:( Mickey Magic in Short Supply

[05ChristmasSurprise]

I'm feeling very disenchanted with this whole stupid process.

We invested in the APs with the knowledge that AP rates rock.
We made our reservations at the Dolphin and were treated TERRIBLY when we called. I don't remember the specifics, but it was entirely an awful first experience with that resort. The manager called me and tried to sort it all out, but it was too late. We decided to just cancel and not let it bring us down.

Then, we booked at another onsite resort and were pretty happy, but anxiously awaiting AP codes. When we went to book, they said "you can't have your kids in the room with you - can't you and your husband split up?" Umm - no!

Then, our friends told us that November was not going to work for them, which put us into "regular" season. So, we looked at DH's trial schedule and found out that the only time he could go was in May. We decided to move it up to May and were waiting for the AP codes. Well, they came out and they aren't great - $74 for a value (all of which are sold out) and we need two rooms - so that stinks. We decided to rent a vacation villa, which is only about $100 a night with four bedrooms and a private pool. Of course, to do that, we had to cancel all of our grand gathering events

Soooo - I called today to look for a PS at CRT. I was hoping maybe for a cancellation. No such luck (it's only day one - I'll keep calling) but the point is - the CM who answered the phone was kind of rude. Someone was talking in the background as I was giving her the information (including the dates and the party size) and she said "hang on a second" and went to put me on hold (mind you - long distance). I figured she was checking a rate and I heard her say (off in the distance, before I was totally on hold) "oooh, man - I totally feel left out" and proceeded to have a conversation with another employee, I assume. She came back after quite some time and I figured she'd have the information for me. Nope. She hadn't even checked - she had to ask all the information again!

Then, when she did find an opening, it was for a party of 6 (we have a party of 8). I said that was okay and nevermind (knowing sometimes things open up as others cancel, etc) and she interrupts me and says "well, can't you just drop the guys for a little while?" WHAT IS IT WITH THESE PEOPLE!? It's supposed to be a FAMILY vacation - I don't want to do these things without my husband - and he certainly doesn't want to miss out on the looks in our daughters' eyes when the princess come to life - we both cried last time!!!! There is NOTHING in the world like that moment - when they see Cinderella - or Snow White - LIVE and in person!

I'm just really sad right now. I know I shouldn't let it get me down, but I feel like all this work...all the ordeals...maybe it just isn't worth it.
I'm losing my faith in Mickey Magic and our APs aren't even validated yet.

 

[DancingBear]

Don't get disheartened. It's hard being the planner, particularly for a large group like yours, but it'll all work out and you'll have a great time. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to make the perfect plans---if you don't get a Princess Breakfast, it's really not that big of a deal.

 

[lovethattink]

I'm sending you a PM.

 

[jlaspoq]

Sounds like your experiences so far have really been disappointing. Hang in there. Hopefully someone will have some advice on how to handle rude CM's - I haven't really had any serious complaints luckily.

As far as CRT goes, remember to check the Norway breakfast as well - I think it's even available at lunch and dinner when you go in May. Opens up your chances of getting your girls into that special princess meal. We loved the Norway breakfast last time we were there.

Good luck to you!

 

[msudawgs30]

Sorry that you're having such a terrible planning time right now. I hope things get better for you.

CM's are hit and miss on the reservation lines. So far I've been lucky and I've had great experiences. Some were more helpful than others but none were rude (thank goodness).

Remember that cancellations for CRT have to be made 48 hours in advance or people will lose their deposit, so chances are good you'll catch a cancellation if you start checking 2 days before you arrive.

Here's sending you a little pixie dust that things will look up

 

[maxiesmom]

Hang in there! I know, it is tuff to change all of your plans at the last minute, but it can be done. I received some really great trips from this board when my sister's family of 5 decided to join my little party of 3 with only a month to go. Btw, have you thought of doing Cinderellas Gala Feast at the Grand Floridian? My sister's 4yr old princess loved it! Good Luck!

 

[maxiesmom]

I had another idea. Maybe you could try one of the Disney travel sites, like Dreams Unlimited. You can always check and see if they have the rooms you wanted available. Then they would even make the priority seating arrangements for you. I know it would mean changing your plans again, but it was just a thought

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Sometimes more AP rates open up as people change resorts, or cancel, or deposits aren't paid on time. You could keep calling to try to get one, if you really wanted to do the GG events. I was the planner for our large group last summer, and it's a really tough job! Don't let it get you down, something will open up.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

AP rates at the resort are only bonuses. You shouldn't have bought the tickets expecting great rates.

 

[05ChristmasSurprise]

AP rates at the resort are only bonuses. You shouldn't have bought the tickets expecting great rates.

Hey, now that's some great advice!
Thanks for the support

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Thanks for spreading magic and pixie dust.

 

[GrumpyC.Hook]

I am so sorry that your having such a Tough time...I hope your trip planning gets easier and happier for you!


may all the pixie dust that can be found be sprinkled over your trip and trip planning from now on!

Amy

 

[Shells9]

05ChristmasSurprise-

Yeah, it sounds like you are having a heck of a time, sorry to hear it. I'm sure you could make some alternative plans that would turn out to be just as good. Now is probably not the time to start throwing them at you, but just to give you an idea-

" don't want to do these things without my husband - and he certainly doesn't want to miss out on the looks in our daughters' eyes when the princess come to life - we both cried last time!!!! There is NOTHING in the world like that moment - when they see Cinderella - or Snow White - LIVE and in person! "

Maybe try for the Princess meals in Epcot...or meet and greets...Storytime with Belle in MK is an awesome way to see Belle right up close

"Of course, to do that, we had to cancel all of our grand gathering events"

That's a bummer. Maybe you could book a fireworks cruise or Illuminations party or something...

Hang in there! It will all be worth it once you get there.

 

[SamanthaL]

I feel your pain. I am not having as hard a time as you are though. I am planning for a large group and being the CEO of decision making is tough. You do get some fun perks though like picking the places you will eat and what days you will be doing what, right? Have you thought about renting points from a DVD member? It is the most cost effective way to stay on site in a villa. Don't know if this helps.
BTW- just ignore nasty comments too. They don't help. Venting helps so go ahead!

 

[HeatherPage]

Don't pay attention to the holier than thou attitudes that goes on around here at times.

Hope everything works out for you

 

[Mymatisse]

AP rates at the resort are only bonuses. You shouldn't have bought the tickets expecting great rates.

I have to agree with MaryKatesMom on this one. I don't think it's being unsupportive, I think it really is good advice.

 

[Baloo]

A little DIS Guidlines reminder!

3. NO FIGHTING: Several Internet news groups are marred by the actions of a few selfish people who turn an otherwise positive forum into a soap box for their anger issues. Internet newsgroups are not moderated, and therefore, anything goes. These boards are moderated in an effort to keep the discussions appropriate to the topic at hand. Those who feel they can not abide by these rules are welcome to read the posts on the board, and respond via email to the person who posted the message. Messages that are argumentative or sarcastic in nature will be deleted without discussion.

 

[05ChristmasSurprise]

I have to agree with MaryKatesMom on this one. I don't think it's being unsupportive, I think it really is good advice.

I'm sorry - I just don't see any "advice" there.
The APs were already purchased, so the comment is entirely moot and unrelated to the problem at hand.

The issue was my frustration with the attitude of the CM who I was on the phone with yesterday, and my disappointment in the little intricacies of some policies and regulations (ie. the number of people in a room, the grand gathering policy, etc).

The APs were purchased because we are coming for 10 days - a ticket would cost *more* so it pays for itself for our length of stay. I didn't only purchase the APs for rates, and if I were asking a question about whether or not it is worth it to buy an AP for a, say, four day visit just to get discounts then her comment would have been entirely appropriate. I was only saying that I was disapointed in the fact that the AP rates were not nearly as good as they have historically been, that they changed seasons on us this year (after the APs were purchased) and it threw off our budget. We all deal with issues once in a while when we're planning a vacation, especially when taking the needs of 8 people into account.

When someone is coming here out of frustration, and in need of support and encouragement regarding people's lack of mickey enthusiasm on the WDW phone line, we need support and encouragement - not a condescending tone. That's all I'm saying.

 

[lclark0621]

AP rates at the resort are only bonuses. You shouldn't have bought the tickets expecting great rates.

There go some more panties in a twist.

Gee between the code police (codes are only bonus) & the post police (do a search before you dare post something that may have been posted before), I just never know what to post anymore.

I am sorry you are having a downer planning what should be a really magical trip.

How many people are in your family that you cant have 1 room?

Cannot you not do 2 rooms connected in a value or something?

Try the Princess meals in Epcot if you can't get CRT. You still get that Disney princess magic.

And remember, once you walk into the parks, all the stress from the planning should melt away, because you will finally be THERE.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

There is a long discussion going on at the Resort Board talking about the codes and how expectations are rising and that dissappointment has occurred because everyone is hearing about the great rates others have gotten. One of the issues is how the internet has really made the presence of codes a hot topic. Who doesn't want great rates?

However, we do a disservice to newbies if we continue to discuss AP rates as if they are guaranteed. I've only gotten them about a 1/2 of the time because my plans are inflexible.

I'm not sure what advice you were looking for because the OP sounds like a vent so I would appreciate if the nasty and sarcastic comments would cease.