Just when you think booking with Disney can't get any more weird....

[Princess_Lisa]

I don't totally get the room blocking. You don't pick your room when you reserve, only the type of room (Standard, Deluxe, Pirate, etc...) A decent computer program could figure out how to assign the rooms most efficiently to avoid orphan rooms without blocking out rooms to only specific lengths of stays.

 

[goofy4tink]

I do have to wonder if this practice has hurt or helped them, in the long run. If someone can't book their 3 nights and go else where does it really help to have a block of 5 nights unsold? Or would it be better to have the 3 nights booked, with the orphan nights left unsold? Wonder what happens more? Someone finally comes along to book the 5 nights or they remain unsold? Have they even bothered to track it?

I'm only one person...and Disney has pretty much already got my money (AP and DVC!!). But, if I wasn't traveling with my dd, I would have cancelled my room reservation by now! But she really wants to stay on-site. So, I have two rooms booked, and am unable to drop the first two nights on them. I fully intended to use those rooms those first two nights, but plans changed...it happens. So, now I'm penalized by Disney for having my plans change.
I've started renting a car more often, so staying on-site isn't nearly as big a deal as it used to be. I have an off-site stay booked in mid-January. I'm kind of looking forward to seeing how it goes. I'm just outside the back door to DAK....about 8 mins away.
So, will Disney miss my money? No. They'll have plenty of people booking, despite the changes they're putting in place. I just need to be able to make a change if I have to....I'm not asking them to cancel a whole reservation and find me a new resort. It shouldn't be this hard. And a call back, as promised would have been nice too!

 

[tjmw2727]

I have never been able to use the change reservation feature on the website and find it so frustrating to be on hold forever while they prompt you to change your reservation online lol - I want to scream "I would love to"! I usually end up rebooking what I want and cancelling the reservation I have.

I am also getting wonky prices depending on the length of dates - we are staying 6 days and my sister in law only 3 days and any three of those 6 are fine with her. Finding 6 days room only at a resort that also has any 3 of those days also available is like a puzzle.

 

[AngiTN]

I have never been able to use the change reservation feature on the website and find it so frustrating to be on hold forever while they prompt you to change your reservation online lol - I want to scream "I would love to"! I usually end up rebooking what I want and cancelling the reservation I have.

I am also getting wonky prices depending on the length of dates - we are staying 6 days and my sister in law only 3 days and any three of those 6 are fine with her. Finding 6 days room only at a resort that also has any 3 of those days also available is like a puzzle.

Yes! Especially when it tells you, go look online, and if you see Change Reservation you can make the change yourself. I scream, No, no you can't. Even if you have the prompt, it doesn't work!
I too have done the rebook and cancel more often than bothering with calling. I hate that in the end that hurts me by keeping funds tied up waiting on a refund. It annoys me so this time I opted to call them instead. And I picked up on something I had failed to note in the past few years (since being an AP holder) there's a dedicated phone number for AP holders to call. I've always scrolled to the bottom and called the number shown there. But the other day I happened to open the AP Special Offer page and saw there is a different phone number shown. I called it and sure enough, it's specifically AP related. No idea if it is truly a different call center group but it does have a different recording. The process for changing was easier than many I've done.

 

[tjmw2727]

Yes! Especially when it tells you, go look online, and if you see Change Reservation you can make the change yourself. I scream, No, no you can't. Even if you have the prompt, it doesn't work!
I too have done the rebook and cancel more often than bothering with calling. I hate that in the end that hurts me by keeping funds tied up waiting on a refund. It annoys me so this time I opted to call them instead. And I picked up on something I had failed to note in the past few years (since being an AP holder) there's a dedicated phone number for AP holders to call. I've always scrolled to the bottom and called the number shown there. But the other day I happened to open the AP Special Offer page and saw there is a different phone number shown. I called it and sure enough, it's specifically AP related. No idea if it is truly a different call center group but it does have a different recording. The process for changing was easier than many I've done.

Wow - we are also AP holders and I had no idea about an AP phone number - thanks so much, great tip!

 

[adelaster]

Yes! Especially when it tells you, go look online, and if you see Change Reservation you can make the change yourself. I scream, No, no you can't. Even if you have the prompt, it doesn't work!
I too have done the rebook and cancel more often than bothering with calling. I hate that in the end that hurts me by keeping funds tied up waiting on a refund. It annoys me so this time I opted to call them instead. And I picked up on something I had failed to note in the past few years (since being an AP holder) there's a dedicated phone number for AP holders to call. I've always scrolled to the bottom and called the number shown there. But the other day I happened to open the AP Special Offer page and saw there is a different phone number shown. I called it and sure enough, it's specifically AP related. No idea if it is truly a different call center group but it does have a different recording. The process for changing was easier than many I've done.

I might try this, thanks! Usually I call while driving home from work (bluetooth) because I am stuck in traffic. I start the call while leaving the building, select options on the ten minute walk to the garage, and then listen to the looping, crackling music in the hour plus ride home. I usually get through before I hit the parking lot.