wannab@dis said:
The statement still stands that they can and will do what they want. But, you are right, it doesn't take into account a backlash that may occur, nor was it meant to.
Nevertheless, I'm sure Disney has found that saving thousands of dollars a day in long distance charges far outweighs the possible loss of a couple of reservations because they don't have a public 800 number. If someone is upset about spending a few bucks (at most) on their reservation, they can use a cell phone at night, get a better LD plan, call a travel agent or not go.
It's not the long distance.
First off: Phone Numbers
CMs at WDW are responsible for guests at WDW. CM's at DRC and other call centers are responsible for Guests not at WDW.
Yes, the two do sometimes have to help Guests for the other and such, but the general rule is sound.
Off-property (those not currently at WDW) Guests are not to interefere with the operation of WDW.
Guest Relations handles onsite problems. Guest Communications handles those who haven't arrived or have already left.
WDW does not want that Guest phone traffic taking up CMs time at resorts, parks, restaurants, Guest Relations, or any other operational location.
Part of DRC's (and other Disney call centers) job is to protect WDW from the outside world.
The front desk at a resort cannot give you availability for a reservation, but people will call them and ask. They cannot note special requests, but people fax them because they read it on an internet site. Golf Pro shops do not have time to be checking tee-time sheets for next Thursday, but people call them. The dive team at the Living Seas should not be telling people they can't bring their own underwater camera - but people call them and ask.
All are wastes of Disney's time though people feel that it was important. The real important stuff Disney does give the numbers out for. As important as you may think it is - please let Disney decide. Don't presume to know how any part of Disney operates.
As for Long Distance:
People call Disney - lots of them. Lots of them think it's cute to put little Betsy on the phone and tell her its Cinderella. That's the first reason. Second, most of the basic questions about WDW can be found online or through any number of sources. Calling Disney to ask general information without any desire to book/reserve/purchase anything is a waste of Disney's time (and yours - how long did you have to wait for someone to answer the phone during peak periods?). People don't call to ask silly questions if its not free. Yes, people do ask silly questions.
The sheer volume of people that call WDW is responsible for it all. If it was jsut a few calls it'd be ok. Nope, it's not. It's billions. No prank calls, no silly calls, no lonely people looking to chat - because its not free.
Any general questions can be answered at Disneyworld.com - really, most of them can.
So, there's a drop in the ocean amoung other reason. Just play by Disney's rules and everything will work out - going against them is bad and has resulted in more bad-times than i can count.