DVC Vero Cancelled

[You DO Have Wings]

Hi, all!

I am a frequent lurker but a first time poster, and I wanted to corroborate that the Vero Beach cancellation issue is indeed real--my upcoming trip was affected by it. (I was also a little disturbed by the suspicion and even disdain shown to the original posters; I hope that those who smugly doubted their honesty will think more carefully before making similar posts in the future...)

My family and some guests of ours had a trip booked for 6/19-6/21 in a 1 BR, and an additional Garden View Inn Room for 6/20. We booked 3 or 4 months ago through Member Services, using points from our AKV contract. On Wednesday of this week, I received a call from Member Services explaining that a "glitch" had resulted in overbooking at the resort--could we be accommodated on a different set of dates, or possibly at a WDW?

I was a little taken aback by the whole situation, but after digesting it somewhat and talking it over with my wife and the guests we were inviting, we agreed to swap out our VB reservation for an equivalent one at Saratoga Springs, along with park tickets and more for everyone in our party. (I won't get into all the details of our compensation, but I though it was MORE than reasonable.)

I honestly would have been equally happy at Vero (we love that resort and try to visit each summer after school gets out), we are just as excited about this replacement trip, and so are our guests. This will just be a different kind of trip. Then again, we are semi-locals who can be pretty flexible with our plans. Although I am somewhat disturbed that this kind of screw-up happened with DVC--we have never experienced anything like it with our many reservations since 2007--I feel they handled it pretty well, all things considered, and we are quite satisfied with the resolution.

Anyway, just thought I'd chime in here as well as defend the original posters, who were entirely accurate in what they said and shouldn't have received such flak simply because this was their first post. (This is MY first post as well, since I specifically created an account to set the record straight, so I guess you can take everything I am saying with a grain of salt, if you wish! )

Thanks for listening--I hope I haven't rubbed too many people the wrong way, and I hope to post again (but probably not too often) in the future.

Cheers!

 

[Sammie]

Hi, all!

I am a frequent lurker but a first time poster, and I wanted to corroborate that the Vero Beach cancellation issue is indeed real--my upcoming trip was affected by it. (I was also a little disturbed by the suspicion and even disdain shown to the original posters; I hope that those who smugly doubted their honesty will think more carefully before making similar posts in the future...)

My family and some guests of ours had a trip booked for 6/19-6/21 in a 1 BR, and an additional Garden View Inn Room for 6/20. We booked 3 or 4 months ago through Member Services, using points from our AKV contract. On Wednesday of this week, I received a call from Member Services explaining that a "glitch" had resulted in overbooking at the resort--could we be accommodated on a different set of dates, or possibly at a WDW?

I was a little taken aback by the whole situation, but after digesting it somewhat and talking it over with my wife and the guests we were inviting, we agreed to swap out our VB reservation for an equivalent one at Saratoga Springs, along with park tickets and more for everyone in our party. (I won't get into all the details of our compensation, but I though it was MORE than reasonable.)

I honestly would have been equally happy at Vero (we love that resort and try to visit each summer after school gets out), we are just as excited about this replacement trip, and so are our guests. This will just be a different kind of trip. Then again, we are semi-locals who can be pretty flexible with our plans. Although I am somewhat disturbed that this kind of screw-up happened with DVC--we have never experienced anything like it with our many reservations since 2007--I feel they handled it pretty well, all things considered, and we are quite satisfied with the resolution.

Anyway, just thought I'd chime in here as well as defend the original posters, who were entirely accurate in what they said and shouldn't have received such flak simply because this was their first post. (This is MY first post as well, since I specifically created an account to set the record straight, so I guess you can take everything I am saying with a grain of salt, if you wish! )

Thanks for listening--I hope I haven't rubbed too many people the wrong way, and I hope to post again (but probably not too often) in the future.

Cheers!

Thanks for sharing, you know you are going to be tortured, for those details, don't blame you I would not tell either.

In our 25 plus years of going, we have had some disasters and the one thing I feel they are consistent with, is that when it is their fault they make it right.

Or I would have stopped going a long time ago.

Hope you have a great time at the World.

 

[CarolMN]

Hi, all!

I am a frequent lurker but a first time poster, and I wanted to corroborate that the Vero Beach cancellation issue is indeed real--my upcoming trip was affected by it. (I was also a little disturbed by the suspicion and even disdain shown to the original posters; I hope that those who smugly doubted their honesty will think more carefully before making similar posts in the future...)

My family and some guests of ours had a trip booked for 6/19-6/21 in a 1 BR, and an additional Garden View Inn Room for 6/20. We booked 3 or 4 months ago through Member Services, using points from our AKV contract. On Wednesday of this week, I received a call from Member Services explaining that a "glitch" had resulted in overbooking at the resort--could we be accommodated on a different set of dates, or possibly at a WDW?

I was a little taken aback by the whole situation, but after digesting it somewhat and talking it over with my wife and the guests we were inviting, we agreed to swap out our VB reservation for an equivalent one at Saratoga Springs, along with park tickets and more for everyone in our party. (I won't get into all the details of our compensation, but I though it was MORE than reasonable.)

I honestly would have been equally happy at Vero (we love that resort and try to visit each summer after school gets out), we are just as excited about this replacement trip, and so are our guests. This will just be a different kind of trip. Then again, we are semi-locals who can be pretty flexible with our plans. Although I am somewhat disturbed that this kind of screw-up happened with DVC--we have never experienced anything like it with our many reservations since 2007--I feel they handled it pretty well, all things considered, and we are quite satisfied with the resolution.

Anyway, just thought I'd chime in here as well as defend the original posters, who were entirely accurate in what they said and shouldn't have received such flak simply because this was their first post. (This is MY first post as well, since I specifically created an account to set the record straight, so I guess you can take everything I am saying with a grain of salt, if you wish! )

Thanks for listening--I hope I haven't rubbed too many people the wrong way, and I hope to post again (but probably not too often) in the future.

Cheers!

Thank you for posting.

From what you and a few others have posted, it appears that Disney is doing /did the best they could under the circumstances. It seems as though they were looking for volunteers to move and offered incentives to them to do so. If those folks end up happy, then all is well, IMO.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Dean]

Hi, all!

I am a frequent lurker but a first time poster, and I wanted to corroborate that the Vero Beach cancellation issue is indeed real--my upcoming trip was affected by it. (I was also a little disturbed by the suspicion and even disdain shown to the original posters; I hope that those who smugly doubted their honesty will think more carefully before making similar posts in the future...)

My family and some guests of ours had a trip booked for 6/19-6/21 in a 1 BR, and an additional Garden View Inn Room for 6/20. We booked 3 or 4 months ago through Member Services, using points from our AKV contract. On Wednesday of this week, I received a call from Member Services explaining that a "glitch" had resulted in overbooking at the resort--could we be accommodated on a different set of dates, or possibly at a WDW?

I was a little taken aback by the whole situation, but after digesting it somewhat and talking it over with my wife and the guests we were inviting, we agreed to swap out our VB reservation for an equivalent one at Saratoga Springs, along with park tickets and more for everyone in our party. (I won't get into all the details of our compensation, but I though it was MORE than reasonable.)

I honestly would have been equally happy at Vero (we love that resort and try to visit each summer after school gets out), we are just as excited about this replacement trip, and so are our guests. This will just be a different kind of trip. Then again, we are semi-locals who can be pretty flexible with our plans. Although I am somewhat disturbed that this kind of screw-up happened with DVC--we have never experienced anything like it with our many reservations since 2007--I feel they handled it pretty well, all things considered, and we are quite satisfied with the resolution.

Anyway, just thought I'd chime in here as well as defend the original posters, who were entirely accurate in what they said and shouldn't have received such flak simply because this was their first post. (This is MY first post as well, since I specifically created an account to set the record straight, so I guess you can take everything I am saying with a grain of salt, if you wish! )

Thanks for listening--I hope I haven't rubbed too many people the wrong way, and I hope to post again (but probably not too often) in the future.

Cheers!

Thanks for the info, you're summary of how it was handled is c/w my expectations and experiences with DVC in the past. I won't ask for details but will ask if they volunteered the options or if you had to negotiate. I also like the way you put it, that they asked if you could be accommodated rather than simply cancelled. IMO, this should be handled similarly to the way airline handle oversold flights, by offering incentives and giving people choices.

However, I think it is interesting that two people had their first post on this thread being affected by this subject. That's simply too big of a coincidence to believe and I'd bet there's more to the story. I also wonder how it was presented to those 2 posters (were they given options up front) because the tone of their posts related to what they were told was dramatically different than yours.

 

[AnnaS]

I am getting a bit confused now between this board and another board I also frequent and enjoy. Does not take much for me

I have read some were moved to the Poly, given the Dining Plan and park tickets - seems fair. I do not own at Vero - if I had a Vero reservation - 7 month/waiting list, I would still like the option of getting a secured reservation in the future (even if I had to use my points since it is hard to get during this time if one does not own here).

I would and feel confident that Disney would make and has made a reasonable offer. Of course - one can still feel disappointed and/or livid everyone's situation and tolerance is different - you plan, plan and then your are thrown a curve ball.

I hope everyone enjoys their new "destination" - I would

 

[ELMC]

I have to say, I would be more than happy to move from VB to Disney if it included free park tickets and dining plan. That's a real "free" dining. But I can understand how others (especially super planners) would be upset.

As for questioning the credibility of the posters, in today's age of message boards I think it is valid. Since we don't know the people on here personally, it is hard to determine credibility. The best way to do so is based on history. Dean, with his 20,000 posts, gets an immediate benefit of the doubt because of the reputation he has built. Others, such as myself, who have fewer posts are working to build that credibility. But in the absence of any true verification procedure, track record is the best thing we have to go on when making determinations about the people who are posting. Yes, questioning someone's credibility can make for an unpleasant experience, but the job of any reader in any format is to consider the credibility of the source. I alluded to this when I posted that I responded to the OP with respect but based my actions on the fact that it was their first post and it contained very few details or supporting evidence.

The fact of the matter is that there are people out there who get their thrills from starting a new account, posting something blasphemous, and getting everyone all worked up. So I think it is ok to press people for details or evidence when it is suspected that this might be the case. Doing so respectfully would be nice (which I think it was in this case).

 

[kylmac]

Just glad Disney is taking care of you! Hope you enjoy Vero Beach-we want to go just haven't decided when.
Take care-Elizabeth

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I am getting a bit confused now between this board and another board I also frequent and enjoy. Does not take much for me

I have read some were moved to the Poly, given the Dining Plan and park tickets - seems fair. I do not own at Vero - if I had a Vero reservation - 7 month/waiting list, I would still like the option of getting a secured reservation in the future (even if I had to use my points since it is hard to get during this time if one does not own here).

I would and feel confident that Disney would make and has made a reasonable offer. Of course - one can still feel disappointed and/or livid everyone's situation and tolerance is different - you plan, plan and then your are thrown a curve ball.

I hope everyone enjoys their new "destination" - I would

A guess is that those who are being moved and were paying cash are being moved to Disney hotels with availability. And those who were on points are being moved to DVC resorts with availability. I haven't paid attention but if this is also a free dining time then maybe that's why the cash guests were given that?

 

[living20057]

Im not sure about computer systems, but I plan to vacation some where. That is where I want to be, and if you tell me I dont have any where to stay after paying for nonrefundableexpensive plane tickets, I wouldnt be satisifed with staying 100 miles away.

 

[luv2sleep]

Im not sure about computer systems, but I plan to vacation some where. That is where I want to be, and if you tell me I dont have any where to stay after paying for nonrefundableexpensive plane tickets, I wouldnt be satisifed with staying 100 miles away.

I agree. However, if I could come and go out of the same airport and get free transportation then I'd be ok.

 

[Dean]

Im not sure about computer systems, but I plan to vacation some where. That is where I want to be, and if you tell me I dont have any where to stay after paying for nonrefundableexpensive plane tickets, I wouldnt be satisifed with staying 100 miles away.

Other than make a fuss, what would your alternatives be. You would have no power to force them to do anything.

 

[Sammie]

Have to agree with Dean, if you are that inflexible you must not travel much.

Things happen, as long as I feel they are sincerely trying to make it right, I am ok with it.

It would be small stuff to me.

 

[Sammie]

I have to say, I would be more than happy to move from VB to Disney if it included free park tickets and dining plan. That's a real "free" dining. But I can understand how others (especially super planners) would be upset.

As for questioning the credibility of the posters, in today's age of message boards I think it is valid. Since we don't know the people on here personally, it is hard to determine credibility. The best way to do so is based on history. Dean, with his 20,000 posts, gets an immediate benefit of the doubt because of the reputation he has built. Others, such as myself, who have fewer posts are working to build that credibility. But in the absence of any true verification procedure, track record is the best thing we have to go on when making determinations about the people who are posting. Yes, questioning someone's credibility can make for an unpleasant experience, but the job of any reader in any format is to consider the credibility of the source. I alluded to this when I posted that I responded to the OP with respect but based my actions on the fact that it was their first post and it contained very few details or supporting evidence.

The fact of the matter is that there are people out there who get their thrills from starting a new account, posting something blasphemous, and getting everyone all worked up. So I think it is ok to press people for details or evidence when it is suspected that this might be the case. Doing so respectfully would be nice (which I think it was in this case).

Well said and not just the number of posts but the length of time on the forum. Some have been around for years, but are basically pretty quiet.

 

[papamouse1]

Just to add a little more to the "compensation rights" concerns, I worked for awhile in the Reservation Center for a major hotel chain. I served as a floor manager and then later in the customer service (complaint) department.

When there is an error created by the company themselves, even though it may seem reasonable that they would be legally obligated to compensate you, the truth is they do not. We were required to attempt to satisfy the customer in any way that was within our power... it only makes sense to try and keep your client happy. However, I can tell in all the complaint resolutions I handled over the years, we never placed them in a hotel we didn't have a working relationship with (another namebrand within our chain) and we never reimbursed airfare... never.

Having handled hundreds of cases over the years where we dropped the ball, it made me sick for them every time. And much like this incident, there were usually a lot of heated words from the client filled with threats of legal pursuits, etc. Then after calming down, we almost always found an amicable way to accommodate them with reasonable perks to compensate them for their inconvenience.

I certainly hope everyone affected by this error is able to adapt and will receive true "Disney" style compensation... magical & more than enough

 

[AnnaS]

A guess is that those who are being moved and were paying cash are being moved to Disney hotels with availability. And those who were on points are being moved to DVC resorts with availability. I haven't paid attention but if this is also a free dining time then maybe that's why the cash guests were given that?

Makes a lot of sense too Kathy.

 

[goofyforwdw]

Well count me lucky I am one of the six .i have been a DVC member since 1996 and used points and booked online.
I am local and had booked one night as a beach get away for hubby and I
Got the call Wednesday and since it was only one night we were Able to rebook one week earlier . Original date was June 21 now going june14 .was offer to rebook at the world or if they had too upgrade to a bigger room. Cast member was great and it worked out . Things happen but if I had airline ticket I would not be happy. All in all it worked out now let's just hope for sunny weather

 

[ELMC]

Just to add a little more to the "compensation rights" concerns, I worked for awhile in the Reservation Center for a major hotel chain. I served as a floor manager and then later in the customer service (complaint) department.

When there is an error created by the company themselves, even though it may seem reasonable that they would be legally obligated to compensate you, the truth is they do not. We were required to attempt to satisfy the customer in any way that was within our power... it only makes sense to try and keep your client happy. However, I can tell in all the complaint resolutions I handled over the years, we never placed them in a hotel we didn't have a working relationship with (another namebrand within our chain) and we never reimbursed airfare... never.

Having handled hundreds of cases over the years where we dropped the ball, it made me sick for them every time. And much like this incident, there were usually a lot of heated words from the client filled with threats of legal pursuits, etc. Then after calming down, we almost always found an amicable way to accommodate them with reasonable perks to compensate them for their inconvenience.

I certainly hope everyone affected by this error is able to adapt and will receive true "Disney" style compensation... magical & more than enough

Thanks for the insight. That's interesting about the airfare. In this case, VB is only 2 hours from WDW, so the option to fly into VB and then procure some other form of transport to WDW is definitely possible. Plus, if what others are saying is accurate, free dining plus free park tickets are worth $100 per person per day. I think this would more than compensate for the cost of a rental car.

The only thing they can't really compensate you for is the change in mentality it takes to go from a beach vacation to a WDW vacation. I guess this is where it is important to be flexible. For me personally, I think the bonus of all the freebies would help put me in the right mindset.

 

[RabFlmom]

Thanks for the insight. That's interesting about the airfare. In this case, VB is only 2 hours from WDW, so the option to fly into VB and then procure some other form of transport to WDW is definitely possible. Plus, if what others are saying is accurate, free dining plus free park tickets are worth $100 per person per day. I think this would more than compensate for the cost of a rental car.

The only thing they can't really compensate you for is the change in mentality it takes to go from a beach vacation to a WDW vacation. I guess this is where it is important to be flexible. For me personally, I think the bonus of all the freebies would help put me in the right mindset.

Actually VB does not have a commercial airport. Most people fly into Orlando to get there. Could fly into Melbourne but flights are limited and much more expensive than going into Orlando. And if renting a car to get to VB originally anyway, maybe they could even do a beach day on their own from Orlando. Won't be the same as the Disney Resort-nothing on the Beach is Disney but there, but it would still be fun. Or possibly maybe Disney could be persuaded to compensate the effected guests by using one of their CMs to drive one of the Disney vans to VBR for the day to use the amenities there.

 

[Dean]

Actually VB does not have a commercial airport. Most people fly into Orlando to get there. Could fly into Melbourne but flights are limited and much more expensive than going into Orlando. And if renting a car to get to VB originally anyway, maybe they could even do a beach day on their own from Orlando. Won't be the same as the Disney Resort-nothing on the Beach is Disney but there, but it would still be fun. Or possibly maybe Disney could be persuaded to compensate the effected guests by using one of their CMs to drive one of the Disney vans to VBR for the day to use the amenities there.

Some fly into the Palm Beach Airport as well.

 

[robinb]

Have to agree with Dean, if you are that inflexible you must not travel much.

Things happen, as long as I feel they are sincerely trying to make it right, I am ok with it.

It would be small stuff to me.

Sammie, I travel A LOT. I have been to nearly every state in the US and many international destinations including every Disney park in the world. I just sent in a renewal for my 3rd passport for a planned trip to Amsterdam and France. You do need to be flexible and "go with the flow" when traveling. However, I do not consider canceling someone's beach vacation and walking them over 100 miles to be "small stuff". People are allowed to be upset and they are allowed to "make a fuss" and they are allowed to negotiate the best compensation they can for their inconvenience. It appears that most people are OK with being moved so I guess it's working out for them to their satisfaction.