Open Letter to Dreams: WISH Events, Recent Frustration, and Future Opportunies

[rbuccigrossi]

The Recent Frustration

A couple of months ago my wife Jen and I inquired at Dreams Unlimited on any special deals associated with the upcoming Disneyland half-marathon (8 weeks away on Sept 4, 2009). After a year of running events with the WISH team, I've grown rather fond of the camaraderie, enthusiasm, and encouragement of this amazing group of people. We became even more excited to learn that Dreams was putting together a hotel package, but we needed to wait for details. We also learned Disneyland has been running a 5 nights for the cost of 3 at Disneyland and "Good Neighbor" hotels over the same time period. So we imagined that we could stay in the same hotel or near a bunch of WISHers at a good price dramatically increasing the social aspects of the trip.

So we waited. After a couple of weeks Jen emailed Dreams again and were asked to be patient.

We waited a couple more weeks... and noticed that some hotels were selling out of the 5 nights for 3 deal. Emailing again, Dreams said that a deal was in the works.

We waited a couple more weeks... and then noticed that some hotel rooms were selling out completely. Emailing again, Dreams said that Pete was in California and we'd learn about the deal when he'd get back.

Then last weekend, 9 weeks away from the half-marathon, we found out the deals fell through and that there would not be any special package. But because of our "patience", a Disneyland hotel room that we could have reserved for $1500 is now $2500. There are two hotel rooms that still have the 5 nights for 3 deal, but they are 1 mile away from Disneyland (and no on-property resorts that still offer the deal). So instead of any reward for sticking with Dreams Unlimited (which would have been our first reservation with them), we instead get a pretty sharp poke in the eye.

WISH Events and Future Opportunities

So here's the wake-up call for Dreams Unlimited: We are DVC members, so we typically go to running events on DVC points (4 events in the past year alone). But there is one thing that Dreams (or any other travel agency that figures it out) could do to get me to book through them and save my points for other purposes: create WISH packages for Disney endurance events. What's ironic is that I don't believe it requires any special savings beyond what is normally offered (though I'm sure it would be appreciated . What would be key for me is a package that offers a good rate and gives WISHers the opportunity to be closer together..

I am aware there are issues (blocking off rooms vs. a single resort vs. groups of resorts, would having a "WISH" package make sense to the general public, etc.), but it seems that there is a strong opportunity here for Dreams to provide a service that would be greatly appreciated. It definitely beats a sharp poke in the eye...

Butch

 

[grizbuzz]

I, too, have been waiting for an announcement from Dreams on DL 1/2 marathon packages. I did, however, make a fully refundable back up reservation with a DL 1/2 marathon recommended travel agent, just to be sure. I guess I'm glad I did.

Here is their website:
http://www.gettravel.com/HalfMarathon/
Doesn't look like Disneyland resorts are still available (though it's always worth calling to check for availability), but there are some accommodations like Fairfield Marriot that are closer than 1 mile from park.


You also could try Get Away Today at www.getawaytoday.com
Not sure the dates you were looking for, but it looks like you might be able to get you could get five nights at Disneyland Hotel with tickets for two adults sstarting on Sept 3 for around $1800

I'm definitely feeling like WISH events aren't something that Dreams Unlimited is really committed to at this point - which is a shame, as I think there are a lot of people who would support Dreams to book accommodations, etc for Disney endurance events. Most likely there's lots of info we don't know to get the full picture.

Good luck arranging your DL trip!

 

[FireDancer]

I was unaware that the DL thing fell through. I am shooting for the coast to coast in 2011 and was going to try and do the WISH group for both.

I have no doubt that Dreams did everything they could to get the group set up. I have heard that dealing with Disney for the FL event has been pretty hard. Have you sent a PM to John or Pete to see if there is anything they can do? I have never heard of them not going above and beyond for someone. I wish you and everyone else luck in getting something arranged for the DL marathon weekend.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Butch & Jen--

This is a huge bummer for you, I am sure! So sorry that this fell through.

My experience with Pete and Dreams has been only positive. Have you sent this letter to him directly? He really does put customer service first and I wouldn't be surprised if he might make this right for you.

Best of luck!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Just a thought here, but maybe your should post this over on the Podcast board. I am willing to bet it will get a lot more attention over there.

 

[jbucci]

Thanks for the support. I was just really frustrated at being repeatedly told to be patient and wait then having it fall through without any real explanation. When I asked about making a "safety/backup" reservation I was heavily discouraged from doing so to avoid a change fee (again this is nice but I'd rather have paid the fee and still had a room). I trusted in Pete's ability to get the job done and waited but now am stuck with nothing reasonably priced still in the park ( I know the walk is not that far from other hotels, but... )

I'll get over it and we will have a good trip. If the opportunity to do a DIS thing comes up again I will likely try to get in on it, but I'll have my safety ressie just in case.

 

[grizbuzz]

Thanks for the support. I was just really frustrated at being repeatedly told to be patient and wait then having it fall through without any real explanation. When I asked about making a "safety/backup" reservation I was heavily discouraged from doing so to avoid a change fee (again this is nice but I'd rather have paid the fee and still had a room). I trusted in Pete's ability to get the job done and waited but now am stuck with nothing reasonably priced still in the park ( I know the walk is not that far from other hotels, but... )

I'll get over it and we will have a good trip. If the opportunity to do a DIS thing comes up again I will likely try to get in on it, but I'll have my safety ressie just in case.

Did you try Get Away Today? I think you might be able to get something reasonable in the parks with them, if you move quickly. Worth a try! And change fees are minimal compared to fees that Disneyland Resort charges.