February 2014

[cfriend416]

Whoa. So I just called the number on Disney's website for theme park questions for future visits (407-939-2273) to ask about park hours. It rang once then went straight to a CM, which surprised me. When I asked when Feb hours would be out, he said since they do 6 mos in advance, it should be now or very soon. He said he'd check for me so I have him my dates. I got ready with pen and paper thinking I might actually get somewhere! But nothing showed up in the system. I then asked if there was anyone he could ask about when they would be out. He said no, there would be no one else who would know. So I asked if a supervisor would know, and he said no again. At this point he got kind of nervous and stammer-y, going on about how the park hours used to be released farther in advance and then "something happened in the business" and "there was a lot of turmoil" and "things can change at any time" and now park hours are only released "5 to 6 months in advance." So he went from saying 6 months, to 5-6 months.

Read into it what you will, I found the conversation a little odd. I could have straight out asked to speak to a supervisor but I had a feeling it wouldn't get me anywhere. But if others have more luck, please share!

 

[Kathy Z]

Whoa. So I just called the number on Disney's website for theme park questions for future visits (407-939-2273) to ask about park hours. It rang once then went straight to a CM, which surprised me. When I asked when Feb hours would be out, he said since they do 6 mos in advance, it should be now or very soon. He said he'd check for me so I have him my dates. I got ready with pen and paper thinking I might actually get somewhere! But nothing showed up in the system. I then asked if there was anyone he could ask about when they would be out. He said no, there would be no one else who would know. So I asked if a supervisor would know, and he said no again. At this point he got kind of nervous and stammer-y, going on about how the park hours used to be released farther in advance and then "something happened in the business" and "there was a lot of turmoil" and "things can change at any time" and now park hours are only released "5 to 6 months in advance." So he went from saying 6 months, to 5-6 months.

Read into it what you will, I found the conversation a little odd. I could have straight out asked to speak to a supervisor but I had a feeling it wouldn't get me anywhere. But if others have more luck, please share!

Thanks for posting but I sure don't like the sound of this.

 

[11point5]

Whoa. So I just called the number on Disney's website for theme park questions for future visits (407-939-2273) to ask about park hours. It rang once then went straight to a CM, which surprised me. When I asked when Feb hours would be out, he said since they do 6 mos in advance, it should be now or very soon. He said he'd check for me so I have him my dates. I got ready with pen and paper thinking I might actually get somewhere! But nothing showed up in the system. I then asked if there was anyone he could ask about when they would be out. He said no, there would be no one else who would know. So I asked if a supervisor would know, and he said no again. At this point he got kind of nervous and stammer-y, going on about how the park hours used to be released farther in advance and then "something happened in the business" and "there was a lot of turmoil" and "things can change at any time" and now park hours are only released "5 to 6 months in advance." So he went from saying 6 months, to 5-6 months.

Read into it what you will, I found the conversation a little odd. I could have straight out asked to speak to a supervisor but I had a feeling it wouldn't get me anywhere. But if others have more luck, please share!

Weeeeiiiirddd!! Wonder what's going on..
Thanks for sharing your phone experience!

 

[Winterbell]

Past my 180 day mark. I still can't get reservations for via Napoli or la hacienda which is weird. The hours for February aren't out yet which is weird and people are having weird conversations with CMs...WEIRD!!!
You can get fantasmic dinner packages until Jan. 31st but not for February 1st. So, what is going on??? Oddly, I couldn't see Spirit of Aloha dates online but when I called, the CM was able to get me reservations.

 

[cfriend416]

What if they're going to close like a whole park or something in February??? I know that really wouldn't happen, but I'm getting a little paranoid!

 

[want2bminnie]

I am getting a little paranoid too. I have been checking for availability for rooms on their website and it is showing mostly unavailable for February. I am hoping it is just a glitch in their website.

Otherwise, I may not be able to book a room!!!

 

[cfriend416]

I am getting a little paranoid too. I have been checking for availability for rooms on their website and it is showing mostly unavailable for February. I am hoping it is just a glitch in their website.

Otherwise, I may not be able to book a room!!!

Have you checked rooms for January? Because I believe the "unavailable" thing is what happens when the system is down, and it has been lately. So if January says unavailable then it's just the dumb Disney system. We're booked for the end of February, so they are taking reservations!

 

[Winterbell]

I am getting a little paranoid too. I have been checking for availability for rooms on their website and it is showing mostly unavailable for February. I am hoping it is just a glitch in their website.

Otherwise, I may not be able to book a room!!!

Being from Canada, I only have access to the old site which by the sound of things works much better than the new one. In any case, I see lots of availability. Would you like me to check specific date/resort combos for you?

 

[taterheads]

What if they're going to close like a whole park or something in February??? I know that really wouldn't happen, but I'm getting a little paranoid!

Yikes! Y'all are freaking me out! I'm supposed to make ADR Monday so I thought I'd see if they finally posted hours. This kind of talk is scaring me though! I think it is just their system crapping out. Hopefully it'll get fixed soon! Trying to take a deep breath and not let the speculation kill my magical planning vibes!

 

[cfriend416]

Yikes! Y'all are freaking me out! I'm supposed to make ADR Monday so I thought I'd see if they finally posted hours. This kind of talk is scaring me though! I think it is just their system crapping out. Hopefully it'll get fixed soon! Trying to take a deep breath and not let the speculation kill my magical planning vibes!

I was thinking maybe it was just the system since it's been screwy lately, but even if it was, you'd think CM's would be aware of it and that they would at least know park hours by now. I don't know.

My best guess (and I'm no expert, so it's just a guess) is that all the My Magic + and Fast Pass + crap will be going live starting in February, so the delay has something to do with that. I'd be kinda bummed if that's the case, because I was hoping it would either come out after February, or well before it so that all the kinks would be worked out by our trip. But we're arriving the 22nd so hopefully if it starts Feb 1st things will be running somewhat smoothly by then...

 

[taterheads]

I was thinking maybe it was just the system since it's been screwy lately, but even if it was, you'd think CM's would be aware of it and that they would at least know park hours by now. I don't know.

My best guess (and I'm no expert, so it's just a guess) is that all the My Magic + and Fast Pass + crap will be going live starting in February, so the delay has something to do with that. I'd be kinda bummed if that's the case, because I was hoping it would either come out after February, or well before it so that all the kinks would be worked out by our trip. But we're arriving the 22nd so hopefully if it starts Feb 1st things will be running somewhat smoothly by then...

Yeah, I am guessing that is it too. I could care less about EMH I just want to make sure I get a before the park opens CP ADR so we can get pics of the castle with out all the crowds. Funny enough though- I am actually kind of excited about the Magic band system. I like the idea of it anyway. The practical application seems to be quite an issue though doesn't it?! Hopefully all the bugs will be worked out by Feb. I just keep following Magic Band/ Fast Pass+ reviews to see how its all working out. I think it's just this testing phase they are doing right now that is messing stuff up. Guess we'll see! Hopefully planning my ADRs on Monday won't be a nightmare.

 

[cfriend416]

Yeah, I am guessing that is it too. I could care less about EMH I just want to make sure I get a before the park opens CP ADR so we can get pics of the castle with out all the crowds. Funny enough though- I am actually kind of excited about the Magic band system. I like the idea of it anyway. The practical application seems to be quite an issue though doesn't it?! Hopefully all the bugs will be worked out by Feb. I just keep following Magic Band/ Fast Pass+ reviews to see how its all working out. I think it's just this testing phase they are doing right now that is messing stuff up. Guess we'll see! Hopefully planning my ADRs on Monday won't be a nightmare.

The only reason I like EMH is that they attract people to one park so that the others are less busy. I agree about needing to get CP before park opening - it's magical! This trip we're going to try for an early Chef Mickey's ADR so we can still make rope drop at MK or even Epcot that day.

My biggest issue with the new system is the probable limit of 3 FP's per day and no using the old system. We're definitely a FP family and we milk it for all it's worth. It's rare that we would use only 3 FP's in a day.

Good luck with your ADR's! Fortunately my 180+10 isn't until 8/26 so there's still plenty of time for them to get the hours out (and Josh at EasyWDW to make his calendar!).

 

[want2bminnie]

Being from Canada, I only have access to the old site which by the sound of things works much better than the new one. In any case, I see lots of availability. Would you like me to check specific date/resort combos for you?

Thanks so much for offering. I really think something is going on though. I sometimes check hotels.com because they often show different availability/prices. When I checked them today, there was no availability for any of the weekends in February at ANY of the WDW resorts except Dolphin and Swan. So the problem is definitely not the Disney website.

I am hoping that these issues do have something to do with either the magicband thing or the fact thay they are 6 months away. My ideal dates are 2/7 through 2/11 at a value resort. I think they did show availability for ASMu, but for something like $253 per night.....lol, i may as well stay at Wilderness Lodge for that price!! I guess I will keep checking and hope that things open up as it gets closer.

And of course, I will be checking in here with you guys because I get my best information here

 

[cfriend416]

Thanks so much for offering. I really think something is going on though. I sometimes check hotels.com because they often show different availability/prices. When I checked them today, there was no availability for any of the weekends in February at ANY of the WDW resorts except Dolphin and Swan. So the problem is definitely not the Disney website.

I am hoping that these issues do have something to do with either the magicband thing or the fact thay they are 6 months away. My ideal dates are 2/7 through 2/11 at a value resort. I think they did show availability for ASMu, but for something like $253 per night.....lol, i may as well stay at Wilderness Lodge for that price!! I guess I will keep checking and hope that things open up as it gets closer.

And of course, I will be checking in here with you guys because I get my best information here

Have you tried just calling Disney to book?

 

[Winterbell]

Thanks so much for offering. I really think something is going on though. I sometimes check hotels.com because they often show different availability/prices. When I checked them today, there was no availability for any of the weekends in February at ANY of the WDW resorts except Dolphin and Swan. So the problem is definitely not the Disney website.

I am hoping that these issues do have something to do with either the magicband thing or the fact thay they are 6 months away. My ideal dates are 2/7 through 2/11 at a value resort. I think they did show availability for ASMu, but for something like $253 per night.....lol, i may as well stay at Wilderness Lodge for that price!! I guess I will keep checking and hope that things open up as it gets closer.

And of course, I will be checking in here with you guys because I get my best information here

I just checked and the only thing available for that period is a family suite. I think there is a cheer competition that week-end and they usually stay at value resorts...maybe that's why? Good luck with your reservations!

 

[cfriend416]

I just checked and the only thing available for that period is a family suite. I think there is a cheer competition that week-end and they usually stay at value resorts...maybe that's why? Good luck with your reservations!

There are nearly 9000 value rooms in total so I don't think they typically sell out 6 months in advance, even if there is an event going on. But I could be wrong. I'm still leaning towards something being up with the system.

 

[cfriend416]

Thanks so much for offering. I really think something is going on though. I sometimes check hotels.com because they often show different availability/prices. When I checked them today, there was no availability for any of the weekends in February at ANY of the WDW resorts except Dolphin and Swan. So the problem is definitely not the Disney website.

I am hoping that these issues do have something to do with either the magicband thing or the fact thay they are 6 months away. My ideal dates are 2/7 through 2/11 at a value resort. I think they did show availability for ASMu, but for something like $253 per night.....lol, i may as well stay at Wilderness Lodge for that price!! I guess I will keep checking and hope that things open up as it gets closer.

And of course, I will be checking in here with you guys because I get my best information here

Just wanted to let you know that when I searched your dates just now for 2 adults, 2 kids (I don't know your actual party size) I saw availability for regular rooms in all the values except ASMu. Check it out!

 

[taterheads]

Thanks so much for offering. I really think something is going on though. I sometimes check hotels.com because they often show different availability/prices. When I checked them today, there was no availability for any of the weekends in February at ANY of the WDW resorts except Dolphin and Swan. So the problem is definitely not the Disney website.

I am hoping that these issues do have something to do with either the magicband thing or the fact thay they are 6 months away. My ideal dates are 2/7 through 2/11 at a value resort. I think they did show availability for ASMu, but for something like $253 per night.....lol, i may as well stay at Wilderness Lodge for that price!! I guess I will keep checking and hope that things open up as it gets closer.

And of course, I will be checking in here with you guys because I get my best information here

I just checked and it shows rooms at ALL value resorts. Disney online has gone wonky since they started this last set of testing. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. You can try again or just call the reservation hotline and avoid the computer all together! I highly suggest that option anyway because Sunday would be your 180 days for ADR so you could call to make sure you get your room and don't miss your ADR date. Just a suggestion. My ADR date is Monday and I am going to try online and phone because Disney online reservations just can't be trusted at the moment. hope you have better luck!

 

[want2bminnie]

Have you tried just calling Disney to book?

Not yet, still browsing. I guess I will call when I am ready to book and hope for the best.

 

[want2bminnie]

I just checked and the only thing available for that period is a family suite. I think there is a cheer competition that week-end and they usually stay at value resorts...maybe that's why? Good luck with your reservations!

I saw the same thing as you did.
Thank You for checking!!