Rumors of Light (ROL discussion thread)

[TheFloatingBear]

I think Disney has just backed themselves into a corner. It's usually great for them to know what everyone is doing 180 and 60 days out but it creates problems for them when rolling something new out. I'm an engineer and the program managers are always overselling what can be done. And they oversell to the customer. In Disney's case they have pressure from customers to get stuff out there early (admittedly a situation of their own making) and the real world difficulty of predicting when everyone involved will get their job done. They probably are trying to balance everything, it's just difficult. An unexpected bug in the system that shows up in testing and they have to scramble to fix it. Or the material for the magical shaman costumes doesn't show up on time and then they're scrambling to make the dates they publicized (or told CMs).

I'm in the boat of starting my trip in 7 weeks too. It's frustrating but I think it's probably real world problems causing this, not really Disney turning us into Guinea pigs and rats in mazes.

They do that in other ways (line switchbacks anyone?).

I agree - my guess too is that they are running into technical issues or something along those lines - the Guinea pig stuff for me is just a joke because I like to keep a sense of humor about things - especially about the fact that my expensive trip which begins in 34 days is a bit of a mess! But I also agree that they do back themselves in a corner. It is frustrating that if we want to experience certain thing, they want us to plan things far in advance and essentially have to "commit" to where we be and what we will eat so far in advance (in order to provide them with data), and then not to be able to plan effectively. The hype is definitely part of it for me on this one - I wish they wouldn't have teased "surprises" with the live blog. If they had said no dates up front, just information about the origin and theming of the show, I still would have tuned in - and probably would have enjoyed it more!

 

[momof2n2]

Is anyone willing to share the link to the page you most likely expect to see the booking link on when it goes live? I can't even remember how I booked my F! Package much less where to find a new, unreleased one yet. Thank you.

 

[cdnjason]

My response to Disney:

 

[ArielSRL]

I would not say it is "clear" that they were supposed to be bookable as Disney has not released a date that booking would start to the public.

And I believe the memo to the CMs said the 15th was to be the date (though a memo to CMs is NOT the same as a public announcement). Then somewhere along the line yesterday some CM told someone who posted it on here that it was to be today.

Yes, a Cm told ME and at least one other person. When it is written/typed on a memo and a CM reads it, that's a lot more clear than just a guess off the top of someone's head. The fact is, the preview events were MOST DEFINITELY supposed to began booking today. So yeh, that's clear. Not sure what you find not clear about that. Maybe you don't have much experience with Disney, but they do many things without an official announcement, so don't count on anything like that before this happens or you will most likely be left out in the cold.

 

[jlundeen]

I guess my feeling is this: If there was an isolated event - "OMG something went wrong and we can't meet our deadline," I would think, "sure, things happen." But, as we know, it's not an isolated event. The fact that they can't plan for the "unexpectedly high response" to, for example, "free dining" or other SPECIAL OFFERS because the system can't handle the traffic, etc., is all too common.

I don't think it's unrealistic for people to feel a bit "taken in" by the hype, marketing, and bad info those poor CMs are given. I feel sorry for them, in that they are probably among the lowest paid employees, but yet, they are the "face" of Disney and on the front line of people's frustration...and I could NEVER do that job in a million years!

Those on this thread who have been watching, staying up nights, checking continually and reporting what they find/don't find deserve the thanks of the rest of us. And for those who have been here for the last 100 pages, I think we all need a little time to grieve this latest frustration.

Let's all take a big cleansing breath - IIIIIINNNNNNN......OOOOUUUUTTTTT....and carry on.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

I think that my other thing about my frustrations for this trip, is that as I've been planning/stalking, I keep learning about cutbacks, character cuts, etc., that adds to the frustration. I thought today was the day for ROL, but instead I'm reading about a potential change in lines/MBs that could make it easier for people to cut in line - ack!! I'm rambling because I need to run to hockey! will check new developments later!

 

[Dug720]

Yes, a Cm told ME and at least one other person. When it is written/typed on a memo and a CM reads it, that's a lot more clear than just a guess off the top of someone's head. The fact is, the preview events were MOST DEFINITELY supposed to began booking today. So yeh, that's clear. Not sure what you find not clear about that. Maybe you don't have much experience with Disney, but they do many things without an official announcement, so don't count on anything like that before this happens or you will most likely be left out in the cold.

I've been a CM, and my sister is a CM, so I'm very familiar with how Disney works.

The phone CMs were saying they got memos, and saying that they are reading from them... but you're trusting that they did. Unless you're a CM who saw the memo with your own two eyes, you DON'T know what it said or that it truly existed. I wouldn't be surprised to discover that the "memo" was something put out to give them something to say - and that it may well have said "maybe" but CMs, tired of whining and yelling and abuse they're getting, eliminated the "maybe".

Do I want to see it? Sure. Is it worth giving myself an ulcer or worse over? No way. NOTHING is worth that.

 

[jlundeen]

I think that my other thing about my frustrations for this trip, is that as I've been planning/stalking, I keep learning about cutbacks, character cuts, etc., that adds to the frustration. I thought today was the day for ROL, but instead I'm reading about a potential change in lines/MBs that could make it easier for people to cut in line - ack!! I'm rambling because I need to run to hockey! will check new developments later!

Yep, I've been reading that one too...unsure how they are going to manage that.

Lots of change...not all seemingly for the better.

 

[ArielSRL]

I assume CMs are just passing information they've been given, which is accurate at the time, and then it changes. So I'm not annoyed at them. But it really does get frustrating for a CM to tell you something only for it not to be true.

I am definitely not upset at the CMs. They can only go by what they are given. As a matter of fact, I've mentioned to them (when I call) specifically that I realize it's not their fault. Unfortunately, I'm sure there are some people that take it out on the CMs. But I'm fairly certain just from reading this thread, that most of us are on the same page regarding the absolution of guilt for the phone CMs.

 

[kittyab]

Ok, I get they are not ready to release dates for the ROL, why not the Halloween Party dates?

I make my ADR's on the 22nd, Disney you are messing me up!

 

[ArielSRL]

I've been a CM, and my sister is a CM, so I'm very familiar with how Disney works.

The phone CMs were saying they got memos, and saying that they are reading from them... but you're trusting that they did. Unless you're a CM who saw the memo with your own two eyes, you DON'T know what it said or that it truly existed. I wouldn't be surprised to discover that the "memo" was something put out to give them something to say - and that it may well have said "maybe" but CMs, tired of whining and yelling and abuse they're getting, eliminated the "maybe".

Do I want to see it? Sure. Is it worth giving myself an ulcer or worse over? No way. NOTHING is worth that.

Who said anything about an ulcer?? You are assuming quite a bit. But as others have said, when we are trying to plan a vacation that costs thousands and thousands of dollars, I think it's acceptable to be a little upset with what's going on. If you aren't, more power to you. Why are you so worried about how everyone else feels?

 

[rlk]

So Sorry, It is Not bookable yet. I just called back to confirm, The CM said I could not book it yet. She didn't know why the CM asked me if I wanted to book it now.

I had originally posted that a phone CM asked me if I wanted to book the Preview Package when I called at 9:40 am.

 

[kittyab]

Not to be a Saturday morning whiner here but they created the 6 months out issue. We plan our ADR's etc by their schedule. No excuse for not posting the party dates.

 

[jlundeen]

I've been a CM, and my sister is a CM, so I'm very familiar with how Disney works.

The phone CMs were saying they got memos, and saying that they are reading from them... but you're trusting that they did. Unless you're a CM who saw the memo with your own two eyes, you DON'T know what it said or that it truly existed. I wouldn't be surprised to discover that the "memo" was something put out to give them something to say - and that it may well have said "maybe" but CMs, tired of whining and yelling and abuse they're getting, eliminated the "maybe".

Do I want to see it? Sure. Is it worth giving myself an ulcer or worse over? No way. NOTHING is worth that.

Look back at the last 100 pages and you can see that people do care. If you don't, then I'm not sure why you are here

 

[ArielSRL]

CM just told me Preview for April 15 bookable NOW!!

Just got off the phone. The CM said I was able to book the preview now for the April 15! She said it was $105 for the event.

Where can it be booked? How about ADRs?

 

[dawgsgirl]

This is one of the things that Disney is really good at. They seem to be unable to say that a certain something will be able to be booked on a certain date. It has happened many times before. I get annoyed since Disney wants to "lock" us into plans for their benefit. If a visitor is just about required to "lock" down their plans, I feel that Disney should hold itself to the same standard. I have always thought it was more of an IT problem, since Disney IT is always a problem.

 

[dachsie]

But I think it's ok for people to be a tad cranky and find it ridiculous that we are told to plan SIX MONTHS OUT out and Disney apparently can't plan ONE MONTH OUT.

I cannot give enough positive reps for this!

 

[mom2rtk]

I guess my feeling is this: If there was an isolated event - "OMG something went wrong and we can't meet our deadline," I would think, "sure, things happen." But, as we know, it's not an isolated event. The fact that they can't plan for the "unexpectedly high response" to, for example, "free dining" or other SPECIAL OFFERS because the system can't handle the traffic, etc., is all too common.

I don't think it's unrealistic for people to feel a bit "taken in" by the hype, marketing, and bad info those poor CMs are given. I feel sorry for them, in that they are probably among the lowest paid employees, but yet, they are the "face" of Disney and on the front line of people's frustration...and I could NEVER do that job in a million years!

Those on this thread who have been watching, staying up nights, checking continually and reporting what they find/don't find deserve the thanks of the rest of us. And for those who have been here for the last 100 pages, I think we all need a little time to grieve this latest frustration.

Let's all take a big cleansing breath - IIIIIINNNNNNN......OOOOUUUUTTTTT....and carry on.

I'm not even looking to book ROL, but I'm reading along to see how this all goes. I'm definitely having flashbacks to when BOG opened for reservations in August of 2012. We all watched and waited all summer, hoping to sneak in ahead of the IT crush we all knew was coming. But nope. Instead they announced a date on the Disney Blog that it would open, so everyone and their dogs knew to call in at the same time. So while they stuck with that date, it was every bit of the nightmare one would expect from Disney on something like this.

I never did make it through on the dining line before everything was gone. Busy signals, error messages, you name it. Thankfully my friend thought to call the Pirates League booking number and got transferred and got our reservations.

Here's how my preparations looked I'm pulling for everyone!

IMG_5818 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

 

[lynn_s]

I just called and asked about the preview packages and the rep said they are NOT booking it yet.

 

[gwynne]

I just called, not bookable, but I *think* she pretty much confirmed preview parties on the 15th and 16th.