New reservations system update today...confusion ensues

[doconeill]

So, we're here at SSR right now. We hoped for an early-ready room, smooth check-in for ourselves and my in-laws (who were arriving via ME, us by rental car), get some supplies, and get over to AK for one of the last evening EMHs there...

Well, as we know Disney has been rolling out the new reservations system (codenamed "LILO"). I thought that meant that we couldn't call up for any changes...but it was going into the resorts today! My in-laws somehow beat us via ME, and got "checked in". But they couldn't tell us anything. Somehow they took DMiL's credit card for the room, and gave her a "blank" KTTW card, saying that would open the room door once our room was cleared and assigned (nope, not ready again...). When we arrived, they couldn't tell me anything, because the whole system was down - and they didn't know if it would be minutes or hours. So we had to ditch all the pre-park plans, give over the luggage from the car to bell services, etc. and then headed over to AK...

Part way through our day there, I realize - we've only got this blank KTTW card! How are we supposed to get onto attractions during EMH? I talked to 3 CMs, all of whom had different answers but at least one said to go to Guest Relations. I eventually trekked all the way back there (it's only convenient on your way in or out), with my feet already aching since I didn't get to put on the moleskin, etc. that was still in the luggage...

I mentioned my plight to the GR CM, and she immediately knew what to do...she went out back, and came back with 6 "EMH passes" - they were printed on Dinosaur Fastpass stock, but said they were good for EMH. I took a picture that I can upload at a later date. Showed them to the CM at Everest and he didn't bat an eye...this is apparently not a new thing (we haven't done an evening EMH since they got rid of the wristbands).

Back at SSR, it was more fun due to LILO. We went back to the check-in desk to verify the room number (we got the call finally at 5:30, but didn't have anything to write the number down on), and she printed out new KTTW cards - although there should have been cards in the room. No cards in the room, but we had to go back anyways to get the room charging and billing all straightened out anyways, and they forgot one of the KTTW cards (I didn't notice I only got 5), but everyone was struggling with LILO...but an added new feature is that you can have different KTTW cards bill to different credit cards, so we took advantage of that.

We had a bit of back and forth between check-in and the room dealing with luggage, etc. (I couldn't fit the people needed, an ECV, and luggage in the car at the same time)...but eventually it was all straightened out and now everyone is finally in the room with all their stuff...

 

[stitchlover]

WelL Commish I hope it continues to go well now that you are finally checked in and settled. Have a good time!

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

Thanks for being everyone's guinea pig.

 

[aspen37]

Thanks for the info. I'm glad that you can bill to different credit cards on different KTTW cards now. Have a great trip.

 

[mikelan6]

You would think they would test these systems out and be trained in them before they are implemented.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

You would think they would test these systems out and be trained in them before they are implemented.

 

[tlcoke]

Hopefully it is working more smoothly when I check in on Saturday. I have experienced the Online Check-in Glitch that won't let me do Online Check-in. I have tried all the suggestions posted to no avail, so I will check in the old fashion way on Saturday.

That is good to know about the multiple charging option.

 

[ragtopday]

Good grief! I'm exhausted just reading that!

Wishing you all a fantastic time, despite the less-than-auspicious beginnings!

 

[fall08CP]

You would think they would test these systems out and be trained in them before they are implemented.

One of my good friends was on the Lilo test team. They've been testing for about 14 months- since October 2009. It was originally supposed to "go live" this past summer, but they pushed it back to work out more kinks. I heard that it had to be up and running before the end of the year or they'd scrap it altogether. It went live first at Hilton Head and Vero Beach, and there were few issues there. All stars/boardwalk/port orleans all got it two weeks ago and have had numerous issues. It is a work in process, and it's making things MUCH easier on the resort CMs. The old system was basically a DOS program where you had to use tab/return/function keys- very difficult to learn and there were many limitations. Give it a few months and I think everyone will be very happy with LILO.

 

[doconeill]

Things were a bit smoother today, but I wasn't trying to guinea pig anything...

The times for stuff at the MK are messed up, even today, due to the TV parade taping. The official web site STILL doesn't say anything, but the 3PM parade ISN'T at 3PM! It's at 5PM, through Saturday. It makes sense due to the taping Friday and Saturday, but I don't recall anything mentioned about taping today, which was an EMH morning AND a MVMCP night. WE had an ADR for 5pm, so we didn't get to see the parade today. Maybe later.

My "love" for Disney IT has reached a new low

The monorail is having a good deal of issues. I drove my DFiL to the TTC with the ECV (hindsight says "Take the bus to the MK!"), and got in line for the resort monorail - apparently they don't open the express for EMH - despite a good crowd waiting. There was a train at the TTC (Teal), but it just sat there a while. It finally moved off, and then a CM comes up the ramp and tells us to go back down and there were buses waiting. They meant one bus waiting to take guests, and several others just sitting there. Fortunately we made it on the second bus (thanks to the ECV), but we arrived 15 minutes after park open, when we should have been there at least 15 minutes before...

This evening, trying to get back to the TTC from the GF, Monorail Red just sat there for a while before opening the doors to let people out - and of course things were backed up with everyone trying to get to the MVMCP, and we just wanted to get to the car...

Tomorrow will hopefully be better logistically, but that starts out at Harry Potter. Unfortunately I'm told that unlike when I was there two months ago, an open bar, dessert buffet and walk on rides are NOT normal...

 

[WebmasterAlex]

There are definitely some issues at Disney IT. I can't tell you how often we find out their systems are down for an upgrade..for 12 hours...with no notce. I've never heard of any IT Department that could get away with that.

 

[SaraMc]

You would think they would test these systems out and be trained in them before they are implemented.

Or at least wait till the busiest time of year was over...