2014 Dance the World Resort switch

[mommy2twinprincesses]

I just received an email that due to overwhelming interest in the 2014 Dance the World program our resort (POR) had been changed to Caribbean Beach Resort. I am kind of upset by this as I haven't heard the greatest things about CBR. Some of the things I heard...difficult resort to navigate due to size and that it is the last moderate with full size beds I love DH a lot...but not enough to share a full size bed . I have NO choice in the switch so please, please, please tell me some good things about CBR.

Thanks!!

 

[minnie mum]

Have you tried phoning and talking to somebody about this, perhaps Guest Services? I would be upset too if somebody unilaterally moved me to another resort. Perhaps, if you can't be switched back to POR they could put you in POFQ or CSR.

 

[bumbershoot]

We liked CBR perfectly fine when we stayed there. And we were in a pirate room with the extra odd beds. Solved the bed problem with DS sleeping with either me or DH (can't remember which, though he might have changed from one night to the next).

Pirate rooms are the furthest away from the food court, but it was a simple walk or drive away. Not hard to navigate; just felt a little bit far. But not bad.

 

[Schmeck]

While the beds are small, the rooms are large - plenty of space for stuff. The theming is relaxing, the food court is very pretty, and while the resort is large, there is an internal shuttle that loops constantly.

 

[jmasgat]

I would not accept the change without some degree of protest/compensation. You booked a specific resort for specific reasons, and Disney is making a unilateral change. I would call them back, request whatever level of support (People say Guest Services) and press your case.

I am not suggesting a scream fest--rather, a pleasant, but firm conversation. Suggest alternatives that you would be happy with, e.g. a different moderate resort, an upgrade to a Deluxe (never hurts to ask), a better room category, a resort credit. You are being inconvenienced. It doesn't matter if they are doing this to one person or 1000, you can still pursue it.

Hope you resolve this to your satisfaction.

EDIT: Well, Disregard since I entirely missed the point that the poster was part of the Dance program. Not really much to do there.

 

[mm1971]

I just received an email that due to overwhelming interest in the 2014 Dance the World program our resort (POR) had been changed to Caribbean Beach Resort. I am kind of upset by this as I haven't heard the greatest things about CBR. Some of the things I heard...difficult resort to navigate due to size and that it is the last moderate with full size beds I love DH a lot...but not enough to share a full size bed . I have NO choice in the switch so please, please, please tell me some good things about CBR.

Thanks!!

I think you got it about right. The CONS are exactly as you point out. It is a large,spread out resort. if you are close to the theme pool and food court it's a great, if not there is a lot of walking. We will not stay there again, mostly due to the small beds. There are also 5 bus stops I think. As long as you are on an earlier stop your are OK, if not you may see a lot of full buses before you get on.

On the positive, the theme pool is awesome! The food court is good and you have the marina right there. I'm guessing you are traveling with a team. My suggestion is to just go with everyone else as it's definitely better to be together and not have to meet up all the time.

 

[purple figment]

Since you said you have no choice in the switch it sounds like it's part of a group package arranged by Dance the World or your dance group, but I know it's hard when you have your heart set on a particular resort and then it's changed.

I've not stayed at CBR, but I agree that it looks large and spread out. Hopefully you'll have a room close to a bus stop or centrally located.

Staying at the group's resort does have its advantages. Usually there will be transportation arranged for the group to make it easier to get to the performance venues. Also friends and families will be in one place so it will be easier to arrange get togethers. And often everyone's enthusiasm and excitement eases the disappointment.

 

[archrd]

What dates is this event taking place?

 

[Lisann]

I would not accept the first resort switch that they give you. I think that you should call and express your displeasure with the switch and have them suggest other resorts from which you can choose. I would suspect that they will offer a deluxe in the mix.

 

[mommy2twinprincesses]

What dates is this event taking place?

Our session is June 29-July 2

 

[Susan2771]

We are also going to see our niece during those same dates be a part of the program and just got the email from my SIL that we have been "upgraded" to Caribbean Beach Resort. That is not an upgrade and I'm not happy about this. I have emailed the company contact to find out in what way our package is being "upgraded" because being switched from POR to CBR is not an upgrade. Haven't heard anything yet but I will follow up if I don't hear back by Monday.

I just went through all the documentation and no where do I see any term or condition that they can just switch the resort.

ETA: I just checked out the official website for the program and the hotel they have included for the packages is now Pop Century

 

[KimmiP]

Sorry, but I think you are out of luck regarding changing the resort.

We did this last year at the same time of year and then we stayed at ASM (which wouldn't have been my choice at all, I haven't stayed at a value resort in years). I highly doubt your studio owner is going to allow you to stay at a different location then the rest of the group. Not when you all have to be at a same place at the same time. And truly what you are getting is the whole package, park tickets, dancing in the parade, time with CM's and all. Since WDW puts this package together and allows the dancers the experience to dance there, they can change the terms.

With all this being said, just try to enjoy it. Your girls will have so much fun with their friends and you can hang out with the other parents it will more than make up for the resort. It's never as bad as it seems. Plus from experience i can say that you have to realize that this isn't a regular vacation. You will have to follow an itinerary not of your choosing. So go with the flow.

So go, have fun, watch them dance and take tons of video and pictures. The resort is the least of your concerns I promise you will have a blast

 

[Susan2771]

My point of view is a bit different than above. My daughters won't be dancing because their dance school is not a part of World of Dance. We are going to watch our niece and purchased the family and friends package.

All the advertisements and flyers that we received and the paperwork that we had to complete to submit with our deposit states it is for the Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Now that they have our deposit, the resort has been switched. We were not told ahead of time that it is a possibility that the resort could change and it isn't in any of the terms and conditions either that after the company receives your deposit, they can go ahead and switch resorts on you. I gave our deposit in good faith, now it feels a bit like a bait and switch.

 

[mommy2twinprincesses]

Thank you everyone. I realize we can't switch. I'm just disappointed as I agree that CBR is NOT an upgrade from POR. It is certainly better than a value. Honestly, we probably wouldn't be going if the resort was a value. (We were not happy with
Pop century when we stayed there.) we like to try new resorts and I AM looking forward to the theming. I'm sure our girls wil enjoy the pool while we are there. We will have our car so I'm glad that we won't have to wait for the Disney buses. (We aren't the most patient people lol). Any chance the beds will be changed to queens before we go?

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't think callling Disney will do you any good as you are traveling as a group for a dance competition. You need to speak with the group and it appears the group will not be able to do any resort switching. To get the group resort rate and whatever else they are doing you'll need to go where the group goes. Is there an option to book your own room and still have the child go to the competition?

CBR is beautiful, has a cool pool and a big food court, and is in a central location for getting to parks and DTD.

 

[dansdad]

Any chance the beds will be changed to queens before we go?

They are supposed to start the switch over in March, so it's possible. I completely understand your disappointment since you have not stayed at CBR yet. I will say that even with the double beds, CBR is our favorite moderate. Hopefully you will enjoy it as much as we do.

 

[maui13]

We have the exact same situation. When the opportunity was first mentioned to us they said we could be stay at All star Music or Port Orleans Riverside. Then the next week they said it had been decided Port Orleans Riverside. Then we were on board as we have stayed there before and been happy. Our studios trip is for June 29-July 2. Then a few weeks ago Dance the World changed our resort to Caribbean Beach Resort. Our Dance company jumped on this opportunity kind of late in the game. Our first deposit is due tomorrow and now I am having a real hard time getting excited about it. We were planning on extending the stay to June28-July 5. I can't add my own ADR's as it is a group trip anyone been through this before? How did you handle ADR's?

We were told we were not allowed to upgrade or move. Any help is appreciated! We will not be allowed to request buildings etc.