POP Century ~ Unofficially the Grooviest FAQ Thread #6 ~April 2012

[Cinderumbrella]

I have a question about Online check in and how it affects hotel bumping (basically being changed from one place to another). Does Online Check In help ensure you get a room when you get there (even if it isn't the minute that I get there)? Since it's a peak time of year, I'm concerned that I would get bumped and paying extra for that bump (let's say to CBR Pirate rooms) if i check in that day. The last time I went on site Mom didn't have that option (back before Value Resorts even).

Bumping resorts rarely happens. And in my experience, if they are going to bump you, they let you know before you even arrive. But, in the rare event that they do bump you up a resort level, you will not pay for the upgrade.

HTH!

 

[Janet B]

I have a question about Online check in and how it affects hotel bumping (basically being changed from one place to another). Does Online Check In help ensure you get a room when you get there (even if it isn't the minute that I get there)? Since it's a peak time of year, I'm concerned that I would get bumped and paying extra for that bump (let's say to CBR Pirate rooms) if i check in that day. The last time I went on site Mom didn't have that option (back before Value Resorts even).

As RalphinSC posted, Disney will not charge you if they are offering to bump you from one resort to another. Usually it is to a more expensive resort (i.e. Disney may have oversold your resort ). You can refuse, and Disney may offer another resort choice. However, you are not charged if Disney is extending the offer.

Example .. a few years back POP (and other values) were oversold. Guests were contacted in advance with an offer to move to either OKW or Saratoga Springs (we were one of the fortunate to receive the offer). We accepted and our reservation moved to OKW for the same price we were paying at POP. One of the best deals we've ever been given.

This is not the same as Disney offering you an upsell (believe that is the terminology and usually initiated when making a reservation, in an effort to move you i.e. to a moderate for less if you booked there initially.).

Upgrades at check in are rare; if a guest is moved once at the resort, it is often times due to an issue at the resort.

 

[Janet B]

We surprised the kids a few days ago! They were very excited but the excitement went up a notch when they found out we are staying on property at POP! We cut out and made a count down chain. 108 days till DISNEY!

Like the idea of a countdown chain!!

Only 342 more hours until we leave! (Not that I'm counting or anything )

WOW...I just used my calculator (I stink at math )..and we have 120 HOURS!!!! Sounds a lot better than 5 days!!!!

Okay you two, hours do sound better than days ... but what's next, shall we translate into minutes??? Maybe EVEN better (if that's possible!)

Have a great time!!

 

[Janet B]

Love ya too!!! And it will be a wek tomorrow

Pas .. I'm proud of you!! Here's you sticker for today!

 

[pas130]

Pas .. I'm proud of you!! Here's you sticker for today!

YAY! Thank you! Love it!

 

[shannon006]

11 days till we arrive at the POP

We are fortunate enough to have a Disney outlet just 10 minutes from our house. All the staff knows me, Anyway when I was there last night picking up some trading pins, for get this $1.99

We are going to be doing our online check in in the next few days. With all the talk on here about room requests, it got me to thinking. We have 2"requests".
1. connecting rooms
2. would love to have a lakeview again.

We are checking in the day prior to our sons(19 &17), and have asked for connecting rooms. Do you think that since they are checking in a day later than we are this will hurt our chances

 

[GoofyDadinVA]

Hmmm....2 months until we leave for Florida, so 2 months and 1 week until we get to POP

 

[tosha27]

Oh, I am not thrilled this morning.
We were looking to add a day to the beginning of our trip and while POP is showing availability for 5/26, two CM just told me that I could not add it. I made a separate post about this. One told me there was no availability and the other agreed that there is availability but that we can't add it because we booked our original package with a discount which is no longer available. However, we also added a day to the end of our trip a few weeks ago at regular price (the discount had already expired) and they did not have a problem doing it. So why is it a problem now?

 

[Janet B]

Oh, I am not thrilled this morning.
We were looking to add a day to the beginning of our trip and while POP is showing availability for 5/26, two CM just told me that I could not add it. I made a separate post about this. One told me there was no availability and the other agreed that there is availability but that we can't add it because we booked our original package with a discount which is no longer available. However, we also added a day to the end of our trip a few weeks ago at regular price (the discount had already expired) and they did not have a problem doing it. So why is it a problem now?

Let me see if I have this right .... you have a package beginning 5/27, and you added a day at the end of the trip a few weeks ago, but it is a separate reservation, a room only at rack rate?

Are you trying to add 5/26 to the package? If you are looking to add the one additional night as a room only not sure you are not able to if a room is showing available.

A thought ... it's possible that since 5/26 falls on Memorial day weekend, the system is not allowing a CM to book a room only one night ressie ... just a thought, can you see if you are allowed to book a few nights, say 5/24-5/27 and see if the system accepts it and then cancel the days you don't need?

 

[tosha27]

Let me see if I have this right .... you have a package beginning 5/27, and you added a day at the end of the trip a few weeks ago, but it is a separate reservation, a room only at rack rate?

Are you trying to add 5/26 to the package? If you are looking to add the one additional night as a room only not sure you are not able to if a room is showing available.

A thought ... it's possible that since 5/26 falls on Memorial day weekend, the system is not allowing a CM to book a room only one night ressie ... just a thought, can you see if you are allowed to book a few nights, say 5/24-5/27 and see if the system accepts it and then cancel the days you don't need?

The day we added to the end was not a separate reservation - they added it to our package and just gave us a different rate. So our original res was 5/27- 6/1. We added the day at the end (at regular price) and now our package is 5/27- 6/2. I called back to add 5/26 making the package 5/26-6/2 and they are saying no even though there is a room available. They are saying you cannot add this to your package, you can only make a room only reservation and the reason is because you booked under a discount. In other words they won't let me add it at full price to the reservation. However, we did the exact same thing for 6/2 - paid full price and they added it to the package so I am not understanding why I can't do it for 5/26. It could have something to do with Memorial Day though. On the thread I posted someone said adding a day to the beginning is totally different than the end. Bot sure why, but maybe that is it. Just did not want to risk having to switch rooms if we book a room only and not sure how that is going to work with online check in, picking up tickets, etc.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

For whatever reason they can't add days to the beginning of a package if it falls outside the discount. But you should be able to book that night as a separate reservation, and ask to have it linked to the current reservation so you don't have to switch rooms. You will need to stop at the front desk on day 1 of the second ressie to get new KTTW cards.

HTH!

 

[tosha27]

Nevermind, we got it! I found a very helpful lady who pulled it up. She was able to do a "work around." Unfortunately, they can only do it if we upgrade to preferred for the whole 7 nights. Is preferred closer to the food court? It's an extra $100.

 

[tosha27]

For whatever reason they can't add days to the beginning of a package if it falls outside the discount. But you should be able to book that night as a separate reservation, and ask to have it linked to the current reservation so you don't have to switch rooms. You will need to stop at the front desk on day 1 of the second ressie to get new KTTW cards.

HTH!

They were able to do it. If you are ever in this situation she said ask for a "work around." I guess that is what they call it.
I would have to upgrade to preferred for them to do it though, so I am still making up my mind. She offered to send us to all star sports for cheaper.

 

[tstidm1]

As RalphinSC posted, Disney will not charge you if they are offering to bump you from one resort to another. Usually it is to a more expensive resort (i.e. Disney may have oversold your resort ). You can refuse, and Disney may offer another resort choice. However, you are not charged if Disney is extending the offer.

Example .. a few years back POP (and other values) were oversold. Guests were contacted in advance with an offer to move to either OKW or Saratoga Springs (we were one of the fortunate to receive the offer). We accepted and our reservation moved to OKW for the same price we were paying at POP. One of the best deals we've ever been given.

This is not the same as Disney offering you an upsell (believe that is the terminology and usually initiated when making a reservation, in an effort to move you i.e. to a moderate for less if you booked there initially.).

Upgrades at check in are rare; if a guest is moved once at the resort, it is often times due to an issue at the resort.

Thank you for the clarification. I was afraid that I would get moved upon check in to somewhere that with how full Disney is in Mid-July that bumping happens frequently. I've been in a bumping situation in another city and got moved several miles further away. It was a hassle and when I hear of how busy Disney is that time of year that it would be a similar situation.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

They were able to do it. If you are ever in this situation she said ask for a "work around." I guess that is what they call it.
I would have to upgrade to preferred for them to do it though, so I am still making up my mind. She offered to send us to all star sports for cheaper.

We were offered AS Sp for cheaper as well but in the end I just knew we would be happier at Pop.

I am glad they were able to do it for you!! Its been a few years since we were in that situation so I am glad they developed a work around. It never made any sense to me why they could do it at the end and not the beginning anyway.

 

[Janet B]

They were able to do it. If you are ever in this situation she said ask for a "work around." I guess that is what they call it.
I would have to upgrade to preferred for them to do it though, so I am still making up my mind. She offered to send us to all star sports for cheaper.

Well, I'm happy that the CM was able to work some magic. Will have to remember to ask for a "work around" if we are even in this situation! Was going to suggest Guest Services for additional assistance but you were able to get your answers.

Preferred locations are often closer to the Classic Hall (refer to the 2012 map). On another note, it also guarantees that you will not be placed in the 80s/90s if that is a concern.

It seems the easiest to pay for preferred for all nights. The alternative would be to hold a room only for 5/26, check out/check back in on 5/27 beginning your package (and assume, changing rooms to reflect the room category change). You will be given new KTTW cards on 5/27, with the DP credits if purchased.

Guests are allowed to get park tickets 3 days in advance, so that will not be an issue to do so on 5/26.

 

[chinarider]

Wanting to try Banana Bread French Toast at OKW or Chocolate Waffles at YC
Which is easier to get to and what is the best route?? I'm thinking , might be cab?

 

[Janet B]

Thank you for the clarification. I was afraid that I would get moved upon check in to somewhere that with how full Disney is in Mid-July that bumping happens frequently. I've been in a bumping situation in another city and got moved several miles further away. It was a hassle and when I hear of how busy Disney is that time of year that it would be a similar situation.

You're welcome!!

FWIW ... we have traveled to Disney in mid to late August for several years, (not as busy as July, but busy nonetheless). We have never been turned away from POP yet.

 

[tosha27]

Well, I'm happy that the CM was able to work some magic. Will have to remember to ask for a "work around" if we are even in this situation! Was going to suggest Guest Services for additional assistance but you were able to get your answers.

Preferred locations are often closer to the Classic Hall (refer to the 2012 map). On another note, it also guarantees that you will not be placed in the 80s/90s if that is a concern.

It seems the easiest to pay for preferred for all nights. The alternative would be to hold a room only for 5/26, check out/check back in on 5/27 beginning your package (and assume, changing rooms to reflect the room category change). You will be given new KTTW cards on 5/27, with the DP credits if purchased.

Guests are allowed to get park tickets 3 days in advance, so that will not be an issue to do so on 5/26.

Thanks so much for the info! I went ahead and did the room only for the standard room. I am still puzzled about why I couldn't add the standard room to my res, since it was available. She said there was only preferred available, but I checked and double checked and it said standard for 5/26. In fact, it said there was no preferred available. Oh well, it's done and if we have to change rooms at least it will be in the same hotel.

 

[tosha27]

Wanting to try Banana Bread French Toast at OKW or Chocolate Waffles at YC
Which is easier to get to and what is the best route?? I'm thinking , might be cab?

Idk, but I have been eyeing that banana bread french toast myself. It looks fabulous!