Frustrated AP re: codes

[all4kids]

Really frustrated re: what happened today re: the FL codes and the change of the BRP to 60 days. It is so not fair to those of us traveling to WDW from 10/4 to 10/25. I sent the following to WDW via the contact us section of the Passholder website:

I am not sure if this is the right place to vent some frustration or not but here I go. I am an annual passholder for the 3rd time and plan on visiting WDW during the time frame of 10/15 to 10/21. I have been watching your special offers with respect to room discounts to annual passholders for the past 3 weeks. I noticed the Best Rate program but at that time it had required a 120 day in advance purchase and my visit dates did not fall within that window. I now see that there is a 60 day window available and again my dates do not fit in that window. It is not fair to those annual passholders that plan on making a trip to WDW between 10/4 and 10/25. They are really getting left out in the cold, so to speak! I would appreciate a reply with your thoughts.

 

[AmyBiff]

I'd be interested to see how (if) they respond. I was booked way more than 120 days in advance of my vacation, but unfortunately missed the 120 day window when they announced the new program. (I'm going on Oct 15th).

 

[snowmouse]

The bgr didn't unveil on time for the early to mid Oct people anyway. I think it unveiled 120 days prior to either Oct 15 or 16 and then spent the next few days up and down with glitches. Most of us were in such a state of confusion we couldn't begin to make reservations on the very first or even first few days of the plan, and if you were planning arrival from Oct 4-14 nothing including bgr at the 120 or 60 day mark has NEVER even been available. Now they roll out codes for FL residents ahead of AP holders (different than what we have come to expect). Are they really trying to tick us off? I know for one, they have really ticked off this mouse!!

 

[4orm]

Thank you! Please let us know how they respond. We are splitting our stay, and we are too in the black hole of my promos. Oct 6 is our check in at the Contemp.

 

[BrerRabbit28]

All4kids...we're going the 14th to the 21st and we are also AP holders who cannot get a good rate...we live in Ct. and have been to Disney World 27 times since 1992 as well as 6 times to Disney Land...seems like we would get some kind of brand loyalty discount...

on another note, the first time we went to Disney Land with our AP's i had quite the shock...fly 3,000 miles, all set to enter the parks, then wham!!!! Disney World AP's are not accepted at Disney Land...i thought it was a joke...my Sheraton points are accepted at all Sheraton hotels and my Health insurance covers me everywhere but the House of Mouse wants you to buy two AP's...didn't realize there is an East & West coast AP......whatever...i've learned to breathe deeply at times like those...

 

[MaMudduck]

Really frustrated re: what happened today re: the FL codes and the change of the BRP to 60 days. It is so not fair to those of us traveling to WDW from 10/4 to 10/25. I sent the following to WDW via the contact us section of the Passholder website:

Following your example I just sent an email to them too:

 

[SqueakyMouse]

I'm equally frustrated. We were planning on going the week of Oct. 8th. If Disney doesn't release decent rates for our fall break, we're heading to the beach instead.

 

[MinnieM21]

Thank you for writing to Disney. I'm interested in seeing how they respond. I completely agree with you on this.
We already have reservations at the Grand Floridian and arrive on October 25th. This is 60 days out from today but the Grand Floridian is completely booked which doesn't give us the option of rebooking and using the Best Rate Program. Now we just have to wait and see if any AP rates come out.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

AP rates are bonuses, not entitlements. They are in no way promised to be constantly available.

When I see people shouting about "it's not fair", it just makes no sense. It's only been the last few years that AP rates have been so readily available during most seasons, and I think it's spoiled some people who don't understand that the discount is not 24 hours a day/365 days a year. "Inconvenient for me because I counted my chickens before they hatched" is not unfair.

If the discounts aren't available when you book, don't just expect them to be. If it happens, it's a nice benefit, but in no way guarunteed. Your pass entitles you to theme park admission and certain discounts as laid out in the promotional materials - which clearly states that room codes are only available when Disney decides and then they are limited.

N.E.D.

 

[DebbieB]

2 years ago I booked air on the assumption that there would be AP rates in September. There were none and I had to "settle" for a AAA rate. Stuff happens sometimes.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I agree about viewing an AP rate as a bonus, but I still feel left out!!! I am also one of the October AP "Black Hole" Club with my dates of Oct 17-23. I just got it approved by my supervisor at work, so it's set in stone. But now I realize I could get the discount if I move the trip one week later, and if I book it this instant!! But I would be pushing things if I bothered my supervisor to change the dates, so I am stuck.

It's about a 300 dollar difference for a mod versus rack rate for a six night stay. Sigh.

 

[MaMudduck]

AP rates are bonuses, not entitlements. They are in no way promised to be constantly available.

It's not about "fair" or entitlements: it has to do with the fact that prior to June 17- the rates didn't go that far (passed Oct 4) then when they announce the 120 day BRP. ( Even if i booked the day it was released I still wouldn't have got my dates)- I even called them about it.

Then to add injury to insult to decide to shorten the date from 120 days to 60 days......why didn't they decide that AUG. 5 verses today? Now actually making it a bigger window of lost this time. Now people have received AP rates for the passed 2+ years, and can now receive BRP or AP plan until Feb 2006, with the exception of anyone wanting to go Oct. 5-25th ( or 15th even at the shortest end of the scale).

I wasn't even going to worry about it (that I didn't get it at 120 days...even though I booked it in Feb. paid a deposit, left both my AAA & annual pass # with them on file.) and now I'm still not going to get the rate????!!!- when they changed it again, UNBELIEVEABLE! Never for one minute would I have believed planning with CRO that far in advance would end up costing me more that if I'd booked last minute.

 

[Magicaltimes]

I wrote Disney a month ago...Explaining my frustrations and questioning why they left out the dates from Oct 4th thru the 15th...I got the standard Disney Reply but do not really Reply answer. They explained that discounts are random and decisions to have them or not could change without notice. The reasoning behind the best rate program was not an intentional neglect to those dates. What ever that means. I wrote back and said thank you for the non reply, reply and not answering my questions. I am so tired of getting up and searching for codes. If the codes are only going to be offered on BRP my DH and I are going to rethink our AP's. We have been loyal for many many years. This has been the most frustrating thing we have been thru with booking. I have even had a CM from another web forum that said you are lucky if we will get a rate this year. I guess I have vented enough...Any one else. I have a headache!

 

[Pootle]

AP rates are bonuses, not entitlements. They are in no way promised to be constantly available.

When I see people shouting about "it's not fair", it just makes no sense.

I do so agree!!

 

[n2mm]

I do so agree!!

I also agree....AP holder since 1995.

 

[Luvmickey28]

I fall into that black hole as well..... we are going from the 17th til the 23rd..... we keep missing the cut off date.... called Disney last night and said that they couldn't help me.... but did suggest that I call the passholders line and #1- either complain very heavily or #2- beg and plead...... either way, I will be calling this morning, hopefully start out with #2 and if that doesn't get me anywhere, then move onto #1....
They should have at least extended the date back to 10-4-05 where the cut off way....

 

[lilkitty819]

Hi
I sent Disney an e-mail about 3 weeks ago, because I bought an AP with will call before they changed the discount rating system. The reply I have gotten has been pretty standard, at first the replier didn't even understand the question about the will call then I explained a little more and they were sending it to customer service no reply from them yet This is the second problem I've had with trying to get answers from Disney in the pass year the other one was complaint that happened on the cruise. No reply from them either and yes I have made phone calls with getting the standard reply and never received a phone call back. I'm a very easy going person but Disney has me about at the boiling point with them. I just wish I didn't get so much enjoyment from them most of the time. Oh well I'll just cross my finger and hope for the best for everyone. Good Luck

 

[Magicaltimes]

Should I just go for the AAA discount and hope for an AP discount? Because our hopes for AP rates is becoming more and more non existant. I at least want it a little cheaper....Last night I was just a little frustrated and snapped after a long day at work and my hopes then crushed at home, when there were no AP rates for my dates (again)....I could never give up my APs. I love Disney too much. My DH and I both do.

 

[psncarrots]

ok....i agree that AP codes are a bonus....BUT, i never thought you got anything unusually great by being an AP besides what you pay for (getting in the park). i mean, 10% at selected stores (and I do mean selected!).
i KNOW that's what you pay for....unlimited entrances to the parks, but come on! Our family lives about 7 hours away and go about 6 times a year.
We actually brought two families (of 4, each) with us in July and talked them BOTH into getting AP's.
i just think when you are SO loyal (i, too, have never been to sea world, universal, etc) and ALWAYS speak so highly about WDW, etc. we should be appreciated a little bit more!

don't get me wrong, i LOVE WDW, i've just never been so disappointed!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Following your example I just sent the following email to them too:

"This is UNBELIEVEABLE what you are doing the annual passholders. First you changed on July 15/05 to the stupid 120 day "Best Rate Plan" and NOW, today changed it to 60 days. Do you realize you have left anyone traveling from Oct 5th-25th, without discounts because of your windows of change over! What that means to MY trip (that has been booked since FEB 2005 with CRO), for OCT. 7-22 falls into a "BLACK-HOLE", of your own creation. To us loyal Walt Disney World visitors (this is my 8th trip), this is a slap in the face.

I love WDW, and the resorts, I stay on-site (and have NEVER even been to Sea World, Universal, or Busch Gardens). We eat in all the WDW restaurants and I was even planning on staying concierge this time. My loyalties to you now feel like they have been violated and betrayed." (end email)

I also had a call from my TA, she also spoke to 6 different people at WDW/CRO/ Guest Relations and got the Royal run around from them too.
I also sent her a copy of the email.

Boy the first ever- in my life, nasty letter and it had to be to WDW...i'm so dissapointed

As one who sometimes deals with complaints, I will tell you this is NOT THE WAY to write a complaint letter. If you want a rational response you need to write a rational letter. Never show emotions. Just write the facts.