Orbitz changes - please read for tips and linking to MDE instructions

[pepperandchips]

I don't know how anyone figures things out without the disboards!

Me either! I am so glad you got it worked out.

I don't want anyone to despair over using Orbitz - I have used them countless times over the last two years for Disney, Costa Rica, Washington DC, and probably some others I've forgotten about. Even when it was a hassle, I still got someone on the phone who was at least willing to help (or refund me when they couldn't). I won't even mention the hundreds of dollars in discounts I've gotten using Orbucks (and now their Orbucks for dining out is helping me little by little). I am going to update the first post with all the good advice!

 

[KristiK]

Me either! I am so glad you got it worked out.

I don't want anyone to despair over using Orbitz - I have used them countless times over the last two years for Disney, Costa Rica, Washington DC, and probably some others I've forgotten about. Even when it was a hassle, I still got someone on the phone who was at least willing to help (or refund me when they couldn't). I won't even mention the hundreds of dollars in discounts I've gotten using Orbucks (and now their Orbucks for dining out is helping me little by little). I am going to update the first post with all the good advice!

You may want to add to only book for two adults if you have kids, and you need Orbitz to add the kids when they call Disney to get the 12 digit number . Also, once you are linked, you can edit the adults names. Lastly, if you are getting magic bands you MUST change your address while logged in and customizing them. Otherwise they will go to Chicago. Lol.[/QUOTE]

 

[Eastern]

Thanks to the OP for the heads up. I booked a non-Disney hotel a couple weeks ago, and cancelled, and there was no $25 fee. But I will be very careful when booking from now on. There will have to be a substantial discount for me to bother.

 

[MomForFrozenAddicts]

I booked and cancelled 2 reservations with Orbitz yesterday for POR Riverside: No cancellation fee. Disney confirmation with number/letter was given when I booked on the Orbitz App; not when I booked on their website. Also, it is not longer necessary to book for adults only then call for the kids. I tried both way, the price remains the same.
End up booking the room with Cheaptickets for its 20% promotion. Had to call twice for the Disney confirmation number. According to the rep, the hotel reservation# is different than the hotel confirmation#. (whatever??) Confirmation # works with MDE. Once the reservation is linked to MDE, I changed the shipping address for MagicBands. Also, fill out the form for Disney's Magical Express at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/airport-transportation-reservation/ You will need your confirmation#, but once MDE is linked, the number is here in your MDE.

 

[C-CMom]

Sooo, anyone had this scenario... Late December or early January, booked Orbitz 2 Pop Century rooms for May. Linked to MDE with shorter code, letters only, I believe = worked fine. Did Orbitz Chat to add "Connecting Room" request to reservation. On "Chat Hold" for awhile while agent said contacting Disney. They ultimately said it was done. Recently, to be on safe side, I thought I would call Disney to be sure the request was there. Disney CM (main WDW resort number) said she "could not see" the reservation, but that if I call directly to Pop Century less than 10 days prior to arrival, because they "wouldn't be able to see it" before then. She gave me the direct Pop Century number.

A - Does this late call time frame seem correct? Is certainly OK for me to call closer to the date, but wasn't super convinced that it matched things I had heard here...

B (and more related to this conversation) - am I going to need the 12 digit number to call to check on the reservation request?

Thanks!

 

[pepperandchips]

Sooo, anyone had this scenario... Late December or early January, booked Orbitz 2 Pop Century rooms for May. Linked to MDE with shorter code, letters only, I believe = worked fine. Did Orbitz Chat to add "Connecting Room" request to reservation. On "Chat Hold" for awhile while agent said contacting Disney. They ultimately said it was done. Recently, to be on safe side, I thought I would call Disney to be sure the request was there. Disney CM (main WDW resort number) said she "could not see" the reservation, but that if I call directly to Pop Century less than 10 days prior to arrival, because they "wouldn't be able to see it" before then. She gave me the direct Pop Century number.

A - Does this late call time frame seem correct? Is certainly OK for me to call closer to the date, but wasn't super convinced that it matched things I had heard here...

B (and more related to this conversation) - am I going to need the 12 digit number to call to check on the reservation request?

Thanks!

Part of this I have heard/know of, and part of it will need to be answered by others. Yes, it is true that your reservation made with the outside website (in this case Orbitz) "drops in" to Disney's hotel's internal reservation system closer to check in time. I read about this on the POFQ thread I believe - Andre there has lots of advice about exactly how the room assigners (at least at Port Orleans) handle the room requests. Since the room configuration request is one of the few things you actually need your room request to be "dropped in" to their system to make requests regarding, you should do it shortly before arrival. A lot of folks used to do this via fax, and I believe the time frame recommended is 3-5 days in advance of your check in date. If you subscribe to touring plans, you can make room requests through them and they will send the "fax" (not sure it's actually a fax these days) on your behalf. Otherwise, I recommend seeking out the resort-specific info page here: http://www.disboards.com/forums/disney-resorts.12/ to see if others have resort-specific contact information and tips for room requests.

The part I don't know the answer to is whether you will need the 12 digit number. When speaking with the resort directly, I believe they can likely locate you through your name and check in date, but it helps to give them as much information as possible especially if you have a common name.

 

[C-CMom]

pepperandchips - Thanks for your reply!

I actually do have the Touring Plans subscription, so I will check into that. I agree they can probably find me with name and date, will try that before making the extra call to Orbitz.
I've made requests before, but the procedure changes just enough over time that getting current info can be important - thanks for helping me!

 

[ellie05]

Sooo, anyone had this scenario... Late December or early January, booked Orbitz 2 Pop Century rooms for May. Linked to MDE with shorter code, letters only, I believe = worked fine. Did Orbitz Chat to add "Connecting Room" request to reservation. On "Chat Hold" for awhile while agent said contacting Disney. They ultimately said it was done. Recently, to be on safe side, I thought I would call Disney to be sure the request was there. Disney CM (main WDW resort number) said she "could not see" the reservation, but that if I call directly to Pop Century less than 10 days prior to arrival, because they "wouldn't be able to see it" before then. She gave me the direct Pop Century number.

A - Does this late call time frame seem correct? Is certainly OK for me to call closer to the date, but wasn't super convinced that it matched things I had heard here...

B (and more related to this conversation) - am I going to need the 12 digit number to call to check on the reservation request?

Thanks!

When I called Disney to make ME reservations as soon as I put the confirmation number Disney send me to a wholesale reservation line. Did you try this? Because the CM can view and put request in my reservation. A regular reservations CM wouldn't be able to do that. Even the greeting mention wholesale reservations.


I forgot to add to my previous post. I called orbitz for the code to link to mde it took a little while for him to call Disney and get the code. It wasn't more than 10 min call total so it was worth the $200 in savings.

 

[pepperandchips]

pepperandchips - Thanks for your reply!

I actually do have the Touring Plans subscription, so I will check into that. I agree they can probably find me with name and date, will try that before making the extra call to Orbitz.
I've made requests before, but the procedure changes just enough over time that getting current info can be important - thanks for helping me!

You're certainly welcome! I am all about stacking discounts and saving money, so glad to have this community where we can help each other do that.

And of course, I am also all about letting touring plans do some of the work for me. I've used their fax room request service a couple of times now and gotten almost exactly what I requested. I certainly got the most important part of what I requested. My favorite success with this was getting a Savanna view at the standard price at AKL:

Happy planning and I hope you get everything you request for a great vacation!

 

[C-CMom]

When I called Disney to make ME reservations as soon as I put the confirmation number Disney send me to a wholesale reservation line. Did you try this? Because the CM can view and put request in my reservation. A regular reservations CM wouldn't be able to do that. Even the greeting mention wholesale reservations.


I forgot to add to my previous post. I called orbitz for the code to link to mde it took a little while for him to call Disney and get the code. It wasn't more than 10 min call total so it was worth the $200 in savings.

Thanks, ellie05!
I can probably just wait until the 10 day mark as they said, but this is nice to know about wholesale reservations. I realize the "Connecting Room" requests are not guaranteed, so I have vowed to be very zen about however it works out. Great to know some additional resources, though.

You're certainly welcome! I am all about stacking discounts and saving money, so glad to have this community where we can help each other do that.

And of course, I am also all about letting touring plans do some of the work for me. I've used their fax room request service a couple of times now and gotten almost exactly what I requested. I certainly got the most important part of what I requested. My favorite success with this was getting a Savanna view at the standard price at AKL:

Happy planning and I hope you get everything you request for a great vacation!

Thanks again pepperandchips! Great score on the AKL room!
I'm sure we'll turn up with something good. I, too enjoy the thrill of the hunt, and was grateful to learn of Orbitz discount stacking here on the boards. A nice community with helpful people.

 

[mexi]

I booked yesterday with Cheaptickets which saved me an additional $388. So excited about that! I did put in my requests on the online booking form through Cheaptickets. Does Disney not see these requests? I tried to find out yesterday and the CM told me she couldn't see my reservation. I thought since I had the 12 digit reservation number that begins with 4 that Disney would be able to see my reservation.

So do I wait until a few days before our trip to call and add our requests or will they eventually see those I added when I made the reservation with Cheaptickets?

 

[team weasel]

Did you link to MDE? Once you get that done, you can add your requests within MDE. I can't remember off the top of my head if that can be done now, or if it's done when you do Online Check In.

 

[mexi]

Did you link to MDE? Once you get that done, you can add your requests within MDE. I can't remember off the top of my head if that can be done now, or if it's done when you do Online Check In.

Yes I linked my reservation in MDE. The requests I have aren't listed on the online check in so I'll have to wait until my trip gets closer I guess.

Talked to another CM a little while ago and asked to speak to someone in wholesale and she didn't know what I was talking about. She tried to help me and said that she can see that I have a reservation but can't see the whole thing. She said that if I gave Cheaptickets my requests then that should be fine.

I give up for now and will try when my trip is closer.

 

[pepperandchips]

Yes I linked my reservation in MDE. The requests I have aren't listed on the online check in so I'll have to wait until my trip gets closer I guess.

Talked to another CM a little while ago and asked to speak to someone in wholesale and she didn't know what I was talking about. She tried to help me and said that she can see that I have a reservation but can't see the whole thing. She said that if I gave Cheaptickets my requests then that should be fine.

I give up for now and will try when my trip is closer.

I would wait until 3-4 days before and call again to see if your requests made it over to the resort. If not, your reservation will at least be in the system by then so that the phone agent can add your requests at that time. It makes us feel better as planners to have this stuff in the system well in advance but in reality they assign rooms shortly before we check in $388 is a great savings! Where are you staying this time? (Edited: I see your ticker is for the boardwalk - that should be lovely!)

 

[HM]

I am irritated. I used Cheaptickets. When I was reading the page I swear it said it was free cancellation, but now it says $25? What?

OK, I figured this out but it makes no sense. All Star Music has no fee (which is the resort I was looking at firsta), but All Star Movies does have the cancel fee.

I am on the phone right now. She could not give me the MDE 12 number (says I need to wait 72 hours and try back) and she says she's going to have to charge the $25 fee (she is calling the hotel to see if she can drop it). I am going to cancel if I can without the fee. I was liking saving an additional $47 but I'm not sure this trip is going to come together, so I'm better off cancelling this one and doing it through Disney.

 

[HM]

She says the resort will not waive the fee. I am asking for a supervisor. I wish I'd read this thread before I made the reservation. Argh. Supevisor says he'll call but he can't guarantee I can waive it. I don't think they're going to let me. Double Argh.


So, nope. Disney says no, they say. I will try calling again in 72 hours to get the 12 digit number for MDE, and if they still can't provide it, then I'm going to have a go at it again.

 

[acbshada]

I hate hearing about the issues folks are having with these cancellation fees. :\ Does anyone have any idea why certain resorts have the fees and others do not?

I just made a reservation on Orbitz yesterday for All Star Music, and there was no cancellation fee. But it does look like I'm going to have to call to get that reservation number like other folks have. I wanted to say "thank you" to those who provided info in this thread.

Also, good luck to those dealing with the issues right now. I hope it gets straightened out soon!

 

[mexi]

I would wait until 3-4 days before and call again to see if your requests made it over to the resort. If not, your reservation will at least be in the system by then so that the phone agent can add your requests at that time. It makes us feel better as planners to have this stuff in the system well in advance but in reality they assign rooms shortly before we check in $388 is a great savings! Where are you staying this time? (Edited: I see your ticker is for the boardwalk - that should be lovely!)

Thank you. It's so hard to wait when you just want to make sure everything is in order. I'll definitely call closer to our trip.

 

[pepperandchips]

She says the resort will not waive the fee. I am asking for a supervisor. I wish I'd read this thread before I made the reservation. Argh. Supevisor says he'll call but he can't guarantee I can waive it. I don't think they're going to let me. Double Argh.


So, nope. Disney says no, they say. I will try calling again in 72 hours to get the 12 digit number for MDE, and if they still can't provide it, then I'm going to have a go at it again.

Make your complaint about the cancellation fee known as it regards THEIR FAILURE to provide you with the Disney confirmation after multiple attempts to get it! They advertise the Disney amenities with the listings of these resorts - if you can't use the amenities (FP+, Magical Express) because of Cheaptickets' failure to provide you with the 12 digit code that links to MDE, they need to cancel your reservation and eat the $25 if "Disney refuses to waive it" (which I think is a steaming load of crap, I don't think Disney has anything to do with the $25 fee).

You are exactly in the position I was in when I ended up forcing Orbitz to cancel my reservation with no penalty. They repeatedly failed to provide me with the Disney confirmation (in any format that MDE would accept) so I told her that she was going to have to figure out how to refund me in full or I would escalate. She "got approval" to waive that fee, but I did have to force it. I decided (like you) that my hassle wasn't worth the extra savings so I just rebooked directly with Disney. Maybe if they get enough cancellations they will begin disseminating the confirmation codes without all this added work.

 

[HM]

Make your complaint about the cancellation fee known as it regards THEIR FAILURE to provide you with the Disney confirmation after multiple attempts to get it! They advertise the Disney amenities with the listings of these resorts - if you can't use the amenities (FP+, Magical Express) because of Cheaptickets' failure to provide you with the 12 digit code that links to MDE, they need to cancel your reservation and eat the $25 if "Disney refuses to waive it" (which I think is a steaming load of crap, I don't think Disney has anything to do with the $25 fee).

You are exactly in the position I was in when I ended up forcing Orbitz to cancel my reservation with no penalty. They repeatedly failed to provide me with the Disney confirmation (in any format that MDE would accept) so I told her that she was going to have to figure out how to refund me in full or I would escalate. She "got approval" to waive that fee, but I did have to force it. I decided (like you) that my hassle wasn't worth the extra savings so I just rebooked directly with Disney. Maybe if they get enough cancellations they will begin disseminating the confirmation codes without all this added work.

I was able to call and get the 12 digit Disney confirmation number today (getting the cust serv guy to understand what I needed was a bit of a chore though) and successfully added my Cheaptickets reservation number to MDE today. And I cancelled my previous Disney reservation after doing so. So, overall, on a two day trip, I saved over $100 on an AS resort using the Summer discount and the Cheaptickets code. Still, it shouldn't be so much of a hassle.