I can't believe how mad i am!

[wdwmom2]

You've spent too much time banging your head against a wall; walk around the wall and go have some fun!!!

What she said!!!! Whatever you do, I do hope you have a great time.

 

[Magic Mom]

Go have fun!!!There's TONs to do - you dont need to do a park everyday at all! When we go we only do parks on 1/2 the days, period. Pizza by the pool isnt much money and one of my kids favorite meals/activities at disney (shows we dont have to spendTONS of much, go to parks all the time, and go to fancy charachter dinners to have fun....a 10.00 pizza and a pool can be SUPER!)

Hey, you're not at work and you are in the sun! Have some icecream for me!

Darn, you quoted me before I caught my atrocious spelling mistakes. What the heck is a "silhohoute's?"

 

[Patricia]

We were there two weeks ago and decided to come back in the summer. So, we went up to turn our tickets into Annual Passes. The first CM at Guest Relations couldnt' do it, explaining that our tickets were already discounted therefore not eligible for an upgrade. Then she took the time to ask for help from a supervisor who was able to do it in a minute. Fast forward two days and it was time to upgrade our daughter's ticket who was with the UCA and not with our group on the first day. The Guest Relations person we approached could not do it. He was very nice, showed us his computer screen and explained it step by step. We told him our story and he did get his supervisor who also tried. It seems that first supervisor we had the good fortune to get was "gifted" and knew something this one did not. So, in the end we learned that discounted tickets are not eligible for upgrades... unless you get the right supervisor. Wish they would have told us that before hand given that the discount was not that steep and we had some idea that we might upgrade when we arrived.. live and learn.

 

[vettechick99]

Sorry you are snowed in. I know you would like to go to the parks, but since you have already spent a small fortune on this vacation, I can see why you don't want to spend anymore. I think this is a great lesson for your kids. Sometimes you just can't do what you want to do.

Ok, I am with the other posters. Make lemonade out of your lemons. Go offsite and see the rest of Orlando. There are some neat attractions you can visit for hardly anything!

Do you have any water park visits? Is one open? Is the weather nice? We love the water parks.

Hang out at the hotel and just enjoy being in FL and not snowed in at home.

Visit the other resorts. I have always wanted to see Ft. Wilderness and some nights they have a campfire with some characters.

Do stuff you would never, ever do because you are normally park-hopping.

Think outside of the box. This can actually be a great end to your vacation if you let it!!

 

[Mkrop]

Sorry you are snowed in. I know you would like to go to the parks, but since you have already spent a small fortune on this vacation, I can see why you don't want to spend anymore. I think this is a great lesson for your kids. Sometimes you just can't do what you want to do.

Ok, I am with the other posters. Make lemonade out of your lemons. Go offsite and see the rest of Orlando. There are some neat attractions you can visit for hardly anything!

Do you have any water park visits? Is one open? Is the weather nice? We love the water parks.

Hang out at the hotel and just enjoy being in FL and not snowed in at home.

Visit the other resorts. I have always wanted to see Ft. Wilderness and some nights they have a campfire with some characters.

Do stuff you would never, ever do because you are normally park-hopping.

Think outside of the box. This can actually be a great end to your vacation if you let it!!

I agree with this, be gald you got stuck on property vs being stuck on the train or in an airport somewhere. Go have fun doing other stuff! I would be teaching my kids that such is life and this is what we are doing.

 

[MiniGirl]

Think outside of the box. This can actually be a great end to your vacation if you let it!!

I agree. We are having GORGEOUS weather here right now. Just relax and enjoy it.

BTW, I have friends who have gone camping at WDW for a week at a time and never made it into a park. Why? They were too busy and having too much fun at the campground. She was so glad they didn't buy their tickets when they first got there.

Seriously, there is much to do. You can play on the beach at Ft. Wilderness. You can enjoy the singalong there. You could enjoy the outdoor movies at Ft. Wilderness, the Beach Club or the Contemporary. You can watch the fireworks from the beach at the Poly. Go to AKL and see the animals and look for hidden mickeys or enjoys the kid's educational programs there.

If you WANT to spend some extra $$, you could see if there is room on the pirate adventure cruises (or whatever they're called).

These last couple of "Bonus" days could be very relaxing and enjoyable if you allow them to be.

 

[golfgal]

Ok, everyone keeps suggesting hanging out at the pool-if it is snowing, the pool is probably NOT a good choice--if it is snowing it has to be 32 degrees or less==too cold for even my MN bones to swim .

 

[carmiedog]

Ok, everyone keeps suggesting hanging out at the pool-if it is snowing, the pool is probably NOT a good choice--if it is snowing it has to be 32 degrees or less==too cold for even my MN bones to swim .

considering it's currently 64.8 in Orlando this morning, I'm assuming she means there are weather problems on the route home that caused her train to be rescheduled.

(eta: It does sound like it's snowing in Orlando from the wording, but considering the rare possibility of that, I looked up the current conditions)

 

[Luv2Roam]

I am assuming the tickets were bought through a group, similar to what a convention would be. Also figuring the first person you spoke to did not realize you were buying those types of tickets.
I agree with others, there is plenty to do without having a dining plan and park tickets. Pool time, mini golf, resort hoping, even a day at DQ. That's just to name a few.
Also agree it is far better to be stuck in a Disney hotel room than at a transportation terminal.
And maybe next time look into trip insurance.
Hope things have looked up better for you.

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

I can stay in the resorts and not do the parks...go down to the boardwalk, watch fireworks from the pier! There is alot to do for free! this I do know!! I like to explore the resorts....I take in as much as I can do. I understand no money issues.....but ya just have to bare bone it! go over to the AKL and do the story telling fire etc!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I was even thinking of the movie on the beach at night at the Beach Club. Plus the campsites area, as someone else mentioned.
Also go to WL and do the hidden Mickey challenge. Just ask the WL front desk for the hidden Mickey clue sheet.

 

[Ceila]

For those worried that she's getting advice to go swimming when she's "snowed in" - the snow isn't in Florida. Her train must be delayed because of the weather far north of her.

OP, I don't see why you are so upset with Disney. Disney isn't bending the rules because you request is unreasonable. You purchased your tickets at a special discounted rate that probably has certain restrictions - such as not being able to add on days or something similar. I'm positive that you have some kind of docmentation with that stated on it, although perhaps it is at home and not with you. If you had wanted to plan for something unexpected like this, you could have purchased regular tickets, but you went with a discount option. Great, but that obviously means less options for change. (Similar to airline tickets - non-refundable tickets are more expensive but give you flexibility, whereas non-refundable are cheaper but more restrictive.)

Why would you expect Disney to break their policy simply because *you* want them to? Do you have any idea how many people get delayed in leaving WDW due to transportation issues? Should Disney bend the rules for all of them (at quite an expense, I would add), or just for you? Good customer service does NOT mean giving guests anything and everything they want, no matter how unreasonable.

There are many, many things to do at Disney without going to the parks, and your children will only be upset if you present this to them as a problem instead of a chance to do some other fun things you wouldn't have been able to do without the delay. Stop complaining about Disney not bending the rules for you and go have fun.

 

[Liberty Belle]

OP, turn this into an adventure. If you are upbeat and excited, it will rub off at least a little bit onto your kids. Explore the resorts! I would love to have an extra day or so to do this. We only get to go every few years, so we spend all our time in the parks, but it sounds like so much fun to just explore! Maybe swimming is out, unless it warms up a bit today, but there's so much more to do and see.

I'm sorry you're disappointed, but don't let that ruin your vacation. This could be the best thing that happened!

 

[mom2austin]

Also, you really don't want to go to the parks today, it's going to storm really, really bad here according to all the weather people.

I'm another one that votes for finding other fun stuff to do, either on Disney property or off. Go to DTD (if you haven't or just want to go back), find out if there's a bus to the Fashion Outlet Mall (I think there is one from DTD to there, but I could be wrong). You could spend a whole day there (at least I could), find a way to International Drive and spend the day there. All of those things are much cheaper than more park tickets.

 

[bicker]

I am assuming the tickets were bought through a group, similar to what a convention would be.

Good point. Not all tickets can be extended or upgraded.

It is important to note that travel irregularities happen all the time -- literally, all the time. In the abstract, please remember that the packages that Disney offers don't include travel insurance for the added expenses associated with travel irregularities, unless you explicitly purchase travel insurance. Given that there is an explicit service offered (travel insurance), by a number of companies, for which some folks indeed pay extra, it wouldn't be fair to them (much less make sense) for other folks to get that type of travel irregularity protection without paying for it.

As such, what Disney has offered, in this case, is really quite nice, given the circumstances.

I agree with others, there is plenty to do without having a dining plan and park tickets. Pool time, mini golf, resort hoping, even a day at DQ. That's just to name a few.

Bicycle riding at Ft. Wilderness is another great idea.

 

[Green Tea]

Unfortunately I do not have the option to purchase tickets. I have spent over $4000 on this vacation. I will stay here because I have no choice, but Disney could make this right if they wanted to. I do not feel the same way about Disney as I did 2 days ago, for sure. My satisfaction would cost them no more than saying yes. This is an exception, it is not the norm. I would love to spend more money on food in their parks for the next two days, and more souvenirs. They would actually MAKE money. In my experience, you cannot expect to give exceptional customer service by having all rules in strict black and white.

There is a pretty major band of snow across most of the central part of the US. I'm sure you're not the only one affected. Why should Disney or any other hotel comp you free stuff? Buy travel insurance next time. They would have covered your meals and let you stay put at your first resort. I guess the way you tell your children that you are not going to the parks is to say, "Today we are going to the pool. Let's race to see who can get their swim suit on first." Seriously, they are little kids. Fairly easy to entertain with fun pools, riding the monorail or boat to another destination to explore, going to DTD.

 

[bunkkinsmom]

For those worried that she's getting advice to go swimming when she's "snowed in" - the snow isn't in Florida. Her train must be delayed because of the weather far north of her.

OP, I don't see why you are so upset with Disney. Disney isn't bending the rules because you request is unreasonable. You purchased your tickets at a special discounted rate that probably has certain restrictions - such as not being able to add on days or something similar. I'm positive that you have some kind of docmentation with that stated on it, although perhaps it is at home and not with you. If you had wanted to plan for something unexpected like this, you could have purchased regular tickets, but you went with a discount option. Great, but that obviously means less options for change. (Similar to airline tickets - non-refundable tickets are more expensive but give you flexibility, whereas non-refundable are cheaper but more restrictive.)

Why would you expect Disney to break their policy simply because *you* want them to? Do you have any idea how many people get delayed in leaving WDW due to transportation issues? Should Disney bend the rules for all of them (at quite an expense, I would add), or just for you? Good customer service does NOT mean giving guests anything and everything they want, no matter how unreasonable.

There are many, many things to do at Disney without going to the parks, and your children will only be upset if you present this to them as a problem instead of a chance to do some other fun things you wouldn't have been able to do without the delay. Stop complaining about Disney not bending the rules for you and go have fun.

First off, the only difference in adding days is a technicality. If these were regular tickets and i was delayed, there would be no issues. These tickets were discounted THROUGH DISNEY, not some shady broker out of the back of a Dodge. So anyone else that is one of "many people get delayed in leaving WDW due to transportation issues" would not be dealing with this. I am not asking for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! As you can see through a previous poster, this has been done for some and not for others. So as far as being unreasonable, I have to STRONGLY disagree.

Secondly, thanks to all of you who have been so kind to offer suggestions! I think that we will definitely go check out the Fort today. Hubby and I have often wondered what camping here would be like, so today will be the day to check it out! Now that I have had a few hours sleep, I am not so angry. More suggestions would be great, and thanks so much!

 

[wdwfan16]

Ok, I know, I know, there are rules. But I have been in retail and restaurant management for over 15 years, and I know there are times when the rules need to be bent or broken for guest satisfaction.

We are snowed in, at Disney. Our train that was supposed to leave Friday night is cancelled and we can't leave until Sunday night. You might all be thinking that if you have to be snowed in, there is no place better than Disney! Yeah, I thought that too, for a few minutes.

We had to check out of Old Key West and move to a value, because OKW is just too expensive at cash rate. The concierge at OKW said that the concierge at the Value could extend my park tickets by two days for $3.20 per day! SWEET! We can't get the dining plan because it's not 48 hours in advance. Uh, what? Well whatever, no big deal. I think that's silly, but whatever.

The concierge at the value can't extend my tickets because they were purchased through the Youth in Education Series. So they are discounted tickets. Mind you, purchased through Disney, through a Disney agent, not a travel agent or another vendor. So now it's 7pm and I have been working on this at 2 different resorts for about 3 hours. The concierge at the value says I have to go to Guest Relations at a park to get it done. I check into our new room and my kids are STARVING! So I call Guest Relations instead.

They tell me they can't do it. WHAT!?!?!! What do you mean you can't do it? You're Disney! Then they say that they will be happy to issue me 2 day tickets for my entire party, at full price. I ask to speak to a manager who had to be the most condescending person I have spoken to in YEARS! He tells me no as well.

So now we are stuck at this resort with no dining plan, no car, no way to get home, and no park tickets. Try explaining to three kids under 10 that you are at Disney and can't go to the parks.

I am debating on what to do next. I'm not sure there is anything I CAN do?

You could have done what another DISer did and left her DVC early and ate the 13 points to head home before the storm.

Why did you not try to beat the storm if you could not afford the cost to stay?

The ticket you bought is NEVER upgradeable. That is why you got such a great deal.

So you can only eat if you have the DDP? Go to the food court and have a great meal.

Unfortunately I do not have the option to purchase tickets. I have spent over $4000 on this vacation. I will stay here because I have no choice, but Disney could make this right if they wanted to. I do not feel the same way about Disney as I did 2 days ago, for sure. My satisfaction would cost them no more than saying yes. This is an exception, it is not the norm. I would love to spend more money on food in their parks for the next two days, and more souvenirs. They would actually MAKE money. In my experience, you cannot expect to give exceptional customer service by having all rules in strict black and white.

If you do not have the money to buy tickets then go to DTD by bus, swim in the resort pool or resort hop by bus.

Actually you had a choice and it was to leave early or get on a plane.

 

[wdwfan16]

I agree with this - if you had purchased 2 extra days at the time you bought the tickets, discounted or not, you wouldn't have had to pay full price (since 'the longer you stay, the less you pay') so what harm is it NOW for Disney to extend you that same courtesy? I don't see how this helps Disney's public relations or bottom line, it just seems inflexible and guaranteed to alienate a loyal customer.

Not in her case. She bought a special ticket that was a certain price for a fixed number of days and is not upgradeable. There most likely was not a ticket for 2 more days. She could have bought a ticket that was not a discount and they would have done the upgrade. Disney is not being mean to her they are following the policy for the tickets. She paid way less than the ticket would have cost if it was upgradeable.

 

[bunkkinsmom]

You know what, I would have never posted if I realized that people were going to reply like this. You're right, I had a choice to leave early. I could've tried to get on Thursday's train, if there was room. Secondly I did not ask for free food or accommodations, just the $3 extension on the ticket.

GEEZ! You would think this was a political thread!