No more CRO after Jan 1, 2004!

[Castillo Mom]

Originally posted by Terk-1
Just called CRO regarding this. The CM told me the following:

CRO will still be in place as of January 1st. CRO will only be doing room-only requests (including AP rooms). They will no longer be doing anything involving packages, including passes. He did inform me that CRO does have AAA room rates available in the system for 2004. All room-only's will be under the current CRO policies of 1 room night's deposit. I made sure about this, explaining that I was an AP holder and was planning on renewing my pass on my upcoming trip. He said to alienate passholders would be a big mistake, which is why they were still allowing room only's.

All other reservations will be done by WDTC and will be subject to their policies and procedures, including everything paid in full 45 days prior.

He said that the dial-in number will remain the same and that everyone at CRO will be trained the same way across the board to eliminate misunderstandings.

Thanks Terk-1. What you were told is very different from the information I was given. What you heard makes a lot more sense and I sure hope that whoever I spoke with didn't have accurate info.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by Sammie
Actually this practice, not that I like it, is very common at other resort areas such as Beach areas on the Florida Coast. Money in full up front and very strict cancellation policies.

I've heard of that at ocean condos, but never in 2,000+ room hotels.

 

[Lesley]

Packages only would seem to discourage a certain number of people from coming to WDW....and considering that WDW has several thousand hotel rooms sitting empty right now (the closed POFQ and Pop Century) this new strategy seems odd.

But we'll see how the chips fall.

 

[KathyT]

What number would you call to speak to CRO to book room only?

 

[SnackyStacky]

407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639)

When the agent answers, listen carefully to what they say. If they specify themselves as WDTC, ask to speak to a CRO representative. OR, tell them you'd like to book a room, and pay the balance at check-in, and be able to cancel up to 6 days before arrival.

 

[callmecal]

That certainly isn't the reason for the change. We just returned from the AKL (Aug 2 - Aug 8) and we booked the room on Jul 26 using an AP discount. The room was a parking lot view, but we were upgraded to savannah view for free.

Coincidently, other relatives (DVC members) staying at BWI had their studio upgraded to a 1 bedroom suite.

I don't think the resort hotels are doing the kind of business they'd like to be doing.

 

[scrapaholic]

Looks like the swan/dolphin will get more business!!!! I personally think that the recent changes really BITE!!!