Last minute call for more $$$$$ ?!?Updated with Disney's Response!

[Lollipop's Mom]

Twinnybelles I wanted to private message you, but it seems you have that turned off.
Don't go for local press. Go for the big guns on this one....

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[bavaria]

As noted a 40% off discount would make the package total about $4213. So just losing the 40% off discount doesn't explain what happened.

Very confusing.

Knox

I am in agreement with you. While I have empathy and would be frustrated as well, I do however want to express dismay at the calls to 'go to the media'. We had a similar situation last week here re a rental car booking, which also stated 'rates subject to change', and posters encouraged the OP to contact the media.

Frankly, whenever I see stories like this on 'consumer reports' type coverage I lose respect for the media outlet which sees fit to 'report' on something like this, unless it is simply from the standpoint of 'read the fine print' and 'if it sounds too good to be true...'

It is unfortunate that this occured, but it sounds like the issue was a pricing error made several months ago. While I do agree that it should have been caught, and that it must be frustrating to be contacted 10 days before the trip, I do not agree with media coverage of this type of event.

But I am sure that most readers will disagree.

Best of luck to the OP to find a resolution - I suspect that WDW will not back down, and agree that it may be best to downgrade the hotel to avoid paying more money at this point.

 

[lilyv]

I am in agreement with you. While I have empathy and would be frustrated as well, I do however want to express dismay at the calls to 'go to the media'. We had a similar situation last week here re a rental car booking, which also stated 'rates subject to change', and posters encouraged the OP to contact the media.

Frankly, whenever I see stories like this on 'consumer reports' type coverage I lose respect for the media outlet which sees fit to 'report' on something like this, unless it is simply from the standpoint of 'read the fine print' and 'if it sounds too good to be true...'

It is unfortunate that this occured, but it sounds like the issue was a pricing error made several months ago. While I do agree that it should have been caught, and that it must be frustrating to be contacted 10 days before the trip, I do not agree with media coverage of this type of event.

But I am sure that most readers will disagree.

Best of luck to the OP to find a resolution - I suspect that WDW will not back down, and agree that it may be best to downgrade the hotel to avoid paying more money at this point.

We may not like it, but computer glitches happen. OP, should this go to the media, might not get the result they are hoping for. It's possible they (rather than Disney) might not be portrayed in the most positive of lights. I know it's an old saying, but if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Personally, I like using a travel agent. I feel much more confident about the rates I'm quoted. They give quotes all the time, and I think they'd know if something wasn't quite right. I like to really look forward to my vacations. I would never want to hope and wait---wondering if the Mouse will really honor the extra, extra, extra special rate that, when you take the package total minus 40% still seems way too cheap.

Today might be a great day to start looking for a compromise. Hopefully Disney can work with OP to find suitable accomodations for price OP has actually paid.

 

[bavaria]

We may not like it, but computer glitches happen. OP, should this go to the media, might not get the result they are hoping for. It's possible they (rather than Disney) might not be portrayed in the most positive of lights. I know it's an old saying, but if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Very true. My parents love to watch 'consumer reporting' bits, and often tell me to watch the travel segments. Frankly, most of the time I shake my head at the 'victim' as they are usually portrayed in an unfavourable light, even when the reporter is trying to make the travel provider appear to be the the evil entity.

If you know of a scam, cover-up, crime or hazard, we want to hear about it.

I don't consider this to be any of these - it is not a 'scam, cover-up, crime, or hazard'. I do suspect that it is a pricing error or 'computer glitch' which has unfortunately had a serious impact on the buyer.

 

[twinnybelles]

Unfortunately for me, the $3000.00 is not worth the anxiety I have had to endure, and it will never be erased from my memory , no matter how wonderful the trip.... But, was $ 3000.00 worth it to the Disney corporation for the amounts of monies they will potentially lose going foward from the poor reviews on travel websites, postings on the Disney message boards, ? media coverage etc... that will only do more to turn away their customer base...It's stupid, and just bad business on their part. So, they will have their geust relations supervisor to thank for that. Like I said earlier, obviously someone in Disney Guest Services is asleep at the wheel.
So help me, If I find 1 dustball, dead bug, bird poop at $ 535/night for the CR ( and yest to above poster, I worked the numbers too, came up with the same amount, and I have absolutley NO recourse, because noone at WDW can "work" the numbers with you, it is what is programed into their computer screens and they are only intelligent enough to READ, not problem solve)
So, in effect, I am still paying more than I should be for a 40% discount off the value season rack rate for that room category !
Yes, my letter writing campaign has already been initiated, e mail went out to guest communications at 9:00 am today, with confrimed receipt. Another, with the updates as to the answer I received to be sent after lunch! I will consider other options at a later date, I have already wasted to much of my precious time on this.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Wow. I just stumbled upon this thread. How very disheartening! It has always been in my opinion and experience that Disney committed to doing whatever they could to keep their guests happy! I can't believe they would behave in this manner for a lousy $3000?! I have to believe that a resolution will come about and that you will be compensated for all your hassle and heartache! This is no way to treat a first time visiter, that's for sure!

FYI-I'm sure you already know this, but CR is under some construction right now. I didn't want to add insult to injury; I just wanted to be sure you knew!

 

[Matt'sMom]

We may not like it, but computer glitches happen... I know it's an old saying, but if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. ...I would never want to hope and wait---wondering if the Mouse will really honor the extra, extra, extra special rate that, when you take the package total minus 40% still seems way too cheap.

Today might be a great day to start looking for a compromise. Hopefully Disney can work with OP to find suitable accomodations for price OP has actually paid.

I'm sorry that the error with the OP's billing was not caught earlier, so that she could have downgraded if she can not afford the appropriate $$$ for the package she booked. But I have to agree with the above. The difference between what was paid, and even the 40% off package pricing, seems to make it pretty obvious that there was still a balance due. At this point I'd be looking for a middle ground, so that the vacation can go on.

Why not consider negotiating to see if WDW can provide an alternate room somehwere else on site for the $$$ amount that has already been paid? It might even be worth offering to pay the actual difference to bring the total up to what it should have been with the 40% off room rate--it indeed that pin was attached to the OP's name in the system. Or, alternatively, if the CL room at CR is important to the OP's family... then just put the remaining balance due on a cc (I think that the Disney Visa may allow something like 6 months, interest free, to pay it off). If approached calmly, and without making unrealistic demands or threats, it should still be possible to salvage this vacation.

 

[msmayor]

I've read through the thread, and maybe I missed it...but did I read correctly that your package included the dining plan?

I thought discounts couldn't be stacked...and that one had to pay rack rate to get the dining plan.

Is it possible that they may take the position that with the dining plan you are not entitled to that discount?

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Ok I didn't realize that what she was charged and paid was NOT the actual 40% discount, but more of a discount.
So what SHOULD she have paid with the 40% discount? Does it come to $3000????
OP, maybe downgrade to a moderate and enjoy the vacation. Then if you still feel you got ripped, deal with it when you get home!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

You don't have to pay rack to get the Dining Plan. We have a Canadian discount package for January and it includes the DDP.

 

[famsen]

I mean really, who takes a screenshot of a $0 balance unless they KNOW there might be something wrong.

What?!! I ALWAYS have taken a screen shot or print screen of my reservation balance. In my 14 year history of taking trips to WDW with my family, I have learned to get EVERYTHING in writing.

After reading this entire thread and assuming the OP is being completely honest about everything, I conclude Disney is being completely unreasonable. If every document says "paid in full" or shows a zero balance, I don't think they have a leg to stand on legally at this point so close to her arrival date, not to mention a leg to stand on from a customer service perspective.

This thread also brought to mind that Disney owes me roughly $25 of credit on my reservation from last month. I had to cancel DD off our package and with the credit balance, I added Park Hoppers for DH and me at the same time as the change. There was still a $25 credit due and the CRO rep asked if I would like a check mailed or to leave the credit on my reservation and upon check-in, I could use the credit for charging at the resort.
I chose to leave it on my ressie.: BAD IDEA! When I checked-in they told me there was no credit showing and in fact, they no longer do such a thing as leave credits on reservations for use at the resort. I went to the manager and she called CRO. CRO said they showed a credit would have been automatically sent to me via U.S. Mail on the same day I changed the reservation. I just left it alone because I was tired from travel and it wasn't a big amount to haggle over. I did followed up with CRO a few days later and told them I never received the credit. I was told I would receive a Disney Gift Card with the credit. Well, here it is two months later, and still no Gift Card or check for the difference. I know it's not alot of money but really, if I hadn't added the Hoppers at the time of the change we would be talking about a few hundred dollars in credit that I may have never received. To me it's the principal of the matter.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Ok -so maybe I missed it, but has the OP stated what she actually paid for this trip? I am guessing 2 adults/2 children with dining plan, Beach Club - is it concierege or just regular room????
If you could post what YOU paid, and then we can add $3000 to it and figure this out.

 

[bavaria]

You have a 7 night package at the CR 14th floor concierge plus dining with 2A
2C 7 day MYW + Hopper tickets - that package at rack rate would come out to roughly $5999 as they are stating.
That would make your room in value season around $4213 rack rate inc tax.

With a 40% discount room would be around $2528 add 2A DDP ($545) and 2C DDP ($153.86) 7day MYW + Hopper tickets 2A ($562) 2C ($482) (keep in mind, I am estimating so #'s will not be dead on, but you will get the idea)

Total discounted room pkg @ 40% = about $4270. Which would be a great deal...You are saying that you paid $2999 - $1271 difference.

Sounds like a computer glitch to me or original CM error that they may look to correct (and may be within their rights to do so based on the paperwork and what others have posted).

Again, I really hope things work out for you; just wanted to point out the numbers so you can really see what you are dealing with. Good luck!

I read it as 7 nights Concierge level at the Contemporary, plus 7 day Hopper tickets for 2 adults and 2 children, plus the dining plan, all for $2999

That would be an incredible deal! $107 per person, per night for a concierge level room and park tickets and dining.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Ummmmmmmmm yah ok that is completely not right at all!
OP - although you have the paperwork, it does seem some sort of glitch - you might want to downgrade a bit. Can you get into AKL or WL? It might be about that much - or go to a Moderate. You will have just as much fun, and if its a first trip, you will not be in the room much anyway.

I had thought she paid the actual 40% discount and everything was the way it 'should' be and they were trying to charge an extra $3000

 

[bavaria]

Ummmmmmmmm yah ok that is completely not right at all!
OP - although you have the paperwork, it does seem some sort of glitch - you might want to downgrade a bit. Can you get into AKL or WL? It might be about that much - or go to a Moderate. You will have just as much fun, and if its a first trip, you will not be in the room much anyway.

I had thought she paid the actual 40% discount and everything was the way it 'should' be and they were trying to charge an extra $3000

I could be wrong about those figures - I just found them in a previous post. But for any higher priced resort destination, it is a GREAT deal - unfortunately almost too good to be true. Sometimes that is the tipoff.

WDW advertises 7 days for 2A/2C for about $1,500 at a value resort with no dining, so for twice that to get a concierge level deluxe room with dining would be an incredible price indeed.

Hopefully the OP can still downgrade to a price which suits her needs - best of luck.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

Sorry, didn't see previous post quoting this until I hit submit...The numbers are available on mousesavers for those that want to check it out. I always work my numbers before I call so I know what I am getting.

Ok I didn't realize that what she was charged and paid was NOT the actual 40% discount, but more of a discount.
So what SHOULD she have paid with the 40% discount? Does it come to $3000????

You have a 7 night package at the CR 14th floor concierge plus dining with 2A
2C 7 day MYW + Hopper tickets - that package at rack rate would come out to roughly $5999 as they are stating.
That would make your room in value season around $4213 rack rate inc tax.

With a 40% discount room would be around $2528 add 2A DDP ($545) and 2C DDP ($153.86) 7day MYW + Hopper tickets 2A ($562) 2C ($482) (keep in mind, I am estimating so #'s will not be dead on, but you will get the idea)

Total discounted room pkg @ 40% = about $4270. Which would be a great deal...You are saying that you paid $2999 - $1271 difference.

Yes you can get the 40% discount on the room and pay for the DDP. During free dining, the rooms were rack rate. The number of rooms available at the 40% discount is limited so I doubt there is any inventory left. Actually, the only deluxe availability for the OP dates seems to be Garden View at the CR, BWI and BC.

All of WDW disclaimers state that rates are subject to change in the event of a computer error. While we may not like the circumstances of this case, I don't see any media outlet jumping on it (just my $.02).

 

[Allegro]

Hopefully the OP can still downgrade to a price which suits her needs - best of luck.

The OPs vacation isn't in danger. She can/has paid - she is just pissed. And she has a right to be. I don't think the media will care though. As someone paying "more" for "less" its pretty evident that something wasn't right with her original reservation. It too bad Disney didn't handle it better but it's definitely not black and white.

 

[Tara]

I've read through the thread, and maybe I missed it...but did I read correctly that your package included the dining plan?

I thought discounts couldn't be stacked...and that one had to pay rack rate to get the dining plan.

Is it possible that they may take the position that with the dining plan you are not entitled to that discount?

I think it's only FREE dining that has to be associated with rack rate reservations, but that might have changed this year. (It was true in 2006.)

 

[bavaria]

The OPs vacation isn't in danger. She can/has paid - she is just pissed. And she has a right to be. I don't think the media will care though.

oh, I agree with you - it just sounds like she needs to pay $3,000 to stay at the Contemporary, hence the suggestions we made to find a room which won't cost her more, if she doesn't wish to pay that amount.

 

[Sammie]

I even called CRO multiple times to make sure the discount was applied correctly, then called more times when the disney VISA code came out to see which was better.

I hope the OP gets this straightened out, but why the constant calling.

The more you call CRO, you greatly increase your chances of problems.