disney just called;error in their system

[llrain]

Saratoga is pretty much 95% of the backup plan Disney has for situations like this. This was predicatable.
Being on the DVC owners side of the coin We kinda allow this to happen cause Saratoga isnt well recevied as a GOTO resort by the majority of DVC owners including myself. So it gives Disney an advantage to move people here
because DVC members arent filling this resort.

 

[Nancyg56]

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

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.

.

Okay, lets take a different look at your scenario. You have saved three years and were planning on driving 1200 miles to visit WDW. You were staying four nights and this trip was it.....your once in a lifetime. You planned and you researched. You spent hours with yor kids as you planned each aspect of your trip, not the least of which was the resort you wanted to stay in. 5 days before you were hopping in the car you get the call......no room at the Inn. You can stay at a different resort but it is not what you and your family wanted.....but take it or leave it.

You then go to your friendly message board....the place where you already had spent hours discussig DIsney......and tell the folks there how disappointed you were that you got this curve ball. You also ask for advice how to handle it. Would you like it when you get told you are whining?

None of us know this OP's circumstances not should we. We are all entitled to be upset when out plans change through no fault of our own. We are all entitled to discuss those feelings here adn not be ridiculed or be made to fee guilty that we saved for this vacation and now what what we reserved.

We know the fine print. We know the rules. That does not make any of us whiners if we lose the lottery and get that call that changes our plans.

On one of our family trips our flight got changed at the last minute swiping most of our last day with that change. Delta was withing their agreemnent but that did not change my feelings nor did that agreement stop me from discussing the change that they gave us with a manager. It was not acceptable to me, no matter how lucky my family was to be able to afford a plane ticket. The final offer was not what I would have liked but it was better than losing an entire day. That was the ast time I booked a flight with Delta unless no other carrier would fit my schedule or destination. The change I would have accepted. The attitude that I got from them I would not so I spend my money anywhere else if at all possible.

 

[kidrericha]

I am leaving in 5 days, staying at Pop century. Disney just called and said there was a error in there system. There's no room at this resort. I would be move to All Star resorts...They only thing they offer to me was I would have preferred rooms. I am not thrilled at all. I told them I would have to talk to my husband,. What do you think?

Where is the preferred room in All Star Movies?

That's pretty unacceptable this close to your arrival. I would angle for an upgrade to a moderate.

 

[dzorn]

Disney is probably offering the move to All Stars in the hopes that enough people will consider it a lateral move and accept it happily.

Well, not IMO. We have three rooms booked at Pop beginning late next week. If I get a call like this, there is no way I am accepting the All-Stars without some compensation.
In June 2002, we were booked to stay at Port Orleans French Quarter, but then Disney shut down the resort after 9/11/01. We were offered the Wilderness Lodge for the same price and took that as I thought it was fair.

I want this trip to go as planned all along, but if Disney can’t honor our Pop reservation, I’m not settling for anything else less than a room with queen-sized beds.

Well with no availability on the web site I would be prepared by having a rental car and a few phone numbers for off property.

Denise in MI

 

[kidrericha]

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.

Pfft.... "Forget how lucky we are". What a laugh. You make it sound like Disney gives vacation packages out for free. People who spend that much money on a vacation have a right to a little security in expecting to get what they paid for.

It's not very difficult to be so easy going about a situation you've never been in.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Okay, lets take a different look at your scenario. You have saved three years and were planning on driving 1200 miles to visit WDW. You were staying four nights and this trip was it.....your once in a lifetime. You planned and you researched. You spent hours with yor kids as you planned each aspect of your trip, not the least of which was the resort you wanted to stay in. 5 days before you were hopping in the car you get the call......no room at the Inn. You can stay at a different resort but it is not what you and your family wanted.....but take it or leave it.

You then go to your friendly message board....the place where you already had spent hours discussig DIsney......and tell the folks there how disappointed you were that you got this curve ball. You also ask for advice how to handle it. Would you like it when you get told you are whining?

None of us know this OP's circumstances not should we. We are all entitled to be upset when out plans change through no fault of our own. We are all entitled to discuss those feelings here adn not be ridiculed or be made to fee guilty that we saved for this vacation and now what what we reserved.

We know the fine print. We know the rules. That does not make any of us whiners if we lose the lottery and get that call that changes our plans.

On one of our family trips our flight got changed at the last minute swiping most of our last day with that change. Delta was withing their agreemnent but that did not change my feelings nor did that agreement stop me from discussing the change that they gave us with a manager. It was not acceptable to me, no matter how lucky my family was to be able to afford a plane ticket. The final offer was not what I would have liked but it was better than losing an entire day. That was the ast time I booked a flight with Delta unless no other carrier would fit my schedule or destination. The change I would have accepted. The attitude that I got from them I would not so I spend my money anywhere else if at all possible.

I should have made myself clearer. I was not referring to the OP, but the multitude of those who jumped on the all-star resort bashing bandwagon and made statements of how horrible the All-Stars are, how it's a downgrade or how they'd never ever stay in such a horrible resort, etc. and would rather just stay home. I think it's those posters who lost sight of how fortunate they really are. I was simply trying to point out that the All-Stars was one family's trip of a lifetime!

The OP's post was quite polite and inquisitive and I did not construe it as whining. Also, not everyone on this thread was whining, but there was just a lot of it.

That's pretty unacceptable this close to your arrival. I would angle for an upgrade to a moderate.

She got an upgrade to a Deluxe Villa at SSR.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

OP - I'm glad Disney got back to you with a solution that you are okay with.

This thread has me really curious about how often getting bumped from a WDW hotel happens. We're staying at BWI over Columbus Day weekend and I'd be so disappointed if we got bumped -- especially if they couldn't put us somewhere else in the Epcot area. So many of our plans are tied to where we are staying, kwim?

 

[n2mm]

OP - I'm glad Disney got back to you with a solution that you are okay with.

This thread has me really curious about how often getting bumped from a WDW hotel happens. We're staying at BWI over Columbus Day weekend and I'd be so disappointed if we got bumped -- especially if they couldn't put us somewhere else in the Epcot area. So many of our plans are tied to where we are staying, kwim?

It doesn't happen very often at all. We've stayed over 75 visits now and have only been bumped out twice. Once from A/S Movies to A/S Sports and the second time was Pop to CSR. Though we've been upgraded within our chosen resorts alot.

 

[srferson]

Okay, lets take a different look at your scenario. You have saved three years and were planning on driving 1200 miles to visit WDW. You were staying four nights and this trip was it.....your once in a lifetime. You planned and you researched. You spent hours with yor kids as you planned each aspect of your trip, not the least of which was the resort you wanted to stay in. 5 days before you were hopping in the car you get the call......no room at the Inn. You can stay at a different resort but it is not what you and your family wanted.....but take it or leave it.

You then go to your friendly message board....the place where you already had spent hours discussig DIsney......and tell the folks there how disappointed you were that you got this curve ball. You also ask for advice how to handle it. Would you like it when you get told you are whining?

None of us know this OP's circumstances not should we. We are all entitled to be upset when out plans change through no fault of our own. We are all entitled to discuss those feelings here adn not be ridiculed or be made to fee guilty that we saved for this vacation and now what what we reserved.

We know the fine print. We know the rules. That does not make any of us whiners if we lose the lottery and get that call that changes our plans.

On one of our family trips our flight got changed at the last minute swiping most of our last day with that change. Delta was withing their agreemnent but that did not change my feelings nor did that agreement stop me from discussing the change that they gave us with a manager. It was not acceptable to me, no matter how lucky my family was to be able to afford a plane ticket. The final offer was not what I would have liked but it was better than losing an entire day. That was the ast time I booked a flight with Delta unless no other carrier would fit my schedule or destination. The change I would have accepted. The attitude that I got from them I would not so I spend my money anywhere else if at all possible.

ITA
Important to look at these things from many perspectives before judging. Not always easy, but important.

 

[dzorn]

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.

These threads started month+ before free dining started. They were done to have people try DVC, get the DVC accomidations full and to free up room at the value resorts to allow for more bookings.


Denise in MI

 

[baler31]

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.

If the trip were free I would appreciate it, however the op booked and paid for her trip and expects to receive what she booked. Contracts are only valid until someone challenges them on either side, so no matter the wording in your reservation it can easily be challenged. People are not whining when they pay for something and expect to receive what they have paid for.

However, I would not get upset over it I would simply move to an alternative off site lodging and allow my complaints to be heard after my vacation. A plan changes everything and knowing you have an alternative should Disney not offer your desired resolution should make this fairly stress free.

 

[KELLY]

Glad op got this resolved. But make sure SSR is going to work for your party. Remember a studio has one queen and a pull out sofa. We have stayed there twice in a 1 bedroom when my youngest was a infant. Also be perpared for the very limited QS choices at Artist with minimal seating. It's a very pretty resort but with lots of walking. Both times we were in one of the end building once in Paddock and the other in Congress Park. The one good thing if you are in those sections it don't take long to walk over to DTD for a QS meal.

I know everyone is diffrent but personally I would of just picked on of the allstars.

 

[wdwfan]

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 really happy for you! That's great news! Enjoy SSR!!

 

[mzozzietj]

To the OP, I'm so glad they were able to find you an acceptable room elsewhere. The theming is not necessarily as fun for the kids at SSR but you will have a mini fridge and microwave in the room so perhaps you can even bring back leftovers and enjoy them in the room.

I also found it a lot more relaxing there, less chaotic. While they don't have the wonderful selection of the food court at Pop, they do have the Artist Palette which has a fair variety. Plus, there are whirlpools by the pools at SSR for soaking those sore feet after spending the day walking And, if you need to do laundry, it's free at SSR! Maybe you can even pack less knowing this in advance.

If you are not renting a car it might be worth asking at check-in if they have anything available closer to where the food is located. There are bus stops through the resort.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[jlwhitney]

sounds like this thread needs to be closed now before it gets worse....the situation was resolved and Disney only followed policy and everyone has there own opnions and reactions to changes which means there will never be a conculsion as to what should have/ could have/ would have done.

 

[sjs314]

This thread has really made me stop and think about Disney's reservation system, something I never gave a second thought to once I had my room booked at the resort of my choice(after much thought and consideration)Call me nieve, but it never occured to me that Disney overbooked, the room I just reserved and recieved a confirmation for maybe is not "really" available at all and Disney just took my $$$ and will hold onto it for months, money I gave freely in good faith and yet might find out at a later day I gave them the $$$ for nothing other than the priviledge of staying somewhere on site depending on some over booking error on their part.

You really have to wonder what they are doing with the dining reservations also, probably way overbooking them too

Scarey thought but I know I have read they do overbook Restaurants to make up for no-shows and then when everyone shows up people end up having long waits to get a table

 

[KSDisneyDad]

If the trip were free I would appreciate it, however the op booked and paid for her trip and expects to receive what she booked. Contracts are only valid until someone challenges them on either side, so no matter the wording in your reservation it can easily be challenged. People are not whining when they pay for something and expect to receive what they have paid for.

However, I would not get upset over it I would simply move to an alternative off site lodging and allow my complaints to be heard after my vacation. A plan changes everything and knowing you have an alternative should Disney not offer your desired resolution should make this fairly stress free.

I have no issues with asking about changing rooms to a different resort if you don't like the alternative. What I had an issue with was the All-Star resort bashers who acted like it was the worst resort ever and would never stay there even if it was free. Those are the whiners IMO.

I also put a comment in my original post about the same outcry not applying to the slightly more common "guaranteed connecting room" bait and switch. I guess I'm just a little jaded from the numerous threads about families of 5 or more who have "guaranteed" connecting rooms printed on their reservation and then told they're not available. The support from those on the DIS is usually not there. Those families with "guaranteed" connecting rooms are told repeatedly by other DISers that the reservation said it was technically not a guarantee but a request and that Disney only has to give you a room, not even at that particular resort.

Well now, here's an example of someone not getting a room at their particular resort. All of a sudden, this seems to many to be so wrong of Disney to not give you what you paid for. They did give you want you paid for - they gave you a room at a resort on property. Why doesn't this same "contract rule" also apply to the family of 5 with the "guaranteed" connecting rooms?

For the record, I'd call and complain myself if either of the events happened to me, but if I was unsuccessful in my attempt, I wouldn't say things like "I'd rather not visit WDW than stay at that resort." To me, that's being a bit spoiled and ungrateful.

 

[lisa3635]

So glad this had a happy ending, enjoy SSR!

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

Pfft.... "Forget how lucky we are". What a laugh. You make it sound like Disney gives vacation packages out for free. People who spend that much money on a vacation have a right to a little security in expecting to get what they paid for.

It's not very difficult to be so easy going about a situation you've never been in.

Exactly!!! I don't feel 'fortunate' at all to be visiting Disney. Fortunate implies luck, and my family works very hard for the money to visit. Luck has nothing to do with it. We have put tons of planning into every single trip we make. We choose our resort after careful thought, not just by guessing. So, if Disney were to tell us we had to move, we'd have every reason to be upset (if some of you want to say it's whining, so be it). And, under no circumstances would I be happy with less than what 'I' feel to be fair, not what some of you have said was Disney's 'right'.

That's another point, some of you feel that since Disney pastes a 'right' on a disclaimer that we just have to deal with it and accept the punishment. That's bull. Ball parks put their 'right' not to be sued when a patron is hit by a ball or bat directly on the ticket stub, but people have successfully won those cases for years. If Disney were to pull the 'we have a right to move you' line on us, I would immediately get a refund, and never return. That is my 'right'. Server problem or not, the over-bookings were Disney's fault.

You see, Disney may or may not HAVE to do something to accomodate us, but they DO. If I tell a line of 100 people I'm going to give them $10, then give the first 90 of them $100, it's perfectly reasonable for the last 10 to be upset if I tell them 'Well, I said I was only going to give you $10, so hear ya go.' And it's the same with Disney. Since other posters have said they were upgraded to a deluxe, it's perfectly reasonable for someone to request the same treatment. I don't think it's 'whining' at all.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well with no availability on the web site I would be prepared by having a rental car and a few phone numbers for off property.

Denise in MI

Disney's own site and Orbitz keep locking up my computer, but according to Travelocity there are NO rooms available starting on the 15th; Orbitz did have Saratoga Springs, but when I tried clicking on that option, again, my computer froze.

Hotels.com comes up with nothing. AAA is showing availability at All Star Movies, Coronado Springs, and Fort Wilderness Campgrounds - but of the three, ONLY the campgrounds can be booked online. The other two may not actually be available, the site tells me to call. All the other resorts indicate 'no rooms available'

A lot of people who aren't even affected by this temporary move seem outraged. It's very likely that, yes, because the different resort levels got different dining plans free this year, Disney wants to keep Value resort Guests at Value resorts to give them the best possible opportunity to use their QSDP credits.