How many CMs.....

[princesspwrhr]

@ WDTC do you have to call before you get ONE that knows how to do a 'basic' package for 2008, where you're paying the $200 deposit for your package but it is atm room only until the rates are released?

I've been through 3 today and all 3 have said they can't do that, but they'll be more than happy to book a room only and then later I can cancel/change to a pkg.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Ask for a supervisor on your next call.

But I must admit - I have no idea how this works. I was under the impression what you're asking really can't be done per se.

I could be very wrong so I'll be interested to see how it works out.

Knox

 

[eliza61]

have you done this before recently? maybe you can mention that and walk them thru. I know it's a bit frustrating but with high turnover you just may be having a bit of bad luck booking some thing they don't see that often

 

[princesspwrhr]

recently is a relative term. I did it last year about this time for a spring trip that ended up falling through. So it's likely that things have changed, but I had done it for several years before that as well. Again - no garuntee it can still be done I guess.

Maybe I should reword - has anyone recently, past month or so, successfuly booked a 'basic' package?

 

[mickeystoontown]

I actually think what you're asking the castmembers to do can't be done right now. Why? The 2008 packages haven't come out yet. They normally come out about mid-August of each year.

I tried to book our June, 2006 trip in early August, 2005 and was told that, since the 2006 package rates hadn't been posted yet, they could book a room only and change it to a package after the package rates came out. I opted to wait a couple of weeks and called back. The 2006 packages prices were out and I was able to book our 10 stay at the CBR with tickets and the dining plan.

I tried to book our June, 2007 trip in July, 2006 and was told that they could book a room only and change it to a package when the 2007 package rates came out. Once again, I opted to wait for package prices to be posted. On August 15, 2006, I called back and the packages were out. I booked our 10 day stay at the CBR with tickets and the dining plan.

So....the package rates obviously aren't posted until August of each year and that's the reason the castmembers are unable to book a package.

The reason they tell you that you can book a room only is so that you will be guaranteed a room at the resort of your choice. You've gotta keep in mind that they are telling hundreds of other people the same thing they are telling you. If you have your heart set on a certain resort, you've got a better chance to book it as a room only and change it to a package later on.

As I've already said, I waited until the package prices came out and I booked my whole vacation package. Maybe I lucked up both times because I got to book our stay at the resort we wanted.

Hope this helps, Lisa

 

[stagemomx3]

I think all you are able to do right now is book a room only, for 2008. That's what my TA who is a "Disney Specialist" has said. That is what we are doing anyway.

 

[Brit17]

I think all you are able to do right now is book a room only, for 2008. That's what my TA who is a "Disney Specialist" has said. That is what we are doing anyway.

I believe this is correct ... you can book a "room only" reservation now for 2008 and then change it over to a package when the 2008 packages are released sometime in the summer 2007 ...

 

[BroadwayGirl]

@ WDTC do you have to call before you get ONE that knows how to do a 'basic' package for 2008, where you're paying the $200 deposit for your package but it is atm room only until the rates are released?

I've been through 3 today and all 3 have said they can't do that, but they'll be more than happy to book a room only and then later I can cancel/change to a pkg.

Maybe it is because they are the ones who actually know what they are talking about. Disney has not released their 2008 calendar yet. Until that time, they are booking room only reservations as a courtesy to guests who are too impatient to wait for the calendar and pricing for next year. The rooms are booked using the 2007 regular season rates and the CMs are advising people that the rates WILL CHANGE once the 2008 rates are published.

After the 2007 calendar came out last year, WDTC made arrangements to allow basic plans to be booked for 2007 travel dates pending release of the actual packages, again, as a courtesy to guests who just wouldn't wait until the packages were actually released. IIRC, this did not happen until sometime in June or July. There is no guarantee that this will be done again for 2008. If you must book your dates now (and remember your travel dates must be within 500 days of todays date) then you must book a room only reservation.

 

[stagemomx3]

Remember with a room only reservation you have to give a deposit amount of equal to one nights stay, not just the 200 you can do on a package.