Booked POP online for Dec--why were rooms available there, but not when I called?

[thunderbird1]

We're considering a December trip, and I've been checking for rates and availability online, but it's been slim pickings. Last night, suddenly, there was tons of availability for my dates. When I called this morning to ask about AAA discounts, I was told not only were none available, but she couldn't find any availability at all for any of the value resorts. So why was I able to book online? Is there a different block of rooms available there than to the CM's on the phone? She said there wasn't, but, again, how was I able to book? Sorry to sound so dense, it's just mystifying to me how there reservations system works.

Also, a couple of quick questions about online booking. They have a 45 day cancellation policy for room only reservations instead of the phone-in 5 (or whatever it was), right? What about making changes? Since it was miraculously available, I went ahead and booked the maximum # of nights I thought we might be able to stay, but we'll almost certainly have to shave a few days off. Can I do that over the phone? I know if my checkin date switches from value to holiday, I hose myself on the value season discount, but other than that, can I make changes over the phone?

TIA--I swear, the more I learn, the less I know.

 

[streudel423]

I know alot of times hotels allott a certain amount of rooms for phone, internet, travel agents, etc. Maybe that's why?

 

[thunderbird1]

Thanks. That's what I figured, too, but she told me I wouldn't be able to book something she couldn't (ya, I know phone CM's often have the least amount of information). Plus, it was just odd that I was struggling to find availability last week, then everything was wide open this week.

Of course, what I'm really hoping is that they're overbooking, and I'll get a call about a free upgrade. After all, it is the year(s) of a million dreams, right?

 

[dburg30]

Thanks. That's what I figured, too, but she told me I wouldn't be able to book something she couldn't (ya, I know phone CM's often have the least amount of information). Plus, it was just odd that I was struggling to find availability last week, then everything was wide open this week.

Of course, what I'm really hoping is that they're overbooking, and I'll get a call about a free upgrade. After all, it is the year(s) of a million dreams, right?

Well, last week when the discount codes came out, a good number of people also moved / upgraded. That could've been the problem last week. But I do still agree that certain blocks are held to a certain dats for the things listed above (internet etc).

I know I was booked for POP til last Tuesday.. Now it's CSR!!

 

[DisneyTravels]

There are some different reasons why you could get the room. AAA normally doesn't know Disney like a Disney specialist(me..lol) and they are booking under a certain promotion that may have limited rooms for that promo and it wasn't avaliable. So you may have gotten under a different promo or just regular prices. Normally AAA books under their rates... which sometimes aren't the cheapest rate avaiable for the consumer. Yes you can make changes to your bookings up to 45 days to your arrival- within the 45 days you may have penaties. Also If you did Dining then I would get those book asap- certain dinings will not be taking walk ins anymore.
Just my 2 cents!