POFQ CLOSING INFO THREADS-UPDATED & CLEANED UP!

[susy]

My mom just called the special number this morning (Fri), like she was told. They told her the upgrade offers would be out by Monday.

My mom checks in on May 2. Now, my mom was not "pushed " at all to take CBR. It was mentioned and when my mom said she wasn't interested, she was given the number . I don't know how it works, but it seems like it would be wiser to get some of these people over to the deluxe hotels, where they would spend more money (maybe dining at the restaurants, etc that they normally would not have done). It is only a couple of weeks away, so if those deluxe rooms aren't booked up yet (at a regular rate), they just may stay empty! So... perhaps those who are leaving soon may get a chance of getting those deluxe rooms that are still available.

 

[lizfromfl]

When I checked my mail today I had a very cute little brochure from Disney with "Special Trip Planning" information...The funny thing about it is it says right in the brochure "You are staying at Port Orleans French Quarter...." and has pictures of the hotel and the pool. Do you think Disney is trying to taunt me ?

 

[philaround]

This is my 1st post to this thread. My resi isn't until 5/25 thru 5/31 so I've been being patient. I called CRO earlier this week and was also only offered CBR or CS. I said niether really interested me as this trip was only me and DW [for our 29th anniversary] and we really had wanted the small initimate feel that POFQ seemed to offer. One more problem was they could not do anything for me at all since I went thru a TA [forced to since this trip was a gift to me from my employer for 20years of employment and I had to book thru their agent or not at all]. Just got a call from the TA today and was told that they are getting the same info from CRO that everyone else is getting. I told her that if nothing comes in about upgrades thru next week to get me booked at CBR. I just hope this all works out soon.

 

[Kuzco]

I'm anxious for my call. I'm just wondering where I'll be staying in a little over a month from now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm just glad I checked out these boards after a long absence to find out this info about POFQ!!

I feel badly for the CRO cast members who are going to have to phone A LOT of guests about the closing. What a job...

Good luck to everyone else waiting!

 

[DisneyFreaks]

You have made some really good points Susy. I think maybe disney is stalling in the hopes that those of us arriving soon will panic and just decide to stay at one of the resorts we have no interest in. We arrive May 3 and my family is getting very anxious about all of this. Someone named Mark from the relocation team sent us an email last night asking us to call the special number so they could help us find another resort that would fit our travel needs. My husband wants to talk to them. {apparently my family thinks I give in too easily} CBR and CSR are both wonderful resorts but neither of them fit our needs this trip so unless they offer something else I haven't a clue as to what to do. If they don't have any upgrades in the system yet how can they justify telling people they can find them something that will fit their needs? I know it's only my opinion but I don't think this is fair at all. Some people have posted being offered WL, AKL, even Swan and Dolphin so how does that happen if the team doesn't have anything in their system? I just don't get it.

 

[johnnyr]

I called again today. Last week they said upgrades will be in Thursday or Friday. When I spoke with them today, now they are saying late Monday or Tuesday. Why are they offering some people the upgrades and not others? The CM didn't even ask for my name or reservation number this time. She just sounded like she was stressed ( big time) and wanted to get me off the phone quickly.

 

[EEyorelover22]

I called and I was moved to AKL. BUT!! it's the rate applied at that resort. I had a come back offer for FQ and they just plugged in that code for AKL. The reason why I know this: I called earlier in the week and tried the moderate code on my postcard at AKL and was given the same rate. It's $50 more per night. The CM said she had not heard of any rates for only $10 per night more for a deluxe resort. I don't understand why it took a week. Those codes were in the system on Monday because I called Monday night. I did this through the special number too.

 

[TLinden16]

In the reading up I've done about this, it seems like the people who have been getting the upgrades (less than a half dozen people) are booked on either a Disney Cruise Line package, or they have booked through travel agents (I have heard of two different travel agents who offered their customers the upgrades at $10 and $30 per night we have been hearing about).

It seems like those of us who booked through CRO or the WDTC are the ones who are being jerked around. I'm going to continue to hold out for an upgrade as long as I can handle it. My ressies aren't until August, so I have time to wait it out a bit.

I'm extremely frustrated about this, and my trip is four months away. I can't imagine what those of you who are going next month are going through. I just want to know so that I can start thinking about where to plan meals and all that.

I was tempted to call Disney again today because I was told the rates would be out by now, but I decided to hold off since now everyone here is being told Monday or Tuesday. I'll probably call on Tuesday morning (unless someone else posts that they were able to get a upgrade over the weekend or on Monday).

So, here's to hoping our waiting will be over on Monday.

Karen

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Exactly! Just as I posted before johnnyr. They are stalling. Why weren't upgrades put into their system right in the beginning? They knew they were turning all of our vacation plans topsy turvey. I read a thread titled Disney Does Care. Well I'm really beginning to think disney may care but it sure as heck isn't about their guests. We have planned this trip for a long time as I know you all have as well. People have posted right here in this thread that they have been offered upgrades. I don't understand why the CM's are saying they have never heard of it. Has anyone here tried to be insistant about getting an upgrade? I mean like maybe just staying on the phone until they offer something or hang up on you? Well, you never know it might help. LoL Please excuse my venting. I am getting very upset about all of this.

 

[EEyorelover22]

I booked through CRO and didn't go through a travel agent. I think if your rate at FQ is low, there won't be a great deal. If it's close to the going rate at the deluxe, it may be less than mine, but it will work out to what everyone else will be paying. I hope that made sense.

I would call where you would like to upgrade and see what CRO gives you over the phone. Currently, AKL is offering $138 per night.

 

[peachgirl]

Just a reminder....

This is exactly how they did it when CBR closed. They told everyone who called at first there were absolutely no upgrades being given. Then, some reported being given upgrades. Mostly at WL & AKL with a very few reporting getting the Poly. For the majority, it was a mod to mod switch. The CBR is a much larger resort so that might explain the reasoning for having to move some to deluxes more than with POFQ.

You really have to be careful when trying to compare what someone posts they got as a resort/rate and what you get. I think it depends on several factors. It's possible that there was no availability for certain resorts on certain dates, so an upgrade was given. Also, it may depend upon what the current rate is that the guest is paying. I'd think that someone paying rack rate at POFQ is more likely to get a deluxe upgrade for a fee than someone who's paying $70 a night. Someone might have special circumstances that requires a different resort. It also, just maybe, depends on just how "insistent" the guest is...we all know about squeaky wheels! My guess is that they have held back enough moderate resorts to handle the closing, with a very few deluxes just in case. Jmo, but that's how it seemed to work with the CBR last year.

As far as the comeback rate, I was told when I got this rate that I could change to another resort if I changed my mind (not a chance!) and if there was availability. I guess that comes in handy for anyone who has reservations at the FQ with a comeback rate!

Finally, if you really want to be "insistent" just a gentle suggestion....The cm you're talking to has no power. They're just a low paid CM who's putting up with a lot of problems. If you feel the need to get "firm" with them, ask for a supervisor. They're paid more!

At any rate, I just wanted to say that what they're doing now is no different than what they did with the CBR. From the short notice to the varying offers...it's exactly the same.

 

[bobojenny]

When I spoke to the CM and asked for a superior, she stated they did not have one onsite (all CM's). She stated that I could drop an email to them. I demanded a name of someone in Customer Relations.... she then told me that they don't have a department like that. I find all of this hard to believe. I sent my email letter 3 days ago and no response! She told me they reply within 24 hours!

I leave on May 2nd and am getting really annoyed now. However, I remember the relocation specialist telling me that it will be worth my patience to wait until Monday and that Disney will try and keep everyone happy.

I hope to post something good on Monday.

Good Luck to all.

 

[peachgirl]

When I spoke to the CM and asked for a superior, she stated they did not have one onsite (all CM's). She stated that I could drop an email to them. I demanded a name of someone in Customer Relations.... she then told me that they don't have a department like that. I find all of this hard to believe. I sent my email letter 3 days ago and no response! She told me they reply within 24 hours!

Sounds like you got a winner with that CM. Of course they have supervisors...they may call them something else, but they have them. Also, they don't have a "customer relations" department...it's called guest services and she knows that too. As for your email...if they received it, you will get a canned response within 24 hrs. If you didn't get the auto reply, they didn't receive the email and you should re-send it. The response from someone who actually reads the email can take 2 weeks or more.



I think the best way to handle all this is the advice on mousesavers. If you can stand to wait, wait for the call. If you can't, expect to switch to a moderate.

 

[EEyorelover22]

that's the line I was given.

I don't think magic is the same price I could get on my own. I am only annoyed at this point because I waited and it's the same rate I would have had anyway. The CM that did my upgrade was very nice and I do feel sorry for all of them. People will be even more upset if they have waited a week and they cannot work magic.

When I called Thursday I was told that codes were available for rack rates and AAA. At one point I had a AAA discount and a $10 upgrade per night would have put the rate almost at the current AKL rate.

I am glad that my second choice was available though. We are going in June and I am not sure how busy it will be then. Going to my 3rd or 4th choice would have been a major bummer.

 

[Gamer]

I got off the phone about....45 mins ago.

I got the Poly for an extra $30 a night

I'm very happy.


Edit:
I forgot to say I was offered AKL and WL for around $12 more a night.

 

[zachsmomie]

The CRO I spoke to earlier today called back at 8:30 this evening. We are now stayng at the Beach Club!!!!!!!!! We got a great rate and she was so helpful and kept thanking me for being patient with them and was just so very kind. She asked me wher did I want to stay...name the resort and she would check availability. I aimed big! Yacht wasn't available but Beach was. Good luck to the rest of you!

I can't wait until 5/2/03!

 

[zachsmomie]

It was $44.00 more!

 

[EEyorelover22]

zachsmomie--do you mind telling what your original rate was before?

 

[johnnyr]

I just got off the phone. I got the Poly for $17.00 more a night!!!!! I won't be able to sleep tonight!!!!!! My kids are bouncing off the walls!!! WHoooooHooooooooooo!!!!

 

[Gamer]

What were you paying before John?

I'm now paying $124 before taxes for Poly (Was $94 with PO:FQ)