportation.

I think everyone is loyal -- to a point.

[freakylick]

I'll grant you're equal, if you grant that I'm equal! :)

We're equal...Our take on this subject and the consequences of this program on us are not. How much it affects you and how much it effects me is not equal and thus our consequential reactions are not "opposingly equal" (if that makes any sense)...I will just leave it at that.

Check some of the other threads. I've seen at least three messages in that regard.

I have read through a lot of threads (but not all as I don't have the time) and I have seen that a lot of people benefitted from this program..but I still have not seen anyone say that this program was an integral part in their decision to go. I am not calling you a liar though...it's just not what I have seen/heard/read.

This is a great board, but it in no way represents any view of the reality. We're fanatics, for good and ill: More likely to love and more likely to hate. What matters is what the general population does.

We're not all fanatics. I do not consider myself one. I enjoy Disney, but I have only been to Disney 3 times in my 30+ years of existence..and two of those times I was barely old enough to remember any of it. I came here (as a lot of people do) because I have found that message boards can be a valuable source of non-corporate opinion/information that can help in me planning my trip. So in that sense, I would say that I am more a part of the general public than the fanatics.

But if it is true that this is a board of fanatics, then I would say that people here are more likely to love than to hate (though I am sure there are a fair share of haters here) Disney. Thus many people are willing to "overlook" Disney's wrong-doings. So if you were correct that this is a bunch of fanatics..and many are saying they will be going less...well you draw your own conclusion because you are the one who believes that this is a group of fanatics.

Of course, but it doesn't mean it is wrong, and so what should one rely on? Their own research or what?


I agree that it doesn't mean it is wrong...but I won't just assume they know what they are doing and are likely to be correct, especially if they have a history of being wrong and subsequently "tweaking".

Honestly, I have a lot more to say on these subjects..but my frustration level with WDW is through the roof and it is beginning to get tiresome. Please don't take this as a slap at you...I have enjoyed our conversations, but I think I need to step away and just deal with the offending parties. Goodbye and enjoy your future trips...enjoy one for me too because someone will need to. :wave:

[PamNC]

Is it just me, but calling to check on discounts is what Disney people tell you to do when you book your reservations. I believe it is part of their job of answering phones to answer ALL questions however minor they are. I just called today for our vaction in October, and the woman was VERY nice to me and said to call in about a week or two, for the week we are going. I went online to book and the dates we are going are out of the 120 days, so that being the case...... I have to call and check. I don't believe that people spoiled it by calling and checking everyday. I think Disney had other reasoning for doing it. I do believe that some people that abuse the discount system have caused these changes!!

Hello there. You're absolutely right, I think abuse of the discount system is a big part of these changes. But, believe me, I can assure you that the # of calls from Passholders had A LOT to do with it.

PamNC

[G&J's Mom]

Hehe... I think there is no question that everyone who frequents these boards are "outliers." By the same token, that means that we aren't a representative sample of the general population of WDW guests.

Ya know I was thinking about that. We know about this program cause of Mousesavers and this board. We are only a portion of the AP population, the ones that know this program exists, but what about the AP Holders that are still in the dark about this program?? We have already read many posts that suggest CRO is clueless. So how do they find out about it? I had been reading these boards for the last couple of days about the subject, and have noticed already that a few people who objected strongly to this program are jumping on board and willing to give it a shot. I am guessing that there will be many more who will do the same once everyone is in the know. I am curious to see how it plays out.

PamNC, I live in Georgia and do not always plan that far in advance. I agree with you. I too hope they will reduce the 120 day window, but until then I will book what I can afford if I decide to take a last minute trip.

Denise

[PamNC]

PamNC, I live in Georgia and do not always plan that far in advance. I agree with you. I too hope they will reduce the 120 day window, but until then I will book what I can afford if I decide to take a last minute trip.

Denise


I guess I'll do the same. OR, you know, we could rent points from DVC members. That way you get deluxe accommodations. Better yet, we COULD buy into DVC. Perhaps that is Disney's master plan anyway. :rolleyes1

PamNC

[G&J's Mom]

I guess I'll do the same. OR, you know, we could rent points from DVC members. That way you get deluxe accommodations. Better yet, we COULD buy into DVC. Perhaps that is Disney's master plan anyway. :rolleyes1

PamNC

Funny you say that! I actually got the DVC DVD in the mail a few days ago! :p I am always thinking and planning ;)

[WannabeBelle25]

Hey Pam, thanks for all the inof that you are finding out about this plan!! Please keep it coming. So far the biggest of my initial issues with the plan have been addressed by Disney:
1) Booking at rack rate & Hoping for a discount- As of a few days ago the discounts were implemented on the online engine. Approximately 27% off for October and 30% off for December. THIS I can hang with!
The only problem I have left with the system is the modification fee of $50.00 per change. Most of the changes that I do is adding a person to my room (hence bringing Disney another person to buy tickets, food and souveniers) or upgrading my resort to a higher level (hence bringing Disney more revenue not less) I have heard that changes like these will not incur the $50.00 penalty. Do we have that in writing anywhere?? With my luck I will get the one cast member who didnt get the memo!!! Thanks again for all your work!! Belle

[lllovell]

What I have read basically says that unless the change takes your total package BELOW the cost of the previous package, the $50 change fee will be waived. Basically, as long as you are not costing Disney money in lost revenue from your plans, they won't charge you.

[WannabeBelle25]

What I have read basically says that unless the change takes your total package BELOW the cost of the previous package, the $50 change fee will be waived. Basically, as long as you are not costing Disney money in lost revenue from your plans, they won't charge you.
THAT is exactly what I am looking for!! Do we have that in writing from any of the official sources?? I had the same understanding as you had typed but with my luck I will get the one CM who doesnt know that and can point to the printed policy of ANY changes requiring a $50.00 change fee!!! Belle

[LisaS]

As of a few days ago the discounts were implemented on the online engine. Approximately 27% off for October and 30% off for December.
For the deluxes that I have checked for late Nov/early Dec (Value season), the discounts are not a percentage off but are a flat $70 off which is not that great considering the time of year. $70 off rack rate for AKL Savannah view works out to a 25% discount and $70 off BC water view works out to a 20% discount.

Better than rack rate, sure, but I expected to see better rates for that time of year. I went to AKL in late Jan/early Feb which is Value season also, and got an AP rate of $151 which was $130 off rack rate. I know the discounts are not guaranteed, but to go from $130 off early this year to only $70 off later in the same year is a pretty steep drop in the discounts.

So I'm not jumping in at this price. We had hoped to go back to WDW again this year to see the holiday decorations, but only if we can get both a great discount on the room and a great airfare. Otherwise, no deal.

[PamNC]

Hey Pam, thanks for all the inof that you are finding out about this plan!! Please keep it coming. So far the biggest of my initial issues with the plan have been addressed by Disney:
1) Booking at rack rate & Hoping for a discount- As of a few days ago the discounts were implemented on the online engine. Approximately 27% off for October and 30% off for December. THIS I can hang with!
The only problem I have left with the system is the modification fee of $50.00 per change. Most of the changes that I do is adding a person to my room (hence bringing Disney another person to buy tickets, food and souveniers) or upgrading my resort to a higher level (hence bringing Disney more revenue not less) I have heard that changes like these will not incur the $50.00 penalty. Do we have that in writing anywhere?? With my luck I will get the one cast member who didnt get the memo!!! Thanks again for all your work!! Belle

You're welcome. I like some aspects of it..well, really only one aspect. I like that you don't have to keep checking to see if there is a discount. It's automatically applied. Not sure about the $50 change penalty. I hate the idea of "if Disney loses revenue due to your modification, you will be penalized $50." That's horrible and it's not up to the Disney standard of service. It's saying "we don't care if you're happy, we only want to make money." Of course I'm not stupid, I know Disney is a business not our "best friend." If Walt were alive, he wouldn't allow such a thing. It's not in line with the Disney model of service. It just isn't.

PamNC

[WannabeBelle25]

Hey Lisa, Maybe it is dependent on the dates you run?? I Am not sure but these were the numbers I got:I ran a moderate resort for Oct 18th-22nd. The regular room rate I got for a standard view room was $664.56 with no discount, $486.16 with the Passholder Best Rate discount. I also ran a waterview for the same dates and got $735.92 without a discount and $557.52 with the Passholder Best Rate discount. Near as I can tell this would represent a savings of 26-28% give or take It was actually a 27% discount ( I had a friend of mine from our accounting department recheck me!!) I was looking at Deluxes last night for Early December and I got about a 30% discount. I still havent booked this way due to the problems that I probably would run into with the modification fees, but I was OK with the rates I was getting as listed above. If I am remembering corectly those were comparitive to what I paid last year. Belle

[Brian Noble]

Better than rack rate, sure, but I expected to see better rates for that time of year.
I'm not surprised at all---these prices look exactly the same as the code-driven deal that was available in September. The only difference is the requirement that you book four months in advance, and the non-refundable deposit.

It would appear that either bookings are up and discounts are just not as necessary to fill the rooms, or that WDW has decided to reign in the discount expectations in the long term and will take a short term hit because of it. If I were a betting man, I'd bet on the former.

[C.Ann]

What I have read basically says that unless the change takes your total package BELOW the cost of the previous package, the $50 change fee will be waived. Basically, as long as you are not costing Disney money in lost revenue from your plans, they won't charge you.
------------------

What you have read - and what people have been "told" - will not hold up against what has been written.. Someone did a cut and paste on one of these threads from the Passholders site and it clearly states any changes - period..

Unless it is written differently on the site now, being "told" is not going to hold water if you find yourself in a position where you have to fight this..

Get EVERYTHING in writing - including what you have booked and the rate you have been quoted.. There are far too many glitches in this system to take any chances.. :flower:

[Sammie]

I'm not surprised at all---these prices look exactly the same as the code-driven deal that was available in September. The only difference is the requirement that you book four months in advance, and the non-refundable deposit.

It would appear that either bookings are up and discounts are just not as necessary to fill the rooms, or that WDW has decided to reign in the discount expectations in the long term and will take a short term hit because of it. If I were a betting man, I'd bet on the former.

Based on what I have been told bookings are way up, all the way through the new year. And that the parks this week are packed.

[WannabeBelle25]

------------------

What you have read - and what people have been "told" - will not hold up against what has been written.. Someone did a cut and paste on one of these threads from the Passholders site and it clearly states any changes - period..

Unless it is written differently on the site now, being "told" is not going to hold water if you find yourself in a position where you have to fight this..

Get EVERYTHING in writing - including what you have booked and the rate you have been quoted.. There are far too many glitches in this system to take any chances.. :flower:
Aint that the truth!!!! And make sure you print out EVERYTHING in case you need written proof!!! What was odd I went into the Passholder site just before and went looking for the modification policy wording and I didnt see it. Can someone cut and paste it on here or give me a link to another thread where it was?? I had heard the "official" wording about any changes also from a CM friend and he was the one who had told me that certain modifications would have it waived. I'd rather have it in writing thanks!!! Belle

[LisaS]

Hey Lisa, Maybe it is dependent on the dates you run?? I Am not sure but these were the numbers I got:I ran a moderate resort for Oct 18th-22nd. The regular room rate I got for a standard view room was $664.56 with no discount, $486.16 with the Passholder Best Rate discount. I also ran a waterview for the same dates and got $735.92 without a discount and $557.52 with the Passholder Best Rate discount. Near as I can tell this would represent a savings of 26-28% give or take It was actually a 27% discount ( I had a friend of mine from our accounting department recheck me!!) I was looking at Deluxes last night for Early December and I got about a 30% discount. I still havent booked this way due to the problems that I probably would run into with the modification fees, but I was OK with the rates I was getting as listed above. If I am remembering corectly those were comparitive to what I paid last year. Belle
For the moderates you checked, you are saving a total of $174.80 in each case, regardless of whether it is a standard or a water view room. Pre-tax, it works out to a flat $38.78 per night per room. So the discount appears to be a flat dollar amount, not a specific percentage and the percentage will vary based on the starting price for that room type: you are saving 26.84% on the standard room and 24.24% on the water view room. Not a huge difference when the room prices are so close to begin with.

But in the case of a deluxe resort, the difference in the percentage you save can be pretty large over the range of room prices from standard to water view to savannah view to concierge level. At AKL because the discount is a flat $70 regardless of room type, the discount percentage varies as follows:

standard room: 35%, pool view: 31%, savannah view: 25%, concierge: 16%.

The only reason I'm posting this is because for those who cannot get into the AP holders website to check the Best Rates discounts for themselves, I didn't want anyone to get the idea that all rooms were discounted 30%. It appears to be a flat dollar amount that is being taken off, not a fixed percentage.

[WannabeBelle25]

I see what you are getting at now!!! I am with ya!!! Sorry for the confusion!!! Belle

[Lollipop Mom]

What I have read basically says that unless the change takes your total package BELOW the cost of the previous package, the $50 change fee will be waived. Basically, as long as you are not costing Disney money in lost revenue from your plans, they won't charge you.

It is in writing for the CMs. In speaking with guest services I have now been read the details of the offer exactly as it is written for them. A change fee is only imposed if the change results in lost revenue. Those changes would be changing resorts to a less expensive resort, changing dates, removing days etc. If your changes leave the package price the same or if they increase the price, then the change fee is waived. It is spelled out very clearly in their documentation. This has been the case with the change fees for packages for a while now. There has always been a $50 fee for changes made to a pakage after final payment but they have always waived it if the change increases revenue.

You can email guest services and ask them to clarify for you but it is spelled out very clearly in the terms guest services has on their computer. I've sent several emails and have suggested the need for an FAQ on both the AP and TA websites to clarify some of these things.

[C.Ann]

You can email guest services and ask them to clarify for you but it is spelled out very clearly in the terms guest services has on their computer. I've sent several emails and have suggested the need for an FAQ on both the AP and TA websites to clarify some of these things.
---------------------

That's a great idea because unless the customer has it in writing, it doesn't really matter what the CM has in writing..

It's really sad to see how poorly this whole thing was put together and the hurdles that people are having to jump through just to plan a vacation at WDW.. People shouldn't have to spend hour after hour, day after day trying to use a program that was supposed to "simplify" things..:( I wonder if some people will choose to use a TA to make these arrangements for them instead? Is that even possible? If so, it would probably save an awful lot of people from beating up on their computers.. LOL :badpc:

[WannabeBelle25]

---------------------

That's a great idea because unless the customer has it in writing, it doesn't really matter what the CM has in writing..

It's really sad to see how poorly this whole thing was put together and the hurdles that people are having to jump through just to plan a vacation at WDW.. People shouldn't have to spend hour after hour, day after day trying to use a program that was supposed to "simplify" things..:( I wonder if some people will choose to use a TA to make these arrangements for them instead? Is that even possible? If so, it would probably save an awful lot of people from beating up on their computers.. LOL :badpc:
Thanks Lollipop Mom. As I said I have been told that as well by a CM who I know to be not only incredibly well informed but completely trustworthy. I dont doubt that 90% of the CMs that I would get would probably be OK with the minor modifications ( usually adding a person into my room or adding days) but it is the ones who didnt read the protocols I Am worried about!!
Hey C. Ann!! Thanks for the chuckle!!! I love the smiley beating up on the computer thing!! It brought a chuckle to my day. I do use a Disney Specialist Travel Agent and I know she can book me via this method so I will probably let her do so assuming I can take the leap of faith on the modification thing. Thanks again for all the great input!!! Belle

[DMRick]

But there have been posts by people saying they called CRO and asked if a child's pass could be used and they were told YES. So is it abuse? Or a case of poor training or not knowing what their own rules are? They should have said an adult pass is required and required to be shown at check-in.
Up until now, it had not been a rule. If you wrote to Disney's executive guest services, they said that was fine. It's a new day and new rules. Things change all the time, but I don't see where "fault" should have to come into play. The only people who know for sure why they implemented new rules, are those who decided to do it. Just like the new tickets. Apparently Disney is finally doing better, and they don't need to appease everyone..and they have decided to make changes. Just like many companies do. Some work, some don't. The jury is still out on these new rules.
You know something interesting? I am camping with some people at a rally this week. They think they are real Disney nuts...one of the couples are DVC. They didn't even know there were changes in the AP rules. Heck, after talking with them..many things we on the boards know about, they didn't I think we are a much smaller group than some think. Some know nothing about discounts, etc., and I doubt if the few that do, have the power to change what works for Disney. Disney has marketing people..and they are just always trying different marketing strategies, and if they work, they stick with them..if not, they move on.