WDW is canceling Jan. 31st reservations at CRT to hold event for more $

[MichWolv]

@MichWolv for example, would you have been satisfied, during your mess that Disney created, if they would have given you a different time for that restaurant, and at least worked with your current plans to make adjustments where need be?

A different time for that restaurant? I had a reservation for 8 pm New Years Eve. If by different time, you mean 7:30, sure. If you mean 3 pm or another day, no. Hard to replicate NYE dinner in the afternoon or another day. That would be like saying, "Well, we're sorry we sold the Super Bowl tickets you reserved to somebody else, but you can instead go to any regular season game you would like." That being said, Disney didn't even do that. They instead said "Well, we're sorry we sold your Super Bowl tickets to somebody else. We would offer you tickets to another game, but unfortunately those are already sold out."

 

[danlb_2000]

I have to ask, do you think a child would be upset bc they are eating at CRT at 2pm instead of 6:45pm. Or on a Tuesday instead of a Monday?

Once the error was found they could- rearrange times for the 6:45 people, still get them in the restaurant, probably compensate with something, fastpasses etc..so it doesn't wreck their schedule. Personally call them or have a return call to iron out the details.
Or postpone a publicly announced event?

Taking emotion out of it, if you're faced with that decision, what would you do?

I am not speaking from emotion, I have not skin the game, have no kids, and have no interest in CRT. I also have some experience with this sort of thing since I have been helping to run a community theater for the past 30 year so customer service issues do come up from time to time.

As to you questions, a time change for the child probably wouldn't be an issue, but this assumes that Disney knew ahead of time that they would be able to make new arrangements for every party and that those arrangements wouldn't disrupt other plans. With the amount of pre-planning Disney pushes on guests, one change can create a domino effect that can mess up many parts of the vacation.

I have already said what I would do, since based on what we know, changes to the party would likely cause less of an inconvenience for fewer people I would have changed the party to accommodate the guests who already had CRT reservations.

... and this all assumes that this was a mistake and not intentional.

 

[21stamps]

A different time for that restaurant? I had a reservation for 8 pm New Years Eve. If by different time, you mean 7:30, sure. If you mean 3 pm or another day, no. Hard to replicate NYE dinner in the afternoon or another day. That would be like saying, "Well, we're sorry we sold the Super Bowl tickets you reserved to somebody else, but you can instead go to any regular season game you would like." That being said, Disney didn't even do that. They instead said "Well, we're sorry we sold your Super Bowl tickets to somebody else. We would offer you tickets to another game, but unfortunately those are already sold out."

Yeah. Ok. Your situation just stinks all around. Sorry. I'd be upset too.

So your response is this: Sure, go ahead with the upcharge event. How mad can the other people possibly be? We'll reschedule them. Lunch is as good as dinner. Tuesday is as good as Monday. It all equals out. We'll reap the rewards of this upcharge event AND probably get the rubes to reschedule. If one of the rubes doesn't, well, it's still a net win for WDW.

What about not scheduling these dumb upcharge events in the first place? What about honoring commitments previously made? It's all just a constant cash grab. Again, if this was a one-off, I would write it off. Sadly, it's business as usual these days.

My solution would be to find the alleged "30 parties" different times. Give them a few anytime FPs to assist in making their day go more efficiently. Change any existing FPs. Modify any existing reservations. But definitely made sure that all were accommodated one way or another.
I don't view anyone as "rubes". And I don't think this was a class warfare attack.

"Not scheduling the event in the first place" is not a solution. Things happen, channels get crossed, errors happen. Even at Disney.
You can't turn back time, you can only try to resolve the situation to the best of your ability and the least amount of unhappy guests...hopefully you end up with 0 unhappy guests, bc they were satisfied with the end result.

I would not change a publicly announced event. To do so would be inviting a whole new set of issues.

 

[Delgado]

Oh ya- dang- thats true. I did totally forget they were a business.
It's easy to do- people just forget Disney, Coca Cola, and Exxon are businesses all the time. Forgive me for my mistake.

In other news- we live on the planet earth. And water is wet. I know people forget that...

And it's wonderful participants like yourself that make these threads so enjoyable. You're here to discuss and you choose to be so don't act annoyed when someone is discussing something. Anyways I hope you have a great day.

 

[contrariwise]

"Not scheduling the event in the first place" is not a solution. Things happen, channels get crossed, errors happen. Even at Disney.
You can't turn back time, you can only try to resolve the situation to the best of your ability and the least amount of unhappy guests...hopefully you end up with 0 unhappy guests, bc they were satisfied with the end result.

Maybe, just maybe, this is the crux of where you and I differ. Not scheduling this event was entirely a possibility. Not scheduling it at the time it was scheduled was always a possibility. Making sure it didn't cross paths with previously booked reservations was always a possibility. It just wasn't a priority.

 

[NYwdwfan]

My solution would be to find the alleged "30 parties" different times.

Unfortunately in a venue that is booked solid 180 days in advance this might not be feasible. And when you - meaning Disney - has created a system where people ARE booking reservations 180 days in advance and you alert them 2 weeks before that you are cancelling a prepaid reservation in favor of an upcharge event it would appear as though you are valuing the higher paying consumer.

What if BBB and CRT were scheduled for a child's birthday celebration? When we went to WDW with my sister's family and my niece turned 4 we brought the girls to BBB and then CRT for her birthday dinner ON her actual birthday. When my brother in law called to make the ADR and explained to the agent that it was his daughter's birthday, the agent asked to speak to my niece, pretending to be Cinderella, to "invite" her to celebrate her birthday in her castle. (That the agent was a heavy smoker and my niece handed the phone back to her dad and said, "it wasn't Cinderella, it was the Prince" is beside the point). What if 2 weeks before WDW calls to say the ADR is being cancelled? Moved to another day? Sometimes simply moving things has a deeper effect.

ETA: It's not just a matter of "this happened", it's a matter of "this COULD happen again". In the present environment if wouldn't surprise me if it did. THAT'S what I'm so annoyed about. The precedent was set.

 

[21stamps]

Unfortunately in a venue that is booked solid 180 days in advance this might not be feasible. And when you - meaning Disney - has created a system where people ARE booking reservations 180 days in advance and you alert them 2 weeks before that you are cancelling a prepaid reservation in favor of an upcharge event it would appear as though you are valuing the higher paying consumer.

What if BBB and CRT were scheduled for a child's birthday celebration? When we went to WDW with my sister's family and my niece turned 4 we brought the girls to BBB and then CRT for her birthday dinner ON her actual birthday. When my brother in law called to make the ADR and explained to the agent that it was his daughter's birthday, the agent asked to speak to my niece, pretending to be Cinderella, to "invite" her to celebrate her birthday in her castle. (That the agent was a heavy smoker and my niece handed the phone back to her dad and said, "it wasn't Cinderella, it was the Prince" is beside the point). What if 2 weeks before WDW calls to say the ADR is being cancelled? Moved to another day? Sometimes simply moving things has a deeper effect.

I'd place a hefty wager that all of those reservations were not made at 180 days. I'd also place a hefty wager that not all of the alleged 30 chose that time bc it is the exact time that they wanted. Chances are, a lot chose because it was the only time available. Also, People cancel all of the time...I'm not claiming that 20 people per day cancel CRT, I'm saying there are cancellations by a few, for any dining including CRT. Pre paid doesn't hold much relevance here. The only prepaid tickets that aren't refundable are holiday parties, all pre paid dining, including dessert parties, is fully refundable.

The BBB and birthday/anniversary/proposal etc would all be handled in my situation described above. The company has the power to do that.
I just don't see Disney telling someone they are SOL...or "oh it's your kid's bday? Just celebrate it tomorrow."
Maybe people here think that could happen, but I've never seen or heard such an example.

 

[contrariwise]

Unfortunately in a venue that is booked solid 180 days in advance this might not be feasible. And when you - meaning Disney - has created a system where people ARE booking reservations 180 days in advance and you alert them 2 weeks before that you are cancelling a prepaid reservation in favor of an upcharge event it would appear as though you are valuing the higher paying consumer.

What if BBB and CRT were scheduled for a child's birthday celebration? When we went to WDW with my sister's family and my niece turned 4 we brought the girls to BBB and then CRT for her birthday dinner ON her actual birthday. When my brother in law called to make the ADR and explained to the agent that it was his daughter's birthday, the agent asked to speak to my niece, pretending to be Cinderella, to "invite" her to celebrate her birthday in her castle. (That the agent was a heavy smoker and my niece handed the phone back to her dad and said, "it wasn't Cinderella, it was the Prince" is beside the point). What if 2 weeks before WDW calls to say the ADR is being cancelled? Moved to another day? Sometimes simply moving things has a deeper effect.

ETA: It's not just a matter of "this happened", it's a matter of "this COULD happen again". In the present environment if wouldn't surprise me if it did. THAT'S what I'm so annoyed about. The precedent was set.

You are so right, but I would phrase it differently. It's not a matter of "this happened", but "Disney did this" and "Disney could do this again". Whenever they want, however many times they want. And I don't have any faith that they won't.

 

[contrariwise]

I'd place a hefty wager that all of those reservations were not made at 180 days. I'd also place a hefty wager that not all of the alleged 30 chose that time bc it is the exact time that they wanted. Chances are, a lot chose because it was the only time available. Also, People cancel all of the time. Pre paid doesn't hold much relevance here. The only prepaid tickets that aren't refundable are holiday parties, all pre paid dining, including dessert parties, is fully refundable.

You're right. I only booked this 45 days ago, so it's ok if Disney doesn't honor it.

Whether this can be rescheduled is beside the point. This is a company that is willing to push me aside to accommodate an upcharge event that it created. It doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy.

 

[21stamps]

You're right. I only booked this 45 days ago, so it's ok if Disney doesn't honor it.

Whether this can be rescheduled is beside the point. This is a company that is willing to push me aside to accommodate an upcharge event that it created. It doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy.

I never said that. Not once.
If you're not going to read what is written then there is no use in having a conversation.

 

[contrariwise]

I never said that. Not once.
If you're not going to read what is written then there is no use in having a conversation.

I read every word you said. You started off with "I'd place a hefty wager not all those reservations were made 180 days in advance." So what if they weren't? Are they any less important? That seemed to be your point. Maybe one of these people booked at 180 days, but the rest booked later. AND ....? What? Why is that relevant? If they made it later, it's not as important? If not, I don't understand your point.

 

[Me 'Earties]

I have to ask, do you think a child would be upset bc they are eating at CRT at 2pm instead of 6:45pm. Or on a Tuesday instead of a Monday?

Once the error was found they could- rearrange times for the 6:45 people, still get them in the restaurant, probably compensate with something, fastpasses etc..so it doesn't wreck their schedule. Personally call them or have a return call to iron out the details.
Or postpone a publicly announced event?

Taking emotion out of it, if you're faced with that decision, what would you do?

For myself, if they could give me a reasonable time, I would take the change in reservation-but CRT for CRT. Considering how difficult it is to get a CRT reservation (and perhaps my inability to out someone over the phone/lack of luck), it ain't gonna happen is the most likely scenario; that they will not be able to accommodate a new reservation for CRT during my stay there. The other thing to consider (as others have pointed out), a person/family may not be able to change that time that was set aside for CRT-they planned 6 months in advance and every plan is hinged on every other plan falling in line; or simply, maybe someone/the group has only a single day at MK. Although I may hope they can accommodate, in the world of Disney (and as I have said before) hope is not a strategy

 

[GhostHost1000]

As of now when this was cancelled, a last day in the park is not relevant. If the reservations were on the 31 and that was the last day they were in the park the days before it could be rescheduled. I'm not trying to argue, I agree disney was in the wrong. It's expected they plan events 181 days out if it requires so customers plans can be made. I just think the gray area is being stretched both ways, against and defending disney. A molehill is being manifested into a mountain. Disney is a business and people forget that because Disney is so good at what they do,.I have high expectations which is why if another time was given and it worked for the customers I don't see what the earth shattering anger is about coming from places in this thread.

Because this sets a precedent

The guest experience for the average visitor is being pushed aside and trimmed away for elite guests who will spend more $...and it's becoming a trend

 

[21stamps]

I read every word you said. You started off with "I'd place a hefty wager not all those reservations were made 180 days in advance." So what if they weren't? Are they any less important? That seemed to be your point. Maybe one of these people booked at 180 days, but the rest booked later. AND ....? What? Why is that relevant? If they made it later, it's not as important? If not, I don't understand your point.

If someone made that reservation 2 weeks ago, 1 month ago, 3 months ago, 7 weeks ago..do you think they chose 6:45 bc it was the
EXACT perfect time for them? Or more likely, as we've all probably experienced, they wanted CRT and took whatever time was available. As a result of this, they may not be livid or even disappointed if they have to change their time.
Again, as the OP (from the single example that we have) said, the new time actually worked out better for his family.


I sat on the phone for countless hours before my trip, having the phone rep check the restaurants I wanted for the entire trip..just hoping to find some availability. The ones I did choose were not all, or even most, bc they were exact time..it's bc they were my only choices. This will not be 100% of the "30", but I think it's a safe bet to say that it was a least some of them.

 

[21stamps]

For myself, if they could give me a reasonable time, I would take the change in reservation-but CRT for CRT. Considering how difficult it is to get a CRT reservation (and perhaps my inability to ***** out someone over the phone/lack of luck), it ain't gonna happen is the most likely scenario; that they will not be able to accommodate a new reservation for CRT during my stay there. The other thing to consider (as others have pointed out), a person/family may not be able to change that time that was set aside for CRT-they planned 6 months in advance and every plan is hinged on every other plan falling in line; or simply, maybe someone/the group has only a single day at MK. Although I may hope they can accommodate, in the world of Disney (and as I have said before) hope is not a strategy

I fully agree that CRT should be for CRT. And that all other plans for the day may hinge on that one dinner.
I'm repeating myself, and I apologize for that, but the phone call that the person relayed was that initially, without being asked, CRT was offered for either breakfast or lunch the same day as the now cancelled reservation.
That didn't work for him, so he was told that someone would call him back to further assist..and a new plan was worked out.

What are our plans while at MK? Fast passes, BBB, pirate's league, restaurant reservations, right? Disney does have the power to change all of that. So throwing in anytime FPs, or adjusting the current ones, rescheduling another reservation if need be, getting someone in to BBB if need be..this would eliminate the "ruined" plans.

 

[Laketravis]

My solution would be to find the alleged "30 parties" different times. Give them a few anytime FPs to assist in making their day go more efficiently. Change any existing FPs. Modify any existing reservations. But definitely made sure that all were accommodated one way or another.....

So if I sold you a car, and after you sign the paperwork and pay for it I tell you that I sold it to someone else because, oh, let's say they were willing to pay more than you did, you'd be okay with a different car that's not the same as what you originally purchased as long as I threw in an extended warranty for your troubles?

Because, after all, it was just "a mistake".

 

[contrariwise]

If someone made that reservation 2 weeks ago, 1 month ago, 3 months ago, 7 weeks ago..do you think they chose 6:45 bc it was the
EXACT perfect time for them? Or more likely, as we've all probably experienced, they wanted CRT and took whatever time was available. As a result of this, they may not be livid or even disappointed if they have to change their time.
Again, as the OP (from the single example that we have) said, the new time actually worked out better for his family.


I sat on the phone for countless hours before my trip, having the phone rep check the restaurants I wanted for the entire trip..just hoping to find some availability. The ones I did choose were not all, or even most, bc they were exact time..it's bc they were my only choices. This will not be 100% of the "30", but I think it's a safe bet to say that it was a least some of them.

Regardless, here's how I schedule my vacation. I book the hard bookings first, and everything else around those. Don't you get that? I can't comprehend whether it's the lack of girl child or the desire to defend Disney at all costs that is driving your responses. You seriously don't get how THE Cinderella booking can drive the vacation? Man, I have a daughter so I can't NOT get that.

 

[NYwdwfan]

I sat on the phone for countless hours before my trip, having the phone rep check the restaurants I wanted for the entire trip..just hoping to find some availability. The ones I did choose were not all, or even most, bc they were exact time..it's bc they were my only choices. This will not be 100% of the "30", but I think it's a safe bet to say that it was a least some of them.

And yet you have stated that Disney should be able to give them alternate times without recognizing that there may not have BEEN alternate times for 30 other families.

 

[21stamps]

Regardless, here's how I schedule my vacation. I book the hard bookings first, and everything else around those. Don't you get that? I can't comprehend whether it's the lack of girl child or the desire to defend Disney at all costs that is driving your responses. You seriously don't get how THE Cinderella booking can drive the vacation? Man, I have a daughter so I can't NOT get that.

Just because some people here can't picture why something would be important to another person.. doesn't mean we all do.
No, I don't have a daughter. That doesn't mean that I can't understand how it would be important.
That's like saying that I can't possibly enjoy taking my niece to the American Girl store, or understand why it's important, bc I don't have my own little girl.

I get it. If you can't dine at 6:45 you're going to be disappointed and angry. Fair enough.
I think it's also Fair to think that others may not be as upset with changing their time..and that not everyone schedules their vacations minute by minute.
To prevent going in circles, bc this convo has clearly solved nothing, I'll just agree to disagree.

 

[Delgado]

So if I sold you a car, and after you sign the paperwork and pay for it I tell you that I sold it to someone else because, oh, let's say they were willing to pay more than you did, you'd be okay with a different car that's not the same as what you originally purchased as long as I threw in an extended warranty for your troubles?

Because, after all, it was just "a mistake".

That's not the same thing. You'd get the same car at an earlier or later date with the extended warranty and free oil changes.