Be aware...be very aware...

[auntie]

I see a pattern developing ..not quite sure what to make of it..but it's definetly not an "isolated incident". Could be that they get so many of these inquiries regarding codes, that they just "go with it"..and tell the callers what they want to hear. Now..us on Disney-holics, usually are aware of the rates(or there abouts)..however those less knowledgable are likely to think they got a terriific deal, and book without questioning it.

In any case I thank the OP for sharing the experience,(along with others who have shared it). Us poor souls still waiting and calling for a "code" are better informed for their doing so. Thanks.

 

[denman007]

If this happens to you and you know your discount reflects rack, I would then ask the CM to quote you rack.

Then compare the rack / the numbers of nights to get a per night rate. Then break it down before tax.

Then compare that to the their web site's rack rate.

How is the CM gonna explain that one. Then ask for you PIN code number. Then call your local TV station and hand over your recorded conversion. Then point them to this thread and show them how this is becoming practice.

Then start a class action law suit.

 

[lilyv]

Whenever I call Disney I make sure I'm sitting in front of the computer with rates/reservations already pulled up. I can type changes as we talk. I carefully compare what they're saying with what the rack rate is. I also keep a calculator close by if I need to do quick %off calculations. It's a bit of a pain, but at least I don't have that "I think I paid more than I should have" moment.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

For those of you that this has happened to ~ I just wanted to let you know that I did send in a complaint about it. I went to the WDW website and clicked on the "contact us" and told my whole story. Probably nothing will come of it, but I figure someone higher up should know about this.

 

[corndog]

Know the rack rates for your room type, resort and season before you call.

 

[notsosnowwhite]

For those of you that this has happened to ~ I just wanted to let you know that I did send in a complaint about it. I went to the WDW website and clicked on the "contact us" and told my whole story. Probably nothing will come of it, but I figure someone higher up should know about this.

Great idea - I'm going to do this as well.

 

[Traci35]

Do the people in reservations get commission? Or maybe a bonus for getting X amount of people to make a reservation?

I got 40% off, but I got a card in the mail with the pin number on it. It was only good for certain weeks during the year on certain rooms at certain deluxe resorts. The first cm I talked to when I was checking rates for different resorts was really pushy. Very friendly, but pushy. The cm I talked to when I made the reservation was very friendly and gaveme the 40% off. I checked it against the rack rates.

 

[Robin4]

Hey, finally a code from Disney I DON'T want - the one that says it's a discount but really is rack rate!!!

 

[racefanof88]

Just enforces my decision to stay off property. I spend enough money on Disney every year without he hassel of trying to get a non-existent discount. I just think it is sad that Disney is starting to treat their guests like any other business does, "If you don't like it there will be more to take your place". With the dollar being so weak and and the euro being so strong the international visitor is more appealing to Disney at the moment. But, like the wind, this too shall change. I love Disney and hate the idea that they are not concerned with customer service. Oh well, that is just my .02

 

[branv]

Do the people in reservations get commission? Or maybe a bonus for getting X amount of people to make a reservation?

I was under the impression that they have definite quotas to make, and that it's a little insane. Given problems with finding employees and a high stress situation, it sounds like a very unnerving pattern is developing. Since it seems to be happening quite often, I wonder if this is just a tactic someone developed and shared with a few coworkers, or worse...an unofficial supervisor sanctioned tactic.

Please, to anyone this occurred to, write in to complain. Since it's not advertised officially as a discount (that really isn't) it may not be something Disney can be punished for as misleading business practices, but it certainly is unethical.

 

[johnnyr]

I wonder if this is just a tactic someone developed and shared with a few coworkers, or worse...an unofficial supervisor sanctioned tactic.

This is no question in my mind this is some type of new tactic they are trying. The last trip I booked, the CM was very quick to get my CC number, then diverted to try and get me to book dinner reservations, shows, etc. He then said "you are all set." I asked for the total and the discount wasn't applied. He insisted the price he gave me was correct, but I knew otherwise. It took me threatening to cancel the whole thing for him to apply the discount.

 

[Va-bear]

Please, to anyone this occurred to, write in to complain. Since it's not advertised officially as a discount (that really isn't) it may not be something Disney can be punished for as misleading business practices, but it certainly is unethical.

Yes, you're right. I'm glad a couple of the others have written in and I will right now too.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I wrote in a very long complaint (by e-mail) 2 days ago but haven't gotten a response yet other than the automated one that says - we will be getting back to you as soon as possible. . .

Maybe I should sent it by mail. . .

 

[Brit17]

Who/where should we write the complaint letters to? Thanks.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I went to the WDW website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/index?bhcp=1 and went to the bottom of the page and hit the Contact Us button and sent it there.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

This is no question in my mind this is some type of new tactic they are trying. The last trip I booked, the CM was very quick to get my CC number, then diverted to try and get me to book dinner reservations, shows, etc. He then said "you are all set." I asked for the total and the discount wasn't applied. He insisted the price he gave me was correct, but I knew otherwise. It took me threatening to cancel the whole thing for him to apply the discount.

I have no doubt in my mind either that it's some kind of new technique. How awful

 

[denman007]

Go public with it and expose them. Call you local news station.

 

[Va-bear]

Go public with it and expose them. Call you local news station.

Dude, if I called the news station, or started a class action lawsuit (as you previously suggested...) everytime someone lied to me I'd be in court 24/7 - sadly! I dont have the time or money for that! Heck, if I had that kind of money I wouldn't need a 40% off code!

 

[auntie]

I have no doubt in my mind either that it's some kind of new technique. How awful

I agree..it certainly does look that way. With the changes in the economy..I wonder how long this new technique is going to be in place. Disney has been riding the wave of prosperity as of late. Doesn't seem like a good idea to be deceiving patrons into believing they are receiving a discount, when in fact they are not. If anyone was hesitant about spending money on a vacation, this deception would certainly give one pause to think twice about spending hard earned dollars in WDW, when maybe they could be saving them given the current concerns consumers are having regarding the economy. I'm just saying if I were on the fence about a visit..this experience would push me back onto the side of saving my money for another time.

 

[dawgsgirl]

I know there are very good CM's, but there are many who are ill informed and only trying to meet their quota. I have had my share of both. I have started all my calls lately with telling them "I am a Disney freak and this is what I what to book." Then I proceed to tell them EXACTLY what I want. Haven't had near as much trouble since I started doing this.