changing rates through CRO

[snowmouse]

I've read a lot about people holding one ressie and calling for a better quote when new codes come out. I'm hoping to do exactly that when the new AP codes arrive (hopefully tomorrow).

Here's my problem. Every time I have try to call to compare various rates the CM immediately pulls up my record and tells me that I already have ressies for that date. When I explain that I'm trying to compare and possibly change they seem quite reluctant, and once I had to be quite insistant that he NOT void out my standing ressie, that I was only comparing.

I've even tried to anticipate this by beginning the conversation with "Just looking at prices" (kind of just window shopping), but they always respond with what's your name and zip code and pull up my history. I don't feel like this really enables me to look for the best rates, that they're quite confident that I'll be coming regardless.

What am I doing wrong?

 

[Hawk]

I have experienced the same. I have noticed just recently that CRO is asking for preliminary information before giving rates. After being quoted a code rate for POR, I called to see if my AP rate would be better. They quoted the exact same price after pulling up my history. I expect it is to keep people from rate shopping. Hmmm, we need a new strategy - any suggestions?

 

[Maleficent2]

how about using you signifcant others name and a different address until you get the quoate then says opps you know what don't use that address use this one.

Could not hurt.


I am planning on calling first thing in the morning for an AP rate also. Looking to better my deal at AKL.


Good Luck


Mal

 

[karensi]

I too have encounted the same thing,CRO asking for info up front, and also thought about giving DD's name and zip code. I haven't done it yet ,but as suggested by Maleficent2,it might be a good idea. Does anyone think it really makes a difference,if CRO sees that you already have a ressie?Do you think that maybe you don't get as good a rate quote ?

 

[DebbieB]

I had a DC reservation for CBR for Dec and called this week for the code. I called the DC 800#. I was upfront and said I already had a ressie and would like to see if I could get a better rate. The CM was very nice, she pulled up my existing ressie and said let's see if we can get you a better rate. She did - it went from $118 with tax to $94. Since my existing was DC, she had to cancel it and redo it under a CRO reservation (redid it first). She was able to pull all the information over except for the credit card # (interesting fact - the number is starred out on their screen, so they do not have access to your number). The whole process took about 15 minutes, she was very nice about it. I checked my AmEx online and the new charge and the credit for the old were on there the next day. I have a credit balance now, so I spent some money today on summer clothes clearances for the trip! Felt like I got them free!

 

[Kimkimba]

I had booked a AP rate back in February as that was the bease code out (never had a AP but would have bought one if necessary). I'm guessing about 2 months ago the code rates came out for the time I'm traveling. I just called and told the CRO and told her I wanted to see if I could better rate with the new code. It was the easiest savings of $250 that I've ever had. Not questioned at all and got a confirmation right away.

 

[StrwLady]

I honestly think it just depends on what CM you get when you call. I have heard people say that they were only allowed to hold one reservation. Well last week I had 3. I had booked the ASMO through the disney club a couple months back when we decided to go in Dec. As soon as the general public rates came out I called and booked the Boardwalk. I was then tossing up staying at a different place. When I was talking to the CM that day and asking quesitons about the different hotels I told her I already had 2 could I book a third. The very pleasently responded Suuuurrrreee!!! So I booked th Poly. She then asked me if I wanted to book anywhere else. Cus I was thinking of the WL. But I told her no.

I have since cancled the ASMO and the Poly. The Boardwalk won!!!

Only change is in 15 minutes I plan on calling and getting an ap rate..WOOOHOOO

 

[christianweecare]

I did the same this past Monday when the codes came out. I had a ressie using the DC discount. I called and asked if I could do any better with the new code discount. The CM was very accomodating. No problem!

 

[JudithM]

Snowmouse, I, too, find this very frustrating when calling CRO. Yesterday I called CRO for some friends. They were upstairs packing to return home to FL. They want to meet us at WDW later this year & were interested in rates. I called CRO & the CM would not give me any info until I told him their name & zip code. All I wanted were the rates for the time period.

Even the this morning I got up & called CRO at 7 a.m. for the AP rates that several CRO CMs said would be out this morning. After being on hold for 10 minutes, the CM had to go through all my personal info before she could finally tell me the AP rates were not yet turned on in the computer .

I suspect Disney got tired of guests with more than one reservation for the same time.

 

[joyful1nh]

I always tell them I'm calling to change an existing reservation. I have never had a problem, but then again, I seem to be getting all the good CM's lately!

 

[allforpooh]

I have also never had a problem, the ressie I have in Sept was changed at least 4 times with adding days and changing rates first with the AP rate then the better fall rate came out.

The CM's have always been friendly and willing to give me the best rate.

My suggestion would be if you get a CM that is not friendly right off hang up and call back. I also wait a couple of days after I make my ressie and call back to confirm everything, that way I am not disappointed if something was not put in the computer correctly.

Denise

 

[WDW2002]

The first time I called to book a code I hit #1 change an existing ressie and the CM wanted all my info. etc and amazingly no rooms were available. The second (and third) time I called I hit #2 make a new reservation and the CM didn't ask for any info. until after she found the rate code I was asking about.

 

[chancellor]

I just changed rates this morning without any problems. I hit #1 to change an existing reservation, gave all my info, and asked if the AP rate was cheaper than the code rate I got last week. The CM told me it was about $12 less per night, and changed it without having to cancel and re-do my reservation. No problem at all.

 

[StrwLady]

Like I said in a eariler post I think it depends on the CM you get.

I just called to get my current reservation at the ap rates. The frist time I called I was told the rate was the same as what I currently had. ($179 a night) Not feeling this was correct I hung up and called back. Sure enough the AP rate was $169.