I'm NOT mad at Disney (honestly trying to be positive) - anyone else?

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

You know I've been frequenting this board trying to stay informed about any deals that I might qualify for and so far all I can get is a AAA discount for our October trip. I actually envy people who were able to book BRP (although I do understand the frustration of you all in the "black hole" or for one reason or another can't use it becuase of the restrictions), and those who got a glitch rate for a night + the Florida rate/ or just the Florida rate. Frankly those are better discounts than what I've got and I'd LOVE to have a better deal. I opted NOT to buy an AP and take my chances at about 64 days out and I'll accept that I missed out on about $200 savings if no codes etc come out that I qualify for. But I'm still NOT mad at Disney. DH is working a lot of OT to help pay for our trip, we just sold a truck that the proceeds went to our Disney fund, you know we work to pay for vacation too. We're going to go and enjoy ourselves either way. Not looking for justifications about WHY people are mad - but rather saying - is there anyone else who feels the way I do? I've been offered or qualified for many a deal (postcards, emails, NC discounts, kids stay and play free) and wouldn't ya know - when we're going I can't get anything that good!

[Lewisc]

I just got an email promotion. It had the usual language, PIN required, only a limited number of packages available and so on.

The problem is for my dates the deal is rack rate.

I'm annoyed Disney is trying to pull one over on me. The don't owe me a discount but they're not entitled to lie about one either.

[lillygator]

I'm not mad at all either....WDW simply does not have to offer discounts - I am certainly glad they do - definitely helps me spend more while I am there.
We always book what we can afford and then if discounts come out great! I certainly don't feel entitled to them!

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

The frustration level on this board is running so high. I guess you could email them about that too. I got a postcard about a month ago but it didn't even have a pin - just more of an ad really.

I was hoping to find some happy people . . .

[lillygator]

no frustration here!! I think when things don't go exactly as how people want or expect them to go this is what happens....


I'm looking forward to MNSSHP in October!! and MVMCP in December!!

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

lilygator - I know what you mean. We'll have xxx for vacation and will figure out how to allocate it between room, dining, souvenirs etc. If we spend more on one area, we'll spend less in another. I accept that although it would be great to have more to spend on fun stuff (although it's all pretty much fun stuff at Disney . . . )

[CharlesTD]

LTSA we feel greatfull just for the fact we get to go to Disney every year we worked hard for the money to pay for our holidays and the money we paid to become DVC members. It really makes me glad we invested that money up front in our family trips to WDW especially with all teh people complaining about the lack of discounts etc they are getting from WDW. We don't have to worry about it allwe need to worry about is a bit of spending money and passes.

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

our posts are crossing each other :)

That's so cool that you'll be able to go to both parties! This is our first MNSSHP and we're sooooo looking forward to it. Went to the Christmas Party and few years ago and it was GREAT!

Have fun!

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

CharlesTD - grateful is a good word. I've felt pretty guilty actually - focusing on a Disney trip with all that's happened lately (Katrina). We did donate to the Red Cross and a food bank. Some posts here on the DIS made me feel a little better - travelling and supporting our economy and all. I'm grateful for what I have.

We are hoping to join DVC too. Our goal is to pay cash for it though so we're still working on that.

Good for you :)

[mickeysaver]

Personally, I am thankful that there is even a AAA discounted rate to book at WDW. If not, I would be staying the Value Resorts again this trip. I love Disney. I would go with or without discounts. I would have to stay fewer days and I might not be able to go as often, but I would still find a way to go. Discounts are a bonus....not a given. Maggie

[tigerlilly]

Lady I know just how you feel. We have not been to WDW in 6 years and after this trip we have planned for December I don't know when we will get to go back if...ever.
I too have had postcards sent over the last five years (every fall for the dates we looked at going on this year). We got a postcard last fall and I decided last year we would do WDW Dec of 2005 forgoing our annual trip to Disneyland for Christmas.
This year I have of course recieved nothing...oh well. I have ran numbers on getting an AP and I just don't see as it is worth it for us. I am not planning on staying at the BC/YC/Poly or GF so I can find a better deal on a room at a less expensive resort without the AP.
Sorry I am giving so much info all about "me" lol. I guess my biggest frustration is reading about people who did get deals...like the Florida resident rate one or the "glitch" Florida rate. I don't fault the peolple who got them at all...more power to them. My problem is that Disney sets their system up this way. I am spending ALOT of money...over $1300 just to get to Florida and for this I get nothing. As you have said though they owe me nothing and I accept that but it still frustrates me I will be paying twice as much to stay at the WL as a person who lives in Florida.
So to sum up I am not really angry or mad or feel like I am owed anything I am just dissapointed that Disney has such a wacky system of doing things. Thanks for letting me vent :)

[Tink10]

LTSA, this is in no means directed at you.......So please don't think it is, this thread got me thinking about how planning for a Disney vacation can bring out the worst in people.........

I was a TDS manager for a long time & one of the best, but most heartbreaking parts of my job was providing the Disney magic to those who would never get to experience it firsthand.

At one particular store where I worked, I knew that many of the children (as well as their families) who would come in would never feel the tingle that I would when I walked down Main Street. They would never know that happy thrill that came at the end of Splash Mountain. It was very very sad....

So, in my opinion, the biggest part of my job, aside from running a store, was to see to it that all of those people felt the Magic that most of us here have been fortunate enough to feel and take for granted. Even though I'm no longer a CM, that magic has been with me every single day & I regularly try to share it. In a way, it's changes my life & my attitude.

Anyway, I can't help but think that all of the squabbling & complaining that goes on in these boards is pretty depressing. While Disney is a business, they're also about (and always will be about) the Magic. Heck, I thought that was why all of us went to WDW & DL in the first place. I normally try to bite my tongue when something on the boards upsets me, but I must say that there's nothing magical about name calling, terrible attitudes or trying to put one over on Disney. (this is stated in regards to the abuse of policies, glitches or Disney's goodwill)

Everyone here is very fortunate & should stop complaining and be pretty thankful that they have gone, or will be going to WDW when there are so many who can't & never will.

[minnie61650]

I don't get mad at Disney. When I plan a vacation I decide when I want to go and where I want to stay based on the rake rates. Then I will either use
my AAA discount or see if there are any other specials. I booked my October trip last March through AAA. When the free dining came up during the dates we are going I dropped my AAA discount to get the free dining. I also needed to change from All Star Movies to All Star Music-- not a big deal to me
since of all the resorts I have stayed at in WDW All Star Music is actually my favorite.

I know a lot of AP holders and FL. residents are use to having more discounts and codes but at least some are still available. If you prepare yourself to pay rack rates then any discounds even AAA discounts are just little extras.

Please don't get mad at Disney. How can you enjoy your wonderful vacation if you are mad?
Have fun at Disney everyone!
Linda ::MinnieMo

[Tink10]

[QUOTE=minnie61650
Please don't get mad at Disney. How can you enjoy your wonderful vacation if you are mad?[/QUOTE]

Wonderful Statement Linda! :sunny:

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I agree. We are indeed fortunate people if what kind of deal we get at Disney is one of our biggest concerns - no offense meant or taken.

I also don't begrudge any one who gets a discount that's better than mine - and I don't take it personally - although I do envy you as I said before.

And y'all can call me "Pollyanna" but I still haven't completely given up hope for more discounts :)

[FionaLovesShrek]

The frustration level on this board is running so high. I guess you could email them about that too. I got a postcard about a month ago but it didn't even have a pin - just more of an ad really.

I was hoping to find some happy people . . .

LadyTrampScamp&Angel, I am just so happy to be going nothing else matters! :Pinkbounc I have read about folks getting discounts...heck, I even missed out on the free dining by a few days! :confused3 So, even though I am paying full price...I saved up for almost 3 years for this trip and WOO HOO, I am gonna have a blast :banana: I know there are lots of folks like me, and there are those who can't find the magic, whether in the planning stages, or the actual being there stage. Most of us though, are diliriously happy to be going! :maleficen

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

FionaLovesShrek - you are going to LOVE the WL. I think it's an awesome resort, wonderful themeing - have a GREAT time!

I'm with you - so happy to be going!

[EthansMom]

While there are things about BRP that don't exactly make me happy (like the non-refundable one night deposit), I do like the fact that BRP has gotten rid of the people who made reservations they couldn't afford in hopes of getting an AP discount. I'm certain that BRP has kept reservations open for those people who just want to go to WDW and helped keep the AP resort discount as a bonus for people who purchase APs for multiple visits.

I do wish that WDW would allow booking the BRP even later for AP holders who book at later dates, though.

[FionaLovesShrek]

FionaLovesShrek - you are going to LOVE the WL. I think it's an awesome resort, wonderful themeing - have a GREAT time!

I'm with you - so happy to be going!

Thank You very much!!

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I think the restrictions on the BRP rate are rather harsh - especially the cancellation policy and the original 120 days. If I already owned an AP - I'd have booked a BRP rate, but the restrictions and the fact that I probably won't be back within a year, convinced me NOT to buy an AP. I had 60 days and I may come out in the hole - but it just wasn't worth it to me. That may be just want the BRP program was in part meant to do.

I do hope Disney will change the cancellation policy for the AP holders though. Anyone can have something beyond their control happen.

[legalslave]

I'm happy to have the AAA discount. Before I started reading this board I didn't even know about that and paid rack rate for all of my other Disney trips. If I didn't have the AAA discount (which amounts to around $175), I still would have been happy just because I am going to Disney for the second time this year and I can see the Christmas decorations and attend the MVMCP for the first time.

[schumacher]

While there are things about BRP that don't exactly make me happy (like the non-refundable one night deposit), I do like the fact that BRP has gotten rid of the people who made reservations they couldn't afford in hopes of getting an AP discount. I'm certain that BRP has kept reservations open for those people who just want to go to WDW and helped keep the AP resort discount as a bonus for people who purchase APs for multiple visits.

I do wish that WDW would allow booking the BRP even later for AP holders who book at later dates, though.


I think the BRP is a good attempt at curtailing the abuses of the past on the APs. As I have mentioned before, our family was never one of the fortunate ones to snag the deep deep discounted rooms in the past. We usually go once or twice a year and have managed to get an AP code rather infrequently over the past. I always thought it was strange how "few" of these rates were available. I think as EthansMom has pointed out, it wasn't that there were that few but they were being booked up and unfortunately canceled last minute as folks were speculating for trips they really did not plan to make. I think the new system, although it has its shortfalls is better for both Disney and their passholders in my opinion.

Cheers,

Schuey

[JudimouseNC]

This is a great thread....I am not mad at Disney either, but I was disappointed in the way they handled the whole AP/BRP fiasco. It was definatley handled poorly.

We leave in 30 days and we got a AAA discount on our room. We have our passes and money for food and gas...we will just cut back on souveniers....my house is kinda full with them!

WE will go and have a great time.....codes be darned!!!! :cool1:

[brisus]

It is funny to read this about hoping for discount codes. I plan to go in late March and am very hopeful as well. This has been the longest I have seen without any discount code for the general public. However, I always laugh at even myself when I ask the question, where have I booked a room elsewhere and hoped or even expected to receive a discount code?? They are absolutely nice to have but I often wondered why Disney would offer these so freely and rent these rooms for such a discounted price. When I think about the resorts and the whole Disney experience, I often feel that the prices that they charge are actually very reasonable for what type of quality and service you are receiving. Like everyone else, I will keep my fingers crossed for codes though because who doesn't like to save a few bucks!

[Snowysmom]

I am happy to get the AAA discount for our trip. It would be nice if there were other discounts available, but Disney is not obliged to do that. My problem with the BRP program is losing the deposit if you cancel. While my dates usually stay the same, I can't guarantee that. But, 15% off is better than rack rate!

[TDC Nala]

Why on earth would they send a postcard with a PIN number for rack rate?

I don't really have that much of a problem. I just don't see the logic behind a 60 day booking limit for AP holders. I understand they want to prevent cancellations, but the nonrefundable deposit takes care of that. If they had an empty room problem what is wrong with non-Florida passholders booking last minute trips? Why do they want to make sure we plan that far ahead?

[Ergens2]

ok what's up with the Jan 2006 BRP rate and AAA. Both were 15% for my Jan. stay. It really doesn't give me much incentive to keep my AP. If I had not already booked my stay I would say take my AP and your BRP and... pirate:
But I am not mad at Disney. I understand and actually like the BRP. I do almost everything online now so it is much better than waiting on the phone to speak with a CM the morning rates come out. :teeth:

[Ergens2]

I am happy to get the AAA discount for our trip. It would be nice if there were other discounts available, but Disney is not obliged to do that. My problem with the BRP program is losing the deposit if you cancel. While my dates usually stay the same, I can't guarantee that. But, 15% off is better than rack rate!
I just moved my stay from Early Dec. to early Jan. and was able to get my deposit back. No questions asked. I was surprised but the CM told me as long as I rebooked (had to rebook online and then call with new ressie #) I would always get the deposit back. Now that they have waived the $50 fee (some people are still getting charged. Watch out!) a lot more people are using the program.

[sonny]

I agree. I am not really mad - just a little sad. I know that making magic is a mega-business and making $$ comes first. I could always count on a PIN Code - have gotten them (and gone to WDW) once or twice a year with rates at moderates around $75 to $84, even sent two of my kids to Disney for their honeymoons on PIN codes. Last year we did WL for $109. So at last Christmas, I promised my kids :wizard: I would get us all rooms for Christmas '05, thinking I would get AP if I didn't get a PIN. Then all these changes started happening, no PINs and AP is not as good an option and crazy ticket prices. And I need 4 rooms. Anyway, I got 4 rooms at POR for $107 each thru AAA and it's OK. Just not as much fun as when you get a "special" code and you feel a little important to Disney. And I am still trying to decide what to do about tickets. We will have fun even if we just watch the ducks swim in the swimming pools. Hope everyone else does, too.

[DMRick]

I'm not mad. However, I am staying off site to save a lot of money. I've been off site before and I'm fine with it. Because we are already off site, more of my meals will be off site, my souvenirs will be bought off site.

[A Mickeyfan]

I am not happy with the way the BRP is. I don't like the fact that I cannot book a month ahead of time, but 2 months (60 days), I also don't like the fact that there is a nonrefundable deposit, but will it stop me from renewing my AP, no it won't. I have an AP for the parks, not the room discounts. Don't get me wrong, I love a dscount on anything :rotfl:, but that wasn't why I purchased my pass in the first place. I more than get my money out of the AP just by going to the parks, the other perks were just icing on my cake. :wizard:

[WaltD4Me]

Why on earth would they send a postcard with a PIN number for rack rate?

I'm not mad at Disney either. However I might be if I got a postcard with a PIN for rack rates! :mad: I almost think of this as them trying to "trick" people and I think it's terrible!

I also think it was TERRIBLE the way they handled the whole AP/BR rate fiasco. It isn't so much that they changed the program, it was all the guessing and wondering, all the miscommunications, the fact that no one seemed to know what was going on and getting totally different stories depending on who you talked to.

I got a great rate of $76 a night last year at POFQ....I was SO thrilled and realize how lucky I was, but I am considering staying off site next trip, possibly at a DTD hotel. I just don't want to do Value (I know, my choice!)
and think I might give one of the DTD hotels a try....if I can get a good rate! :rotfl:

[A Mickeyfan]

I'm not mad at Disney either. However I might be if I got a postcard with a PIN for rack rates! :mad: I almost think of this as them trying to "trick" people and I think it's terrible!

I also think it was TERRIBLE the way they handled the whole AP/BR rate fiasco. It isn't so much that they changed the program, it was all the guessing and wondering, all the miscommunications, the fact that no one seemed to know what was going on and getting totally different stories depending on who you talked to.

I got a great rate of $76 a night last year at POFQ....I was SO thrilled and realize how lucky I was, but I am considering staying off site next trip, possibly at a DTD hotel. I just don't want to do Value (I know, my choice!)
and think I might give one of the DTD hotels a try....if I can get a good rate! :rotfl:
totally agree with that one!!! seems they think if they send the ad that way, they want guests to think they are getting something extra when in reality they aren't :confused3 They are too big of a company to do that to it's guests (and get away with it)

[DisneyFreq]

I too have an issue with "pin codes for regular rates". It isn't just "like' tricking people it IS tricking people. Before I found the DIS boards I probably wouldn't have known enough to go to wdw's website and punch the numbers. I would have thought to myself "wow I got a deal, yay me."

What's funny about all this is that I run the numbers for everything else. I know ins and outs for great rates on hotels and flights and what steps to take to avoid booking fees or how to get the same rate thru two differnet booking agencies, yet one has additional perks. It never really occured to me that there was a way to use the same method for disney hotels. I thought (much like BRP) that you got whatevery current published rate was available for your dates. I just assumed (dumb me) that when a discount came out, that it would automatically be offered to everybody. Oh, I was so innocent back then.....

So, how many people out there are like I was...deal hunters not in the know about disney that believe they got a good deal just b/c the card had a pin? :sad2:

[whacked]

I have to laugh at the people that get annoyed at not getting a discount when they are PLANNING to go.

The whole point of discount programs is to get people to go when they are NOT planning to go. :rotfl2:

If I get a discount better than the AAA rate, WHOOPIE!!!.

If I don't get an additional discount, I've booked at a rate I can afford, so WHOOPIE!!! I get to go to Disney World anyway. :cool1:



Does this guy freak out anyone else as much as he does me? :dancer:

[C.Ann]

I just got an email promotion. It had the usual language, PIN required, only a limited number of packages available and so on.

The problem is for my dates the deal is rack rate.

I'm annoyed Disney is trying to pull one over on me. The don't owe me a discount but they're not entitled to lie about one either.
---------------------------------

I wonder what their response would be if you called about this "special" limited packages offer and then went on to ask them what the rate would be without the "pin" number?

They would either have to admit that the rate is the same - with or without the pin numuber - or artificially inflate (okay - basically "lie") about what it would be without the pin..

If I had received one myself, I would call just out of curiosity to find out.. ;)

[marymrg]

I am happy that: SWA came out with a great rate. (wasn't planning another trip)
- I could get a AAA rate on such short notice.
- my AP is still valid.
- I can use free Magical Express even though I am giving up the convenience and cost of a rental car


What do I wish:
there was a last minute AP room rate
I could somehow get a dining plan without a package


When I add it all up, I am still paying a lot less than I did on my very first "uneducated" family trip way back in 1996! :)

[DisneyFreq]

Yes...wouldn't it be nice to purchase the dining plan as an add on to any disney vacation purchase? I mean....it would be nice to get it in conjunction with a discounted room or an online AP purchase. Unfortunately for us, I think the point of the dining plan is to give people paying FULL PRICE for everything else a break on something...in this case their food bill.

[marymrg]

I forgot to list that I have the DDE which more than paid for itself the first time I used it. So that will help with dining expenses this time around.

[Lewisc]

That's what I did. The CM politely cut me off and confirmed that the offer I recieved was rack rate for my dates. Some of the dates of the offer are during the regular and holiday periods. The offer would give me value rack rates during those dates.

The CM was polite, honest and sounded like she'd answered this question more than once.

I was going to write a letter to Disney but I didn't bother.





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

I wonder what their response would be if you called about this "special" limited packages offer and then went on to ask them what the rate would be without the "pin" number?

They would either have to admit that the rate is the same - with or without the pin numuber - or artificially inflate (okay - basically "lie") about what it would be without the pin..

If I had received one myself, I would call just out of curiosity to find out.. ;)