disney just called;error in their system

[JerseyJanice]

I could be mistaken, but I believe I've read that the rooms in the All-Star Movies are in need of refurbishment.

Our rooms at Pop the last two years were in great shape, and still they've been very recently rehabbed.

A brand spanking new room at Pop does not equal a worn-out room at the Movies IMO.

 

[keikerr21]

They are offering a comparable resort, and an upgrade to preferred rooms - WHY should they have to the OP more??

I have no doubt that every single person / company in this world has made a mistake - it's human nature. We ALL screw up. Why is it that people are never satisfied with what is offered?

So many people complain that the prices are getting to high for an affordable Disney vacation. Has anyone ever stopped to wonder that this type of demands has anything to do with the rising costs?

Greed will get you no where.

This is just my opinion - not meant to flame anyone.

I got the call, as well, wanting me to move the All-Stars. I said no, and I was also told that I may be moved on arrival. I made my reservation months ago. From what I read, WDW often books their hotels 110%, so this is not totally a mistake. If I would have been offerred an upgrade to a moderate, I would of went for that. When an airline overbooks, you are offerred compensation. I am expecting an experience from WDW, and when they take it away, I feel I should be compensated. It costs them nothing at this late date to upgrade people when they have made a "mistake."

 

[MusiqChic99]

We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge in November. Although there might be a few other deluxe hotels I would be ok with staying at there are some I dont want to stay at and would be displeased about moving. And yes all of those include the monorail resorts. Call me crazy but I dont want to stay at any of them. What might seem like a deal for others wouldn't be to me.

So ..I'm sure the same goes for POP and the other value resorts. I would pick POP too and wouldn't want to move to Allstars. Same could be said for mods too. I dont want to stay at POFQ and would be displeased if I was moved there. Nothing wrong with having a preference and being disappointed when presented with something that isn't to your liking.

 

[Bradsdadg]

I notice you are staying at a deluxe - if I had time, I would love to see who is saying the values are comparable v. those who aren't - I would bet those who are saying they are comparable have not actually stayed there or just think all values are bad. I, on the other hand, have stayed at both and can adamantly say - all values are not created equal.

We've stayed at AS Movies, AS Music, POP, POFQ, BC, and the Contemp.

I do think for the most part that the values are all the same. Yes POP is newer. But the rooms we've had have all looked "lived in"

I guess my main point is, why start out a vacation with feeling anger towards a mistake. I'd still go to Disney and have the time of my life, no matter the hotel. Maybe the OP could pay for an upgrade to a MOD if they have one available? I've always wanted to see Coronado...

 

[coffeeguy128]

Sorry to hear about the overbooking, but I've got to say I work in IT and I'm just not buying the server overheating thing. Can/do servers overheat sure they do, but certianly a company the size of Disney has a fail/safe roll over/back up plan in place where if for some reason a server crashes the back up instantly kicks in. Even small companies and some home offices have this type of capability. Sounds kind of dubious to me

 

[n2mm]

Could it be the fact that Pop is currently refurbishing part of the resort! Maybe they expected to be done when the FD starts next week and they are not. Now it's too late to find other opennings.

When I was bounced from a value resort, it happened to me at checkin at 4:00PM. When I was told A/S sports was my ONLY choice, what was I suppose to do. After 30 minutes of trying to persuade someone that I (and my GS) didn't want to move there, it was either A/S sports or the door. For the folks saying they will not move, please be ready for the reality that there might not be another choice. After that trip I wrote to Disney and they called and said "sorry", you get what you pay for (I was booked with a discount/CM). Even after 40 trips later, that will always stick in my head as the most un-Disney comment I was ever told. Anyone who cancels is doing exactly what Disney wants you to do -- Free up a room!

 

[keikerr21]

This is how I look at this situation:

First, did Disney overbook on purpose, ala bait and switch, or was it an error (human or computer, it doesn't matter)?

I find it very unlikely it was intentional: first, no one has posted about anything like this happening before. Also, POd people spend less money while there. Third: almost all people, at time of booking, if POP was not available, would book at an all star. I think it's very safe to say that the money they may lose from unhappy customers is far less than the money from people who would not have booked at all if POP wasn' available.

Also, quite a few people are being bumped to a mod. Not a bait and switch move.

So, overall: this much of an overbooking was due to error (computer or human, again, doesn't matter).

When did they realize they had a problem? Chances are they didn't realize it until they started assigning rooms, which is about 10 days in advance. Then, they try and figure out what to do, which takes a few days. So, at about 5 days out, they come up with a plan, and start calling people. This is what happened.

They really do want customers to be happy (for repeat business, referrals, and happy customers spend more). So, they move people do different resorts, with upgrades where possible.

Some people got CR. Others got preferred at all stars. This is free dining, and 40% off. Resorts are packed. There isn't enough room for all 400 people in mods and deluxes.

What is a bumped person to do? They can't stay in a resort with physically no space. So, accept what is offered. And, if you feel it isn't enough: be polite, but you CAN ask for more, just be resonable.

For instance: DD really had her heart set on POP. Is there anyhing Disney can do to make it up to her? Suggest a gift card maybe?

ALWAYS REMEMBER: the CM you are speaking with had NOTHING to do with this problem, and the nicer you are to the CM, the more they will probably be willing to help you.

This is not the first time Disney has overbooked. Maybe not on DIS, but I have read about this on other message boards, not to this degree. I also read the Disney often overbooks by 110%. This is more than that. Maybe it has something to do with the renovations.

If Pop was not available, I would have probably went for Port Orleans when I made this reservations way back. I considered it, but I had heard Pop was great, so why spend the extra money. This is a splurge for me. I will not be going again next year, so I can get Pop then. It will be years before I will be able to afford to go again.

Disney, being Disney I expect more. Airlines offer you compensation when they overbook. I was offerred nothing but a move to AllStars, and when I brought up some sort of compensation to the agent on the phone, he just ignored what I had to say and got me off the phone.

I think saying well you may be moved on arrival is bullying. Now, I have to worry and stress about being moved on arrival and wasting valuable time, because I want to insist to stay at the hotel I booked and not just accept a change to All-Stars.

 

[NMAmy]

You know I'd be a lot more willing to believe that this was a mistake on Disney's part if this did not happen repeatedly at this time of year. A quick search showed many threads from last July/August--here's just a sample:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2237355&highlight=pop+upgrade+to+ssr

I can't find anything from 2008 but here's an example from 2007:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1477568&highlight=pop+upgrade+to+ssr

It seems to me that with the changes to free dining, they're no longer moving the overbooked guests to DVC but have to keep the guests at a value for the QS dining plan.

It's hard to give Disney the benefit of the doubt with that server story when the same thing happens over and over again. They overbook during free dining. This is just the first time that they haven't compensated guests with a better room.

And, yes, I'd be ticked, too, if I didn't get the resort I'd paid for. Probably ticked enough to cancel depending on what they were offering. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to try Universal.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

I've stayed at all levels of resort and while I've had great service everywhere, the CM's at Movies have been the best, hands down. The Mousekeepers are great- always set up cool displays for the kids with their stuffed animals to find when we got home and left towel animals. They left a balloon and card for DMom when we were celebrating her birthday. The CM at check-in gave all kinds of goodies to my kids. The CM's at the food court were so upbeat (and this was during free dining) and helpful suggesting things we could get on the DP that we might not have thought of. We thoroughly enjoyed our stays there.

On our last trip DD8 lost a tooth. She was sooo wishing she would because years before DD11 had lost one and Tink and the Tooth Fairy visited. We couldn't find a toothfairy pillow like we had for DD11 (it was years ago) s we got a small changepurse type thing, it was Minnie's head, sort of stuffed and sut the string off it to make it more like a pillow. We went to the front desk at Sports and wanted to buy some Disney Dollars. We were chatting with the guy and he was so nice, he said you have to take her balloons. He went and filled new ones so they would still be floating in the morning. It was a small thing but it was just so nice. We also got the balloons and card for selebrating our 15th anniversary. That was nice. I I aree, they are great in the food courts telling us things we can get that aren't labeled like the chili cheese fries my DH LOVED for a snack credit. I don't know, they are all just so happy there, probably why we love the All Stars so much.

 

[ang]

I hope this works out for you. This vacation sounds very special. Don't let this glitch ruin the whole trip. Wishing you much pixie dust!

Thank you so much.!! I did not expect a debate on this. Things happen all the time.

Disney call me back. I told them I didn't want all stars resorts because of all the kids(the tour groups and bussing)( We stayed at pop last year and pop is a mixture of couples and families.) Then they said when we check in they will let me know where I was gong. I said, That is not fair to me. I would like to know now. I also, said, I am willing to move but to all stars. The castmember was very nice and so was I. I did explain my situation why we are going. So, 20 minutes later, they called me back and they are moving me Saratogo Springs Resort in a studio. I thanked her over and over. She was extemely nice and understood my situation.

Saratoga Spings is a huge resort and I don't care for that. But I am very thankful for Disney trying to make me happy. So now, I am trying to learn everything about this resort.lol

 

[kaytieeldr]

From what I read, WDW often books their hotels 110%, so this is not totally a mistake.

I'm truly not sure of the source of this information. First, while hotels do overbook, rarely do they overbook by 10%. In the case of WDW, that would be an extra 2,200 rooms. Heck, Pop Century alone would mean they're overbooking 288 rooms!!!!

Second, while admittedly I've never been to Walt Disney World during a truly busy period, every time I do go they ALWAYS have the signs up that there are rooms available that night. These are the big signs along World Drive, nothing dinky.

And finally, a hotelier would be thrilled to have an 80% occupancy level; 72% is generally the break-even point. "Often" being able to book at 110% would be any hotel operator's DREAM!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

OP, I am glad you arre happy with the change and it worked out for you. Hae a grea trip!

 

[mickey2000]

Thank you so much.!! I did not expect a debate on this. Things happen all the time.

Disney call me back. I told them I didn't want all stars resorts because of all the kids(the tour groups and bussing)( We stayed at pop last year and pop is a mixture of couples and families.) Then they said when we check in they will let me know where I was gong. I said, That is not fair to me. I would like to know now. I also, said, I am willing to move but to all stars. The castmember was very nice and so was I. I did explain my situation why we are going. So, 20 minutes later, they called me back and they are moving me Saratogo Springs Resort in a studio. I thanked her over and over. She was extemely nice and understood my situation.

Saratoga Spings is a huge resort and I don't care for that. But I am very thankful for Disney trying to make me happy. So now, I am trying to learn everything about this resort.lol

 

[StacyMarie]

Thank you so much.!! I did not expect a debate on this. Things happen all the time.

Disney call me back. I told them I didn't want all stars resorts because of all the kids(the tour groups and bussing)( We stayed at pop last year and pop is a mixture of couples and families.) Then they said when we check in they will let me know where I was gong. I said, That is not fair to me. I would like to know now. I also, said, I am willing to move but to all stars. The castmember was very nice and so was I. I did explain my situation why we are going. So, 20 minutes later, they called me back and they are moving me Saratogo Springs Resort in a studio. I thanked her over and over. She was extemely nice and understood my situation.

Saratoga Spings is a huge resort and I don't care for that. But I am very thankful for Disney trying to make me happy. So now, I am trying to learn everything about this resort.lol

Glad it worked out to your satisfaction!!!!

 

[KSDisneyDad]

To the OP: I'm glad you got an upgrade.

However, I have to say I'm amazed at the whining on this thread.

A few years ago, we were staying at the All-Stars. It was our third trip in three years. I saw a family on the bus and the Dad was wearing a t-shirt with our hometown baseball team on it. We got to talking and I found out that they had saved up for nearly three years, driven 1,200 miles and were staying just four nights and visiting a park a day. It was their trip-of-a-lifetime and they were so happy to be at a Disney World "hotel".

I think many on this board have forgotten how fortunate they are. Disney has the right to change your rooms or even resort. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. I don't see the same overwhelming whining when someone says they didn't get their "guaranteed" connecting rooms.

If Disney ever changed our rooms, yes I would be disappointed, but I would not throw a fit and whine like so many in this board have done. We sincerely appreciate each and every trip we make to WDW and DCL. We feel so blessed to be able to share it with our family.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Saratoga Springs is lovely. Enjoy!

 

[emh1129]

Thank you so much.!! I did not expect a debate on this. Things happen all the time.

Disney call me back. I told them I didn't want all stars resorts because of all the kids(the tour groups and bussing)( We stayed at pop last year and pop is a mixture of couples and families.) Then they said when we check in they will let me know where I was gong. I said, That is not fair to me. I would like to know now. I also, said, I am willing to move but to all stars. The castmember was very nice and so was I. I did explain my situation why we are going. So, 20 minutes later, they called me back and they are moving me Saratogo Springs Resort in a studio. I thanked her over and over. She was extemely nice and understood my situation.

Saratoga Spings is a huge resort and I don't care for that. But I am very thankful for Disney trying to make me happy. So now, I am trying to learn everything about this resort.lol

I'm so happy this worked out for you and that they were able to accommodate you in a reasonable way. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[summerrluvv]

Thank you so much.!! I did not expect a debate on this. Things happen all the time.

Disney call me back. I told them I didn't want all stars resorts because of all the kids(the tour groups and bussing)( We stayed at pop last year and pop is a mixture of couples and families.) Then they said when we check in they will let me know where I was gong. I said, That is not fair to me. I would like to know now. I also, said, I am willing to move but to all stars. The castmember was very nice and so was I. I did explain my situation why we are going. So, 20 minutes later, they called me back and they are moving me Saratogo Springs Resort in a studio. I thanked her over and over. She was extemely nice and understood my situation.

Saratoga Spings is a huge resort and I don't care for that. But I am very thankful for Disney trying to make me happy. So now, I am trying to learn everything about this resort.lol

I'm glad it all worked out. We stayed at SSR in January and it is huge. I was not a fan of the bussing at all, it felt like we were always waiting for busses (wasn't busy at all when we went either) but everything else was great. Have fun!

 

[Moms]

To the OP: I'm glad you got an upgrade.

However, I have to say I'm amazed at the whining on this thread.

A few years ago, we were staying at the All-Stars. It was our third trip in three years. I saw a family on the bus and the Dad was wearing a t-shirt with our hometown baseball team on it. We got to talking and I found out that they had saved up for nearly three years, driven 1,200 miles and were staying just four nights and visiting a park a day. It was their trip-of-a-lifetime and they were so happy to be at a Disney World "hotel".

I think many on this board have forgotten how fortunate they are. Disney has the right to change your rooms or even resort. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. I don't see the same overwhelming whining when someone says they didn't get their "guaranteed" connecting rooms.

If Disney ever changed our rooms, yes I would be disappointed, but I would not throw a fit and whine like so many in this board have done. We sincerely appreciate each and every trip we make to WDW and DCL. We feel so blessed to be able to share it with our family.

 

[dzorn]

The thing is they did. There are at least 2 people on this board that are starting vacation at the same time. They got upgraded to CR. So it is just that some have gotten a huge upgrade while others have been given the all stars. There is nothing wrong with either to me but I can understand why people are upset.

And it very well may be they used up all the available room already. They cannot give you what they no longer have.

It is not a good situation but your alternatives are to cancell or live with it. Disney reserves the right to switch your hotel.

I cannot image Disney did this on purpose. A few rooms OK 400 they would not create this nighmare for themselves.

When people were upgraded in previous years I believe it was much earlier (did not go back and check) and they were doing it to open more rooms for free dining offers not because they were over booked.


Denise in MI