Someone else's PIN?

[jensen]

Today was the second time in recent weeks that I've received a PIN offer at my email address... but, it's addressed to someone else. This person is no one I know and the name isn't even close to mine. I guess this explains why so many people call and find out they have a PIN attached to their name, but never received the message. Do you suppose I'll actually be able to use the PIN?

I've heard a lot about people getting messages addressed to family members or friends they've traveled with. But, this one is way out there... has anyone else experienced it?

 

[Ariel on Land]

I don't know either but I'm in the same boat (except the name is my SIL) I'm hoping someone has an answer for us! I know Disney does things their way whether it makes sense or not, but I sure would like to think if they send a pin to YOUR valid email address, they sent it to you, and it's their problem if they got the name wrong, ya know?

 

[DisneyJB]

I agree with Ariel on Land. I received a pin code to my email address, but when I called, they had a different home address (my parents) attached to the code. They said that it was not meant for my household, and that I shouldn't have gotten it, but I argued that they had sent it to ME. My name was on the email, so the situation is different from yours, but still, it's worth noting that they ultimately did allow me to use it. I would at least try. Good luck!

 

[distherapy]

I received one too, with a name of my last name but first name "Christopher". I honestly don't know who this "Christopher" is but I really do keep getting random e-mails with that name. My e-mail address is obviously my name, though.

I called and asked for the discount - gave the PIN number and the CM asked me to describe the email (weird). I read it off to him, he seemed okay with it and then asked me to confirm the mailing address. The address I gave didn't match what he had and he was confused. He didn't tell me anything about the address he had. I said I'd moved a lot (true) and offered some other states. He finally found me under the e-mail address I usually use and seemed to be able to apply the PIN without a problem. Of course, now I am nervous because the discount seems to save me more than I calculated (I know - good problem to have, but I'm nervous that he missed something because I haven't received an e-mail confirmation).

Good luck - it's worth calling and trying...

 

[Ariel on Land]

I received one too, with a name of my last name but first name "Christopher". I honestly don't know who this "Christopher" is but I really do keep getting random e-mails with that name. My e-mail address is obviously my name, though.

I called and asked for the discount - gave the PIN number and the CM asked me to describe the email (weird). I read it off to him, he seemed okay with it and then asked me to confirm the mailing address. The address I gave didn't match what he had and he was confused. He didn't tell me anything about the address he had. I said I'd moved a lot (true) and offered some other states. He finally found me under the e-mail address I usually use and seemed to be able to apply the PIN without a problem. Of course, now I am nervous because the discount seems to save me more than I calculated (I know - good problem to have, but I'm nervous that he missed something because I haven't received an e-mail confirmation).


Good luck - it's worth calling and trying...

well, that's good info to know. I hope they'd allow mine as well since I do have the same last name, and as far as addresses go, we're military so we move all the stinkin' time and I don't think Disney has our current one.

 

[2ofUs]

Of course, now I am nervous because the discount seems to save me more than I calculated (I know - good problem to have, but I'm nervous that he missed something because I haven't received an e-mail confirmation).

You SHOULD be nervous if you booked and did not get an email - especially if you paid anything on that booking. If it is booked with Disney, you can key in the reservation number on Disney's website and verify the information and balance since you can make payments online. If the changes were made, it should show here.

If it is NOT there, I encourage you to IMMEDIATELY call with whatever confirmation number the CM gave - as well as any notes you took (or should have taken) during that call.

SIDE NOTE: I make it a habit to have a pencil and note pad whenever I call WDW (or any business). Before I dial I write down the DATE and TIME, BUSINESS NAME, and PURPOSE of my call. When a CM answers they always give a name, so I repeat that name back to them as I write it down and I always tell them - politely - that I take notes during my calls so that 'I don't forget what I'm doing' and laugh a bit. That is true, in part, but it is also so they double check whatever they tell me. I often help friends & relatives book trips so I am held accountable for getting things done correctly!

Okay, back to my concern about your call: RE-CONFIRM that reservation and specifically request an email be sent as well. Sometimes they just mail them, but you didn't say you received a snail-mail either.

If you are told there are no notes as to any changes made, ask - politely - to speak to their supervisor. Remain patient but allow concern to show in your voice (as I'm sure it will) as you give an overview of your call and share whatever details you remember (again - good reason to take notes). You should get some assistance in taking care of the changes.

But, if that doesn't do it, ask to be transferred to Customer Service. They have one of the BEST CS systems I know of. If you have a valid concern or request, they will do their best to make it work.

Let us know how it turns out!

 

[es45]

Today was the second time in recent weeks that I've received a PIN offer at my email address... but, it's addressed to someone else. This person is no one I know and the name isn't even close to mine. I guess this explains why so many people call and find out they have a PIN attached to their name, but never received the message. Do you suppose I'll actually be able to use the PIN?

I've heard a lot about people getting messages addressed to family members or friends they've traveled with. But, this one is way out there... has anyone else experienced it?

I don't think that you can use it. I receive them for my mother regularly but I have never been allowed to use them when I call to request.

 

[2ofUs]

Last year I booked a trip for September 2009 that was for my son's 43rd birthday - we went together for a mother/son trip. Because he was paying a larger portion of the trip, I booked it using his name, but since I was doing all the planning I used my email and mailing address.

I continue to receive both mail and email in his name and have had no problem using those pin offers. I have the advantage of being able to explain that we were both on that particular trip, but have never been asked to provide any sort of proof, though I could.

Honesty is always the best policy and I would encourage you to TRY using the pin and explain the circumstances. If WDW is sending out pins, they are trying to get business. If you don't currently have a trip planned and a pin would get a booking, what is the difference? If you already have a trip planned and may chose an upgrade or a longer stay due to a pin, again, it is in their best interest to allow the pin to be applied.

The only answer you have if you DON'T try is "NO" so you may as well try. Be polite but persistent, and keep an attitude of cooperation. Be sure to utilize their Customer Serivce people for a final answer. If they tell you no, it is final.

 

[distherapy]

You SHOULD be nervous if you booked and did not get an email - especially if you paid anything on that booking. If it is booked with Disney, you can key in the reservation number on Disney's website and verify the information and balance since you can make payments online. If the changes were made, it should show here.

If it is NOT there, I encourage you to IMMEDIATELY call with whatever confirmation number the CM gave - as well as any notes you took (or should have taken) during that call.

SIDE NOTE: I make it a habit to have a pencil and note pad whenever I call WDW (or any business). Before I dial I write down the DATE and TIME, BUSINESS NAME, and PURPOSE of my call. When a CM answers they always give a name, so I repeat that name back to them as I write it down and I always tell them - politely - that I take notes during my calls so that 'I don't forget what I'm doing' and laugh a bit. That is true, in part, but it is also so they double check whatever they tell me. I often help friends & relatives book trips so I am held accountable for getting things done correctly!

Okay, back to my concern about your call: RE-CONFIRM that reservation and specifically request an email be sent as well. Sometimes they just mail them, but you didn't say you received a snail-mail either.

If you are told there are no notes as to any changes made, ask - politely - to speak to their supervisor. Remain patient but allow concern to show in your voice (as I'm sure it will) as you give an overview of your call and share whatever details you remember (again - good reason to take notes). You should get some assistance in taking care of the changes.

But, if that doesn't do it, ask to be transferred to Customer Service. They have one of the BEST CS systems I know of. If you have a valid concern or request, they will do their best to make it work.

Let us know how it turns out!

Thanks! That is wonderful advice and certainly a habit I could have used more than a dozen times in my life. This time, luckily, it all worked out well! the CM did what he was supposed to do and I was the one with my math wrong.

And the e-mail confirmation that was supposed to take an hour? Took 24. I think we swamped their reservation system!

I appreciate the help!