Online system allowed over booking

[kt_mom]

So I got a call last night around 8:00 from Disney that the online system had allowed bookings at restaurants with no availability. And CRT was one of them.

I've been checking multiple times a day for a spot at CRT for next week and a couple weeks ago I was amazed when I scored a 4:10 for the 13th for DD's birthday. I was so excited. I was going to call yesterday to order a birthday cake to be delivered but I got busy and decided to wait until today. Good thing I guess.

Well, the lady last night said they were going to have to cancel. I felt bad for her because she sounded so nervous when she told me. She spent about 15 minutes checking every day of our trip and tried several times for the 13th for any meal in the castle. She couldn't find anything.

Even though I was so disappointed and actually pretty annoyed I did my best to be nice to her because I know its not her fault. I didn't ask for anything but she did offer me a fast pass to see the Princesses and a free photo package with them as well as a $25 gift card which I accepted and will pick up at guest services in MK.

She thanked me several times for being understanding and said the she felt horrible calling to tell people she had to cancel their CRT reservations and that the people who were so understanding made her feel even worse. I told her that I knew it wasn't her fault and couldn't be upset with her and she pretty much said that a lot of people didn't see it that way and that she had been yelled at quite a bit. I'm thankful I don't have her job. She said she knew it would be a bad night when they handed her the list and told her it was CRT.

 

[Donaldswife]

So I got a call last night around 8:00 from Disney that the online system had allowed bookings at restaurants with no availability. And CRT was one of them.

I've been checking multiple times a day for a spot at CRT for next week and a couple weeks ago I was amazed when I scored a 4:10 for the 13th for DD's birthday. I was so excited. I was going to call yesterday to order a birthday cake to be delivered but I got busy and decided to wait until today. Good thing I guess.

Well, the lady last night said they were going to have to cancel. I felt bad for her because she sounded so nervous when she told me. She spent about 15 minutes checking every day of our trip and tried several times for the 13th for any meal in the castle. She couldn't find anything.

Even though I was so disappointed and actually pretty annoyed I did my best to be nice to her because I know its not her fault. I didn't ask for anything but she did offer me a fast pass to see the Princesses and a free photo package with them as well as a $25 gift card which I accepted and will pick up at guest services in MK.

She thanked me several times for being understanding and said the she felt horrible calling to tell people she had to cancel their CRT reservations and that the people who were so understanding made her feel even worse. I told her that I knew it wasn't her fault and couldn't be upset with her and she pretty much said that a lot of people didn't see it that way and that she had been yelled at quite a bit. I'm thankful I don't have her job. She said she knew it would be a bad night when they handed her the list and told her it was CRT.

I am so sorry that happened to you! Don't give up hope, we have been able to get into CRT a couple of times mid afternoon by checking at the podium....sometimes people don't show up and they have a few spots. I would give it a try, the worst they can say is no!

 

[kt_mom]

I am so sorry that happened to you! Don't give up hope, we have been able to get into CRT a couple of times mid afternoon by checking at the podium....sometimes people don't show up and they have a few spots. I would give it a try, the worst they can say is no!

I'm going to keep checking a few times a day. And the CM did suggest trying at the podium. I had wanted to order a cake or chocolate slipper to surprise DD though.

When I booked the CRT a few weeks ago I had a 5:40 at Park Fare that the system didn't make me cancel. I had planned to go back in and cancel it but hadn't had a chance. I'm glad I didn't. I'm not really excited about a 5:40 at PF though because I know they tend to run behind. We waited over an hour there one time. I like to do an ADR earlier there or later after the rush.

So I may still cancel that because we have reservations for the dessert party at 9:00 and it might be nice to stay a little longer in the morning and then swim and nap at the resort and head back out for the evening a little later like 7:00 so we can stay closer to closing which isn't until 1:00.

Its not a huge loss to us. We've done it before and I'm sure we'll have a chance to do it again. Its a bummer because it was for DD birthday and DH doesn't like to eat in the castle so it was the perfect time to do it. But I feel bad for anyone that had never done it, or already told their children. DD won't know we missed it becuase the whole trip is still a surprise.

 

[LilyWDW]

This was mentioned on the Touring Plans Blog a couple of days ago. Reservations made around the time they were have issues with their systems (so, around Feb. 26) may not be valid. This includes dining, tours, and other recreation reservations. They are calling those affected as fast as is possible, but TP said numbers could be around 42,000 reservations were made in error.

 

[kt_mom]

That's a lot of reservations. The poor girl that called me sounded like she had been at it awhile calling to cancel CRT reservations. She said the system just opened wide up and let people book all kinds of stuff that wasn't really available.

I did feel bad for her because there isn't really much they can do for you if you were counting on eating at CRT. In my opinion there really isn't another equal option. Not that I love CRT or anything because I'm sort of indifferent, but DD loves it not only because its the princesses but because its the castle.

She did offer us something for the mistake which I did accept, but I don't think I would have asked for anything. The fast pass for the princesses will be nice, but truth be told, I think we would have rather had some fast passes for SM or something. We don't usually go to the character meet and greets. But I guess we will this time. The $25 gift card is great though and we'll definitely use that.

 

[aripantaloon]

This was mentioned on the Touring Plans Blog a couple of days ago. Reservations made around the time they were have issues with their systems (so, around Feb. 26) may not be valid. This includes dining, tours, and other recreation reservations. They are calling those affected as fast as is possible, but TP said numbers could be around 42,000 reservations were made in error.

Wow! That's crazy!

I feel badly for those who made the reservations as well as those who have to call to tell all of them that they are not valid.

 

[mom2rtk]

Oops. That stinks. I hope you still find something!

 

[CrabbyPatty]

Hhmmpphh ..... now I'm wondering if that lunch reservation I got at Le Cellier was too good to be true? Guess we'll find out!

 

[kt_mom]

Hhmmpphh ..... now I'm wondering if that lunch reservation I got at Le Cellier was too good to be true? Guess we'll find out!

I'd call and ask. I saw the posts that there had been problems around the 26 with bookings. I don't remember what day I booked CRT but I had checked mine online and it was there so I wasn't worried about it.

 

[LilyWDW]

Hhmmpphh ..... now I'm wondering if that lunch reservation I got at Le Cellier was too good to be true? Guess we'll find out!

I would call and check. With so many potential reservations, it may take them awhile to get through everyone. Better to be proactive and know for sure!

 

[CrabbyPatty]

I made my reservation on March 3rd, but I think I'll just call them and doublecheck to make sure it's valid. Thanks!

 

[joshsmom]

SO SORRY for you, and for the poor CM. I'm sure she appreciated your understanding. It has to be awful for them to have to call and cancel something so unique. Hoping that you will find another reservation at CRT at the podium (or before!). Have a wonderful trip!

 

[scjo68]

I'm sorry this happened to you.
I made a LeCellier ADR on Feb 28th for August. Don't know if they were still overbooking then, or not. If so, it's not the end of the world, as I was the one who wanted to eat there. THe rest of the family doesn't really care. Each of my kids got to choose a TS meal, and I made those ADr's this week. So I assume they are safe. Those are more important to me anyway, since they are their favorites and tey are already looking forward to them.

I would be interested to hear from anyone who has had this happen.

 

[navywifetill2002]

So sorry to hear about your CRT! I booked our 1st ever stay at WDW Sunday night (March 4th) for 8 mights at ASMo Sept 15-23rd...got my confirmation number, it showed on the web site. Monday I got a call that there was a glitch in the system that booked too many rooms with the free dining so I had to really up what I was paying or change both the week we were going and the resort. We're now going the 8-16th and staying at Sports. Not a huge deal but I was just shocked to hear that they'd have that big of a "glitch" that would let me get through with it all but not really have a reservation. So glad I didn't book my flight Sunday night like I was going to!

 

[disney-inspired]

Oh no! That's horrible!

Would you suggest booking ADRs via telephone then?
I want to book CRT for my trip in September. My 180 day mark is on Saturday.

 

[StrwLady]

So sorry to hear about your CRT! I booked our 1st ever stay at WDW Sunday night (March 4th) for 8 mights at ASMo Sept 15-23rd...got my confirmation number, it showed on the web site. Monday I got a call that there was a glitch in the system that booked too many rooms with the free dining so I had to really up what I was paying or change both the week we were going and the resort. We're now going the 8-16th and staying at Sports. Not a huge deal but I was just shocked to hear that they'd have that big of a "glitch" that would let me get through with it all but not really have a reservation. So glad I didn't book my flight Sunday night like I was going to!

Wow ADR bookings in error is one thing but how horrible to have your whole trip have to change. I'm glad you were able to find something that worked within your time frame.

Just curious did the CM offer you any kind of compensation like the OP was offered?

 

[StrwLady]

She did offer us something for the mistake which I did accept, but I don't think I would have asked for anything. The fast pass for the princesses will be nice, but truth be told, I think we would have rather had some fast passes for SM or something. We don't usually go to the character meet and greets. But I guess we will this time. The $25 gift card is great though and we'll definitely use that.

I assume you were offered the Princess FP because at CRT you would be seeing the Princesses. Maybe when you pick up your the compensation items, explain why you were going to CRT (not so much for seeing princesses) and ask them if it is possible to switch the FP to a ride. I see no reason why they wouldn't.

 

[kt_mom]

So sorry to hear about your CRT! I booked our 1st ever stay at WDW Sunday night (March 4th) for 8 mights at ASMo Sept 15-23rd...got my confirmation number, it showed on the web site. Monday I got a call that there was a glitch in the system that booked too many rooms with the free dining so I had to really up what I was paying or change both the week we were going and the resort. We're now going the 8-16th and staying at Sports. Not a huge deal but I was just shocked to hear that they'd have that big of a "glitch" that would let me get through with it all but not really have a reservation. So glad I didn't book my flight Sunday night like I was going to!

That's terrible! I would be pretty upset about that. I think in that case since the mistake was Disney's they should have allowed you to keep your free dining and resort the way you had booked it, or if the resort was full bumped you up to a moderate and kept the free dining offer. In my case if the restaurant is full there's not much they can do. The CM offered to try lots of different places for me but I told her it was okay. If it had been my resort I think I would have pushed the issue some. I'm glad things worked out and that you hadn't booked your airfare yet though!

Oh no! That's horrible!

Would you suggest booking ADRs via telephone then?
I want to book CRT for my trip in September. My 180 day mark is on Saturday.

I don't think it makes a difference. I actually love the online booking because I can search and book whenever I want. I keep it open all day and check whenever I get chance if there is something I'm trying to book. I imagine some of the mistakes were phone reservations too.

I assume you were offered the Princess FP because at CRT you would be seeing the Princesses. Maybe when you pick up your the compensation items, explain why you were going to CRT (not so much for seeing princesses) and ask them if it is possible to switch the FP to a ride. I see no reason why they wouldn't.

I've thought about it. I will probably just ask DD which she would prefer and go from there since its her birthday. She may want to do the meet and greet and the pictures would be nice to have. The CM said it was the same package we would have gotten at dinner but how does that work at the meet and greet? Do you get to pick which princess or what?

 

[maiziezoe]

Oh my gosh... I used to work for Disney Dining... I would hate to be the CM having to call people to tell them they do not have a reservation they thought they had.

You are wonderful for being so nice to her.

Have a wonderful trip!