Has anyone else been told this???

[Ceryssa]

If you don't have a discount, there is nothing keeping you from cancelling and rebooking your stay.

I suppose that's true. But why should I have to? If the room is available to book, it should be available to modify. Unless they are going to tell someone they can only book for X number of nights--but nowhere in any of Disney's information available does it say that.

 

[maxiesmom]

I suppose that's true. But why should I have to? If the room is available to book, it should be available to modify. Unless they are going to tell someone they can only book for X number of nights--but nowhere in any of Disney's information available does it say that.

Because they don't have to make it available to modify. It may not be the most popular way of thinking, but their resorts, their rules.

 

[Ceryssa]

That's also true. I guess I just don't think it's good business. I work for a vacation rental company (albeit a much, MUCH smaller one than Disney of course). As long as guests are outside of their cancellation time frame we allow them to change dates/shorten stays within reason (i.e. not 5 or 6 times). If we had someone that needed to shorten their stay (and were within the parameters to do so) and we told them no we'd lose business. But maybe that's just the difference between a small company and the massive conglomerate Disney is. They do make the rules and it's within their rights to do this. But I think it's, as someone said elsewhere, borderline unethical. Obviously they don't see it that way and as long as it doesn't affect their bottom line I imagine they'll continue to do what earns them a profit. Not saying they shouldn't be focused on that; I understand it's a business. But I guess I'm starting to agree with those that say the emphasis on earning a profit is starting to eclipse the emphasis on the guest experience. I know everyone has a different take on these things--for instance I'm not opposed to the FP+ changes or the ADR cancellation fee--I think because I feel like those things were done with enhancing the guest experience in mind, even if they might not be the solution many wanted. This rubs me the wrong way though.

 

[Cuppie]

I think Disney will work with people who have obvious issues with flights, even if you have to get a supervisor to do it. Since you book your vacation so much further in advance than flights can be made. But will limit that as well if they see people abusing it.

I book via a disney vacation specialist, and was told that there will be an issue in regards to changing my ressie if/when FD comes out. SO we just went ahead and cancelled the whole trip and anxiously awaiting the Visa FD days now to rebook!! which is prolly gonna be better for me anyways considering i had booked for last week of Oct, andschool schedule was just released and if we go mid month instead my kids will only miss 4 days of school instead of 5, and I wont have to attempt to drive 13 hours straight, and arriving at disney totally exhausted from being up all night driving. Since we will be able to leave Friday morning and get to florida friday night and stay off site 1 night, and be well rested for our first day!!!

 

[maxiesmom]

I think Disney will work with people who have obvious issues with flights, even if you have to get a supervisor to do it. Since you book your vacation so much further in advance than flights can be made. But will limit that as well if they see people abusing it.

I book via a disney vacation specialist, and was told that there will be an issue in regards to changing my ressie if/when FD comes out. SO we just went ahead and cancelled the whole trip and anxiously awaiting the Visa FD days now to rebook!! which is prolly gonna be better for me anyways considering i had booked for last week of Oct, andschool schedule was just released and if we go mid month instead my kids will only miss 4 days of school instead of 5, and I wont have to attempt to drive 13 hours straight, and arriving at disney totally exhausted from being up all night driving. Since we will be able to leave Friday morning and get to florida friday night and stay off site 1 night, and be well rested for our first day!!!

Not sure if it was in this thread or the other one about it, but someone was told there is no way for even a supervisor to over-ride the system on this.

I also don't think it is in any way, shape, or form unethical. A giant pain for guests, maybe. But not unethical. Again, their resorts, their rules.

 

[kungaloosh22]

Not sure if it was in this thread or the other one about it, but someone was told there is no way for even a supervisor to over-ride the system on this.

And several other people have had success getting a supervisor to override it. As always with Disney, it seems to depend entirely on who you talk to.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

Well if you want to stay for say 7 nights but aren't sure as to whether or not you can afford the whole week, or will be able to leave out on that first day, just book maybe a 1 or 2 night room only then book a 5 night room only. There is your flexibility if you are gonna do a room only booking. Not sure that would work well for packages though.

 

[maxiesmom]

And several other people have had success getting a supervisor to override it. As always with Disney, it seems to depend entirely on who you talk to.

Recently? I've seen posts from people who have dropped days a few weeks ago, but within the last couple of days it seems to be a no-go.

 

[Sophie's Mom]

We are booked at POFQ checking in next week. Originally we were scheduled for 7 nights. However, we have decided at the last minute to fly instead of drive due to an issue at work. Due to pricing of the flights we decided to come home a day early. I called Disney to cancel the last night and was told there was no availability for six nights. Having seen this post earlier in the week - I was somewhat prepared for this response. I told her that I wasn't looking for new availability - I already had availability - was just looking to drop the last night. She explained the new policy - yada yada yada! I was polite and told her it just didn't make sense when the resort was fully booked (as she told me it was) why they wouldn't want to give me my $109 back (got a great discount) and re-sell the room for $180 or more - or whatever rack rate is these days! She stood firm and the manager told me the same thing. So I told the manager okay - I would keep the room for the extra night since I didn't want to risk not having a place to stay - but not use it. But I told her here's where I think Disney is missing out on in terms of revenue: potentially more money for the room. The maid would come in and clean the room when we left and they may or may not clean it for a turnover - which means coming back the next day. No one in this room is spending money to enter the parks, no money being spent on food, no money being spent on souvenirs etc. She put me on hold - came back and told me she dropped the one night.

Life happens - flexibility makes for happy customers .

 

[Halloweenqueen]

No discount here. I currently have a 4 night stay at FW. I try to make it a three night either by taking off the first or last night and it can't be done. I was told there is a minimum stay over a weekend, but no one can tell what it is or where that policy can be found.

 

[Disneylover99]

No discount here. I currently have a 4 night stay at FW. I try to make it a three night either by taking off the first or last night and it can't be done. I was told there is a minimum stay over a weekend, but no one can tell what it is or where that policy can be found.

I would call back and try again.

 

[DebbieB]

Not sure if it was in this thread or the other one about it, but someone was told there is no way for even a supervisor to over-ride the system on this.

I also don't think it is in any way, shape, or form unethical. A giant pain for guests, maybe. But not unethical. Again, their resorts, their rules.

What is unethical is this policy was not in effect when the reservation was made. New reservations, ok as long as it was disclosed.

 

[Amanda999]

Short version of this post: "got" a supervisor to shorten my dates.

Details. Booked free dining bounceback in August 2014, to stay at riverside garden view in August for 12 nights in 2015. Iirc the BB requirements were two day base ticket and 3 nights resort. I booked 12 nights, because airline schedules and school schedule weren't out yet. The cm at the time said it was a good idea to add days! (The extra days are at the end of my stay - I.e.., no advance ADR advantage - I knew I'd arrive August 20, as that's the first day you can under this offer.)

Anyway, just called to shorten the stay to 9 nights. The cm said I cannot make that change "due to minimum stay requirements." I asked what the minimum stay is. She said 12 nights. I said "the offer minimum was 2 or 3 nights. I think we can agree that it's certainly not a minimum of more than 9 nights." I pointed out that this fd bb is always booked in August for the next August, and that airline schedules are never out a year in advance. She put me on hold for a long time, and then said a manager would let me shorten the stay. As if they were doing me a favor. I asked again what the minimum was. She said 12 nights. I said no way. She said for the offer it might have been 3 nights, but for my reservation it was 12 nights.

I guess the point is you need to know your dates now, or be willing to do split stays, when you book.

Oh - almost forgot. Right off (before she talked to a supervisor) she told me I could do the 9 nights, if I switched to pool or preferred. (Approx $40 more per night vs garden booked in 2014 (which is what I had booked).) Because there was "availability" in those categories, but not garden... (Even though I myself had the exact 7 days booked in garden... I.e., it was available. I can only imagine that they believe they can get more for the garden view room dates I booked, so no need to keep me from canceling my entire reservation.)

 

[mousefan73]

I work in the travel industry and must comment that Disney has always been super flexible with their booking policies.. Try booking a package deal anywhere else through anyone else and you need to set your dates and also pay almost upfront.. Doesn't surprise me how they are now implementing this. especially hearing how many people overbook and then reduce...This must have been driving their revenue management people crazy.. We have been going for years and have always booked BB and NEVER changed our dates.. I would never think of booking 10 days to hold those dates and know I would reduce closer to those dates. you are blocking rooms for sale... Doesn't surprise .

I would think their web masters saw how many people wanted to book but showed no availability ( lost revenue) and then people cancelled last minute who were holding those rooms.. A lot of people plan Disney months ahead, NOT past the 45 day or whatever the cancellation policy is... So I can see a lot of people first making their room night reductions when final payment was due.. and in the end those rooms stood probably empty.

 

[mousefan73]

Is it even legal to say a hotel is sold out when obviously it's not if they say they will only book week long stays?
Sounds like bait and switch if they are going to have ads for resorts at a price starting at xxxxxx for 3 days or more and then not book rooms under 7 days saying there is no availability when there are rooms, if you book 7 days.

Nope,, airlines maximize their revenue by this.... the room TYPE is sold out, no the hotel.. same as your Booking CLASS is sold out the the flight leaves with empy seats... You have a rack rate per room type and from their MANY different "products"

 

[gwynne]

I work in the travel industry and must comment that Disney has always been super flexible with their booking policies.. Try booking a package deal anywhere else through anyone else and you need to set your dates and also pay almost upfront.. Doesn't surprise me how they are now implementing this. especially hearing how many people overbook and then reduce...This must have been driving their revenue management people crazy.. We have been going for years and have always booked BB and NEVER changed our dates.. I would never think of booking 10 days to hold those dates and know I would reduce closer to those dates. you are blocking rooms for sale... Doesn't surprise .

I would think their web masters saw how many people wanted to book but showed no availability ( lost revenue) and then people cancelled last minute who were holding those rooms.. A lot of people plan Disney months ahead, NOT past the 45 day or whatever the cancellation policy is... So I can see a lot of people first making their room night reductions when final payment was due.. and in the end those rooms stood probably empty.

Of course, some people need to drop a day, and some people need to add a day. As a travel expert, you've probably experienced both.
Room only booking with WDW require one nights deposit, with the balance due at check in. (not 45 days or whatever.)

 

[momof2n2]

We are booked at POFQ checking in next week. Originally we were scheduled for 7 nights. However, we have decided at the last minute to fly instead of drive due to an issue at work. Due to pricing of the flights we decided to come home a day early. I called Disney to cancel the last night and was told there was no availability for six nights. Having seen this post earlier in the week - I was somewhat prepared for this response. I told her that I wasn't looking for new availability - I already had availability - was just looking to drop the last night. She explained the new policy - yada yada yada! I was polite and told her it just didn't make sense when the resort was fully booked (as she told me it was) why they wouldn't want to give me my $109 back (got a great discount) and re-sell the room for $180 or more - or whatever rack rate is these days! She stood firm and the manager told me the same thing. So I told the manager okay - I would keep the room for the extra night since I didn't want to risk not having a place to stay - but not use it. But I told her here's where I think Disney is missing out on in terms of revenue: potentially more money for the room. The maid would come in and clean the room when we left and they may or may not clean it for a turnover - which means coming back the next day. No one in this room is spending money to enter the parks, no money being spent on food, no money being spent on souvenirs etc. She put me on hold - came back and told me she dropped the one night.

Life happens - flexibility makes for happy customers .

 

[CT Disney]

If you don't have a discount, there is nothing keeping you from cancelling and rebooking your stay.

I think the real issue for people who don't have a discount is that they may not be able to book the same room category.

Say, for example, I had a Yacht Club "Water View" room booked for 7 nights and I wanted to drop it down to 6 nights. If there wasn't another Yacht Club "Water View" room available for the exact 6 nights that I wanted, then I would need to switch to an entirely different room category. So, say I make the change and select a "Garden View" because that's the only category available for the 6 nights I want. Now Disney has a 7 night "Water View" room available...since I just dropped it. What is Disney going to do with it? Will they let someone else come along and book 6 of those 7 nights? Will they only offer it as a 7 night booking? It can really make your head spin thinking about all the possibilities...

 

[Disneylover99]

T

I work in the travel industry and must comment that Disney has always been super flexible with their booking policies.. Try booking a package deal anywhere else through anyone else and you need to set your dates and also pay almost upfront.. Doesn't surprise me how they are now implementing this. especially hearing how many people overbook and then reduce...This must have been driving their revenue management people crazy.. We have been going for years and have always booked BB and NEVER changed our dates.. I would never think of booking 10 days to hold those dates and know I would reduce closer to those dates. you are blocking rooms for sale... Doesn't surprise.

We've been booking the BB every August for the following August for years now. Every year I call first to find out exactly which resorts are included in the offer and then I let them know, I will call before I check out because I have to figure out what dates I want to book. Every single time I call, I am told by the cm to book the maximum number of days I think I will need because I can simply just call and drop dates, but it's much more difficult to add days if there is no availability.

The whole "overbook and reduce" concept has been actively encouraged by Disney for many years. This is their doing.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

That's also true. I guess I just don't think it's good business. I work for a vacation rental company (albeit a much, MUCH smaller one than Disney of course). As long as guests are outside of their cancellation time frame we allow them to change dates/shorten stays within reason (i.e. not 5 or 6 times). If we had someone that needed to shorten their stay (and were within the parameters to do so) and we told them no we'd lose business. But maybe that's just the difference between a small company and the massive conglomerate Disney is. They do make the rules and it's within their rights to do this. But I think it's, as someone said elsewhere, borderline unethical. Obviously they don't see it that way and as long as it doesn't affect their bottom line I imagine they'll continue to do what earns them a profit. Not saying they shouldn't be focused on that; I understand it's a business. But I guess I'm starting to agree with those that say the emphasis on earning a profit is starting to eclipse the emphasis on the guest experience. I know everyone has a different take on these things--for instance I'm not opposed to the FP+ changes or the ADR cancellation fee--I think because I feel like those things were done with enhancing the guest experience in mind, even if they might not be the solution many wanted. This rubs me the wrong way though.

So totally agree. They need to make money, a business, I get that. No problem what so ever with that. But the emphasis on earning a profit is starting to eclipse the emphasis on the guest experience.