Really angry and I'm sure no recourse on 4/3 deal

[sharadoc]

Hi. Because of the DIS, I knew about the deal. Started dialing right before 5 on the day it released, got through by 5:01, barely spent any time on hold. Was told by CM that Family Suites didn't qualify for the deal. Read stories on the DIS that people got it. Called today - YES IT IS PART OF THE DEAL, but my dates weren't available.

I know I have no recourse. I even questioned the CM and asked if the deal had changed since last week. He was very nice and encouraged me to keep calling, but I'm basically overpaying around $500 for my trip.

I just wanted to vent - I hope it doesn't happen to anyone else. We're still going - we weren't counting on any discounts other than AAA when we made our plans, but it's just really frustrating.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

That happened to me with free dining from the Disney Visa. I heard here others had gotten it so I hung up and called right back and got it. Sometimes I think it's best to get a "second opinion" if you will. Sorry this happened, maybe someone will decide to upgrade or cancel. keep calling, things change all the time. We had some good luck with changing around our dining because of people canceling, maybe you will too. Good Luck!!!

 

[happily single]

I don't think you have any recourse, but what about trying a travel agent? They may be able to find what you can't get on your own.

 

[snykymom]

There were a number of things that were "different" on the first day of release. CMs told people that they had to book a "length of stay" park ticket, or that they couldn't book it with only a 1 day base ticket. Turned out not so - corrected the next day. I'm sure that there were other things that CMs weren't clear about on the first day. The CM member you talked to on that day may have said it "doesn't apply" when he/she really meant there weren't any available. Availability sold out very quickly - by 6 PM on that first day, my resort was sold out - it became available 2 days later.

Availability changes moment to moment. I checked yesterday - there were no rooms available for my dates. This morning, there were.

Unfortunately, there is no other recourse but to keep trying.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

It is terribly frustrating. Do keep trying - over the years we've gotten sold out dates with all kinds of codes when we kept trying. Usually it meant a few calls a day.

Good luck and I really hope it comes through for you soon!

 

[ADisneyQueen]

I had some problems with my CM that day and I also called right at 5. I was on the phone for 25 minutes, just trying to make a simple reservation at CBR. First, she had my dates wrong and didn't realize it until almost the end of the phone call. She thought I said Jan. instead of June. I wondered why she was telling me there were only 3 resorts available! Then later when I checked my online reservation, she had put down 3 park days for tickets, it should have been at least 7 ! But, I got everything straightened out. I think they had a lot of new people on that night. I'm sure there were other problems.
Keep trying to call. Maybe there will even be new discounts out later.

 

[Gr8dan2]

This stuff seems to happen all the time-- keep calling back and trying to get what you want. We had a similar issue with the Visa FD package for over the holidays. The promotion said it was "for check-ins" through 12/20. The first two CMs we got priced it as giving us free dining ONLY for the 12/20 night, told us it couldnt be extended. Called the next morning, different CM, who said "no problem" and gave us the rate through 12/26, saved us $600 from what the first two said we couldnt do.

 

[rt2dz]

This happens all the time. When they say it doesn't qualify for the deal, it means for those dates, at that resort, with the room type/category there are none available for that deal. Rooms are limited with deals, so the room may be available but not with the discount.

Your only recourse is to keep trying. I, for some strange reason, keep plugging numbers. One time the family suite showed up. Most of the time it doesn't. Other resort and/or room category availability come and go. It all depends on how people tweak what they have--or cancel/book altogether.

If that is what you really want, keep trying. And don't forget what's available online and what's available via phone and what's available via TA (they all have different codes) varies. So, keep trying all sources. Although I'm not a TA fan since *I* want to own my reservation when it comes to WDW (land) vacations. Other vacations and I’m all for a TA!

 

[Miffy]

Don't give up! Keep trying. Things open up all the time. I feel you will get the rooms you want. Just be persistent. There are postings all over the place from people who initially couldn't get what they wanted and then -- voila! -- it appeared and they were able to change their ressies.

Check online if you don't want to call. There've been reports that the online room inventory is different from the call-in inventory.

If your booking is more than 45 days away, you can freely change it to a lower-cost package. Even if it's "inside the 45-day window" as CRO says, and the $100 change fee is in effect, even then, if you'd be saving $500, you'd still be saving $400 and getting the room you want.

Best of luck.

 

[Priorityonecb]

I agree with everyone else...keep trying! Our first choice resort wasn't available the night the deal was released. I took the one they had...and have called three times to see if "my" resort (POP) was available. Third call was the charm...they had availablity and I got it!

 

[gigi1313]

another thought... are you married to having the suite? you might consider rebooking and going for two rooms, on two ressies and getting two $200 gift cards (if you are traveling before 3/29/09)...

 

[rt2dz]

another thought... are you married to having the suite? you might consider rebooking and going for two rooms, on two ressies and getting two $200 gift cards (if you are traveling before 3/29/09)...

Except by having two ressies they probably won't have connecting rooms--or even anywhere near each other. Could be a problem.

 

[gigi1313]

typically you are able to request it... out of all the times we've booked two rooms (separate ressies, but w/a "traveling with" notation) , only once did we not get connecting, although we were right next to one another... and they offered to move us to connecting a day or two into the trip but we declined 'cause we were a grand gathering and it would have meant moving away from the rest of our group...

 

[disneywithfive]

I don't think you have any recourse, but what about trying a travel agent? They may be able to find what you can't get on your own.

We missed out on the family suites too since I decided to wait for our TA instead of booking online. I'll know better if there is a next time. Also, I probably won't use a TA again. I found it more difficult then calling a CM and when I asked for a breakdown on the reservation, one couldn't be provided. I knew that I was being charges more then disney's website so I continued to challenge the TA and she got it worked out for me. Don't get me wrong, the TA was always nice, etc. but it seemed more "out of my control" then just going straight to a CM or through disney's website.

 

[MouseyMin]

I had 2 different cast members tell me that I had to buy a full 8 day ticket (I am a Passholder) with the Buy 4 Get 7 deal - and one of them even told me that they had just gotten a memo to that effect. In the meantime, people on the DIS were reporting that they had gotten the package with only a 1 day ticket. I was pretty mad too - and, by the time I found a CM who contacted Guest Services and was willing to do the 1 day ticket, my resort was sold out too.

But, like the others said, please keep calling (and calling). Three days later, I was finally able to book my preferred resort with the package discount.

 

[sharadoc]

Thanks everyone - yes I am going to keep trying, luckily I can call from work and not have to pay for the call!! I don't want to do a travel agent, even if it would save money - just can't give up the control.

I am married to a suite - we have a child with autism spectrum disorder who freaks out in a regular hotel room, so we absolutely need a living space and cooking capability, since we can't do restaurants all the time. Plus, we're going for 11 nights, and don't plan to be out all the time, so we want the relaxation space.

We do have our heart set on All star Music this time. In addition to the suites, the activities sound great for my daughter to have something to do in case my son decides he won't leave the room.

On the bright side, I won't have to pay 45 days in advance, since we only have a room reservation. For us, 45 days out will be around December 4. Hate to have to pay for Christmas and Disney all at the same time.

Thanks again - I posted mostly to warn others who may fall victim. I guess for as much as I read the DIS, I didn't get the sense that something so basic as to which rooms are part of the deal would be misunderstood by a CM. I learned my lesson - that's for sure!

 

[debbieandroo]

Thanks everyone - yes I am going to keep trying, luckily I can call from work and not have to pay for the call!! I don't want to do a travel agent, even if it would save money - just can't give up the control.

I am married to a suite - we have a child with autism spectrum disorder who freaks out in a regular hotel room, so we absolutely need a living space and cooking capability, since we can't do restaurants all the time. Plus, we're going for 11 nights, and don't plan to be out all the time, so we want the relaxation space.

We do have our heart set on All star Music this time. In addition to the suites, the activities sound great for my daughter to have something to do in case my son decides he won't leave the room.

On the bright side, I won't have to pay 45 days in advance, since we only have a room reservation. For us, 45 days out will be around December 4. Hate to have to pay for Christmas and Disney all at the same time.

Thanks again - I posted mostly to warn others who may fall victim. I guess for as much as I read the DIS, I didn't get the sense that something so basic as to which rooms are part of the deal would be misunderstood by a CM. I learned my lesson - that's for sure!

Hey, Sharadoc --

I've had the same problem with my suite -- talked to the CM at length tonight about getting the package. The only thing she could come up with to accommodate our non-negotiable number of people was a 2 bedroom suite at Saratoga for $530 per night

So I'll keep trying, too -- if not, I'll just buy my tickets separately and keep the room.



lots of hugs to you - I can't wait til we get to meet in January! [I really really need to get back to that snowbirds board - but, boy does it move quickly!]

 

[fla4fun]

Plus, we're going for 11 nights, and don't plan to be out all the time, so we want the relaxation space.

I tried to get 11 nights, but the maximum I could book under the special was 10, so be prepared to possibly have to have two reservations, with the extra day at either the beginning or end of the trip as a room only. (Personally, I would try to put it at the end, because any package entitlements are good through the end of your check out day, so they would be good through midnight of the "extra day".)

Also, add my voice to the "keep trying" choir. I was trying to get a cabin at FW, and I wasn't quick enough the first day. I kept checking back and it wasn't until the fourth day that I could get it.

 

[missycj96]

Why not keep trying - you never know when there might be availability. Also, could you be somewhat flexible with your resort choice? I know you said you need cooking facilities. With the 4/3 deal, might you price out a 1 BR at Key West or SSR and see how that works out? The activities at SSR for kids can't be beat - there is an activity center that has a playroom and crafts.

 

[rt2dz]

Thanks everyone - yes I am going to keep trying, luckily I can call from work and not have to pay for the call!! I don't want to do a travel agent, even if it would save money - just can't give up the control.

I am married to a suite - we have a child with autism spectrum disorder who freaks out in a regular hotel room, so we absolutely need a living space and cooking capability, since we can't do restaurants all the time. Plus, we're going for 11 nights, and don't plan to be out all the time, so we want the relaxation space.

We do have our heart set on All star Music this time. In addition to the suites, the activities sound great for my daughter to have something to do in case my son decides he won't leave the room.

On the bright side, I won't have to pay 45 days in advance, since we only have a room reservation. For us, 45 days out will be around December 4. Hate to have to pay for Christmas and Disney all at the same time.

Thanks again - I posted mostly to warn others who may fall victim. I guess for as much as I read the DIS, I didn't get the sense that something so basic as to which rooms are part of the deal would be misunderstood by a CM. I learned my lesson - that's for sure!

If the family suites don't open up, why not look into a Fort Wilderness cabin? You have two rooms and a full kitchen (family suites only have a kitchenette). There is also plenty of room outside your cabin that is part of your room. I also think Fort Wilderness has the most activities, especially geared to kids, than any other resort. Price wise, they are also very reasonable--much more so than a villa. Just another option.

I also want to add that I don't think the CM misunderstood what rooms were available, although possible. They are reading straight off a computer, not guessing. I think it is much more likely that a suite wasn't available at the time of your checking--much more common. Some who had suites booked may have upgraded which left family suites at a lower booking rate, opening rooms to discounts.

Good luck!