PIN based offer in previous resident name - just call back?

[nbs2]

We booked our trip a couple of days ago via a TA, making sure to beat an 8/1 price increase, only to get an offer in the mail today for the previous owners of the house. A quick call to reservations stated that the PIN could only be used by them. Looking at the FAQ, I noticed that sometimes you can use it in cases like this.

I'm thinking about calling back to see if I can get someone a little more flexible. Our TA would probably not be very happy with us, since I suspect she would lose the commission, but I have a feeling that if I wait for her to call me back on Monday I'll have to pay a higher rate, what with the ticket price increase.

I know I need to look out for my finances, but I feel like it would be a little uncool to leave her hanging (she was really helpful). Of course, I think she may a little more successful in getting us the PIN benefit.

What say you?

 

[TiggerInLBV]

The Pin Code can only be used if the person it is addressed to is going on the trip with you. If you booked through a TA already then it won't make any difference if you wait. Ticket price increases wouldn't affect package prices for 2010 as tickets in packages are set once for the year. Your TA can always ask Disney if they can bend the rule for you due to your circumstances, again not a gty but worth a try. Another way to get pin codes is to shop online at disneyworld.com and not book or to order a vacation planning dvd.

Your TA is your friend and will do whatever she can do to make you happy and by doing so you will book with her in the future so don't worry about her commission going down.

Rest assured this weekend!

 

[princessmom29]

The rules are that you can only use it if the person who it was sent to is traveling with you. If you get a CM to use it for you, they could get fired for doing it.

 

[ancestry]

I agree with the other posters. The pin can only be used by the person whose name it is in. They won't allow you to use the pin and if they do the person could be jeopardizing his/her job.

 

[nbs2]

That's good to know. I had misinterpreted the relevant section in the Everything you need to know about discounts sticky, I guess they meant different members of the same household (i.e. card has husband's name, but only wife and kids go).

I understand the Disney is a business, not a charity, but I do fond it funny how the company requires their folks at the parks to bend over backwards to make sure people are happy, but is ruthlessablit them holding to the rules on things like this. Like I said, I get that they are a business, and the model seems to be profitable, but it is funny.

 

[nbs2]

Thanks for the advice folks. Now, I'm in a bit of a pickle (of my own making).

I contacted my TA, who informed me that the PIN wasn't in my name and she couldn't do anything. Which is fine. However, being a persistent little bugger, I called WDTC myself, and asked about using the PIN. I used my real name in making the reservation (the stickie points out that using PIN name will end in disaster). They were cool with that.

So, now I have a reservation that I made directly, without my TA, with a PIN that was sent to me (but not to me). The plan is to cancel the later reservation and take the dates that we want, but I'm curious to know if it is possible for us to get burnt by the PIN when we get there. I certainly was up front about the PIN being sent to us, my name (and all of those in my party), and I understand that Disney knows who the PIN is assigned to. But, I fear some sort of, "I don't know how that happened, but you get no free DDP," from a CM. That would certainly lead to a big fit, what with me then claiming detrimental reliance and bait and switch and all sorts of unhappiness in what should be the happiest place on Earth.

 

[msjprincess]

I received a pin in my brother's name. I called and asked if I could use it and the CM said sure he could change it to my name. I was able to book 2 rooms with the Free Dining pin.

 

[msjprincess]

I'm curious to know if it is possible for us to get burnt by the PIN when we get there. .

I wouldn't worry about it. My confirmation has my name and address on it. there is no mention of my brother anywhere.

 

[tinka-belle]

Getting a little pixiedust from a CM is great! If the reservation was made and you have a confirmation you should be good to go without repercussions of a different name on the PIN code mailer.

Your TA can cancel the res she is holding, but spread some of that pixiedust and allow her to take over the res you made directly. Yes, her agency will own the res now once it's transfered, but it seems she has worked with you and was merely following Disney rules that say no transfering of PINs. At least allow her to get credit (from Disney) on this new reservation for the work she has already done for you. She won't mind that her commission is a bit lower, a good TA looks out for deals for her clients.

Now and then one of my clients can get a computer generated special (the ones for "this call only") or a PIN code after I've booked their trip and they make a new reservation. They've always allowed me to take over the new res when I cancelled the old one. Prices, features, promos, etc. won't change if you transfer the res.