Are they rude?

[Mom2tmha]

stm61,
Oh no!!! That stinks! Did you find your card??????

 

[stm61]

I'm still at work, but I'm turning the house upside down tonight!

 

[Mom2tmha]

Good Luck finding it!!!!!!!!

 

[PrincessKitty1]

I have a code, even offered to tell them the code off of the postcard. I have probably been flagged b/c I have now called 4 times to check availability and change dates. Twice I had amazing CM who helped me in every way possible. The other two were somewhat put off that I was revising a reservation and not making a new one. One of the rude CM got snippy when I asked to make a second reservation (we usually visit a couple of times/year). She told me that I could not make a second reservation using the code and told me to have a good day. Fortunately I knew enough to call back and get a helpful CM.

This is exactly our experience. The CM-before-last couldn't figure out the code thingy even after DH gave her the code. She revised our reservation incorrectly when we were actually trying to completely change the dates. We just waited a day and called back and got somebody who was both helpful and competent.

 

[rt2dz]

Regardless of codes, I have had come CMs who are more helpful than others, I have had a few who were down right rude, and a couple who were extremely helpful and wonderful. It just totally depends on the person who get. I found that it is best to just quickly, and politely, end the call with rude and/or unhelpful CMs and call back.

Last year, I got a postcard code for a package. I went ahead and booked the package because it was a great deal. However, DH gets a great corporate discount on Disney tickets. So, I called back later that day and asked (since I noticed on the postcard it said ask about room only rates at special prices too) about maybe changing it to a room only ressie. The CM was rude as could be. I just said thank you and hung up.

Called right back. The CM I talked to called guest services since it didn't pop up on her computer screen for the equivalent on the room only rate. Yes, it was possible, but guest services had to give them the specific code in these cases. Turns out though I can't get the same hotel or the same dates. So she calls guest services back (at this time I still have the package booked) and they give her a different code for the same hotel at the same rate, but still can't get the dates. She asks me how flexible I am and I tell her anytime during these 18 days is good. She gets back to guest services, finds me a code within the dates, but I can't get the view I want at the hotel (only standard was available) so she finds me a different hotel that is equal at a better rate, plus the dining card that the AP rate is offering for the villas even though I only have a regular room--all prior to the AP rate being announced. She tells me that is all about how hard the CM is willing to work--there is always a discount out there, they're just hidden--even from them. She also tells me that she has to work regardless so she might as well get everyone she gets on the phone what they want. All in all we spent over an hour on the phone. Well worth it for me though.

 

[disalways]

Wow, rt2dz! YOu sure had a great CM. Very interesting that she said the discount codes always out there. I wonder why most CMs don't work harder to find them... Obviously they would get more bookings if folks knew they had discounts.

 

[rt2dz]

She was an excellent CM. I even wrote a letter about how wonderful she was to corporate. I was amazed. She really looked--worked--to find that code and see what was available. Just the nicest person, too.

I am surprised too that more CMs aren't bending over backwards if they have quotas to fill. Maybe it is the time it takes and they know they will get someone who doesn't know any better to just book. Afterall, as big as the DIS is, we're a small Disney segment. And it isn't exactly a relationship building type of sales.

The whole quota thing floored me since it really isn't sales at all--well, not true sales. I had never heard that before and I've been going to Disney regularly since 1976!! Lurking on the DIS boards since 2000 and made my first post back in 2004.

 

[HM]

I've called once a day the last three days. Each CM I talked to did their best to help me and did an excellent job, even though I didn't book a thing.

I think I might just send an email praising them....

 

[hmillerbarilla]

I just called to check for codes and we have nothing!

Oh well, I've never had a code that I'm aware of, so when it happens it will be a real thrill!

 

[stm61]

I found it! It somehow walked into the dog's mouth, the kids are playing dumb lol! Saved almost $1300!

 

[brighteyes]

I found it! It somehow walked into the dog's mouth, the kids are playing dumb lol! Saved almost $1300!

YAAAYYY!!!!!!!

Good for you for finding it. I was just wondering what happened when I saw your post.

Stephanie

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I am thinking of calling back this afternoon (after I check my mailbox first ). Last time they only checked under my name. Do I need to have them check DH's name and all of our email addresses too??

 

[Princess Minnie5]

I have made reservations with some really great CM's.

Unfortunately, I have also talked to some not so great CM's.

Just today, I called to check for any codes that may be attached to my name and rates for a summer trip. I spoke to a CM who had no idea about discounts so she transfered me to someone who could help me with a code. The second CM told me that I could not use the code for the dates I wanted, now where would I like to stay? I told the CM, that I was flexible, then asked her what dates the code was available. Well, that set her off. She let out a big SIGH and told me that there was no code by my name. I should have hung up right then and there. But instead, I reminded her that she just told me that I could not use a certain code for the dates I wanted. She insisted that there were no discounts available to me and quoted me a price for 4 nights at the AKL, and asked which dining plan I wanted. HUH?!?!? I started to say, "Excuse me......", but then she just went on and on about the dining plans, which don't seem like a great value to me anyhow. I then told her, "I'm not interested in booking a MYW vacation package. I'm an AP holder...." She cut me off and said, "Well, why didn't you say that before?" in a most rude manner. I told her thank you for her time and right before I hung up she insisted in a desperate voice that I needed to book ASAP because rooms were filling up quickly and I may not get what I want at a later date and reminded me that the deposit would be refunded should I need to cancel. The CM didn't even know what I wanted. I had not mentioned AKL or 4 nights. I'm not even sure what dates she had punched in. I felt sorry for her and I simply hung up.

So sad about the whole quota thing.

 

[Princess Minnie5]

I found it! It somehow walked into the dog's mouth, the kids are playing dumb lol! Saved almost $1300!

I'm so glad you found it! Those darn postcards, walking into doggie's mouths.

 

[tnmomof4]

ITA with everyone else. Sometimes you can get a CM that is not helpful, and sometimes you get great, helpful, friendly CMs. I got my 40% off code in an e-mail last week. The first time I tried making a reservation the CM told me that if I used the code I couldn't get the DDP. I said that didn't seem right. He said that it was just too bad. I had to pick between the code and the DDP. He said why should I think I can get a room 40% off and get a good deal on the DDP. He said I would just have to pay for my meals like lots of others do. So I just ended the call and called back.

I told the second CM about how he said I had to pick between the code and DDP, and she said he probably just didn't want to do the computer work. She said it was easier for him to tell me something wrong and get me off the phone than have to actually work with me using my code and looking up dates.

I did call last night and finally made my reservation. I had a wonderful CM in Magical Gatherings named Laura Beth. It did take her a long time. We were on the phone for about 2 hours. Not because her computer was slow or anything like that, but because she really worked with me on using my code the best and she looked up lots of dates.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I called again tonight and got a wonderful CM who looked and looked- even had me on hold for awhile but still nothing

 

[TinkWink]

...I just don't think we should have to work this hard to get a discount.

Ok, I have to admit this made me snicker a little bit. I know it can be a pain to call often to inquire about a code, but that's not really any work!

I know sometimes they do run public discounts or promos, but people sure do get more excited over the ever-elusive codes when they are somewhat mysterious! Disney knows what it's doing - our thoughts are daily consumed with thoughts of planning another vacation!

 

[nicoleakr]

I just called this morning and was told that as of the 1st of the year they no longer can tell you if you have a pin attached to your name. Has this happen to anyone else?

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Nicole, maybe some CM's get sick and tired of all of the DISers calling to check on PIN's all of the time. I got one CM telling me she couldn't check and never could, I should just wait to recieve the mail or postcard (yeah right, like the confirmation mails that I never recieved?). And then I spoke with another CM that told me a totally different story. I asked if he could check and he asked my details right away and went to work.

It really depends on the CM you're talking to. Somewhat understandable that they're getting iffy if somebody calls for the 413th time that month, on the other hand it's a shame that a CM can make or break.

To give you an example;
- we've had people on the DIS saying one CM told them their PIN is room only no package, while other CM's booked them a package with no problem
- we've had CM's stating not knowing about codes or PIN's, while others do
- we've had CM's not wanting to check, others do
- we've had CM's willing to let people choose type of room, we've read about people being told 'only standard room'.

I had the same thing happen. I didn't have the code nor did my parents, as far as I know. The CM checked for me the day before; nothing. I decided not to wait for a code and hope I could afford to upgrade our reservation for the last 3 days from a mod to a deluxe to surprise my parents and thank them for their help. The CM got me some nice AAA rates, but yeiks, that was still to expensive for me. This happens to be the same CM I spoke with the day before, and we joked around a bit then and this second day. He remembered me from the day before. I explain it's too expensive, he quotes a nice AAA rate for another mod. Great, thank you for thinking along, mom has her hart set at the animals, but alas. I can want a lot, but can't afford it, so I'll just have to suck it up and keep hoping later on I might be able to afford it. Than out of nowhere he tells me to wait, mumbles a lot and then quotes me a nightly rate that is amazing. I wasn't asking for it, didn't expect it, wouldn't even dream of asking to give me anything that isn't in my name, but for those 3 nights he somehow arranged a discount that came out at the same rate as the 40% PIN. My guess is that he applied some kind of PIN. This one? A CM one? Who knows what one? OK, I'm over the moon by now and we're processing the stuff. Added DDP and MYW tickets for the whole trip. I hang up and after about 30 minutes I come to a terrible realisation. We'll be checking into AKL for the last days, which means we can't access the MYW tickets untill then, oh no!

So, I call CRO again. I get a CM that doesn't make a problem about losing the tickets and dining, but than quotes me rack rate for the room. OK, by now I'm really kicking myself for making such a dumb mistake. The CM asks me the PIN-code, which of course I don't know the numbers of because *I tell story to CM*. CM refuses to apply the discount. I decide not to change it, end the call and hang up.

Than *lightbulb*; 'what if I downgrade the tickets to a one day MYW!'. And yet again, I call CRO. The next CM gives me a quote for that change. Still the discount on the room but the multiple one day MYW's still add up and it's more than I was counting on. I was ready to suck it up and take my losses as a pay for learning my leason about thinking before I act and make a mistake. Somehow I ask the CM something like 'I know I can't get rid of the MYW and DDP totally without losing my discount, right?' CM asks me the PIN, and I tell the story yet again. He asks me to wait and he'll see what he can do. He had some problem with the 'holdbutton', so I could hear some of the things going on. Turns out he's talking to another CM or manager how to go about doing this. About 20 minutes later -and him telling me a couple of times he's still working on it- it's all done. Gone are the MYW and DDP, here to stay is the room at the discounted rate. Big weight of my shoulder.

So many CM's, so many answers and so many attitudes. All I know is that there are 2 CM's out there that I wont forget about for long enough time. They made my day, both of them.

 

[tnmomof4]

Nicole, maybe some CM's get sick and tired of all of the DISers calling to check on PIN's all of the time. I got one CM telling me she couldn't check and never could, I should just wait to recieve the mail or postcard (yeah right, like the confirmation mails that I never recieved?). And then I spoke with another CM that told me a totally different story. I asked if he could check and he asked my details right away and went to work.

It really depends on the CM you're talking to. Somewhat understandable that they're getting iffy if somebody calls for the 413th time that month, on the other hand it's a shame that a CM can make or break.

To give you an example;
- we've had people on the DIS saying one CM told them their PIN is room only no package, while other CM's booked them a package with no problem
- we've had CM's stating not knowing about codes or PIN's, while others do
- we've had CM's not wanting to check, others do
- we've had CM's willing to let people choose type of room, we've read about people being told 'only standard room'.

I had the same thing happen. I didn't have the code nor did my parents, as far as I know. The CM checked for me the day before; nothing. I decided not to wait for a code and hope I could afford to upgrade our reservation for the last 3 days from a mod to a deluxe to surprise my parents and thank them for their help. The CM got me some nice AAA rates, but yeiks, that was still to expensive for me. This happens to be the same CM I spoke with the day before, and we joked around a bit then and this second day. He remembered me from the day before. I explain it's too expensive, he quotes a nice AAA rate for another mod. Great, thank you for thinking along, mom has her hart set at the animals, but alas. I can want a lot, but can't afford it, so I'll just have to suck it up and keep hoping later on I might be able to afford it. Than out of nowhere he tells me to wait, mumbles a lot and then quotes me a nightly rate that is amazing. I wasn't asking for it, didn't expect it, wouldn't even dream of asking to give me anything that isn't in my name, but for those 3 nights he somehow arranged a discount that came out at the same rate as the 40% PIN. My guess is that he applied some kind of PIN. This one? A CM one? Who knows what one? OK, I'm over the moon by now and we're processing the stuff. Added DDP and MYW tickets for the whole trip. I hang up and after about 30 minutes I come to a terrible realisation. We'll be checking into AKL for the last days, which means we can't access the MYW tickets untill then, oh no!

So, I call CRO again. I get a CM that doesn't make a problem about losing the tickets and dining, but than quotes me rack rate for the room. OK, by now I'm really kicking myself for making such a dumb mistake. The CM asks me the PIN-code, which of course I don't know the numbers of because *I tell story to CM*. CM refuses to apply the discount. I decide not to change it, end the call and hang up.

Than *lightbulb*; 'what if I downgrade the tickets to a one day MYW!'. And yet again, I call CRO. The next CM gives me a quote for that change. Still the discount on the room but the multiple one day MYW's still add up and it's more than I was counting on. I was ready to suck it up and take my losses as a pay for learning my leason about thinking before I act and make a mistake. Somehow I ask the CM something like 'I know I can't get rid of the MYW and DDP totally without losing my discount, right?' CM asks me the PIN, and I tell the story yet again. He asks me to wait and he'll see what he can do. He had some problem with the 'holdbutton', so I could hear some of the things going on. Turns out he's talking to another CM or manager how to go about doing this. About 20 minutes later -and him telling me a couple of times he's still working on it- it's all done. Gone are the MYW and DDP, here to stay is the room at the discounted rate. Big weight of my shoulder.

So many CM's, so many answers and so many attitudes. All I know is that there are 2 CM's out there that I wont forget about for long enough time. They made my day, both of them.

ITA.... I had CM's tell me so many different things and I have a 40% off code.

This is what happened to me today.

We are going to be part of a Grand Gathering. I made the reservations Wednesday, and called today to go ahead and put my deposit down. The CM that I made my reservations with on Wednesday let me use the 40% off code for both the rooms on my reservation. She said that if your making the reservations with your code then they will let you use it for up to three rooms for a Grand Gathering, even if it's for other family members.

Now today when the CM was going through everything he said that the first CM shouldn't have let me do that. I told him she said they do it all the time for Grand Gatherings. He said that he wanted to warn me that when we check in and they see we "shared" the code they might make us pay the difference on the other room. He also said they might not realize it at all. He acted like I was trying to be dishonest. I told him I was told it was allowed and that I had the name of the CM that made the reservations.

I am a little worried. There are so many CMs and they all seem to do it the way they think is right. What would happen if when others check in and they think they got a good deal when they made their reservations, and then when they check in they are told no that's not allowed now pay the difference. I would think that would happen a lot since we all have different experiences with different CMs.