Regretting split stay :(

[POOHsie]

Thanks for the info. Is Guest Services only at the parks or DTD? Can we get to guest services in the resort? We will be checking in late at night so I would like to save an extra trip somewhere if possible. How late are they open ?

There have been some reports that, if you are staying at the same resort for your Room-only and your Package stay, you could pick up your early tickets at the resort. This is not a sure thing, and might depend on the Concierge CM who is assisting you. The Ticket Sticky at the top of this forum goes into detail about Picking up Package Tickets Early, Post 15-I. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1452684

The Park Guest Relations offices outside the Park Gates are open to perhaps 30-45 min after Park close. Consult a Park Map and a Park Schedule (from Resort Concierge desk) for GR location and park hours. Downtown Disney GR offices close 11pm, but it's a zoo trying to get there b/c of major construction.

 

[vfalkner]

Thanks for the link POOHsie. Makes me feel better to have the procedure just in case!

Excited to count down to our trip!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

There hasn't been a single report of anyone being refused when they've gone to pick up their package tickets early.

Um, I beg to differ. I haven't done this recently, but when I did, I was told by two CM's it could not be done. That was a few years ago, and I did not take it up with guest services in the parks, (that's the advice that's been suggested since)

Since then, this topic is fairly rare, but has come up. Some folks reported that when they did get ticket early, they later had problems with dining plan credits not showing up. Try searching this topic.

I can also say, that when I've tried to do other unusual transactions - that are allowed according to the DIS - like bridging tickets- I have been turned down a good number of times. I even had one CM accuse me outright of stealing my tickets! Not a fun experience!

But don't take my word, check out the thread I linked.

OP, I hope all goes well. Do know that it may help to ask for a supervisor.

 

[Minniekins]

Unfortunately, there are a number of CM's who don't know how to do such things as bridging. And, unfortunately, Disney doesn't make the effort to make sure all CM's are well trained, in such things as bridging, for example. I can't imagine why they wouldn't want all CM's well trained and knowledgeable on Disney's policies in the area they put the CM to work - the CM's are representing Disney, they are sort of the 'face' of Disney to the guest. Nor can I imagine why they would want the CM's to be nasty to guests, at any time, but it's particularly upsetting when they are wrong and the guest knows this.

I was lucky when I went to the GS in Epcot to upgrade my UCtickets to AP's this past Dec. The first thing I asked was 'Do you know how to bridge tickets in an upgrade'? Our CM said 'of course I know how to bridge tickets, let me help you with that! And he got it exactly right with my calculations, to the penny! I was happy and thankful the CM, and the other CM's working at the desk with other guests doing the same things, were knowledgeable and helpful and very nice! But, of course, I believe I should be able to expect this behavior, not feel lucky that I got someone who knew what to do. That should be common practice for all guests to experience courteous, knowledgeable and helpful CM's.

 

[Missyrose]

Um, I beg to differ. I haven't done this recently, but when I did, I was told by two CM's it could not be done. That was a few years ago, and I did not take it up with guest services in the parks, (that's the advice that's been suggested since)

Since then, this topic is fairly rare, but has come up. Some folks reported that when they did get ticket early, they later had problems with dining plan credits not showing up. Try searching this topic.

I can also say, that when I've tried to do other unusual transactions - that are allowed according to the DIS - like bridging tickets- I have been turned down a good number of times. I even had one CM accuse me outright of stealing my tickets! Not a fun experience!

But don't take my word, check out the thread I linked.

OP, I hope all goes well. Do know that it may help to ask for a supervisor.

I'm taking the bolding to mean you attempted to pick up your tickets early from a resort? Or did they turn you down at guest relations at DTD?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Everyone who posted in this thread should also read this one:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3301381&page=1

THIS thread is EXACTLY my point! Not only would it be smart to read the OP's complaint, but post #2, post #6, and post #7.

Because...? I just don't see any connection between four different types of mistakes (computer glitch, duplicate payment, credit not processed, date mistake) and this situation. CMs on the phone give the information they're allowed. The OP doesn't have tickets for the first part of the trip so can't make FP arrangements.

 

[princessap]

I thought the same thing!! not sure what that thread has to do with my situation (I am the OP). we pushed our trip back so now this is a non issue…but thanks everyone for the advice

 

[Mousemommy1]

I thought the same thing!! not sure what that thread has to do with my situation (I am the OP). we pushed our trip back so now this is a non issue…but thanks everyone for the advice

When did you change it to? And where you going to stay????

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Okay, that's fine. I'm not in a mood at argue with anyone. If you don't think they are related, that's fine. I see mounting evidence that Disney World no longer makes the same kind of effort it once did to deliver great customer service.

*************

As for how I handled it, it was a few years ago, I'm a little fuzzy on the details. I did post about it if anyone cares to look it up.

I am pretty sure I asked over the phone (I already knew they were not 100% reliable). I know I asked at least once at the hotel if it could be done. The CM I asked was a club floor CM: neither front desk, nor ground level concierge. It was our first CL stay, but we've had more since. Suffice it to say, they are among the best trained CM's. If they don't know an answer, their practice is to call someone who does. I may have even asked a third CM, since I did not yet know how solid Concierge level CM's are.

In our case, we had Free dining for like a week, preceded by a one night Club level stay. It was no hardship to spend our arrival afternoon/evening enjoying the club lounge food and resort amenities. We didn't have any real desire to visit a park, but since we were having a resort day, I had plenty of time to ask.

***************

As for why Disney doesn't want to train employees to do things like bridge tickets, I think it's pretty clear why it is not in their best interest to do it unless a customer presses the issue. They make less money.
that's why it's also not in their best interest to allow guests to get tickets early.
*****************

Op, I'm glad your situation was successfully resolved.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

it's been pretty much established on the boards that if you ask ANYBODY other than a CM at guest services, you're going to be told you can't pick up package tickets early. Not surprised that anyone would get turned down asking at a resort, no matter what level of CM they asked.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

it's been pretty much established on the boards that if you ask ANYBODY other than a CM at guest services, you're going to be told you can't pick up package tickets early. Not surprised that anyone would get turned down asking at a resort, no matter what level of CM they asked.

Okay.

CL staff has been amazingly helpful in a broad range of situations.

I'll leave it at that.

 

[princessap]

When did you change it to? And where you going to stay????

we had to push it back to March and are booking in August…we are renting points because I am pretty sure there won't be free dining or room discounts offered when we have to go now…we are starting at BLT and can't decide if we will stay the whole week there or do AKV at the end for a few nights?!