Disney has 2 primary call centers, one in Orlando and the other in Tampa. There are also some that work from their homes - I reached a lady in Kentucky one year! Since WDW is the single largest on-site employer in the entire country, they go through a LOT of employees.
All employees attend intensive training, but as in any job, experience is the best teacher. I have gained a LOT of knowledge through the years by discussing particular things when I get a CM that seems to have a bit of 'tenure' if you will. Still, there is a lot of info that doesn't get to everyone. One thing I can tell you is that they are trained not to volunteer information but to answer it when asked!
Their calls are often monitored or taped and we certainly wouldn't want them to loose their jobs. Try asking "Would you mind checking to see if there are any pins attached to my name - or address - or phone number?" or any other specific question you may have - just ASK. I imagine for those who have been told they have pins, there may have been some discussion during their call that prompted the CM response such as "wish we could afford to stay in a moderate this year;
free dining would sure be nice if it were offered" that I believe are 'qualifier' statements to which CM's may if a pin is attached.
Your best bet overall would be to work with an experienced
Disney Travel Agent. You can tell them your wants/needs and then sit back while they do the work.
As for phone numbers, you name it and Disney has a number: WDW-STAY; WDW-DINE; WDW-PLAY; WDW-TOUR; WDW-GOLF; WDW-PLAN (usually for Grand Gatherings)
If you call and get the 'automated' voice, trying saying 'representative' and see if you can get past at least SOME of the specifier information.
When you get through, if you feel your CM is not experienced or would like a better answer, very nicely ask if there is a supervisor or more experienced CM they could ask/clarify with? They have a tough job to do and we don't want to insult them or make it any more difficult, but kindness is always appreciated.
If you still aren't happy or you didn't get your answers, say a polite good-bye, then call back. Chances of getting that person again are slim (but I have had it happen) though you will have to start all over with the voice prompt, etc.
Using various forums such as this one is also a good plan since there are a multitude of people here with a variety of experience.
Hang in there - the end result is a visit to WDW after all! No matter how much I stress doing the planning, it always seems to work out well when I'm there!
