Interesting... SSR only deluxe?!?

[lenshanem]

I was pulling up rates on WDW's website for my FIL with that new discounted package that is out.
He wanted deluxe and every date I pulled up for him kept coming up as SSR was the only deluxe available. Weird, I thought. Went back and changed it to specific deluxe resorts (such as WL) and VOILA! they WERE available. Pretty darn tricky. I bet many have booked SSR thinking it was the only deluxe available. Gotta love those sales tactics!
Thought my fellow DVC members would find this amusing!

 

[CarolMN]

Had the same trouble when I was checking rates on the BRP website. (Best Rate Program for AP/PAP passholders).

Unfortunatley, by the time I was ready to book, SSR really was the only thing available, LOL. I decided to give CSR a try, instead. IMHO, even the AP discounted rate for a SSR studio was more than I wanted to pay. Only needed a room for one night.

Best wishes -

 

[Cinderella]

I noticed that too. I think Disney likes wasting our time more than anything else. I bet lots booked thinking it was all that was left.

 

[Wendy1953]

Can't blame them....it's the best way for people to get to see it and love it! I don't believe they were trying to trick anyone....just if you didn't have a choice of which hotel you wanted to stay at, they suggested SSR....and as you found out, ..choose the resort, instead of a rate!

 

[lenshanem]

But if they lead you to believe it is the only deluxe available...

 

[CarolMN]

FWIW, I don't think many (if any) booked SSR thinking it was the only deluxe available. After all, we didn't, LOL!

I think most who use the internet to book on site resorts are wise to the quirky ways of Disneys' websites. If you don't think so, spend more time on the Resorts Board or the Codes and Rates Board.

Best wishes -

 

[bicker]

I just tried and was directed to (in order) Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Old Key West, and then Saratoga Springs (followed by VWL, and then the moderates). So I suspect what we're seeing is that the system is sensitive to availability -- they clearly try to "sell" the space they have the most inventory left for, and for which the projections show that they need to promote the most to fill the available space.

 

[lenshanem]

I know we're a savvy bunch when it comes to WDw, but I really don't think the average Joe would know to look for other deluxes... In our "world" it is hard to believe some go to WDW without even giving a thought to planning.

 

[jaysue]

Lots of SSR inventory I would guess



Full disclosure would be nicer to those looking to go - i.e. here are all the deluxes available and the price for each

Less than ethical marketing

Cheers
jaysue

 

[bicker]

Lots of SSR inventory I would guess

Indeed, given that they're still building more and cannot put the space up for sale or rent until it is finished (and, of course, they can probably sell it as fast as they can get the space certified, but it still takes time after that before members will book that space, so that leaves Disney with a lot of space there to rent-out.

Full disclosure would be nicer

Never expect full disclosure when you're buying anything anywhere anytime. They actually had to pass laws to force full disclosure in real estate transactions, where it really is important. Anywhere else, expect that business will operate as they should: By presenting their offerings in the manner most conducive to what is best for long-term shareholder value.

Less than ethical marketing

Not at all. Information has value. No service provider or consumer retail business should be expected to give it away for free.

 

[jaysue]

Interesting perspective

I am in Marketing and Product Management and we do what is best for long term shareholder value which means do what is best to acquire and retain a customer for the long term using full disclosure and helping the customers to select the right services

When I am booking a hotel at WDW, I would expect full disclosure of all options and costs - anything less is less than ethical and is against long term shareholder value when customers find out they could have stayed elsewhere

cheers
jaysue

 

[deide71]

Actually I think that list of deluxe resorts is alphabetical, not related to inventory.

 

[bicker]

I am in Marketing and Product Management ... When I am booking a hotel at WDW, I would expect full disclosure of all options...

Then, no offense intended, it sounds to me that you're not very experienced.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Something somewhat similar happened to me earlier in the year. I was trying to book a moderate for 5 people (2 adults/3 children, one who was 4 years old). I could not get POR to come up on the web site. I continually got redirected to the deluxe resorts when I knew perfectly well POR AB section offered the trundle bed. I ended up calling, and sure enough the CM told me there was plenty of availability at POR for the trundle bed rooms.

 

[jaysue]

Then, no offense intended, it sounds to me that you're not very experienced.

No offense intended - that is too funny

Indeed you are offensive - you know nothing about me or my experience

I forgive you for your assumptive comments and your omission of a closing salutation

Your nickname indeed appears to reflect your posting style

Have a great day

Regards
jaysue

 

[jaysue]

Selective disclosure like this by WDW incents people to go back to calling for reservations as opposed to using the online channel for reservations - to me that defeats the purpose of having people use the online channel

All the more reason to speak to a human when checking options as opposed to a computer server

Cheers
jaysue

 

[lenshanem]

Then, no offense intended, it sounds to me that you're not very experienced.

No offense intended?!? bicker, really! You're making this thread turn ugly. Exactly the reason why I don't come to the DIS as much as I used to.

Sorry jaysue. I always appreciate your posts.

 

[bicker]

Please take me at my word -- no offense intended. You're welcome to disagree with me, as I have with you, politely.

 

[jaysue]

Thanks lenshanem, bicker is on my ignore list so I have no clue what that person is even posting and have no desire to see either

Anyways, seems like it is better for all the trusting souls that use the online channel to call CRO and ask to know all their options

Thanks for starting this post - hopefully some people have seen it and become more aware of the tricks of the WDW travel game

Do not let individuals such as bicker influence your dis experience - you contribute a lot to these boards!

Have a great day!




:thewave:

cheers
jaysue

 

[MiaSRN62]

Selective disclosure like this by WDW incents people to go back to calling for reservations as opposed to using the online channel for reservations - to me that defeats the purpose of having people use the online channel

I agree jaysue. I felt like I had wasted 15 min trying to get POR as I stated in my last post. Makes me not trust that the online inventory is all there is. I think I will probably call CRO in the future instead of wasting time online. This is just me, perhaps others feel differently.
Interesting thread Shan. Don't know why I didn't bring it up myself , but I think I was too frustrated back in Feb/Mar when this happened