Frustrated AP re: codes

[pumpkinfish]

AP codes are bonuses. Yes. I agree with this statement. We buy our APs because we frequent the parks, not because we want the room discount (it helps mind you ).
But the BRP is a privilege to those of us who are AP holders. I know that this is why I am upset (my DH included). We missed the mark the first time around as we were not sure as to when DH would be able to get out of work. Ok, fine. The BRP was just getting into gear during that time anyways and like another poster said it was so frazzling to try and understand it at first! Remember how many questions about the program were being asked here on the boards???

So I digress...We missed our 60 day mark AGAIN because we arrive on the 20th of Oct. I too, will be calling Disney later on to find out what can be done.

 

[frannn]

No free dining, no Best Rate, no Best Rate again. This is getting redundant. I know AP discounts are not guaranteed, but why the big secrecy (sp)? Why keep us waiting on the edge of our seats, tying up the phone lines each morning, jumping through hoops? Is it because they want to "reserve the right" to offer these discounts if the FL residents and Best Rate don't fill all the rooms first? I feel like a little puppy watching my owner eat a big steak, and every time he throws a piece down to me, a dog from a different neighborhood gets to it first. I would like to email WDW, but I had already done so when they first offered Best Rate, and I got the canned response. This definetly messes with the magic I used to feel when planning my WDW vacation, and may in fact push my loyalties elsewhere. I bet even if they do offer AP rates next week, they will be so limited due to FL resident rates going first that they will be unattainable anyway.

 

[MainStreet]

I have no doubt that they will be offered the question is when.

Sure AP rates are "bonuses", but Disney sells their AP's with room discounts listed as one of the benefits and I don't think people are being unreasonable by being disappointed or mad that they have not released them (as of yet). There is always fine print and Disney does not have to offer them, but when people plan their trips, they look at the AP rate histories and plan accordingly. Disney knows full well that many people buy AP's for the AP room discounts.

I think Disney would be best off just being upfront with this issue and release a date for AP rates or a statement saying they are being phased out due to the Best Rate Program. Then people would get over it.

Why is the release date such a secret anyway?

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I have no doubt that they will be offered the question is when.

Sure AP rates are "bonuses", but Disney sells their AP's with room discounts listed as one of the benefits and I don't think people are being unreasonable by being disappointed or mad that they have not released them (as of yet). There is always fine print and Disney does not have to offer them, but when people plan their trips, they look at the AP rate histories and plan accordingly. Disney knows full well that many people buy AP's for the AP room discounts.

I think Disney would be best off just being upfront with this issue and release a date for AP rates or a statement saying they are being phased out due to the Best Rate Program. Then people would get over it.

Why is the release date such a secret anyway?

Actually that benefit is listed as MAY BE available. Not a guarantee.

"Special Resort Rates - A limited number of Passholder rates may be offered periodically at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and select Disney Vacation Club Resorts. Visit disneyworld.com/annualpass or see your Mickey Monitor newsletter for special offers. "

And acutally with the BRP this is EXACTLY what Disney is doing. It doesn't say it has to be offered in a manner in which we all find acceptable.

When I booked my room, I booked a room for a price I was willing to pay WITHOUT discounts. Yes I got a Florida Resident Discount, but I wouldn't have been upset if that discount did not come out.

 

[MaMudduck]

Visit disneyworld.com/annualpass or see your Mickey Monitor newsletter for special offers. "

And acutally with the BRP this is EXACTLY what Disney is doing. It doesn't say it has to be offered in a manner in which we all find acceptable.

I was willing to pay the "non- refunded deposit" of the BRP and because I had booked 9 months prior to going, I figured WDW would honour the best rate amount, again because I booked with all my info back in Feb, before they changed their plan. I don't really care for how they've changed the rates, personally but I was willing to use their new system for the Best rate. When you ask them about it at CRO, WDW travel, and guest services the answer they give you is "because the computer system won't do it"????!!

And AS I said, it's was my "first ever- in my life" complaint Email, soo sorry....please excuse the emotional tone but by that time all rational had all ready been spent on the phone with WDW.

 

[MainStreet]

Actually that benefit is listed as MAY BE available. Not a guarantee.

I never stated it was a guarantee, I said it was not unreasonable to look at the AP rate history and be disappointed that they did not follow that.

I only want the rate for one day anyway because I am a DVC member, so it is not a big deal for me, but I understand why it is a big deal for others, especially for those in the "black hole" dates Oct 4-25.

I love Disney, but am not afraid to say when I am disappointed. It's ok. Some people act as if it is being disloyal. As a matter of fact, Disney often listens to their guests when they do correspond their disappointments. I think the PBR program has been revamped to 60 days because of customer feedback. I emailed them about it and they were responsive.

From my conversation with the Disney Rep I was led to believe there will be AP rates forthcoming, just no specific date as usual.

 

[barbeml]

I am hoping for an AP code for late October, and we have 3 rooms on the line. I understand the disappointment and frustration expressed on these threads...I feel it too. However, I booked at AAA rate because I could afford to and am willing to pay that price.

Disney is a business that responds to market forces. We as consumers respond to marketing tactics. If our response to Disney marketing = less revenue, Disney will adjust accordingly.

The aftermath of 9/11 and the industry-wide travel slump resulted in great discounts that we have all come to EXPECT. As the industry recovers and rooms are filled, we must expect changes.

I have already taken two trips on my first-ever AP (May was a bonus, and yes, we went because we got an AP room discount). The DDE card has already saved me money and Magical Express is another new money saver for us. So I feel I have gotten tremendous value from Disney this year.

It seems as though Disney may be phasing out APs, since so many of the recent deals and incentives have been for non AP holders. So I won't renew my AP (we are taking a break from WDW next year) and I'll watch for other deals.

All that being said, my fingers are still crossed for all of us.

 

[freakylick]

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.

Here we go again.

 

[AmyBiff]

Ok, I'm still a new poster here, but I just don't understand why when someone vents a frustration people have to jump all over them and tell them they're not justified in being frustrated? Just because you may not agree that they should be frustrated doesn't mean you can tell them they have no right to be. It seems to be a pattern on these boards that when someone expresses an emotion, people are quick to flame them. It's just sad. Are people always looking for someone to counter?

Just my two cents.

 

[MainStreet]

Amy,

From a fellow new poster, well said!

Lori

Ok, I'm still a new poster here, but I just don't understand why when someone vents a frustration people have to jump all over them and tell them they're not justified in being frustrated? Just because you may not agree that they should be frustrated doesn't mean you can tell them they have no right to be. It seems to be a pattern on these boards that when someone expresses an emotion, people are quick to flame them. It's just sad. Are people always looking for someone to counter?

Just my two cents.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Ok, I'm still a new poster here, but I just don't understand why when someone vents a frustration people have to jump all over them and tell them they're not justified in being frustrated? Just because you may not agree that they should be frustrated doesn't mean you can tell them they have no right to be. It seems to be a pattern on these boards that when someone expresses an emotion, people are quick to flame them. It's just sad. Are people always looking for someone to counter?

Just my two cents.

There is a big difference between "gee guys, I'm bummed there are no AP rates for my dates" and "OMG! DISNEY is SOOOO UNFAIR!" and people who (more so than the original poster, who only said "it's so unfair") seem to think they are somehow entitled to something that Disney does not promise.

As I said above, "Inconvenient for me because I chose to gamble that a rate would be released or not" is not the same as "it's not fair". Disney did not choose your vacation dates, Disney has no obligation to offer discounts every month of the year. That's why it's a discount.

I'm sorry if my original post offended anyone, but I just stated the facts of the matter. We live in a culture that seems rapt by entitlement, and people get all bent out of shape when they gamble and loose, like they were entitled to the "win". Disney has NEVER said "look at old rates and see what the new ones will be", in fact, as someone posted above (the exact wording from the AP sleeve) that the discounts are limited by both time and availability (i.e. only so many rooms at a time).

So, yes, I do believe people have been spoiled by the fact Disney has offered such extensive discounts the past few years. That's not an insult, but an observation of behavior based on the postings on this topic I have read. People can justify their sense of entitlement until they are blue in the face, but all one needs to do is look at their Annual Pass and you will see Disney's policy on the matter.

The reason I posted is because I believe there is a lesson here. With WDW specificly, plan the vacation you can afford, not the one you hope to afford IF discounts come out. This is called "counting your chickens before they hatch". Many people seem under the false assumption that Disney has an obligation to provide discounts 365 days a year, and it's simply not true.

I fully support people saying they are bummed out they aren't getting a discount, but when people start complaining about "fairness" it simply is not true. With an AP you are entitled to the possibility of a discount if one is available, not a guaruntee of anything. As any veteran will tell you, if you bought an AP simply for unannounced discounts, you made a mistake unless you are a gambler and willing to accept the possibility your risk will not pay off.

That's all.

N.E.D.

 

[n2mm]

NewEnglandDisney--well said! I couldn't said it better if I tried.

 

[Pootle]

Ok, I'm still a new poster here, but I just don't understand why when someone vents a frustration people have to jump all over them and tell them they're not justified in being frustrated? Just because you may not agree that they should be frustrated doesn't mean you can tell them they have no right to be. It seems to be a pattern on these boards that when someone expresses an emotion, people are quick to flame them. It's just sad. Are people always looking for someone to counter?

And I think that people are justified in complaining if, after posting on a public forum, they are answered in a rude or disrespectful manner. If the worst that happens is they get a different point of view, well argued, as has happened in this case, then what's the big deal?

NewEnglandDisney: I totally agree for the second time

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I bet even if they do offer AP rates next week, they will be so limited due to FL resident rates going first that they will be unattainable anyway.

Actually, the FL resident rates came out after AP rates since the Best Rate Program are AP rates, you cannot get the BRP unless you are an AP holder, they are one in the same. I am not happy about this program either, I am an AP holder & FL resident. The rates for the residents weren't even the same as the BRP rates... I think Disney is trying to make up for lost money over the years since 9/11. However, they are aren't up to full swing yet & may be jumping the gun with these new programs. The BRP has already changed several times since it started, that just goes to show it isn't working for Disney as they planned. I for one, hope they do away with it. It is getting worse to get a room at Disney than it is to buy a car with all the haggling that you have to do!

 

[Luvmickey28]

I called last night trying to beg and plead with CM about our "black hole" situatoin... the CM I spoke with said they knew of this situation and was willing to help... Made me a reservation using one of "their codes" and got me a VERY NICE RATE at AKL...... but said that since I was making the reservation through the passholder line (phone), that the balance had to be paid in full, so I did....( was a wonderful rate and who was to question this as they are a CM through the passholder line)....

Needless to say, this was last night at closing time and by the time I was off the phone, it was after 10:00.... so here is the deal...... when I got online through the passholder line to print out my confirmation.... I was charged A WHOOOLLLEEEE LLLLOOOTTTT more.......the amount that I was told that was paid in full, was actually the per room night charge (which I did confirm with CM as the full balance), not only was the price per night, but it was almost 1/3 more than what rack rates would be.....

SO BEWARE IF THE PASSHOLDER LINE TRIES TO HELP WITH THIS "BLACK HOLE" SITUATION

Luckily this morning I was actually able to get my old reservation (AAA) back and Disney refunded the FULL AMOUNT that I had been charged last night for the FULL AMOUNT at AKL....

Voiced my opinion about this incident not only to CM but also their supervisor

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I called last night trying to beg and plead with CM about our "black hole" situatoin... the CM I spoke with said they knew of this situation and was willing to help... Made me a reservation using one of "their codes" and got me a VERY NICE RATE at AKL...... but said that since I was making the reservation through the passholder line (phone), that the balance had to be paid in full, so I did....( was a wonderful rate and who was to question this as they are a CM through the passholder line)....

Needless to say, this was last night at closing time and by the time I was off the phone, it was after 10:00.... so here is the deal...... when I got online through the passholder line to print out my confirmation.... I was charged A WHOOOLLLEEEE LLLLOOOTTTT more.......the amount that I was told that was paid in full, was actually the per room night charge (which I did confirm with CM as the full balance), not only was the price per night, but it was almost 1/3 more than what rack rates would be.....

SO BEWARE IF THE PASSHOLDER LINE TRIES TO HELP WITH THIS "BLACK HOLE" SITUATION

Luckily this morning I was actually able to get my old reservation (AAA) back and Disney refunded the FULL AMOUNT that I had been charged last night for the FULL AMOUNT at AKL....

Voiced my opinion about this incident not only to CM but also their supervisor

OMG!!!! I guess he thought he was going to make a nice commission on a desperate for discount guest. That was uncalled for. Did you get in touch with the supervisor, if so how did they explain what happened????

 

[Luvmickey28]

they had to redo my ressie, get my old one back, and refund all of the money that I had just put down....
Supervisor was none too happy....especially when I informed her that CM had said that he had helped quite a few others with this same problem....
Said that they were going to have a "talk" with CM about this, how far that goes no one will know.. but I do know that they were not really happy with having to give me somewhat of a discount for my october dates because of this person.....
They told me that until the discount hits the boards, that there is not a discount for Mid-October....
They did say that they would have to go back and cheeck all of the ones (ressies) that this CM made over the last day or so, and possibly have to call others to confirm that they were given the correct amount.. so who knows...
They knew that I was not very happy this morning....

 

[Sammie]

OMG!!!! I guess he thought he was going to make a nice commission on a desperate for discount guest. That was uncalled for. Did you get in touch with the supervisor, if so how did they explain what happened????

While the CM should not have handled this the way he did, they don't get commission.

 

[b-1]

Same thing happened to me.

Wanted to get WL and I already had BGR at FQ. I had to pay balance in full (exactly like luvmickey28), confirmed that I was paid in full, checked online and discovered I was charged $517 per night for WL standard.

I called to get FQ back, and was transfered to guest services, FQ standard was all gone so I had to take POR water view ( for more $$ than standard of course) or lose my non refundable deposit!!!

I've spoken to the supervisor and I have emailed but no one has called me back.

I won't try to upgrade to anything no matter how great the deal sounds.

 

[t&csmom]

when you purchase an annual pass that is a years pass to the parks not a guaranteed discount on the rooms. Just getting upset and wanting to speak to supervisors and emailing them rude emails will not get your discount i dont know if you remember in jully they put out ap rates for sept a few weeks before they put out fl rates. SO maybe the rates are still coming you never now. Demanding rates will get you any where and it could possibly end the discount all together