Making ADR's a pain.

[monarchsfan16]

Sounds like a CM that didn't know what they were doing. I called yesterday for an ADR at the end of May. He asked if I had my resort confirmation number, but I didn't. I was making the reservation from my apartment at school; my trip stuff is at home. His response was "no problem". He asked the dates of my trip, my name, and my zip code. He then asked me to confirm my address once he found it in the system. He made the reservation, and it was done. Quick and painless. Whole process (including that automated thing at the start) took just under 6 minutes.

 

[TK-Fett]

I was in the same position as the OP, my 90 day window opened and I wasn't yet prepared. I book through AAA so didnt have ressie #. I called first thing in the morning anyway and told them my name, where I was staying and when. They looked up my reservation and found the info about my dining plan. Then gave me my res # incase I needed to call back.

I got CRT, chef mickey, and all my other dining ressies with no problem. So just try to calm down and sound friendly on the phone, those cast members have to take those calls all day long so im sure its nice to hear a friendly voice on the phone. Just ask them to look up your ressie for you and go from there. Then store the number in your telephone so you always have it. Hope you have a better experience next time.

 

[ShannonMB]

OP, I'm sorry you called not once, but twice and were told a load of bull. I made all my ADRs before I even booked my trip in Feb (so obviously no res #), and had no problem using my dining plan credits at every single meal. Next time, maybe ask to speak to a supervisor. I honestly think the restaurants themselves could care less what the res says. They'll ask if you're on the DP regardless when you get there, and let you pay that way!!! I'm so glad I've never dealt with any blatantly mis-informed CMs when I've called. So frustrating!!!

Oh, and if those CMs are so worried about getting paid, they need to be booking ADRs when people call, and not arguing about nonsense!

 

[TJM1976]

CM's may (or may not be) on an incentive commission program, but I don't think within their job description upon being hired was that each and every call you receive, you will get an incentive or commission. Yes, they may loose money, but it is part of the job to answer and fulfill that call.

I agree it is not the CM that makes the executive decisions, so they are just following what they have been told. But if it is required to have a reservation # when booking an ADR, those Dine CM's should have basic access to retrieve the # by searching for the guest with phone #, etc.

If I needed to call my bank for some reason, sure they may ask for my account #, but if I don't have it with me, they have other means of finding my account. It may take a couple additional steps. Basically, same theory.

It is a new system that will require some getting used to. But IMO, if the reservation # is required to make ADR's, then those CM's should be able to look it up. I respect the CM's and don't argue, but the past few weeks I have also had some unpleasant expierences making ADR's. I'm patient, but I also let them know what could be improved so they (the CM) can pass along the feedback from the guests, in a pleasant - friendly way.

 

[exit30]

Sorry pumbaa, didn't mean to get so worked up, but for someone to insinuate that it is my responsibility to have all my info at all times just to make their job easier is a bit ludicrous. I was incredibly polite as I know what customer service people deal with, but when the CM said she couldn't make a res. without my number I asked her why, that was when she became confrontational, I didn't raise my voice once. I just said that I would call back later. I am all about cooperating and making things run smoothly, but as the paying customer I shouldn't have to jump through fiery hoops for something as simple as a breakfast res. That said I'll let it drop and unsubscribe from this thread.

 

[exit30]

Sorry, double post.

 

[cascarlet]

Exit 30, I'm a Dining CM and maybe I can shed some light on what happened when you called.

Yes, we do ask for the reservation # on every call, even if it's not booked through WDW. Honestly there is a "trick" to finding reservations that you can't locate under name/zip and I don't think this CM knew about it otherwise she would have found you. It would have been helpful if you had your reservation #, but you didn't as some people don't. Regardless, she still could have made your reservations.

I think her concern was if you are on the dining plan, she would not be able to attach that to your reservations. So if you were looking for CRT or Fantasmic packages which are prepaid, you would have to prepay and not be able to use your dining plan as a credit. So what I would have done if I couldn't locate you (which I'm sure I could ), Is create you in the system and make your reservations but advise you that the dining plan will not be attached to your res. Not a big deal unless you are booking CRT or Fantasmic. You can always advise at location.

The other issue would be if you were trying to book 90 + 10, we would not be able to do that without your reservation number. That is an absolute must.

For those of you who mentioned that you will just say you are not staying because you don't want to give out a bunch of numbers, we will see that you are staying anyways because we will need your name to check for you in our guest book. We check for everyone even locals, and we would most likely see your reservation. Really, it does make it easier if you have your number, the CM can pull up your reservation info and poof you're on your way.

I do apoligize that you feel you had a bad experience making your ADR's. This new system takes a bit to learn and as all systems there are little tricks that you learn as you go. Unfortunatly you did get a CM that was uninformed (or I should say informed but maybe not paying attention), which sadly happens from time to time. If you call back without your #, just ask them to check under your arrival day, last name and resort and they will be able to find you. If not, ask them to have a supervisor assist you because you know you are in the system since you do have a reservation #, you just don't have it with you. The only exception to this would be if you have a land/sea package.

I hope next time you call you get me!! I would be happy to help you make some ADR's. Have a magical day!

 

[jcemom]

Exit 30, I'm a Dining CM and maybe I can shed some light on what happened when you called.

...

I hope next time you call you get me!! I would be happy to help you make some ADR's. Have a magical day!

Thank you, that was very informative. I hope I get you too, the next time I call.