What Are They Thinking - Good For A Laugh

[CHIPSTER]

I have a good friend who will be going to WDW between Christmas and New Years with a high school band trip. She has asked my advice - told her to book way in advance for any sit down dinners she wants (she did 1) - she didn't because she said some meals were included and it wasn't until this past Tuesday that she knew where she was staying when the group met with the travel agents. Here is the funny part (but sad at the same time) - the travel agent said getting dinner reservations, long lines, crowds, won't be a problem because it really isn't that crowded between Christmas and New Years! What planet do they come from?????? Guess they tell the customer what they want to hear. I bit my tongue with my friend and didn't say anything, but I think she will probably come back hating Disney instead of the travel agent because she didn't do any planning and the will end up eating fast food after battling long lines everywhere!!! I even suggested early on she make a CP reservation because lines for standby will probably be long, but she didn't!

 

[thelionqueen]

I would tell her the truth!! TA's drive me crazy when they do stuff like this!!

 

[ga9497]

Good luck to your friend. Obviously she didn't use a travel agent that knows what goes on at Disney during the holiday season

 

[mouseclick1]

We went down Christmas week in '03. I remember one extremely crowded night at the MK, we were eating at Crystal Palace. While we were waiting to be seated (which didn't take place until 45 minutes after our PS time), A LOT of people were walking up trying to get walk in reservations, and were being told every restaurant in the entire park was completely full. Walk ins were not being take anywhere. The lines for counter service resaturants were outrageous. They were being told by the CM that there best bet would be to go back to the hotel and order room service. I would certainly share that with your friend; it could truly ruin her trip if she doesn't know what to expect that week.

We had a great time, but we went in knowing that it was the most crowded time of the year.

 

[CHIPSTER]

I have gone through all of this, but the travel agent rules. I have also said that it is best to get up early if you want to get into a certain park as Disney will close parks due to capacity and she may not be able to get in the park she would like. I know it will be hard to not say "I told you so" when it is all over.

 

[mouseclick1]

Well, then you've done all you can do. Hopefully she decides to listen to you before she gets there! And, like you said, parks were closing by 11:30 a.m. due to crowds - even Animal Kingdom!

 

[black562]

I hope the TA doesn't turn her against Disney. Christmas is the busiest day of the entire year for Disney...why on earth would anyone tell her otherwise. Sounds like a good way for a TA to guarantee no return business for themselves if you ask me.

 

[Nancyg56]

I have gone through all of this, but the travel agent rules. I have also said that it is best to get up early if you want to get into a certain park as Disney will close parks due to capacity and she may not be able to get in the park she would like. I know it will be hard to not say "I told you so" when it is all over.

You won't need to say it.....she will know. We went 20 years ago between Xmas and New Years Day....swore never to do it again. We had youngsters, and the lines were crazy. No fast pass, no TGM or UG at that time. We had dinner reservations so we were able to eat. Thank goodness for the DIS!

 

[Docsknotinn]

I'm sure a lot has changed since my time with Disney but from what I remember the week before Christmas used to be incredibly slow. Christmas day is the start of the insane season. Christmas, Bike Week, Speed Week, Spring break etc. Over the years I've had a lot of people ask me because I used to work there (like that means anything after 20 years) and I have been pretty suprised a few times how people travel and either just assume the following week will be slow or they do zero research at all. I gave up on trying to convince others once they had their mind made up. Sounds like the TA needs some experience. Suggest your friend come here for some research. At least its Disney so hopefully all will work out well in the end!

 

[DreaminDisney]

Your friends should let their TA know (when they get back) how busy it really is during that time which they'll soon see for themselves. ALSO, let TA know where they were able to dine and NOT dine with NO ADR's! So hopefully TA doesn't misinform another traveler.

 

[Danthesand]

I'm sure a lot has changed since my time with Disney but from what I remember the week before Christmas used to be incredibly slow.

You must have worked for them circa 1973?

 

[d4est]

He did say it was 20 years ago...

 

[eblack0409]

I would definately tell your friend what to expect...I would want to know what I am going to encounter....then blame it on the TA!!

 

[HoneyMooner]

My DH's friend had him thinking we will be at Disney alone, I have no idea the last time he was there for Christmas. I have read these boards enough to know better. I told DH to tell his friend who was right when we get back.

 

[Grumpy_Disney_Dad]

If that travel agent can make that kind of promise and deliver on it, then i want his or her number ... I gotta book me a vacation like that

 

[Leota]

You must have worked for them circa 1973?

In Docs defense, December up until Christmas Week was really slow when we first started going as recently as the early 90's.


I'd tell your friends what it's really like & try to encourage them to make an ADR or two anywhere they can. That TA is insane. Have your friends take a pix or two to show the TA what the real deal is.

 

[Docsknotinn]

Thanx, I know things things had changed a lot over the years. I worked there in the mid 80's. A long time ago but still fond memories.

 

[vicb]

My sister's family went down 4 years ago for a cheerleader appearance at the citrus bowl. They stayed ASm for the week between xmas and NY. I told her to call early and make ressies for meals but noooooooo. They actually ended up eating at Fulton's twice as it was the only restaurant they could get a PS for when they called those mornings! And twice they drove off property to eat because they couldn't get a PS anywhere! Well the next year they went in Feb. for cheerleader competition and they made PS for coral reef, les chefs and others and enjoyed their trip much more!

You just can't tell people what they don't want to hear!