Just got distrubing info.re BRP and AP...

[mrsswat]

I just called CRO to get some booking info. We're going 4/13 - 4/17. I have been trying for several days to get info on line, which at the AP site says you can book BRP for arrivals thru 4/13. I asume I fit into that catagory, since I'm arriving on 4/13. No matter which resort I chose online, it says there is nothing available. On Sat., I called CRO, and was told to get an AP/RP rate I had to call between the hours of 2 and 5. But she was very helpful and qouted me some AAA rates for those dates, there was availability at GF, WL, YC, and POR - that was all I had her check. So today I had some time between 2 and 5, so I called CRO back and asked to check the AP/BRP availability for that same time frame. The agent helping me did some checking, and came back to tell me that the AP/BRP plan ends 4/13, and since my reservation would start that day, it was not available to me. So I asked if I should wait a few weeks till the plan was extended into the next time frame, and she told me that it was not going to be exended!! I asked if that meant there were no longer going to be AP/BRP rates and she told me that's exactly what that means! I am hoping she is just misinterpreting something. I know, I know, just because I have an AP doesn't mean I should "expect" rate discounts, but still. I don't think I'll be renewing my AP after this year. :confused3

[colleen costello]

I believe that the fact that they are now taking passholder calls between 2 and 5 means they are admitting that "Best Rate" was a hell from the beginning, at least in terms of the "book online only." The nice woman who helped me today (between 2 and 5!) said they HATE having us book online, because us calling them means they have JOBS! I think so many people were unable to get onto the site, or were unable to book after spending a lot of time (my situation) were calling anyhow. So I think there will be SOMETHING after 4/13, but it may be differently named. :)

[Traveliz]

I know I missed something somewhere but I really don't get this call between 2-5 thing either???

Liz

[colleen costello]

I had trouble booking online yesterday and called to see if my reservation had been processed. They told me to call back between 2 and 5. I am assuming that is a slow time and during those hours they are authorized to help with Passholder problems. I may be wrong, but I think that is it because they said "Any day between 2 and 5."

[boomhauer]

I called between 2-5 on Monday and I got the BRP, and I haven't purchased my AP yet.

First off, the Disney website is awful as it is. The AP website is even worse. I think Disney may be realzing the BRP has it's advantages, but they need to make things a bit easier on the guests.

[Ergens2]

I hope they don't go back to the email thing again. I always got my email a week after the rates were out!! I HATED the old system. I actually like the new system. I don't have time to sit on the phone all day and it is easier for me to hop on the site and check my dates. But what I will say is I don't like the fact that you could not call as well as use the website. That sucked!! And not everyone is on the same page. The CM's at CRO knew more about the BRP then the passholder line CM's. I will not use the passholder line anymore because they never know what is going on.

[cdpa4d]

I called at 5:02 yesterday and it was too late. They seem pretty strict about the 2:00 to 5:00PM time frame. I also got a better rate by calling the day before than I got online. I don't know what the differences are.

For instance, I went online and got the Grand Floridian for 2 nights at around $900 Garden View Room. When I called for the same 2 nights a few days ago I was quoted $515 including tax. Just for kicks I went back and checked online and the price was still around $900. Go figure!

[LakeAriel]

Personally I think the problem is far too many people are trying to book AP rates without having AP's! You don't have to activate it but you should need the voucher at least to expedite the discount. :confused3

[boomhauer]

Personally I think the problem is far too many people are trying to book AP rates without having AP's! You don't have to activate it but you should need the voucher at least to expedite the discount. :confused3

Well, exactly - But again, as has been said, Disney is simply being lazy about this.

How difficult is it to say "Could I see your annual pass please?"

If the guest makes up some excuse as to why they don't have it, then just look in the computer. It's not difficult.

[srfrgrl07]

The CM's at CRO knew more about the BRP then the passholder line CM's. I will not use the passholder line anymore because they never know what is going on.

Ummm...the cast members at CRO are the same ones that answer the passholder line.

[TiggerInLBV]

The Same CM's that answer the Passholder line and regular CRO line do not have access to check the validity of your pass so no, it's not easy.

[Ergens2]

Ummm...the cast members at CRO are the same ones that answer the passholder line.
That's funny, because I have called CRO with a passholder question and was told to call the passholder line!! Maybe they just didn't want to answer my question. :confused3

[srfrgrl07]

That's funny, because I have called CRO with a passholder question and was told to call the passholder line!! Maybe they just didn't want to answer my question. :confused3

Maybe, if so that's too bad. I guess it depends on what the question was. As mentioned above, the agents that answer that line do not have access to the "ticket system" if you need to verify dates on APs or see if your tickets have been mailed, etc. Only ticket services can do that. But if it was a question about block out dates, discounts, prices any one (I believe) has access to that...it's the same info that is on the WDW website!

[Sammie]

If I had to make a guess, I would guess some changes are definitely coming. ;)

[Ladyhawke10]

If I had to make a guess, I would guess some changes are definitely coming. ;)


Sammie, do you think these changes might happen before Jan 06--I keep stalling on booking because we have some leeway in terms of our dates (I have all of January off) and I keep hoping for an alternative to the BRP. I hope I don't miss out on the 60 day window and wait in vain :confused3

[glass slipper girl]

Just curious...for those of you who have called between 2 & 5, are the terms of your ressie the same as BRP online? Specifically the nonrefundable one night deposit?

[lilstint]

Yes. I called between 2 and 5 and all the rules were the same except ....that you can call between 2 and 5. ;)

[Disney Fool]

For all of you who are complaining that Disney is too lazy to train their CM's to ask the question upon check-in "Do you have your AP?" Think about this: They don't need to ask--it's in the computer. They already know whether or not you've got an active AP. I can't tell you how many times I've been reminded by a CM that I need to have my AP renewed before I check in. They are obviously looking at the date of expiration. If they can tell how old your AP is when you are booking your ressie, don't you think they also know this when you check in?

[LakeAriel]

For all of you who are complaining that Disney is too lazy to train their CM's to ask the question upon check-in "Do you have your AP?" Think about this: They don't need to ask--it's in the computer. They already know whether or not you've got an active AP. I can't tell you how many times I've been reminded by a CM that I need to have my AP renewed before I check in. They are obviously looking at the date of expiration. If they can tell how old your AP is when you are booking your ressie, don't you think they also know this when you check in?

Then how come they are allowing rooms to be booked without AP's purchased yet? Aren't they restricting rooms from people that actually have AP numbers? :confused3

[A Mickeyfan]

Then how come they are allowing rooms to be booked without AP's purchased yet? Aren't they restricting rooms from people that actually have AP numbers? :confused3
They are only allowing those with either an AP or the AP voucher. There are numbers on the back of the voucher that must be given to book. They can tell if that voucher number has been sold (just not to who unless paid for by a credit card I would imagine, even though that doesn't mean that is who it is for) If you have the voucher, they will more than likely ask for the proof at check in. If it is already activated by check in, they will have all your info.

They not only can tell you how many times you have gone, they can also tell you the names of everyone that has ever stayed in your room. When ever I call, they always ask me about 2 or 3 other names.... friends of my daughter's, or my aunt's name. They do and can keep track...they are like the FBI when it comes to your profile :rotfl:

[LakeAriel]

They are only allowing those with either an AP or the AP voucher. There are numbers on the back of the voucher that must be given to book. They can tell if that voucher number has been sold (just not to who unless paid for by a credit card I would imagine, even though that doesn't mean that is who it is for) If you have the voucher, they will more than likely ask for the proof at check in. If it is already activated by check in, they will have all your info.

They not only can tell you how many times you have gone, they can also tell you the names of everyone that has ever stayed in your room. When ever I call, they always ask me about 2 or 3 other names.... friends of my daughter's, or my aunt's name. They do and can keep track...they are like the FBI when it comes to your profile :rotfl:
If you read Boomhauer and others posts they claim to have gotten BRP without the AP. Are they lying? Is Disney screwing up? What gives?

[C.Ann]

Perhaps they have finally seen the light and realize what a dismal failure this new program was due to their inability to keep the web site running properly..

Only time will tell.. :flower:

[A Mickeyfan]

If you read Boomhauer and others posts they claim to have gotten BRP without the AP. Are they lying? Is Disney screwing up? What gives?


I just went back thru and read what Boonhauer has said, nowhere in the in the post does it mention if she has a voucher. She only states that she hasn't purchased her AP. She may have purchased the voucher & just not activated it... she didn't say (yes, I do know that purchase means buy). If she has no voucher & goes to check in and has no proof when they ask, she will not get that rate. Disney may not care who books, if they show up with no AP or voucher, Disney makes more money off of them. I booked two rooms for this past October trip. When I booked I asked if my friend & her family had gotten there before me could she still check in since I am the one with the AP (her daughter has one but is only 12). The CM said yes, as long as I showed up before the end of the night to show my pass, or the rate would automaticly be changed to the regular room rate. So if Boonhauer has no voucher, she will more than likely not be getting that rate at check in (and from reading her 2 posts, it sounds as if she will be having one). Disney may be allowing those to book without, but they will not allow you to stay at that rate without the proof. As I said, I went back & read her post & didn't see where she said if she did or didn't have a voucher.....

[A Mickeyfan]

The Same CM's that answer the Passholder line and regular CRO line do not have access to check the validity of your pass so no, it's not easy.
If they have you in their system, it will come up that you have a pass. How do you think we get emails for passholders & the mickey monitor. We are in the system as having the pass. In fact, when you log onto thier web site, it even tells you the experation date of your pass...so yes, with your name (and address) they can cross reference the validity of your pass. Unless Disney puts a block on certian computers so only certian CM's can access, but when you check in, they do have that access. That is one of the reasons why they ask for a photo ID. Yes, I have been told by others that they were never asked for a photo ID. I always have been. They verify who I am since they have my info already...pass info & all.

[CarolA]

I I asked if that meant there were no longer going to be AP/BRP rates and she told me that's exactly what that means! I am hoping she is just misinterpreting something. I know, I know, just because I have an AP doesn't mean I should "expect" rate discounts, but still. I don't think I'll be renewing my AP after this year. :confused3


:rotfl2: RULE 1. The folks that pick up the phones DO NOT have ANY advance notice of discounts. Let's get real... read these boards. At least once a month someone posts that either (A) CM said there would NEVER be another discount or (B) great discounts are coming on XXX... In almost ALL of these cases the facts don't back up the CM statements. They just say things to get us off the PHONE!!! LOL!

And your APs are viewable at check in. I was once checked in by someone doing training and she showed the girl earning her ears where to check for my AP number.

[srfrgrl07]

If they have you in their system, it will come up that you have a pass. How do you think we get emails for passholders & the mickey monitor. We are in the system as having the pass. In fact, when you log onto thier web site, it even tells you the experation date of your pass...so yes, with your name (and address) they can cross reference the validity of your pass. Unless Disney puts a block on certian computers so only certian CM's can access, but when you check in, they do have that access. That is one of the reasons why they ask for a photo ID. Yes, I have been told by others that they were never asked for a photo ID. I always have been. They verify who I am since they have my info already...pass info & all.

While the cast members at check in can validate whether or not you have an active AP, the cast at CRO cannot. I think this was mentioned on another thread.

[A Mickeyfan]

While the cast members at check in can validate whether or not you have an active AP, the cast at CRO cannot. I think this was mentioned on another thread.

"Unless Disney puts a block on certian computers so only certian CM's can access, but when you check in, they do have that access" is what I said.

While CRO maynot be able to view it when your name pops up, the system will eventually flag the name... so the name is cross referenced with having a pass............
and without that valid AP at check in, you will not get the rate, so regardless what someone books over the phone.. they need to be in Disney's system showing a valid pass by the time they check in or the rates will go to rack rates. I believe that is what I was trying to express in my post...Disney will know whether you have one or not by the time you need to show it.... therefore not needing to ask to see it (if indeed you have one). They will ask you if there isn't an AP associated with your name in their system and you will need to provide the proof at that point....

[cobbler]

:rotfl2: RULE 1. The folks that pick up the phones DO NOT have ANY advance notice of discounts.

So true. How many of us have called for AP rates or other public codes only to have to hang up and call back because the first CM we spoke to can't find it, says nothing exists or whatever.

I had to call back FOUR times this year to get a CM to understand I could book LTT when I bought my MVMCP tickets on April 30th!

[srfrgrl07]

"Unless Disney puts a block on certian computers so only certian CM's can access, but when you check in, they do have that access" is what I said.

While CRO maynot be able to view it when your name pops up, the system will eventually flag the name... so the name is cross referenced with having a pass............
and without that valid AP at check in, you will not get the rate, so regardless what someone books over the phone.. they need to be in Disney's system showing a valid pass by the time they check in or the rates will go to rack rates. I believe that is what I was trying to express in my post...Disney will know whether you have one or not by the time you need to show it.... therefore not needing to ask to see it (if indeed you have one). They will ask you if there isn't an AP associated with your name in their system and you will need to provide the proof at that point....

I interpreted your post to mean that "they" meant both CRO and front desk since some people had mentioned how CRO knows how many times you've been there and with whom, etc. I see what you're saying now.

[Pig Pen]

Maybe I am the only person in the world to say this, but I had absolutely NO PROBLEM with the BRP system. As soon as I heard the rates were extended, I got online, booked my room, rec'd my email confirmation, and was done within minutes.....MUCH quicker than when I had to call and wait!

Of course I knew exactly where I wanted to stay and how much I was willing to spend, so that helps. If I had needed to compare every room rate at every resort, I am sure this would complicate matters and increased the chance of errors or network difficulties.

I saved over $1200 for 7 nights at WL over the rack rate, so I am happy.

But I also agree that CMs should check APs upon check-in!!!!!

[bicker]

I'd hate being a front-desk clerk if they decided to make me police compliance with a discount program. These are folks who are face-to-face with guests, and evaluated based on how pleased the guests are. How can you do a good job in that regard when you have to tell someone that you're going to have to charge them double because they don't have the right admission pass. It's the making of a bad scene, and totally unnecessary given the current system. There is no real benefit to the company to be more lenient in this regard, unless it is the only way to fill rooms; clearly that's not the case.

[MagicKingdom05]

Pig Pen,

I guess that makes two of us who have been able to book online with BRP without an issue. I actually like booking the AP rate through the online system, because you can now figure out what's available without having to do it over the phone. I can go through all the resorts, check different date ranges and then make my resort selection instead of making multiple calls to get info and the more calls to book. It took me about 5 minutes if that to book the room and that was because I had to add the magical express information into my reservation.

[Gary M]

I also liked the BRP plan better than the old calling for AP rates and waiting on the phone for what seemed like forever, then getting a CM at CRO that had no clue what is going on. I also didn't have trouble booking rooms through BRP online. I booked 3 trips for this winter with BRP.

[Sammie]

I'd hate being a front-desk clerk if they decided to make me police compliance with a discount program. These are folks who are face-to-face with guests, and evaluated based on how pleased the guests are. How can you do a good job in that regard when you have to tell someone that you're going to have to charge them double because they don't have the right admission pass. It's the making of a bad scene, and totally unnecessary given the current system. There is no real benefit to the company to be more lenient in this regard, unless it is the only way to fill rooms; clearly that's not the case.

I totally agree. The enforcement of having an AP or voucher to book AP discounts needs to be enforced at the time of booking, whether it is online or over the phone. Since the discounts are for Annual Passholders, "holder" being the optimum word here I see no reason to allow anyone to book until they actually hold the pass or the voucher.

That way there is no confrontation at the desk, no need for the person following the rules to have to make sure they have their pass in hand when checking in, etc.

[A Mickeyfan]

I interpreted your post to mean that "they" meant both CRO and front desk since some people had mentioned how CRO knows how many times you've been there and with whom, etc. I see what you're saying now.
I have a very bad habbit of not making myself clear... I am sorry. I do it all the time. In my head I know what I am saying...
simple way.. The system will know if you have one or not.... just a matter of who can view it... :goodvibes

[A Mickeyfan]

I'd hate being a front-desk clerk if they decided to make me police compliance with a discount program. These are folks who are face-to-face with guests, and evaluated based on how pleased the guests are. How can you do a good job in that regard when you have to tell someone that you're going to have to charge them double because they don't have the right admission pass. It's the making of a bad scene, and totally unnecessary given the current system. There is no real benefit to the company to be more lenient in this regard, unless it is the only way to fill rooms; clearly that's not the case.
You are correct in saying that they are the folks that are face to face with the guest, however, it is the guest that is the one that would be at fault for not having it. Disney clearly stateds that they must be a passholder. If you have no pass when you arrive at the front desk, you are not a passholder & should not be looking for that discount. I see no reason why the front desk clerk should feel like police. Disney may be allowing CRO to accept the ressie with the intentions that the guest will have the pass by the time they arrive. People book their room months & months ahead of time. They may not want to purchase the pass, have the voucher sent in the mail & hold it for many months. It is easier to just purchase it in Disney. Either way you still have to go to guest services at a park to get it... (either to buy it or switch out the voucher). Universal does the same thing. Anyone can book online just by putting in the AP code on thier site... you just need to show it when you arrive.

[A Mickeyfan]

That way there is no confrontation at the desk, no need for the person following the rules to have to make sure they have their pass in hand when checking in, etc.
The person that is "following the rules" by having the pass when they check in doesn't have to have it in their hand... the system has the info already. The passholder name matches the number on the pass. If it is a voucher (which I am not sure if they are still allowing you to check in with just the voucher anymore), they would have to show it. I do know not only did they have to show it, but after they turned the voucher into the actual AP, they did have to bring that back to the front desk before the end of the night to show they really have an active AP. Years ago before Disney started making your pass have an anniversary date, when you renewed it, it remained unactive until your first use...meaning that your old pass may have expired in Oct, you renewed in Oct but didn't use it until Dec, then your next one would expire in Dec not Oct. So what guests were doing were showing that they renewed but it wasn't an active pass & they still got the discount. Disney has tried to cut out that loop hole. Now the renewals are automatically activated, so are the AP's that you buy in Disney. Only the vouchers that you purchase thru the mail (or at select Disney locations) are not activated. When checking in & showing the voucher, you are not showing an active pass (which is why I don't think they allow the voucher at check in anymore). Bottom line is.. if person is "following the rules", they don't have to
"have their pass in hand when checking in, etc", the system already has the info.....

[bicker]

You are correct in saying that they are the folks that are face to face with the guest, however, it is the guest that is the one that would be at fault for not having it.The maxim goes, "Always make the customer feel like they're right." The fact that the guest is "at fault" would rarely help achieve that goal.

[A Mickeyfan]

The maxim goes, "Always make the customer feel like they're right." The fact that the guest is "at fault" would rarely help achieve that goal.
Correct it wouldn't help acheive that goal. Gone are the days were the guest/customer is always right. Now a days too many customers try to get over. I know this is far fetched but look at it this way:
You go to JC Penny, you see a pair of jeans on the clearence rack but they aren't marked. You take it to the cashier, she tells you it isn't on sale. They do not have to give it to you on clearence ...unless it was clearly marked incorrectly. The cashier isn't going to give you a clearance price when it was put on the rack by mistake. As I said, it is far fetched.
When a guest books a ressie with an AP that has no AP why would the front desk clerk have to make the guest feel as if they are right. Shoot, we all would be doing it then wouldn't we? Here is another way to look at it.. if you are not a FL Resident & book over the phone with a FL Resident Rate. When you check in, you need to show your valid picture ID showing your residency. If you don't have it (since you aren't a resident), should the front desk clerk still allow you to check in with that room rate? No, they shouldn't. You can be a true resident & not be at your home for a few months, therefore when you booked over the phone you gave the address of where they can send the confirmation to you now... not later... and it isn't a FL address...yet you have your valid ID for check in.. Do you see what I am trying to say.. The CRO CM's will allow you to book a FL resident rate & mail it to a different address...you show your valid ID at check in. You don't have your AP yet, they allow you to book over the phone without it, you show your active AP at check in.. it is the same thing. If you are booking without an AP & have no intentions of getting one, then why on earth would Disney have to treat you as if you are correct when you go to check in without your pass???? So you are correct in saying that it isn't helping to acheive a goal of the customer being right because the customer was down right wrong & should not be treated any differently.

[Doede95]

Just want to jump on this thread. I am one of those people that booked without an AP. No, I am not lying. I was calling to see if I could switch my WL reservation to the Poly. I asked her if it would be worth it for me to buy an AP. She told me that the rate was $273 and asked if I wanted to book it. I told her that I did not have an AP, but would love to book it and buy one. She booked it. I then asked her if she wanted to charge me for the AP and she told me I could purchase it later. I was shocked. I went online and typed in the reservation # and there was my Poly reservation as a "best rate passholder". I even called twice to confirm. I already ordered mine online. However, I do know that I am not the only one that has been able to do this.

[A Mickeyfan]

Just want to jump on this thread. I am one of those people that booked without an AP. No, I am not lying. I was calling to see if I could switch my WL reservation to the Poly. I asked her if it would be worth it for me to buy an AP. She told me that the rate was $273 and asked if I wanted to book it. I told her that I did not have an AP, but would love to book it and buy one. She booked it. I then asked her if she wanted to charge me for the AP and she told me I could purchase it later. I was shocked. I went online and typed in the reservation # and there was my Poly reservation as a "best rate passholder". I even called twice to confirm. I already ordered mine online. However, I do know that I am not the only one that has been able to do this.
And when you show up with your pass, you have done exactly what you are suppose to.. One thing I would do prior to check in, activate the pass so you don't have to go back & show it to them later... Prior to check in, go to any guest service window at any of the theme parks or DTD & swap out the voucher for the actual pass then go over to your resort & check in.. From your post, I can see Disney may slowly going back to some of its old ways... like when they did allow you to do this. Now that they are allowing call ins to book I guess they can allow you to book without the pass. Online you do need the numbers from either the pass or the voucher.
Have a great trip!!!

[LakeAriel]

Just want to jump on this thread. I am one of those people that booked without an AP. No, I am not lying. I was calling to see if I could switch my WL reservation to the Poly. I asked her if it would be worth it for me to buy an AP. She told me that the rate was $273 and asked if I wanted to book it. I told her that I did not have an AP, but would love to book it and buy one. She booked it. I then asked her if she wanted to charge me for the AP and she told me I could purchase it later. I was shocked. I went online and typed in the reservation # and there was my Poly reservation as a "best rate passholder". I even called twice to confirm. I already ordered mine online. However, I do know that I am not the only one that has been able to do this.

What this means is that they will block out a designated amount of BRP rooms for people without passes and people that actually have them wll be shut out!! Then there will be a free for all when say 10% show up with no AP's and expect the discount and don't get it. I guess it's still a "win win" for Disney!

[boomhauer]

I totally agree. The enforcement of having an AP or voucher to book AP discounts needs to be enforced at the time of booking, whether it is online or over the phone. Since the discounts are for Annual Passholders, "holder" being the optimum word here I see no reason to allow anyone to book until they actually hold the pass or the voucher.

That way there is no confrontation at the desk, no need for the person following the rules to have to make sure they have their pass in hand when checking in, etc.

I don't agree. Not everyone has $400 to spend on the spot for an AP. That doesn't mean they won't be buying one for their trip. I spoke with someone at CR who booked the AP rate for me and told me to simply have my AP at check in (which I will.)

I have no quams about having my AP when I check in. I mean, why in the world if I have one, would I not have it on me at check in?

[boomhauer]

Just want to jump on this thread. I am one of those people that booked without an AP. No, I am not lying. I was calling to see if I could switch my WL reservation to the Poly. I asked her if it would be worth it for me to buy an AP. She told me that the rate was $273 and asked if I wanted to book it. I told her that I did not have an AP, but would love to book it and buy one. She booked it. I then asked her if she wanted to charge me for the AP and she told me I could purchase it later. I was shocked. I went online and typed in the reservation # and there was my Poly reservation as a "best rate passholder". I even called twice to confirm. I already ordered mine online. However, I do know that I am not the only one that has been able to do this.

And there's nothing wrong with this. I did the same thing.

And, if I went to check in and didn't have an AP, then Disney should and has every right to charge me rack rate for the room.

[Laura Bell]

with the system as you have all deliniated it. If I am allowed to make a ressie on line with my voucher (which I did) why do I need to have an activated pass at check-in --- why won't a voucher do?

If I arrive too late to activate my voucher that day, or am not planning to be at a park or DTD until the next day, I should be allowed to check in with the voucher. I may have to come back with the activated pass, but I should be allowed to check in with my voucher, as I was allowed to reserve the room with only the voucher.

I really hope that this is so, as I will not have the voucher activated until the next day. If I have to have an active pass to check in then I should have to have an active pass to make the reservation. It would seem to me to be a hardship on a person who has spent the day in travel (I am an older person with mobility issues traveling with a friend battling breast cancer) to have to go out to a park or DTD to active their pass every time they get at new annual pass.

Sorry, just my two cents --- don't mean to ruffle anyone's feathers. :earsgirl:

[Doede95]

I would think that they would let you check in with a voucher considering your circumstances. ( I am sorry about your friend, I will say a prayer for her) I really feel that if you have purchased an AP or a voucher, then you are fine. I know people are getting upset, but it is not the fault of the person that booked without an AP. I did not even try to do that, the CM told me to wait to purchase it. So, the ones that book w/out the AP are not being sneaky or breaking any rules. Disney is saying it is o.k. I will show up with my AP in hand. I do understand what you were saying about people w/out an AP booking rooms with no intention of purchasing an AP. It does take away rooms from the AP holders. That is not right. There are always a couple of bad seeds in a group. I however am so excited about my trip and am happy about my AP. :earsboy:

[bicker]

Not everyone has $400 to spend on the spot for an AP.Money is a valid differentiator in commerce. Not everyone has $2500 to spend on hotel rooms. Not everyone has $200 to spend on airline tickets. And so on. If money were not a valid differentiator, the distinction between deluxe, moderate and value resorts wouldn't be valid. The issue here is that Disney has raised the bar for eligibility for discounts, presumably because there was so much demand for so little supply. It is now necessary to actually be in the course of your year for your annual pass to be eligible to book rooms at discount. This reduces the competition for the limited discounts that are available to those who have already activated their passes, and are therefore in the course of reducing the associated liability.

[DisneyBill]

They are only allowing those with either an AP or the AP voucher. There are numbers on the back of the voucher that must be given to book. They can tell if that voucher number has been sold (just not to who unless paid for by a credit card I would imagine, even though that doesn't mean that is who it is for) If you have the voucher, they will more than likely ask for the proof at check in. If it is already activated by check in, they will have all your info.

They not only can tell you how many times you have gone, they can also tell you the names of everyone that has ever stayed in your room. When ever I call, they always ask me about 2 or 3 other names.... friends of my daughter's, or my aunt's name. They do and can keep track...they are like the FBI when it comes to your profile :rotfl:
This is an extremely timely thread for me!

Today, November 8, I called CRO seeking prices for 2 nights @ AKL before an extended family DVC vacation. I was really fishing for a PIN/promo that may have been available.

I've never bought an AP before and asked the CM if the AP discount for these two nights (March 31 & April 1) were much less than rack rate. She told me I COULD NOT book an AP rate either thru her or online without an ACTIVATED AP, which she further said had to be activated at WDW, -so no AP discount without having been to WDW with the AP until the "next" trip.

I asked her specifically about the "voucher/exchange certificate" that I understood to come with the card. She said no booking without the activated AP, that they once booked with the voucher, but not anylonger.

Is she correct or mistaken?

[Teresa Pitman]

The problem as I see it is that if I have to buy an AP and have it "in my hands and activated" to book my room AND the BRP requires that I book 60 days in advance - then I am effectively wasting two months of my AP.

Teresa

[Sammie]

The problem as I see it is that if I have to buy an AP and have it "in my hands and activated" to book my room AND the BRP requires that I book 60 days in advance - then I am effectively wasting two months of my AP.

Teresa

Not if you are the AP holder that always renews their APs year after year when they expire, then you would always have a valid AP to book discounts.

[Lives4Disney]

This is an extremely timely thread for me!

Today, November 8, I called CRO seeking prices for 2 nights @ AKL before an extended family DVC vacation. I was really fishing for a PIN/promo that may have been available.

I've never bought an AP before and asked the CM if the AP discount for these two nights (March 31 & April 1) were much less than rack rate. She told me I COULD NOT book an AP rate either thru her or online without an ACTIVATED AP, which she further said had to be activated at WDW, -so no AP discount without having been to WDW with the AP until the "next" trip.

I asked her specifically about the "voucher/exchange certificate" that I understood to come with the card. She said no booking without the activated AP, that they once booked with the voucher, but not anylonger.

Is she correct or mistaken?


I have had an AP in the past and didn't renew this time, but I recently purchased a voucher. It came in the mail in about a week and thru the numbers on the voucher I can access the passholder site. I booked a couple vacations thru this site, using my voucher. I have yet to activate it - I will do so on my Thanksgiving trip.

I would call back and talk to another CM. It seems to depend on who you talk to, but the voucher worked for me!

Lives4Disney :earsgirl:

[A Mickeyfan]

This is an extremely timely thread for me!

Today, November 8, I called CRO seeking prices for 2 nights @ AKL before an extended family DVC vacation. I was really fishing for a PIN/promo that may have been available.

I've never bought an AP before and asked the CM if the AP discount for these two nights (March 31 & April 1) were much less than rack rate. She told me I COULD NOT book an AP rate either thru her or online without an ACTIVATED AP, which she further said had to be activated at WDW, -so no AP discount without having been to WDW with the AP until the "next" trip.

I asked her specifically about the "voucher/exchange certificate" that I understood to come with the card. She said no booking without the activated AP, that they once booked with the voucher, but not anylonger.

Is she correct or mistaken?
She is mistaken, you can book with the voucher online, or at least when the BRP started up they were letting you. Call back again & try someone else. As you can see from all of our posts, not all of the CM's do the same thing. They may allow you to go ahead & book...call, it is worth a shot...if not, ask again about the voucher numbers & booking online.

[A Mickeyfan]

Not if you are the AP holder that always renews their APs year after year when they expire, then you would always have a valid AP to book discounts.
And if she is not already an AP holder, she is 100% correct, she would be waisting her months on it. Not everyone is an AP holder yet, but will be by the time they arrive.

[A Mickeyfan]

What this means is that they will block out a designated amount of BRP rooms for people without passes and people that actually have them wll be shut out!! Then there will be a free for all when say 10% show up with no AP's and expect the discount and don't get it. I guess it's still a "win win" for Disney!
Yes, it can be a win win for Disney.... but why should there be a free for all. I don't understand why people think that they should be entitled to something that they clearly do not qualify for :confused3 I see no harm in booking without it, getting it & having it ready for check in. But to book it thinking you are going to get away with it if you put up a fuss at the front desk :confused3 I know there will be many that disagree with me, but the customer isn't always right...especially when they know what they were doing was deceitfull (sorry for my spelling).....

[A Mickeyfan]

We are all here making a fuss of how Disney can allow one without an AP in hand book over the phone. As I stated in another post, Universal does it all the time. You can even book online without having one in your hand. As long as you have it on arrival. I wonder, maybe those that go to Universal don't expect to get something that they don't qualify for, therefor they have their AP in hand :rolleyes: It is the same situation. If Universal can do it, why can't Disney. Many people expect to much out of Disney. It is a business and a very profitable one at that. No, I don't like some of the things they do (BRP is one of them). But why should people be booking and expecting an AP rate from them when they have no intentions of getting one??? Do those same people do it at Universal too??? To be honest, I think the actual number of those that do that with Disney is very small in comparison to truthful bookings. I don't think we are not going to get our room because Mary Smith has booked without an AP & will not have it when she arrives.... Universal has way less rooms than Disney.... all you need to do on their site is type in APH and it will come up.. and you can book it. Just have one when you arrive... this entire thing about expecting the discount just blows my mind... don't expect what you aren't entited to.. and if the front desk (police) CM says no AP rate..well then it is no AP rate simple as that.

It is clear that the BRP isn't doing what it was set out to do. It was suppose to stop the calls for the AP bookings. The site is so messed up that people cannot get in & book. Yes, on the site, you need the AP or the voucher & cannot book without one or the other. On the phone, well that is a different story.. they have always allowed you to book without it as long as you had one on arrival so what is the big deal now? :confused3 Now they they have gone back to allowing calls (during certian times of the day), I guess some CM's are allowing you to book without the AP... big deal. You still have to book 60 days out. Maybe Disney figured they would get more rooms filled by allowing this now. Maybe it wasn't working they way they thought it would. Disney didn't expect the gas shortage, the hurricanes... they are filling their rooms & they don't care if you aren't in possession of your AP yet, just as long as you have it upon arrival (same as before). Now that I have vented... sorry if I have hurt anyone's feelings. This isn't directed to anyone in particular. Just open your eyes... Universal is allowing it & they have not seemed to encounter the problems that some think Disney has.....

[Gary M]

Not if you are the AP holder that always renews their APs year after year when they expire, then you would always have a valid AP to book discounts.


This is not correct in my situation. I've had AP's for at least 10 years always renewing without a break in expiration dates. I now have renewed my AP that expired on Nov. 4 and am now holding a vouchure not the activated AP. I will not have the actual AP until our Nov. 29-Dec. 6 trip. I haven't read every word of this thread, so maybe I am misunderstanding the vouchure problem vs. the activated AP.

[Sammie]

This is not correct in my situation. I've had AP's for at least 10 years always renewing without a break in expiration dates. I now have renewed my AP that expired on Nov. 4 and am now holding a vouchure not the activated AP. I will not have the actual AP until our Nov. 29-Dec. 6 trip. I haven't read every word of this thread, so maybe I am misunderstanding the vouchure problem vs. the activated AP.

I understand your situation and I also understand that if Disney changes the requirments to current activated AP holders only: then those AP holders will be the ones getting the discounts.

This might be another case of a CM not knowing what the heck is going on because the CMs at DRC seem to be the most confused bunch on property. However the CM might be correct and this is a new requirement. Personally if I had to guess I would say it was more about calling in and trying to get info; rather than using a voucher.

I guess we will wait and see or someone that has a voucher can go to the website and see if they still work.

[A Mickeyfan]

I guess we will wait and see or someone that has a voucher can go to the website and see if they still work.

Lives4Disney posted a few postes ago saying she recently did that & the voucher numbers worked.....

[Lives4Disney]

Lives4Disney posted a few postes ago saying she recently did that & the voucher numbers worked.....


Hi, I just rechecked now, and yes I can still book a room with my voucher. It allowed me into the passholder site and allowed me to book a room (I just didn't follow thru with the cc info etc.)

I did just use this site for booking a March spring break trip with my voucher - I think it was just about a week and a half ago.

There are numbers on the voucher that you use just like an AP to access the site. No problem.

Good luck & happy planning!

Lives4Disney :earsgirl:

[Matt]

I ordered my APs online about 3 weeks ago. I received my vouchers two days ago. We logged into the passholder system and were able to book a room at POFQ for February. The difference in price was at least 450 from the advertised rate to the public.

So, you can get into the site easily and book a room with your voucher number.

So, when I get to Disney in February, do I have to first go to a park and activate my cards before checking in??

[Sammie]

Based on Matt's and Lives4Disney experience, I would say then it was more a situation of the CM being confused and the possiblity that a few slipped through and booked the rate without the voucher or AP in hand by calling, and DRC has clamped down on that.

[Lives4Disney]

I ordered my APs online about 3 weeks ago. I received my vouchers two days ago. We logged into the passholder system and were able to book a room at POFQ for February. The difference in price was at least 450 from the advertised rate to the public.

So, you can get into the site easily and book a room with your voucher number.

So, when I get to Disney in February, do I have to first go to a park and activate my cards before checking in??



Last year they did not even ask to see an AP at check in at any resort I stayed in (5 trips and some split with 2 resorts). They may be getting more strict about asking to see the AP at check in now, though. I can't imagine they would have a problem with a voucher, though. If they do, I will just show it to them the next morn. I am not going to lose sleep over it. :earboy2:

Maybe somebody has had different experiences checking in & I know there are people that won't be happy that I was NEVER asked to show an AP, but we did have them (all 5 of us) and were never asked to show them.

Good luck. Maybe somebody has more concrete answers, but my experience was that the front desk or concierge didn't really care to see an AP. :confused3

Lives4Disney :earsgirl:

[LakeAriel]

Last year they did not even ask to see an AP at check in at any resort I stayed in (5 trips and some split with 2 resorts). They may be getting more strict about asking to see the AP at check in now, though. I can't imagine they would have a problem with a voucher, though. If they do, I will just show it to them the next morn. I am not going to lose sleep over it. :earboy2:

Maybe somebody has had different experiences checking in & I know there are people that won't be happy that I was NEVER asked to show an AP, but we did have them (all 5 of us) and were never asked to show them.

Good luck. Maybe somebody has more concrete answers, but my experience was that the front desk or concierge didn't really care to see an AP. :confused3

Lives4Disney :earsgirl:
That's because they already know you are AP holders, it's in their system. They should still verify but they know.

[boomhauer]

I just went back thru and read what Boonhauer has said, nowhere in the in the post does it mention if she has a voucher. She only states that she hasn't purchased her AP. She may have purchased the voucher & just not activated it... she didn't say (yes, I do know that purchase means buy). If she has no voucher & goes to check in and has no proof when they ask, she will not get that rate. Disney may not care who books, if they show up with no AP or voucher, Disney makes more money off of them. I booked two rooms for this past October trip. When I booked I asked if my friend & her family had gotten there before me could she still check in since I am the one with the AP (her daughter has one but is only 12). The CM said yes, as long as I showed up before the end of the night to show my pass, or the rate would automaticly be changed to the regular room rate. So if Boonhauer has no voucher, she will more than likely not be getting that rate at check in (and from reading her 2 posts, it sounds as if she will be having one). Disney may be allowing those to book without, but they will not allow you to stay at that rate without the proof. As I said, I went back & read her post & didn't see where she said if she did or didn't have a voucher.....

Let me just answer this.

First off, I'm a he, not a she. :earboy2:

Also, no, I didn't have the voucher. I had an AP last year, which expired in September. I will be buying one next month for my trip in January, but the CM gave me the BRP rate.

Maybe they saw that I've been 12 times and was cutting me a break. Maybe he saw that I was AP holder last year and gave me a break. Honestly, I don't know.

Either way, as I've said, it's of no concern to me. When I arrive in January, I'll have my AP (or my voucher).

[A Mickeyfan]

Hi, I just rechecked now, and yes I can still book a room with my voucher. It allowed me into the passholder site and allowed me to book a room (I just didn't follow thru with the cc info etc.)

I did just use this site for booking a March spring break trip with my voucher - I think it was just about a week and a half ago.

There are numbers on the voucher that you use just like an AP to access the site. No problem.

Good luck & happy planning!

Lives4Disney :earsgirl:
That is what I had thought.. thanks for double checking for us :flower:

[A Mickeyfan]

Let me just answer this.

First off, I'm a he, not a she. :earboy2:

Also, no, I didn't have the voucher. I had an AP last year, which expired in September. I will be buying one next month for my trip in January, but the CM gave me the BRP rate.

Maybe they saw that I've been 12 times and was cutting me a break. Maybe he saw that I was AP holder last year and gave me a break. Honestly, I don't know.

Either way, as I've said, it's of no concern to me. When I arrive in January, I'll have my AP (or my voucher).
I just usally say she, but why are you jumping on me? :confused3 If you read my post, I wasn't saying you were not telling the truth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"nowhere in the in the post does it mention if she has a voucher. She only states that she hasn't purchased her AP. She may have purchased the voucher & just not activated it... she didn't say "

The point I was making there was you didn't say if you had a voucher or not???
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If she has no voucher & goes to check in and has no proof when they ask, she will not get that rate. Disney may not care who books, if they show up with no AP or voucher, Disney makes more money off of them."

The point I was making there was that if you didn't, you wouldn't get the rate...no harm by saying that.. I didn't say you did not have an AP
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"(and from reading her 2 posts, it sounds as if she will be having one). "

Can you not see from that I was actually on your side???? :confused3

In no way was I putting you down and saying that you were just trying to get that rate when you had no intentions of getting an AP. :listen: Please re-read my post. I am sorry if you got what you got out of it, that is by no means what I was doing... only thing I did wrong was say she instead of he & that was just an honest mistake...

" Either way, as I've said, it's of no concern to me" as you have said, it really is no concern of mine either ...whether you have one or not... I could care less. I have also posted that I didn't think those bookings (ones without currently holding the AP) really take away from one that holds an active AP. Disney had always done this before. I just do not like being accused of something that I didn't do... and I didn't jump on you or single you out. As I have said... I was actually in agreement with what you had done... :confused3

[dcgrumpy]

I just usally say she, but why are you jumping on me?

That's jumping on you? :confused3

[A Mickeyfan]

That's jumping on you? :confused3
No that isn't, but that along with the rest of the post is, at least the way I read it. I didn't ask for an explination & could care less if he had an AP or not. I was merely responding to someone that was questioning how he could have gotten that rate & not had an AP (if you read my post on that you will see). So I do not know why he directed his post to me :confused3 He didn't need to defend himself & explain why the CM let him book, I didn't ask. Had my original post been read by him, he would have seen that he didn't need to explain to me about being in the system for x amount of years etc.. I have that in my post, how Disney is like the FBI, that they have all your info.

Once again, I do not care who books without the AP, it isn't up to me to judge anyone. If they book... they book, so what??? Disney had always allowed the non AP holder to book, just not check in..... and that was the whole point of the thread he was responding to me on...
Maybe I took his post wrong, but when someone starts of by saying first off, it usually isn't in a nice way...

[boomhauer]

I just usally say she, but why are you jumping on me? :

I was jumping on you????

Wow - Talk about misinterpreting something. I was simply explaining what happened as part of the conversation for other people's benefit. I thought others might like to know. Can't see how you took my post as "jumping on you".

Yikes. :earseek:

[Sammie]

No that isn't, but that along with the rest of the post is, at least the way I read it. I didn't ask for an explination & could care less if he had an AP or not. I was merely responding to someone that was questioning how he could have gotten that rate & not had an AP (if you read my post on that you will see). So I do not know why he directed his post to me :confused3 He didn't need to defend himself & explain why the CM let him book, I didn't ask. Had my original post been read by him, he would have seen that he didn't need to explain to me about being in the system for x amount of years etc.. I have that in my post, how Disney is like the FBI, that they have all your info.

Once again, I do not care who books without the AP, it isn't up to me to judge anyone. If they book... they book, so what??? Disney had always allowed the non AP holder to book, just not check in..... and that was the whole point of the thread he was responding to me on...
Maybe I took his post wrong, but when someone starts of by saying first off, it usually isn't in a nice way...

I see nothing in Boomhauer's post to make you feel "jumped on" he was simply responding to your comments, just as you were commenting about his.

I would relax on this one. :flower:

[Sammie]

I ordered my APs online about 3 weeks ago. I received my vouchers two days ago. We logged into the passholder system and were able to book a room at POFQ for February. The difference in price was at least 450 from the advertised rate to the public.

So, you can get into the site easily and book a room with your voucher number.

So, when I get to Disney in February, do I have to first go to a park and activate my cards before checking in??

Matt, the official policy is you must have a valid AP to check in and receive your rate. However as many have posted not all CMs seem to follow policy and you might be allowed to check in with the voucher, and yet again you might not.

I guess you can try and if you can't check in then go get your pass validated. You can also do this at DD Guest Services which I find usually not to be as busy and very quick in and out.

[boomhauer]

Matt, the official policy is you must have a valid AP to check in and receive your rate. However as many have posted not all CMs seem to follow policy and you might be allowed to check in with the voucher, and yet again you might not.

I guess you can try and if you can't check in then go get your pass validated. You can also do this at DD Guest Services which I find usually not to be as busy and very quick in and out.

I wonder what will happen when I go to check in. I'm buying my AP next month, but I assume I will only get the voucher in the mail.

Not a huge deal as I always head right to Epcot when I arrive, but I do like to drop my bags off and change before heading out. Oh well, no biggie either way.

[Sammie]

I wonder what will happen when I go to check in. I'm buying my AP next month, but I assume I will only get the voucher in the mail.

Not a huge deal as I always head right to Epcot when I arrive, but I do like to drop my bags off and change before heading out. Oh well, no biggie either way.

No way to know for sure, staff has been trained to ask for verification unless it shows up in the computer as the guest already having one. This has been brought to the attention of Front Desk staff to be diligent in making sure the guest has a pass. However as we all know not every CM will be diligent.


Of course if they had stuck to their orginial policy of only booking online with a voucher or pass then checking to see if the guest has a pass would have been a moot point at check in.

[boomhauer]

No way to know for sure, staff has been trained to ask for verification unless it shows up in the computer as the guest already having one. This has been brought to the attention of Front Desk staff to be diligent in making sure the guest has a pass. However as we all know not every CM will be diligent.


Of course if they had stuck to their orginial policy of only booking online with a voucher or pass then checking to see if the guest has a pass would have been a moot point at check in.

True.

Eh, whatever. If need be, I can change in the bathroom at the resort before heading out to Epcot. I'm the least picky person about things like that.

[LvsTnk]

I just wanted to throw this out there. I have been a passholder for many years and while I usually don't get asked to see my AP there is that occasion.

I have been asked at the Polynesian concierge, BWI regular desk, and AKL.

[A Mickeyfan]

I was jumping on you????

Wow - Talk about misinterpreting something. I was simply explaining what happened as part of the conversation for other people's benefit. I thought others might like to know. Can't see how you took my post as "jumping on you".

Yikes. :earseek:
I guess I felt that way because you quoted from me (meaning you were directing your post to me) and started out with "first off". 99.9% of the time a "first off" in the first sentence isn't coming from "friendly" conversation. They were the reasons why I thought you were jumping. I couldn't understand why you were explaining why you think you got the AP rate (when quoting me). I do see what you are saying for others to see. But honestly, there is no reason to explain. People need to get over the fact that Disney does what Disney wants... if they want to let you book without having the active AP, then it is up to Disney, not anyone on this board. I am sorry for thinking that you were jumping. I am getting so use to people doing that here lately. Hope my apoligy is accepted.

[boomhauer]

No reason to apologize. Just a bit confused.

I explained what happened because I thought it might be of interest to other posters. There are a lot of AP holders who are getting different answers from different CM's about the new policy. I was simply sharing my experience with the situation with others. It seems right to me that if I was able to book without having the AP yet, I should pass the information on to others who could benefit from this information.

[A Mickeyfan]

No reason to apologize. Just a bit confused.

I explained what happened because I thought it might be of interest to other posters. There are a lot of AP holders who are getting different answers from different CM's about the new policy. I was simply sharing my experience with the situation with others. It seems right to me that if I was able to book without having the AP yet, I should pass the information on to others who could benefit from this information.
That makes sense. Now all the others have to do is get a CM that will allow it. Disney really should have all of the CM's on the same level. I remember one time I called to see if there was availability at AS-Movies with AP rate. I had AS-Sports but dd & her friend really wanted Movies. The first CM I had gotten said no right off the bat, you could tell that she didn't even look, her "no" was way too fast. I hung up, called back & guess what... I was switched from Sports to Movies.... that CM took at least 3+ minutes before giving me an answer too. You were able to tell that she really looked.

[oxfordcircus]

That makes sense. Now all the others have to do is get a CM that will allow it. Disney really should have all of the CM's on the same level. I remember one time I called to see if there was availability at AS-Movies with AP rate. I had AS-Sports but dd & her friend really wanted Movies. The first CM I had gotten said no right off the bat, you could tell that she didn't even look, her "no" was way too fast. I hung up, called back & guess what... I was switched from Sports to Movies.... that CM took at least 3+ minutes before giving me an answer too. You were able to tell that she really looked.

That happened to me too. I called 3 times before I finally got a CM who would even give me a BRP quote. I just had to be persistent and keep calling until I got the answer I wanted.

[srfrgrl07]

FYI- I just verified with a CM that active AP's and also AP vouchers are acceptable at check-in. Just a voucher number, however, is not. So don't lose your vouchers before check-in because you will have to go to a Guest Relations location to have the the AP issued.

As far as getting the CM's on the same page...I agree that it should be excpected, but with 55,000 people it is not always possible to ensure that everyone has the same information. Much like not everyone here on the board is always correct. If you encounter a CM that declines this policy, politely ask for them to double check either with another reservation agent/guest services/front desk/manager cast member. While they may not be willing to admit they were wrong, at least you have the issue resolved. Teamwork and partnering are the name of the game, and sometimes "re-educating" is necessary when things change so often.

[Sammie]

No reason to apologize. Just a bit confused.

I explained what happened because I thought it might be of interest to other posters. There are a lot of AP holders who are getting different answers from different CM's about the new policy. I was simply sharing my experience with the situation with others. It seems right to me that if I was able to book without having the AP yet, I should pass the information on to others who could benefit from this information.

This is a huge concern with upper management that the CMs on the Front Desk, the phones at Reservations, etc can't seem to keep policy straight. It confuses the guest and makes their job much harder by having to listen to complaints.

While you are allowed to, someone else will call and won't be allowed to. It is all very frustrating.

[A Mickeyfan]

FYI- I just verified with a CM that active AP's and also AP vouchers are acceptable at check-in. Just a voucher number, however, is not. So don't lose your vouchers before check-in because you will have to go to a Guest Relations location to have the the AP issued.

As far as getting the CM's on the same page...I agree that it should be excpected, but with 55,000 people it is not always possible to ensure that everyone has the same information. Much like not everyone here on the board is always correct. If you encounter a CM that declines this policy, politely ask for them to double check either with another reservation agent/guest services/front desk/manager cast member. While they may not be willing to admit they were wrong, at least you have the issue resolved. Teamwork and partnering are the name of the game, and sometimes "re-educating" is necessary when things change so often.It isn't as hard as it sounds if the correct info was accessible from all computers throughout Disney. All they would have to do is punch in info requested & then it shows on the screen. How hard can it be to have the system with the same ressie requirements.. one can book without an ap, one cannot :confused3 Disney is a mulit-million dollar company, they have the abiltiy... they just do not do it (cut backs maybe :confused3 ). It isn't even a matter of retraining, with technology today, it can all be in the computer system & read the same to everyone. Disney just doesn't want to do it. that is just my opionion....

[boomhauer]

This is a huge concern with upper management that the CMs on the Front Desk, the phones at Reservations, etc can't seem to keep policy straight. It confuses the guest and makes their job much harder by having to listen to complaints.

While you are allowed to, someone else will call and won't be allowed to. It is all very frustrating.

Absolutely.

I in fact talked to 3 different people before I got someone that would do it for me. It's sad, but I know how messed up Disney is on policy and knew eventually somoene would book it for me.

[srfrgrl07]

It isn't as hard as it sounds if the correct info was accessible from all computers throughout Disney. All they would have to do is punch in info requested & then it shows on the screen. How hard can it be to have the system with the same ressie requirements.. one can book without an ap, one cannot :confused3 Disney is a mulit-million dollar company, they have the abiltiy... they just do not do it (cut backs maybe :confused3 ). It isn't even a matter of retraining, with technology today, it can all be in the computer system & read the same to everyone. Disney just doesn't want to do it. that is just my opionion....

It's not as easy as it sounds, either. Diseny has one system for reservations, a different one for tracking tickets, yet another system for dining, etc. The cast members at check in are currently using an all together different system than the one you booked the reservation in.

I know it seems as though a multi-million dollar company should be able to allow access to every system for everyone, and I think they're heading in that direction. But to develop something that can hold that much data is not an easy task. Not to mention the licensing fees associated with installing the same software on all computers company wide.

Think of it like Microsoft Office Suite. You have one program for word processing (Word,) one for email communications (Outlook,) one for data collection (Access,) one for spreadsheets (Excel,) and another for presentations (Powerpoint.) They can import data from one to the other, but it still requires that you open each program to edit and import/export info to another.

Maybe they are cutting budgets to compensate for other departments. Maybe they have to in order to continue offering attractive discounts for guests. :confused3 On the other hand, I really don't see why it's so difficult to present an active AP or voucher at check in. Doesn't require any type of technology to do that, just honesty on the part of the guest. And consistency on the part of the cast members. Unfortunately, just like not every CM is as knowledgable about WDW as the next, not every guest is as honest as the next.

*Discalimer: That comment was not directed at anyone in particular here, it's simply an observation that I've made and also the reason so many people believe they are getting more restrictive with the AP discounts.

[skiwee1]

I just went back thru and read what Boonhauer has said, nowhere in the in the post does it mention if she has a voucher. She only states that she hasn't purchased her AP. She may have purchased the voucher & just not activated it... she didn't say (yes, I do know that purchase means buy). If she has no voucher & goes to check in and has no proof when they ask, she will not get that rate. Disney may not care who books, if they show up with no AP or voucher, Disney makes more money off of them. I booked two rooms for this past October trip. When I booked I asked if my friend & her family had gotten there before me could she still check in since I am the one with the AP (her daughter has one but is only 12). The CM said yes, as long as I showed up before the end of the night to show my pass, or the rate would automaticly be changed to the regular room rate. So if Boonhauer has no voucher, she will more than likely not be getting that rate at check in (and from reading her 2 posts, it sounds as if she will be having one). Disney may be allowing those to book without, but they will not allow you to stay at that rate without the proof. As I said, I went back & read her post & didn't see where she said if she did or didn't have a voucher.....


I don't know how many times I've booked without an AP or voucher and checked in without either being asked for. They don't care. I have never been asked for anything proving that I have an AP when I checked in.

[skiwee1]

The person that is "following the rules" by having the pass when they check in doesn't have to have it in their hand... the system has the info already. The passholder name matches the number on the pass. If it is a voucher (which I am not sure if they are still allowing you to check in with just the voucher anymore), they would have to show it. I do know not only did they have to show it, but after they turned the voucher into the actual AP, they did have to bring that back to the front desk before the end of the night to show they really have an active AP. ..

Sorry but this is not true. While it should be done this way, it is not. What you are describing has never happened to me in all the years I've gone to WDW. I have checked in without showing a voucher and never had it asked for. I bought my mom her voucher once at the Disney store where no info about her was collected. She got a room in her name. No one had her name in the system showing she has a voucher because no one asked who I was buying the voucher for.

[TandCmum]

I was asked to show my AP at check in, I had travelled from the UK and had had 22 hours travelling, i only had a voucher and they were fine with that, they didn't even ask to see my AP once i had had it activated (which i did the following morning), this was just after the BRP had just started, but our stay was booked the old way. I think the new system is a fair way of booking rooms with AP discounts. We aren't going back until 2007 so i wont be renewing mine, but if there are still discounts to be had i have no problems with calling and getting my voucher before booking.

[PamNC]

I believe that the fact that they are now taking passholder calls between 2 and 5 means they are admitting that "Best Rate" was a hell from the beginning, at least in terms of the "book online only." The nice woman who helped me today (between 2 and 5!) said they HATE having us book online, because us calling them means they have JOBS! I think so many people were unable to get onto the site, or were unable to book after spending a lot of time (my situation) were calling anyhow. So I think there will be SOMETHING after 4/13, but it may be differently named. :)

I hope you're right - "hell" is not a strong enough word. For God sake, please Disney...if anyone is listening...stop this BRP nightmare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PamNC

[A Mickeyfan]

Sorry but this is not true. While it should be done this way, it is not. What you are describing has never happened to me in all the years I've gone to WDW. I have checked in without showing a voucher and never had it asked for. I bought my mom her voucher once at the Disney store where no info about her was collected. She got a room in her name. No one had her name in the system showing she has a voucher because no one asked who I was buying the voucher for.
This is so true, while it may not have happened to you, doesen't mean it isn't ture. I have had it happen to me. Years ago when I only had the voucher I had to show them the actual pass when I converted it (because there is no name associated with the voucher until it becomes an active AP). So as I said, just because you have never had to do it doesn't mean it is not true. There are many others that have had to show it & on the flip side there are many others that haven't. Yes, Disney should be requesting to see the voucher and then activated AP. Just this past Oct I booked 2 rooms with my AP. One was for my family the other for a friend & her family. When booking I asked if my friend would be able to check in if she arrived before me. I was told yes, but I was also told that I must show up before the end of the day & show my ID & pass or her room rate would have been adjusted to a regular rate. Now when I book just one room with AP rate, I am not asked to see my AP, just my photo ID. While some CM's don't ask for your pass, some don't ask for photo ID (as others have posted on this board) and I was under the impression (since 9/11) that anyone checking into a room must show a photo ID. Nothing is consistent with Disney ... Yes... it is true... even though it never happened to you...

[BCV23]

This is so true, while it may not have happened to you, doesen't mean it isn't ture. I have had it happen to me. Years ago when I only had the voucher I had to show them the actual pass when I converted it (because there is no name associated with the voucher until it becomes an active AP). So as I said, just because you have never had to do it doesn't mean it is not true. There are many others that have had to show it & on the flip side there are many others that haven't. Yes, Disney should be requesting to see the voucher and then activated AP. Just this past Oct I booked 2 rooms with my AP. One was for my family the other for a friend & her family. When booking I asked if my friend would be able to check in if she arrived before me. I was told yes, but I was also told that I must show up before the end of the day & show my ID & pass or her room rate would have been adjusted to a regular rate. Now when I book just one room with AP rate, I am not asked to see my AP, just my photo ID. While some CM's don't ask for your pass, some don't ask for photo ID (as others have posted on this board) and I was under the impression (since 9/11) that anyone checking into a room must show a photo ID. Nothing is consistent with Disney ... Yes... it is true... even though it never happened to you...


I have not read this whole thread but I agree that CMs are more often asking to see your AP at checkin. Hooray! I've also had CMs say, "Oh I see you don't need tickets." The most telling sign of improvement to the system was when I was calling DVC to renew one AP, the CM already knew which in our family of five needed it. She could tell everyone else still had active APs.

[skiwee1]

I have not read this whole thread but I agree that CMs are more often asking to see your AP at checkin. Hooray! I've also had CMs say, "Oh I see you don't need tickets." The most telling sign of improvement to the system was when I was calling DVC to renew one AP, the CM already knew which in our family of five needed it. She could tell everyone else still had active APs.


We were just there last month and were never asked for anything. We only had vouchers and they were not in the system yet.

[BCV23]

Hi Skiwee, we were just there last month too. My husband started the checkin this time so I don't know if the CM asked this trip. But in the last few years it has become much more commonplace in my experience. And as I said, comments will be made about seeing that we have APs.

And are you sure your vouchers were not in the system? Same name, same address, credit card, etc..

[skiwee1]

Hi Skiwee, we were just there last month too. My husband started the checkin this time so I don't know if the CM asked this trip. But in the last few years it has become much more commonplace in my experience. And as I said, comments will be made about seeing that we have APs.

And are you sure your vouchers were not in the system? Same name, same address, credit card, etc..


The vouchers couldn't be in the system as far as names go. I bought them both and gave one to my mom. When you buy them they don't ask who is getting it. The room was in my mom's name. They had no idea she had a voucher and didn't ask us for anything. They just asked if we needed tickets and we said we already had tickets. We answered that way just to see if they could catch it. The confirmation and the hotel bill had that we had an AP rate yet no one asked if we had an AP. We have always found this to be the case. It's funny how they don't ask about that yet they make oyu show the AAA card when you have the AAA rate!

[BCV23]

Well, yours could be in the system since you bought it. :sunny: All names are on the reservations again these days, right?

Also I just remembered that this past trip we were in the Black Hole for AP reservations anyway.

[skiwee1]

Well, yours could be in the system since you bought it. :sunny: All names are on the reservations again these days, right?

Also I just remembered that this past trip we were in the Black Hole for AP reservations anyway.


I'm sure that most CMs do not ask because they do not know. Last year I came right out and asked if they wanted to see my AP. The CM said, "No. I see according to CRO that you are a passholder. You have the passholder discount. Whatever CRO types in is what we get." I asked her how CRO knows I am a passholder. She then told me that you can only book an AP room with having an AP in hand and giving the CM the number at time of booking. So these check-in CMs have no clue as to what goes on and who has what. They see in their little screen that CRO has given you the passholder rate. They assume that CRO has gotten some kind of proof that you are indeed a passholder. It is extremely rare that anyone is asked to the actual AP or even a voucher at check in. I say rare because 9 out of 10 people here have never been asked. I go 30 days a year and stay onsite. I have yet to be asked for proof. I know many times I have not been in the system as having a pass. By speaking with the CMs at check-in I know there is no such place for them to see if I really do have an AP. They leave it up to CRO and we know how they are. Maybe when passholders do enough complaining about how they are never asked for proof then Disney will change their ways. Until then they won't change.

[BCV23]

We go several times a year as well...3 or 4 trips. We have been asked for our APs in the past. But as the CM at checkin have told you, the system verifies that you have an AP (or perhaps a voucher :confused3 ). The CM at the desk may say CRO (actually I believe it is Disney Reservation Center) has confirmed it but surely the desk clerk doesn't know if the computer confirmed it or a CM asked you for the number. The latter has never happened in my experince.

[Sammie]

I'm sure that most CMs do not ask because they do not know. Last year I came right out and asked if they wanted to see my AP. The CM said, "No. I see according to CRO that you are a passholder. You have the passholder discount. Whatever CRO types in is what we get." I asked her how CRO knows I am a passholder. She then told me that you can only book an AP room with having an AP in hand and giving the CM the number at time of booking. So these check-in CMs have no clue as to what goes on and who has what. They see in their little screen that CRO has given you the passholder rate. They assume that CRO has gotten some kind of proof that you are indeed a passholder. It is extremely rare that anyone is asked to the actual AP or even a voucher at check in. I say rare because 9 out of 10 people here have never been asked. I go 30 days a year and stay onsite. I have yet to be asked for proof. I know many times I have not been in the system as having a pass. By speaking with the CMs at check-in I know there is no such place for them to see if I really do have an AP. They leave it up to CRO and we know how they are. Maybe when passholders do enough complaining about how they are never asked for proof then Disney will change their ways. Until then they won't change.

Disney management does not like that proof is not asked for nor do that like that agents at DRC do not follow policy in booking. But some Disney employees (sad to say), are no different from those that post on these boards all the time that they don't follow rules or policies either. DRC has one of the highest turnover of any area of Disney and many are due to being fired over not following policy. And Yes many times when a guest convinces a CM to book something for them that is against policy, that CM ends up losing their job.

So while management realizes the problems with DRC booking discounts for a guest that has not purchased a pass yet and Front Desk not checking, they can't control each and every human that works for them, or guest that tries to scam them.

[skiwee1]

Sammie, does that mean that the CMs at the check-in desk really do not have a way of knowing if you have an AP or not? There really isn't any way of knowing if you have voucher? I would think that they wouldn't require proof if it were indeed in the system as some think.

[Sammie]

Sammie, does that mean that the CMs at the check-in desk really do not have a way of knowing if you have an AP or not? There really isn't any way of knowing if you have voucher? I would think that they wouldn't require proof if it were indeed in the system as some think.

I was told they are trained to ask for proof, so I guess that would lead one to believe it is not in the system, I can check with some of freinds in Resorts.

I know they really wanted verification to be required at the time of booking so that the Front Desk CMs would not have to confront the guest with it which was one of the main reasons for online booking. I think the main problem right now as mentioned by someone else, Disney does not have a computer system that is able to link DRC and resorts with all the info.

[skiwee1]

I was told they are trained to ask for proof, so I guess that would lead one to believe it is not in the system, I can check with some of freinds in Resorts.

I know they really wanted verification to be required at the time of booking so that the Front Desk CMs would not have to confront the guest with it which was one of the main reasons for online booking. I think the main problem right now as mentioned by someone else, Disney does not have a computer system that is able to link DRC and resorts with all the info.


By my past conversations with the check in CMs I really didn't think they had any kind of info like that in the system. There was no way to find out we had vouchers. Also we are always asked if we want tickets to the parks. If they could see we had APs then they never would ask.

[Ladyhawke10]

The very first time I ever went to WDW, I bought an AP ahead of time and booked the rooms w/ AP codes. Our first hotel stay was at the GF, and at that check-in, the CM asked to see my AP. That is the only time I've ever been asked to show my AP....I figured I was in the computer after that because I was a return guest on subsequent visits, and that my AP was recorded in my profile. Guess it was just luck of the draw.... :confused3