Had an interesting response from CRO

[TigrLvsPooh]

I called CRO to cancel our reservation at the YC. The CM asked me what the reason was and I told her we got a much better rate at the Swan and decided to give it a try. She asked me to "hold on" while she checked to "see what she could do". When she came back on the line she offered a lower rate for the YC but it still wasn't close to our rate at the Swan so I told her thanks but no thanks. She seemed sort of disappointed, so I told her I can imagine Disney doesn't like getting beat on rates for a hotel that's right on their property. She said "well, I can't comment on that".

I wonder if Disney will realize how much business they lose to the S/D?? This will be our first stay there, but if we enjoy it I'm sure we'll be back. The location is great and the Mickey soap and room charging really doesn't mean much to us anyway. If I was Disney I would match the S/D rates for the YC/BC/BWI. Or at least make them really close.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Oh, and I just noticed I'm in the single digits!!!!

 

[wdwnut61]

TigrLvsPooh,

Good for you. We found ourselves in the same boat. We also booked the great AP rate at the Swan. This will be our first time staying at a non- Disney resort. I love the Boardwalk area as well, we have stayed at the BWI and the location can't be beat. I just can't see spending more than double when we'll be in the same location. The Swan and Dolphin are beautiful hotels. Please post when you return with all the details

Have a great time

 

[patsal]

Erica,
I can't wait to hear allthe details as I will most likely be doing the same next summer. I can't see paying the MUCH higher price for the same area, and with kids Tubbi's is open 24 hours so it beats the heck out of all of Disney's current food service hours. Have fun!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Good for you !! Hey I know they say your guranteed an AP rate but thats why people buy them be serious !
Im not surprised though alot of people have made ressies at swan and dolphin on top of others while they wait for AP rates
i dont understand what Disney is waiting for? they are so not helping themselves
I have seen posts here and other places and people are switching everyday

 

[Alicnwondrln]

yeah i need to learn to spell and I meant not guranteed ! sorry

 

[clutter]

So.... maybe those of us waiting for AP rates should book, then cancel in a week!!! Tell them we're going off-site!!! (S/D are out of AP rooms for my trip, unfortunately.)

 

[Alicnwondrln]

You go girl!!

 

[smfnj]

Originally posted by TigrLvsPooh
Oh, and I just noticed I'm in the single digits!!!!

You just noticed??? Shame, shame, shame... You'd better get your priorities straight!!!

steve

 

[miko]

I have booked Swan for mid September. Cancelled AKL, CM did not seem to care.

 

[Kathy B]

TigrLvsPooh,

At least you got SOME kind of a reaction from the CM when you canceled. I called Sunday night to cancel my reservation and got no response what so ever. She simply asked me to confirm my name and address and that was that. I was NOT going to give her a lecture on there being no AP discounts or anything like that (after all, it certainly isn't her fault), but you would think that they would want to know why a loyal visitor is bailing out on them. I had reservations at the Caribbean (with AAA discount) and was waiting patiently for an AP discount. Because I had some sort of a discount I wasn't too anxious about our fast approaching trip. At least I had a room. Then the Swan and Dolphin offered their terrific AP discount, an offer that I couldn't refuse! DH is so excited that I watch these boards and Mousesavers. We still can't believe that we're now going to be walking distance from Epcot, our favorite park. Boardwalk, MGM, miniature golf, 17 restaurant choices are now so easy to do by foot. We couldn't be more excited! We're bummed about not staying at the Caribbean ( a lovely resort) but loyalty can only go so far, I guess. I'm still thankful for having AP's. Without them we wouldn't be doing our 3rd trip in less a year's time.


Sorry for the rambling everyone!

You know, it looks like I don't have many posts, but I lost all of them a couple of years or so ago when they did an upgrade or something like that. I'm not much of a writer, more of a reader. But when I write, watch out!! You all give such great information.
Thanks for everything!

 

[miko]

At least you got SOME kind of a reaction from the CM when you canceled.

That is an excellent point! I really don't want some ressie agent asking too much but a request for a voluntary reason for cancelling just might help their sagging attendance!

 

[LoriZH]

You are going to love the S/D! Good for you!

Kathy B, I think you are better off staying at S/D then CBR anyway. S/D is right on Disney Property it's in a GREAT location, it's a beautiful hotel and the pool ROCKS!

Have fun!

 

[DisOrBust]

I'm with ya!! This whole rate game takes all the fun out of planning a trip. I hate waiting on pins and needles for discounts. The USF hotels have their discounts available sooner rather then "later" as WDW does. It makes trip planning more enjoyable.


I am in the process of planing a "trip of a lifetime" for next thanksgiving with our best friends and the I am really considering USF. THere I know what I'll get and not have that hanging over my head!

 

[cindala]

TigrLvsPooh,
Sorry you were forced to cancel your reservation at the YC! I certainly can understand with the great rates at the Dolphin/Swan why you would want to. The same great location and convenience at a great price.

Please let us know how your trip turns out and how you like the Swan. I have been trying to convince my DH to try one of those resorts for even a few days to save some money and then switch over to the YC.

 

[PamNC]

We're YC/BC fans...vowed to stay no place else. Well, we're getting $99 (special LABOR rate) so we're staying at the Swan. Like you said, same great location. I will miss Stormalong Bay but I can't pass up $99 per night. Plus, I found out they have a health club and you can use it because you're paying a $10 resort fee per night. We like to exercise so this is a big plus.

Who knows, with rates like the Swan/Dolphin is offering, we may become loyal guests and Disney resorts will no longer get the immense amount of money they've gotten from us for the past 9 years. Well, it's immense to me anyway.

Maybe Disney will "see the light" and offer us loyal folks more discounts. Darn it. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to trying the Swan. I shall remain optimistic.

PamNC

 

[Kathy B]

LoriZH,

Thanks for the info on the pool. Pool ROCKS, eh? DH is going to be sooooo psyched to hear that! I might never see him during our whole trip!

 

[spar]

Why are you all blaming Disney for no good rates. They apparently thought that all there rooms were going to be full since they had all these reservations at rack rate. They didn`t need to offer any discounts. You people who are now cancelling your rooms are the reason there are no codes available for those of us who patiently wait and don`t waste Disneys reservation department personel`s time. I hope you are happy at wherever you stay!

 

[DisneyChick02]

You'll love the Swan/Dolphin- my parents stay there ALL the time (since January 2003 they've stayed there about 8 times for 2-6 days at a time). My only complaint is that the elevator literally stinks in the Swan- very, very odd, but consistently same odor, then once in awhile you get a nice garlic smell. Pools are great, more like a traditional "hotel" and more adult and quiet overall. Very strong convention business and WONDERFUL rooms with Heavenly bedding...you don't want to get out of that bed! My parents are actually considering buying the bed off the website they love it so much.

Have a great time!!!

 

[Kathy B]

spar,

Some of us have had reservations for quite some time. I myself have had mine for eight months. As soon as I book the room I make my airline reservations as well. I don't consider myself tieing up a room. I'm one of those people who books a room so early in advance because I need the sense of security. I don't play the waiting game with discounts. I was happy with the AAA discount I had. I just couldn't pass up on the incredible AP discount that S/D offered.

I consider myself to be a loyal WDW visitor who is also an Annual Passholder. I bought the pass for the park ticket benefits, not for the chance of getting a room discount. A room discount is just to be considered "icing on the cake" if Disney decides to offer them to us.

And I'm sure everyone here on the boards will have a wonderful time at Walt Disney World, no matter where we end up.