Best Rate Program is the pitts!

[A Mickeyfan]

I think it will really depend on how many people who are happy to participate in the Best Rate Program. If there are enough that are, then perhaps they won't need to offer regular AP rates again. I doubt that will be the case. I think that Best Rate will appeal to folks who don't have the time to spend battling on the telephone for AP rates when their announced, and who really would have visited regardless. Except perhaps is boom years like this year, that won't fully cover the number of AP discounts typically offered.

I don't understand why you think it is unfair. There has been no guarantee every expressed or implied that AP holders were entitled to a room discount. As Nala said, "As I recall, the only real "benefit" of having an AP is yearlong admission to the parks. Anything else is subject to change and always has been."

Well, no, not really. As I mentioned above, they can just continue the policy for the folks who don't want to battle on the telephones, and then fill the remaining capacity with regular AP rates.

Customers and businesses define loyalty differently, of course. Repeat, discount customers will surely wish to consider themselves loyal, while businesses will consider repeat, premium customers far more loyal. Customers who always only come in for your loss-leaders aren't contributing to the success of the enterprise.

I am well aware that the only true benifit of an AP is the park benifit. The reason I am saying is it is unfair is because if is hurting those that frequent the park so often that planning all of the trips 120 days out it not realistic. I am not complaining about the lack of AP rates, but the way the program is offering them now.

Yes, Disney can continue the Best Rate Program & then filling in the left over rooms with the regular AP rates. But then the program is changed isn't it? As of now, we do not know if they will actually ever offer AP rates the way the use to because of this program. If they do end up, then the Best Rate Program is just one of the "offers" Disney will be doing for AP holders. As of now any stay after 10/4, must go thru the Best Rate Program to get an AP rate. So, in respect to the "Program", if they do offer the telephone rates, the process of getting the AP rate has changed ("Program" has changed). Hope this makes sense to you ( does to me).

In your statement "Customers and businesses define loyalty differently, of course. Repeat, discount customers will surely wish to consider themselves loyal, while businesses will consider repeat, premium customers far more loyal." I see you have corrected yourself by placing the word "repeat" in there. A loyal customer is a "repeat" not just the premium paying customer. Of course the one that pays more & is a repeater is the one Disney wants, but how many guests do you know that pay rack rate for everything & visit frequently (say 8-12 trips per year)? If that were the case, then the guest wouldn't have AP's now would they, they (the guest) would just go & purchase the new My Way Tickets and spend even more. So if you have an AP, please don't think that you are purchasing Disney's products at full price, becasue you aren't either

Customers who always only come in for your loss-leaders aren't contributing to the success of the enterprise. Again, I have to differ from your opinion here, if that were the case, then the business would not always offer the deals now would they? As another poster said, there are many business's out there to go to. If Disney dosen't mind loosing many frequent guests (ones that cannot always plan 120 days out) there are 1,000's of other resorts that are just as nice (some even nicer) than Disney's that they can go to that will offer better deals. I am a big Disney fan, but Universal's resorts are offering something way better than Disney's AP holders now. Not only are they offering the FOTL perk, and an AP rate that can be booked less than 120 days out, with a refund up to 5 days prior to the visit, they have an offer if you book now until Oct 4th, not only will you get a good AP rate (and other perks), but you will also get every 4th night free! So as you can see, there are other resorts out there that Disney should be monitoring and they aren't. You can stay at the RPR for as low as 96.75 per night ($129 for 3 nights & 4th night free). What is the lowest rate for the WL or AKL, they would be in the same line as the RPR. You can stay the HRH for as little as $119 using the same pay 3 stay for 4 deal. What deluxe on Disney's property is offering that? Even if you add in the charge for parking at the Universal resorts, they still come in lower than Disney's...even with the AP rate. So you see, if business's didn't want us "loss-leaders" that "aren't contributing to the success of the enterprise", why would Universal be offering us "loss-leaders" such a great deal

 

[A Mickeyfan]

We also live less than three hours away and can plan that far in advance so I have booked two stays, one in Oct and one in Dec already. I certainly don't feel punished.....and you can change your reservation with a $50 fee if lower than your original reservation or it is waived if your new booking is more $$$. I know WDW has offered many discounts to us Floridians and AP holders....but now it seems we are all coming to expect these on a regular basis and feel somewhat punished if we don't get one.

If something happens regarding illness, job security, etc - that is life and I will deal with it at the time. Life happens...I don't plan my vacations worrying if I have to cancel - but many others do. If I was really worried then I probably wouldn't be booking vacations at all.

So, as a Floridian and an AP holder - so far, I think this is a great program and plan to use it in the future.

I am happy for you that you can plan all of your trips that far in advance, not all of us can. I am happy that you never had to cancel a ressie 30 days out due to a parent developing cancer & having to have surgery on the day you were to arrive at the Beach Club (as I did about 6 years ago). I am also happy for you that you have never had to go thru a job loss about 45 days out from your planned vacaction like I did last year. My husband lost his job of 17 years with a very large newspaper company last year. It is pretty scary not knowing where your money will come from. I did have plans for Disney & Universal that had to be altered. To be honest, I use to have your outlook, I now look at things differently. I just cannot have that "Life happens" attitude anymore becaues it did happen to me. I will not live my life not planning vacations, but will look at the cancelation policy's very closely. When you have a house, 3 children & 3 cars (and use to living without money fears) and the bread winner is no longer making the bread, one's outlook changes on refund policy's. As far as the waiver of the $50 fee, as I stated in one of my posts, if it isn't in writing with Disney, I am not comfortable with it. They do not have it anywhere in writing that the fee will be waived if upgrading. I too have ressies for Oct. (& Sept too). I wasn't aware that the Oct ressies could be made thru the Best Rate Program. When I made mine, sometime in June, it wasn't valid for Oct. I don't mean to sound as if I am putting you down, I'm not. I am just trying to make you (and others out there that think this program is great) that it has it's pittfalls. The major one is the no refund on a 120+ day out ressie.

 

[lillygator]

eta*as another poster on these boards would say - that was a bit snarky, I was posting that I was able to use it and for some of us it isn't the "pits"*

Well every program out there has pitfalls if it doesn't make every single person using it happy. And yes DH and I have both been through job losses, death and disease in the family...etc plenty of stuff has happened to me (I don't feel the need to list it as justification)- AND in my post that was a generic statment, not aimed for you, you just happened to mention those things as why this "program is the pitts". Companies don't really care about what happens to all of us in our "life" they just want our money. As with anything if this program takes off then WDW will continue with it and if not they will probably discontinue and either offer no discounts or go back to the old way. And as much as you posted you are "happy" for me - I should say that I feel sad for you as you are unable to use the program. Hopefully AP rates will come out for you.


As far as the $50 change fee - I have not searched on the boards but did you call or write Disney about that?

 

[luvmarypoppins]

too hate the new program. I also finally just got onto the website after talking to my dh about his conference plans etc. Well they said I couldnt do it either and I too was looking at dec. lst. I only missed it by a few days. Gheesh. I went on the disney site and alot of the deluxes are booked too for our dates. I guess we will swallow and pay rack rate for the deluxe but at least its in value season and the rest of the time we are getting a good deal at the swan because of dh conference there. I am hoping an ap rate might come out but I think I will just book the deluxe we want because rooms are looking scarce during our time frame.

 

[magsmom]

My only issue with the best rate program is the implementation date (June 17). I would have booked the best rate program for my upcoming October stay. On the implementation date I was short of the 120 day window by 3 or 4 days - I am checking in on the 7th and checking out on the 10th.

There was nothing that could be done, so I currently have a AAA rate for POP and am wishing for some AP rates to come out for a moderate. If they don't come out, so be it. I have made my investment back on past AP's with rooms and dining that I am still happy. We made our money back on the DDE card on 1 trip alone - and I have 3 trips planned.

 

[drusso]

I'm not happy with this program at all. I wrote to customer relations and spoke with someone there directly to express my opinion and concerns. It didn't go too well.

I had a 16 nt. reservation for Aug/Sept. - I've revised that now to 8 nts. - moved the other 8 nts. to the Swan and have moved several dinner reservations. I will let my annual pass expire this year and have canceled our planned Thanksgiving trip.

I remember being in the Yacht Club after 9/11 - practically had the place to myself. And last year we didn't cancel with all the hurricanes - when so many others did - again practically had the Grand Floridian to ourselves the first 5 days of the trip. I will miss Disney. And in time they will miss me. Loyal customers deserve better.

Universal here we come!


2005: Port Orleans Riverside, Swan, Animal Kingdom
2004: Swan, Polynesian, Grand Floridian
2003: Polynesian, Yacht Club
2002: Yacht Club, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk
2001: Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Yacht Club
2000: Caribbean Beach, Beach Club, Contemporary
1999: Yacht Club, Boardwalk
1998: Yacht Club
1997: Yacht Club
1996: Yacht Club
1995: Beach Club
1994: NO TRIP
1993: Beach Club
1992: Caribbean Beach

 

[bicker]

The reason I am saying is it is unfair is because if is hurting those that frequent the park so often that planning all of the trips 120 days out it not realistic.

For you, perhaps, however from what we've already read written by other AP holders, it is realistic. I do understand that it isn't structured the way you want it to be, but, with respect, I don't believe that qualifies it as unfair.

In your statement "Customers and businesses define loyalty differently, of course. Repeat, discount customers will surely wish to consider themselves loyal, while businesses will consider repeat, premium customers far more loyal." I see you have corrected yourself by placing the word "repeat" in there.

It is a valid clarification: Repeat, premium customers are surely more highly valued than one-time, premium customers. I don't believe I said anything to the contrary, earlier.

Customers who always only come in for your loss-leaders aren't contributing to the success of the enterprise. Again, I have to differ from your opinion here

We'll just have to agree to disagree then.

Nice chatting with you. Take care.

 

[pandora174]

Can't we all just get along ? Lately the posts on the boards feel like people are too argumentative. I come here for info & a little break to get my Disney fix ! People are different and are entitled to their opnions. What works for my family may not work for others & I respect their voicing their opinions without a need to lecture. The posts & answers given in the past had a more friendly feel to it. Now I think twice before I post in case I get flamed. The world is stressful enough as it is without adding more to it. Just my little old humble opinion.

 

[DMRick]

People are different and are entitled to their opnions. What works for my family may not work for others & I respect their voicing their opinions without a need to lecture.

Here here! Does seem to be a fair amount of "lecturing" to get us to agree with someone who does like the best rate. For what's it's worth, I don't like the best rate either. I'd like to think my 4-6 trips (of which 5 are usually last minute, or at least last month) makes me a valued customer, even if I do take advantage of an AP rate. I'll show my displeasure by staying and eating off site (where generally we only eat off-site one night per every other visit). While off-site, I'll prob spend the bulk of my money while I check out other things to do in Orlando, and I'll certainly save by buying at an off-site supermarket, rather than paying Disney prices, an off-site drugstore and Walmarts for our souvenirs. I'll be back for the gas, since it's less expensive at Disney. We may only be one family, but if they add up, Disney will rethink. I'll most likely, unless I see all of the AP benefits that are useful to me, staying, not renew this year...and well, once I get out of the habit of saying..hey, lets put that AP to some good use, eventually I'll rediscover other great vacation spots, and Disney will become a once in a while thing, where the only thing they get from me, will be a discount ticket to get in the parks.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

eta*as another poster on these boards would say - that was a bit snarky, I was posting that I was able to use it and for some of us it isn't the "pits"*

Well every program out there has pitfalls if it doesn't make every single person using it happy. And yes DH and I have both been through job losses, death and disease in the family...etc plenty of stuff has happened to me (I don't feel the need to list it as justification)- AND in my post that was a generic statment, not aimed for you, you just happened to mention those things as why this "program is the pitts". Companies don't really care about what happens to all of us in our "life" they just want our money. As with anything if this program takes off then WDW will continue with it and if not they will probably discontinue and either offer no discounts or go back to the old way. And as much as you posted you are "happy" for me - I should say that I feel sad for you as you are unable to use the program. Hopefully AP rates will come out for you.


As far as the $50 change fee - I have not searched on the boards but did you call or write Disney about that?

I didn't mean to sound harsh to you... I wasn't listing what has happend for justification, I was listing so you can see why I feel the way I do. I am sorry that you have had to go thru those things as well. From your post, it didn't sound as if you did (your bit about not taking vacations is what gave me that idea). As far as checking with Disney about the $50 fee, I was given different answers. The web site states that you will be charged the fee. When I called the firt time, the CM said I would, then the next one said I woudn't, then the next said they "didn't believe" I would as long as I was still going to go, just changing resorts. So with those answers, I will not believe anything about not being charged the $50 until I see it in writing. Just to give you an example of why (not justifing anything ), back in June when I stayed at Pop Century, I got bite up by something in my room at night. To make a long story short, 3rd night I spoke to the manager on duty. She had EMT come & look at my legs. EMT offered to take me to ER for a shot or I can just take Benadryl instead. Disney was paying for which ever I decided upon. I decided to just take the Benadryl (and save the company money so rates wouldn't increas ). The manager had a CM deliver it to my room about 15 minutes later....complimentary (so they said). Upon check out, I noticed an $8 charge for the "Evertyhing Pop" store. I questioned the front desk & was told it was the Benadryl. I explained to them that it was to be "free". She apoligized & said it would be removed. I asked if I needed a rec'pt showing the removal & was told "No". Three weeks later my charge bill comes in, there was an $8 charge with no credit. I called the billing dept & a very nice CM did a search & said that it was never credited to my charge card & that he would see to it that it was done. He gave me his name & said to call him if my next billing cycle didn't show a credit. I am waiting for it to come, should be here in the next week or so. After having this happen to me, I am not going on anything they tell me over the phone when it isn't posted on the offical web site. I don't mean to sound like I don't trust what people say, but when things like that happen, it makes one wonder. Out of curiosity, do you have children & how often do you go that you can plan that far out each time. I know that I truly cannot do it, and when I do, I like to know that I can get a refund. 120 days is 4 months & a lot can happen in 4 months. I have gone away with kids with stitches, on crutches, husband on crutches etc...just not to cancel. Then again there are times that I must cancel. I have always given at least the 5 day notice. Once (agian not justifing ) my daughter came down with the chickenpox the night before we were leaving for a MNSSHP trip. I called the ped's & they said to go ahead & take her, keep her out of the pool & keep her covered in light clothing since most of the contagious stage has passed! Our first night up there was misrible. I had wanted to leave, by the next morning she seemed a bit better. We went to the party that night, she was dressed as Cinderella with a white L/S cotton shirt under her & baggy opque white leotards the rest of the family wouldn't let her live it down...she was only 6 at the time... The point I am making is...yes life happens & we must go on (as you have said), but why should we be punished if we cannot give 120 days notice?? I was also thinking & this isn't directed to you but when you think about it, Disney isn't rewarding the "plan ahead guest", they are only making more money off of this program. In reality, how many people will have to cancel or change their ressie 120 days out as opposed to the 5 days out. 120 days out is much longer for something to happpen & change ones plans than 5 days is & Disney knows that. I am sure they have researched how many cancellations happen 120 days out compared to the 5. That is something else to think about to. I know another poster said that the Best Rate Program was to reward the guests that can plan that far out, they aren't really rewarding anyone, but implimenting another opportunity to make money in my opinion. The one thing we all do seem to have in common is that Disney is out to get our money

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Disney must read these boards & see I am stirring up trouble !
They just sent me this email:

The (last name) Vacation

Dear Sharon,

Welcome back! And thanks for expressing interest in staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort hotel. Below you'll find the information you've already given us, along with links that make it easy to book now, modify your plans or continue shopping.

As you know from visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in the past, there's always something to discover ... or rediscover ... in this enchanting world--from classic favorites to exciting new things to see and do! And with Disney Resort Benefits like enhanced Extra Magic Hours and complimentary transportation, there's never been a better time to return!


Arrival: 12/01/2005
Departure: 12/04/2005
Resort: Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children (3-17): 3


Shop and Compare

You can look at other travel dates and accommodations and even store your options in “Shop and Compare.”

Already did that? Then go to
“My Vacation”.


If you need more information, or would like to speak with someone directly, call (407) W-DISNEY
(934-7639) or your Travel Agent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Only thing with this email...they aren't saying the rates. They want me to contact them or TA to find out. This makes no sense to me. I told the CM when I called that I didn't want to book at rack rate. I should contact them & see what rates they give me

Not to point fingers at anyone, but the "welcome back" & "there's never been a better time to return!" shows me those of us that don't pay premium price for their products are still considered loyal guests!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Updat on my own post of email they sent me.... I went into the link & it brings me to the regular reservation site, with regular rack rates...oh well I will just see if and when they release any other rates, yes call me cheap if you want but if that is what it takes for me to go as often as I do, well then that is what I need to do If I don't get anything onsite, I will stay offsite before paying rack rates...

 

[lillygator]

Mickey Fan - I have two princesses...2 1/2 and 6 months. I guess I have always been a planner and I know that most of the time we will plan 4 or 5 nighters in Feb, May, Oct and Dec (with little weekends here and there)...as far as different answers from CM's...that is across the board! I mean it goes to dining to everything! You think they would get it together!! My sister went for her second interview today and is auditioning on Thursday for a character position...hopefully she will make it and I will get to pick her brain for everything!

 

[Mich Mouse]

Can't we all just get along ? Lately the posts on the boards feel like people are too argumentative. I come here for info & a little break to get my Disney fix ! People are different and are entitled to their opnions. What works for my family may not work for others & I respect their voicing their opinions without a need to lecture. The posts & answers given in the past had a more friendly feel to it. Now I think twice before I post in case I get flamed. The world is stressful enough as it is without adding more to it. Just my little old humble opinion.

Well said! Don't let the negativity spreaders effect you...In life and on the DIS!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Mickey Fan - I have two princesses...2 1/2 and 6 months. I guess I have always been a planner and I know that most of the time we will plan 4 or 5 nighters in Feb, May, Oct and Dec (with little weekends here and there)...as far as different answers from CM's...that is across the board! I mean it goes to dining to everything! You think they would get it together!! My sister went for her second interview today and is auditioning on Thursday for a character position...hopefully she will make it and I will get to pick her brain for everything!

Tell you sister I wish her luck! (and shh!!! you aren't suppose to let everyone know that the characters aren't real but which one will we see her as ) We can try to pick her brain but they usually don't tell their CM's much more than what they tell the guest. I use to be a CM in TDS & there were times (many at that), that we found out on a Friday at 8-9am that there will be a sale on certian merchandise & we would have to go scrambling to sign everything. Or that they were raising the price of the AP's & only give us a 2 week notice! I know several CM's now that work in Disney World & they don't know much about things either. I was trying to find out the exact date for the taping of the Christmas Parade this year & so far none of the CM's I know were able to tell me a "for sure" date. Disney exec's do what they want, when they want. They tell the CM's at the very last minute most of the time, and usually only the ones that it would pertain to. I guess they don't want us non CM's to find out too far in advance
Your children are young & it may be a little easier to plan ahead (except when the unforseen sickness & job loss happen). Trust me, it gets harder as they get older. I have 18, 17 (today) & 12. The 18 usually will not come with us anymore. We not only have worries about my husband getting off of work, then we have the 17 & 18 (when he did come) to worry about getting time off... also with school..(another subject totally but I do pull out to go), we always have to try to figure out when review & test weeks would be, or when school dance's & homecomming, proms etc.. Then we have the sports, when were the baseball playoff's or the soccer playoff's etc... my plate gets too full to plan every trip that far in advance without being able to get a refund.

 

[jarestel]

Unfortunately, Disney doesn't make cheap rooms available to "reward" anyone, it's just to fill up the rooms. Offering first crack at the lower rates to AP holders makes it seem like a reward, but it's still just trying to sell inventory. If all rooms are booked at rack rate, they don't care if the people in them are first time or 1000th time visitors. Just as long as the beds are filled.

As always, consumers determine the success or failure of any program by their eager ( or meager ) participation in it. If serious discounting occurs next year, we'll know the AP best rate program was a failure. If not, we can assume it worked as planned.

 

[C.Ann]

Ahhhh...dissatisfaction with the Best Rate Program rears its ugly head again - huh? LOL

Well - I didn't like it when it came out - don't like it now - and won't like it ever..

My solution? When and if I make a trip this Nov/Dec either I will get the room that I want - at the resort that I want - at the price that I want - by whatever means are available at that time - or I'll stay off-site.. No big deal to me - I've done on and I've done off - both are fine.. My vacations haven't been diminished in any way and I'll be just as happy.. The only one that will suffer is Disney - because they'll be getting far less of my money.. Not really worth stressing over in my book..

 

[DMRick]

I don't totally agree with that, or none of the hotel would have reward programs. Sometimes hotels sell rooms at a discount to loyal clients, even when they expect them to be filled ..look at NYC at Christmas time. The name brands where I'm a member, surely don't have to offer me the nice discounts they always do, since they know they'll be filled. However, they want me back and to remember them, at times when the rooms are not expected to be filled.

As I said before, I'll stay where I like the price, and if I get used to good service, better and bigger rooms, etc, off site, I might do that more often. There is more at stake for Disney, than just the money from the rooms. Remember also, that the best rate is a reward program, for those with AP's. However, it doesn't do a lot for those of us who come often and with short notice. We'll just have to wait until the end of August to see if this is in addition to "discounts as usual".

Unfortunately, Disney doesn't make cheap rooms available to "reward" anyone, it's just to fill up the rooms. Offering first crack at the lower rates to AP holders makes it seem like a reward, but it's still just trying to sell inventory. If all rooms are booked at rack rate, they don't care if the people in them are first time or 1000th time visitors. Just as long as the beds are filled. .

 

[crusin'minnie]

Sharon L-

I feel your pain. And I agree wholeheartedly with most everything you have said. I had a similiar situation with my ressies for Nov. When I called CRO I was told sorry. The CM told me that they had had problems with people booking AP discounts and not actually having them. She suggested I email my complaints.

I did and I explained that I understood their needed the AP in hand when the ressie is made (there are a few trips where I was never asked for my AP. I had it but I was never asked.) but all these other stringent requirements are just too much.

As of yet I have had no response. I really wish I would have known about this before I renewed my AP this year. It feels like a sucker punch. We normally go 2-4 times a year and this has really taken the wind out of my sails. I still hope to go in Nov. but we prob will have to stay offsite.

 

[freakylick]

Why does everyone have such a major problem with a good intellectual discussion?! The only negativity here was expressed towards Disney and their BR program...everyone was very civil with each other.

Sharon L...
I completely agree with you. Ever since this program came out, I did not like it. It negatively impacted me, but for different reasons. Though I feel that what it did to AP'ers such as yourself was a shame. You keep using the term "unfair" and bicker rebuts it...I kind of agree with his rebuttal on that, so I have been using the term "shame".

One thing that I can say for sure, Disney's Best Rate Program cost them some of my money. Did they make that money from someone else?! Maybe...but they lost my money for this trip and will almost certainly lose my money from future trips as I will be an off-site guest for each subsequent visit after my October visit.