Pre-Trip The wait, who is coming and where are we staying PTR Part 2

Hi! Its me again! I am indeed going on a trip in a few weeks but I also have another trip coming up and I wanted to do a PTR to help organize my thoughts
So here we go!
Is it ever an entire family trip without confusion?
Some of you may remember our last big family trip in November of 2016. It was filled with last minute additions to the trip, at least 3 different resort changes, split stays because of resort changes etc etc.
THIS time I was prepared though. This trip has been in the works for at least 3.5 years (I will explain more on that later). We picked out the dates months and months ago....made sure it worked for everyone who wanted to come...booked rooms way back in July...and I gave EVERYONE involved a deadline for changes to who was coming. This deadline was the day before the 180 day booking window so that dining reservations would be all set..............................but were we all set?

On a random side note I was just looking back at my old TRs and my pictures are gone
Anyway...

Lets start with why?:
Many moons ago when we were on our Princess Half Marathon trip we dreamed up this vacation. This was before we would fall into the Disney trap and go all the time so we thought we would plan a trip 3 years from then so that we wouldn't be sad Funny that we went on 12 trips (and one Disneyland one) between then and now!
Anyway, the plan was we would go back to Disney to celebrate my Mom's 5 Year Cancer Free Anniversary. Technically we can't officially say she is 5 years yet so for now we will be saying 4 years until its true...but 5 years is a huge reason to celebrate cancer free because the risk of relapse drastically falls! So, my Mom always said when/if she makes it to 5 years we HAVE to celebrate in Disney

Well, I think I will stop here for now to organize the pictures I want to use. I will leave you in suspense of the drama

Next up: who...and another reason why

 

[Doc Disney]

Lovely family pics I'm not to keen on this new format either.

Thank you! It definitely is going to take some time to get used to

Loving the pre-trip report and all the excitement! NOT loving the new format.

Thanks for following! It feels clunky. The other day it opened a second window so I could like something ?!

 

[Doc Disney]

Family Drama? You know that I'm in!

Really not so much family drama as it was Disney making drama

I don't know if it will help, but someone in Chit-Chat mentioned at the bottom left if you scroll all the way down, there's a format button. If you change it to Dimmed Full Width, it's a bit more like the old style.

Eh I feel like now I'm getting used to it - its not terrible

 

[Doc Disney]

Congrats to your mom on 5 years! Such an awesome milestone!
And you guys all look so beautiful at Jill's wedding! Love the bridesmaid dresses!
Also, I too am annoyed with this new format! Who decided this was necessary?!

Thank you so much! I wish they gave a warning about the new format like most other websites do

Glad your brother-in-law is coming!

I actually kind of like the new look. I SWEAR I'm not just saying that to be a contrarian I didn't notice any functional differences other than "alerts" don't pop up when you hover, you have to actually click. Oh and the emojis...which I agree with @blgauger about. I don't like the new ones at all.

Its growing on me...much easier on the computer than the phone though! I hate the new emojis they are ugly haha

 

[Doc Disney]

I'm here!! How excitinggggg....

And yes, I'm annoyed as well lol

Thanks for following!!!

Following!
Hooray for your mom reaching a remission milestone!

Also super annoyed with the new format

Thanks

 

[Doc Disney]

I love big family trips!! Hopefully there isn't too much drama and YAY for your mom hitting such a huge milestone, what a great reason to have a family celebration!!!!!

I also want to join in and say that this new format is going to take some getting used to. I liked the old format because it didn't have that standard discussion board look to it, this seems like a downgrade to me.

The drama was all created by Disney which thankfully one amazing CM has since fixed! Hopefully there aren't any more big issues I agree this does feel like a bit of a downgrade!

So confused with this new format! I’m here but I’m late! Your sisters wedding looked absolutely beautiful! Tell her to give me some tips!! Lol! My forum stalking has dropped significantly with stupid wedding planning

Family drama? And another doc Disney trip report! I’m here for it

Jeeze how could you let wedding planning get in the way ? JK obv! Less family drama more Disney drama really. She will gladly give you some tips if you really want

 

[Doc Disney]

Following along! Sorry about the Bills

I'm totally fine about the Bills - we looked bad shouldn't have won that game anyway I was just happy we made it that far!

I always love your trip reports... so I'm in for the wait!

Aw thanks!!

 

[Doc Disney]

When?
So Jill, Nick, my parents and I will be there from April 27 - May 5, 2018. Betta and Max will be there from April 29-May 5 (slightly shorter trip so its not too much for Max)

Where?
Ok so here's the drama.
We booked our rooms forever ago. Like I think back in the very beginning of July. At the time Jill didn't think Nick was coming but we booked 2 rooms anyway because Jill and I figured we would just get our own room (like adults....). Betta booked her room as well and everything was all set. We planned on staying at POFQ - our usual big trip home
We last stayed there in November 2016

We were really excited! Its definitely our favorite moderate resort and I think its probably my Dad's favorite resort in general. We love Mardi Groggs (the pool bar), the pool, the boat to Disney Springs (my Dad's ABSOLUTE favorite thing), the small atmosphere and we were looking forward to enjoying the new food court since last time we stayed there it was under construction.
Fast forward several months and we find out Nick is coming. No big deal I will call and switch the rooms around/add Nick on. Only, I accidentally booked both my parent's room and my own room under my name. So, I called Disney and asked to switch the people on the reservation - after explaining what happened. Then, I experienced something I thought I never would at Disney.........
The CM I spoke with said it was impossible to take me off the reservation since I booked it and literally said that I was "stupid for even asking" and its a "ridiculous question." She then told me to just make a new reservation. However, because POFQ is under refurb I could not cancel the reservation and make a new one because it was all booked up. I told said CM this and she told me it "wasn't her problem." I then hung up completely defeated and honesty very upset with that CM for being so rude. So, I thought maybe I would try to cancel the current reservation then book it right away to get the room I just canceled. Only, it didnt work so then we scrambled.
Where should we stay? We briefly considered booking the Caribbean. It was cheap and it had a lot of availability. We last stayed there in 2010 but we continuously have a huge mental block with it because it was freezing that trip. Not that its the Caribbean's fault but we always associate it with being cold.

Anyway, we did book Caribbean but very quickly decided to change it to Riverside so we would still have the boat to Disney Springs. I was still super bummed because I was worried about the size of Riverside and the fact that we could be hugely spread out. Oh well, we would just have to deal. We did consider booking the Royal rooms just so we would know we would all be in the same general area but my sister Betta wasn't super keen on the cost.
So, the next day I was still pretty down about the whole phone exchange and my sister Jill told me to just write an email and tell someone what happened. I really do not like complaining about anything and I am not an aggressive person in the least so I really struggled with the idea of saying anything negative. However, I did eventually channel my inner @Tuvalu and wrote a strongly worded email about how we have always experienced excellent customer service and how disappointed I was with my last phone call. I read online that it could take months for them to get back to you about these things/if they do at all so I sent it and let it go.
The VERY next day I got a phone call from a CM who said she got my email and asked me about the details of my conversation. I told her about it and said that the true reason I wrote the email was because had I been a first time customer I probably would have canceled my trip right then and there. I told her I was not looking to get anyone in trouble and she assured me they were only asking so that they could inform said CM about their policies. She said that even though that particular CM could not change the head name on a reservation had she asked a higher level CM they could certainly have done it for me. I thanked her for calling me back and I figured that was the end of the conversation. Only, it wasn't. She said....well I looked around and I think we can get you back into POFQ! I was thrilled. I was on the phone for like 45 minutes while she did some adjusting and eventually we got all 3 rooms back at POFQ (for like 10 more dollars...I was willing to pay anything!). Oh man, I was SO excited - and so was everyone else in my family!!!! So, thank you to Darby from Disney!!!! She made my day and even said Disney really does try to do everything they can to make stays more magical

Next up: no more drama and dining plans

 

[Ariel1986]

Looking forward to reading this report! I always enjoy reading your reports and this one sounds like it’s going to be fun! (And hopefully now drama free!).

I can’t believe the CM who spoke to you! That is definitely worthy of an email to guest services. So rude! They needed to know they have staff calling customers stupid What kind of customer care is that? Terrible. It doesn’t matter that the CM might not have been able to accommodate your request- a polite “I’m sorry, I can’t do that for you I’m afraid” was what should have been said. I’m glad you did email & they got back to you. And that you’re all now where you wanted to be!

(P.s. hate these new/2 style emojis too!)

 

[Rista1313]

Oh No! I get there on May 5th!

 

[sheriffwoody]

Glad you emailed about the bad experience! I was so surprised when I was reading that, and so glad that Darby was able to make it better.

Also, our dates will overlap if I keep my May trip. Right now we're planning May 3-6, then Rhett has a work thing in Naples, then back for 9-11

 

[MerMom1981]

What, what, WHAT!?!?!

I cannot believe a Disney CM spoke to you that way! Outrageous!
I would have immediately asked to speak to a manager/superior, but that's probably because I once had a job in customer service, and I would never treat a customer that way.
I'm glad you decided to email them, and hopefully at least one reservations CM will receive further training!
What a relief you were able to book POFQ after all! Although, I think they should have honored your original rate for your trouble.

 

[Rista1313]

Also, our dates will overlap if I keep my May trip. Right now we're planning May 3-6, then Rhett has a work thing in Naples, then back for 9-11

I'll be there May 5th-11th!

 

[MeeskaMooska0714]

Ugh, I am the same as you! I hate complaining and usually try to let things go, but I feel like I would have called back on this, just because it was something so significant. Glad you were able to get things squared away and back to POFQ! I would love to stay there someday!

 

[krisri18]

Thank you! It definitely is going to take some time to get used to



Thanks for following! It feels clunky. The other day it opened a second window so I could like something ?!

Weird...

 

[kaitertot5249]

The CM I spoke with said it was impossible to take me off the reservation since I booked it and literally said that I was "stupid for even asking" and its a "ridiculous question." She then told me to just make a new reservation. However, because POFQ is under refurb I could not cancel the reservation and make a new one because it was all booked up. I told said CM this and she told me it "wasn't her problem."

Reading this shocked me. I've had some not great CMs on the phone but none of them were this rude. This exchanged wasn't just rude but sounds mean and absolutely not what I would expect from Disney. Hopefully that first CM you spoke with was just having a bad day and that's not how she speaks to most customers.

Glad to hear it all worked out. Go Darby!!!

 

[Skibum1970]

1. Congrats on the five year (almost) for your mother. My mother went through that about 12 years ago and it is great to see others succeed as well.
2. If it helps, most Bengals fans would send you Andy Dalton. You never know if you're getting good/bad Andy.
3. I am envious to the extreme that you are staying at Port Orleans. I stay at Riverside and it is all so pretty.
4. So sorry that you talked with such a bad CM. I've never had that happen. Hopefully, your comments make it to the appropriate people so that they can coach up that first CM.

Looking forward to the trip report.

 

[Songbird76]

When?
So Jill, Nick, my parents and I will be there from April 27 - May 5, 2018. Betta and Max will be there from April 29-May 5 (slightly shorter trip so its not too much for Max)

Where?
Ok so here's the drama.
We booked our rooms forever ago. Like I think back in the very beginning of July. At the time Jill didn't think Nick was coming but we booked 2 rooms anyway because Jill and I figured we would just get our own room (like adults....). Betta booked her room as well and everything was all set. We planned on staying at POFQ - our usual big trip home
We last stayed there in November 2016
View attachment 255306
View attachment 255307
We were really excited! Its definitely our favorite moderate resort and I think its probably my Dad's favorite resort in general. We love Margi Groggs (the pool bar), the pool, the boat to Disney Springs (my Dad's ABSOLUTE favorite thing), the small atmosphere and we were looking forward to enjoying the new food court since last time we stayed there it was under construction.
Fast forward several months and we find out Nick is coming. No big deal I will call and switch the rooms around/add Nick on. Only, I accidentally booked both my parent's room and my own room under my name. So, I called Disney and asked to switch the people on the reservation - after explaining what happened. Then, I experienced something I thought I never would at Disney.........
The CM I spoke with said it was impossible to take me off the reservation since I booked it and literally said that I was "stupid for even asking" and its a "ridiculous question." She then told me to just make a new reservation. However, because POFQ is under refurb I could not cancel the reservation and make a new one because it was all booked up. I told said CM this and she told me it "wasn't her problem." I then hung up completely defeated and honesty very upset with that CM for being so rude. So, I thought maybe I would try to cancel the current reservation then book it right away to get the room I just canceled. Only, it didnt work so then we scrambled.
Where should we stay? We briefly considered booking the Caribbean. It was cheap and it had a lot of availability. We last stayed there in 2010 but we continuously have a huge mental block with it because it was freezing that trip. Not that its the Caribbean's fault but we always associate it with being cold.
View attachment 255309
View attachment 255310
View attachment 255311
Anyway, we did book Caribbean but very quickly decided to change it to Riverside so we would still have the boat to Disney Springs. I was still super bummed because I was worried about the size of Riverside and the fact that we could be hugely spread out. Oh well, we would just have to deal. We did consider booking the Royal rooms just so we would know we would all be in the same general area but my sister Betta wasn't super keen on the cost.
So, the next day I was still pretty down about the whole phone exchange and my sister Jill told me to just write an email and tell someone what happened. I really do not like complaining about anything and I am not an aggressive person in the least so I really struggled with the idea of saying anything negative. However, I did eventually channel my inner @Tuvalu and wrote a strongly worded email about how we have always experienced excellent customer service and how disappointed I was with my last phone call. I read online that it could take months for them to get back to you about these things/if they do at all so I sent it and let it go.
The VERY next day I got a phone call from a CM who said she got my email and asked me about the details of my conversation. I told her about it and said that the true reason I wrote the email was because had I been a first time customer I probably would have canceled my trip right then and there. I told her I was not looking to get anyone in trouble and she assured me they were only asking so that they could inform said CM about their policies. She said that even though that particular CM could not change the head name on a reservation had she asked a higher level CM they could certainly have done it for me. I thanked her for calling me back and I figured that was the end of the conversation. Only, it wasn't. She said....well I looked around and I think we can get you back into POFQ! I was thrilled. I was on the phone for like 45 minutes while she did some adjusting and eventually we got all 3 rooms back at POFQ (for like 10 more dollars...I was willing to pay anything!). Oh man, I was SO excited - and so was everyone else in my family!!!! So, thank you to Darby from Disney!!!! She made my day and even said Disney really does try to do everything they can to make stays more magical

Next up: no more drama and dining plans

Wow....there are no words. I mean...ok, if they can't help you, they can at least be polite about it. That is completely unacceptable, and I think I would have had the same reaction...I'd have just wanted to cancel the trip and say to heck with it. But the fact that you make so many trips, they should be rewarding their loyal customers by going the extra mile. Not ridiculing you for asking questions. Yay for Darby!!

 

[JamieLee18]

Following along! Glad to hear you got back into POFQ. And there's nothing wrong with a grown adult sharing a room with her parents...

 

[LAKid53]

P.S. who else is annoyed by this new format?
Who??
The orginal cast of characters was supposed to be (in order of the picture below) my Dad (Jeff), Me, Mickey , my sister Betta, my Mom (Mary), my nephew Max and my other sister Jill
View attachment 254745
There is some question of my sister Betta bringing a friend with her to help with Max and possibly that friend's family but nothing is set in stone and my sister told me to just plan as if she wouldn't be coming....no problem!
My Dad's last trip to Disney was in November of 2016
View attachment 254746
Betta and Max were last in Disney November 2016 as well
View attachment 254754
Here are more updated pictures of Max from his second Birthday party...Mickey themed of course (although I guess this is from August so not super updated...I'm a bad Aunt )
View attachment 254750
View attachment 254751
Anyway, everything was all set and I made ADRs - some with an extra person buffer just in case (thankfully). A few days after my deadline for changes we find out my Brother-in-law decided to come ! He is executive chef/part owner at a new restaurant here in Buffalo so we didn't think he would be able to get away for so long but he said he's "due" for a Disney trip and would like to come.
His last visit was April/May 2016
View attachment 254756
View attachment 254757
Granted some reservations were issues because I could only find good times for 4 people instead of 5 but thankfully Touring Plans reservation finder helped me out with that so everything was all set....or was it?? - more on that later

Another why?
So, Jill and Nick did not go on a honeymoon because of the restaurant so they are considering this trip to be a pseudo honeymoon----with the whole rest of the family
View attachment 254759
For those asking about the Bridesmaids dresses
View attachment 254760
View attachment 254761

Alright next up the actual drama

That is a stunning gown and your sister is a beautiful bride. Along with her bridesmaids.

 

[LAKid53]

Glad to hear the excellent prognosis on your mom. My mom also was a breast cancer survivor.

So, how's the residency going? Plan on running in any more races or was the Princess a one and done? I'll be there a week before you for the 10th Princess Half.

Wow, that was surprising about the CM. I've never had one with that attitude.

And @JamieLee18 is correct....my adult daughter shares a room with me all the time - I'm paying for it, lol.