No response to Dining Plan Complaint...

[mom2my3kids]

I don't see why you expect to be compensated. If they sent you information for a 2007 plan you should know that it's not valid for 2008. No one was expecting drastic changes, but common sense tells me to at least ask questions like, "Will the 2007 plan be the same as the 2008 plan?"

I just don't understand the compensation aspect at all.

And by the way, if you received information in September 2007 is WAS valid for the upcoming months through December. How are they to know whether you're booking for December 2007 or January 2008? I think you just didn't ask the right questions. You have to empower yourself with information. I know there was a lot of miscommunication with the Dining Plan changes but I still don't think that entitles anyone to anything.

Disney Guest Relations probably receives thousands of e-mails. I highly doubt they respond to every single one. Just take it with a grain of salt, either cancel the DDP or continue on with it and enjoy your vacation. It's not the end of the world.

Sorry for the snarkiness, but it just really ticks me off when people immediately expect compensation for something that truly didn't impact them negatively. Maybe it annoyed you, but should you be compensated because you were annoyed? Judge Judy always says no to that! LOL

Ditto!!!

 

[Terk-1]

I then requested if any compensation would be available to me, since I did not enjoy starting off my Disney “Adventure” thinking I had been mislead.

With Disney, like almost any other company, things are subject to change without notice. Everyone makes mistakes. I doubt that it was intentional.

Unfortunately, you will get precious little sympathy or understanding on the disboards. I'm so sorry!

I have to disagree with that. People are sympathetic & understanding on these boards, but we all can't expect to be compensated for being misinformed.

 

[Allison]

There is no need to push this further. You don't deserve compensation for this. It's up to the consumer to research exactly what they are purchasing and to know what policies are in effect at the time of your visit.

Now, you do know which is a good thing. Perhaps you should consider dropping the dining plan if it isn't going to work out for you.

 

[Tricia1972]

I don't feel that compensation is warranted in this case, however I do feel sorry for you being misinformed. I believe that when you call Disney that the CM's should know the answer to your question and if they do not they should investigate further before giving wrong information. I think that it's sad that in order to find out the truth that you need to scour internet sites to get the real story.

I also agree with a PP who said that we know more than they do. Some days it sure feels like it! I too have been given wrong information, and even when I questioned it and gave them reasons why they were wrong, the CM insisted they were correct. To me that's sad.

Anyway, I am sorry you were misinformed. Thankfully you found this site so you can research and find out the real story.

Hope you have a magical trip!

 

[willis37862]

There is no need to push this further. You don't deserve compensation for this. It's up to the consumer to research exactly what they are purchasing and to know what policies are in effect at the time of your visit.

Now, you do know which is a good thing. Perhaps you should consider dropping the dining plan if it isn't going to work out for you.

I don't believe compensation is needed but I see no reason the OP can't contact customer service if they want. It's no skin off anyone's nose here.

And as for the consumer knowing what the policies are before purchasing a package from Disney, is it not Disney's responsibility to offer the customer correct information ? They can take your money but they can't give out correct info

I don't feel that compensation is warranted in this case, however I do feel sorry for you being misinformed. I believe that when you call Disney that the CM's should know the answer to your question and if they do not they should investigate further before giving wrong information. I think that it's sad that in order to find out the truth that you need to scour internet sites to get the real story.

I also agree with a PP who said that we know more than they do. Some days it sure feels like it! I too have been given wrong information, and even when I questioned it and gave them reasons why they were wrong, the CM insisted they were correct. To me that's sad.

Anyway, I am sorry you were misinformed. Thankfully you found this site so you can research and find out the real story.

Hope you have a magical trip!

ITA

 

[CanadianMouse]

And as for the consumer knowing what the policies are before purchasing a package from Disney, is it not Disney's responsibility to offer the customer correct information ? They can take your money but they can't give out correct info ITA

I totaly agree! 3 years ago I bought a car and was given a special price rebate. A couple of days after taking possession of the car, I received a phone call from the salesrep telling me he had made a mistake and that I was not entitled to the rebate!! He expected me to send him a check for $1500 or he would come and get the car!!!
I fought this with the head office and they agreed that the contract was signed based on the information given to me by the salesrep and the dealer had to respect the contract.

In the case of the lady who was told on the phone that the tips were included and she bought the package based on this info, how is her case any different from the one I just described? Just because it's Disney?

 

[kaytieeldr]

- A car is a solid item; a vacation is not
- You had possession of the car; the OP has not yet taken her trip
- Your car purchase involved a contract, signed and agreed to by all responsible/involved parties or their representatives; the OP has a cancelable reservation.

I don't see how it can be considered the two situations are remotely similar.

 

[sjaakie]

What email address did you use, Last year some one called me, I used the general Disney site contact us with the canned pull down menus and selected resort reservations. Some one called in a week. Didn't get the anwers I wanted but they did call twice.

I used the same mail adress and they called me back even in Europe !!!

 

[sjaakie]

This is our first family vacation and the only one for several years. I would love to be able to go several times a year or even every year like some people here. But from Montreal, plane tickets alone cost us $2500! That's why I really want everthing to be perfect.

You can't lay the responsibility the price you have to pay for of the tickets on the plate of Disney.
Try Flying from Europe

 

[christa112]

This is not a slam on OP, but why if something goes wrong nowadays, why does everyone wants something for free? I work in retail and honestly I think some people just complain to get free stuff!!! As a society, what have we become?

Honestly, OP talked to a person correct? Well unfortunately, people make mistakes. Unless Disney fires all their CM and replaces them with a computer automated system that we have to listen to every last word it is going to say and I guarantee people will not, you are always going to have mistakes, because CM's are human and do make mistakes, as do everyone person in the world, so maybe everytime I make a mistake I should give something away for free. I don't think so!!!!

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

This is not a slam on OP, but why if something goes wrong nowadays, why does everyone wants something for free? I work in retail and honestly I think some people just complain to get free stuff!!! As a society, what have we become?

Honestly, OP talked to a person correct? Well unfortunately, people make mistakes. Unless Disney fires all their CM and replaces them with a computer automated system that we have to listen to every last word it is going to say and I guarantee people will not, you are always going to have mistakes, because CM's are human and do make mistakes, as do everyone person in the world, so maybe everytime I make a mistake I should give something away for free. I don't think so!!!!

This is the underlying problem. People think they're always entitled to something if they're inconvenienced. And that REALLY bugs me. Why do you think you're entitled to anything just because someone made a mistake that you didn't suffer any damages from?

In the case of OP, it just sounds like because they paid $2500 in plane fare alone (ie, they spent a lot of money on this trip) that they're entitled to a perfect vacation. And anything less than perfect, they expect "compensation" for. Disney made a mistake. I've been a customer of other venues that have made mistakes. Was I annoyed? Yes. Did I expect anything in return? No. You have to learn to roll with the punches and realize that to err is human. Or, if you'd prefer, poopie happens.

That's why I try to empower myself with knowledge and information as much as possible to avoid inconveniences like this. It stinks when you're unpleasantly surprised while on vacation. Why do you think there's so many travel books written? Because most people like to research what they're buying beyond the sales pitch. They don't just blindly say, "Oh, here's my money, Disney/Italy/St. Lucia! Book me a perfect vacation!"

 

[morgy827]

Things will always be inconstant change at the world. I booke dmy trip well in advance and when I booked the trip my TA was not yet aware of the changes to the DDP (I don;t even think the brochure was out yet) Although, dissapointing there is no way I would ever expect compensation due to the fact that I booked early or "assumed" that things would never change.
I'm just excited to be going to WDW and getting to eat in some fabulous restaurants. We're always so bust complaining about the little things that we forget how lucky we all are to be going to the 'happiest place on earth'

 

[Allison]

I don't believe compensation is needed but I see no reason the OP can't contact customer service if they want. It's no skin off anyone's nose here.

Of course they can if they want. If you read the OP's question, I directly answered it. Isn't that what they wanted people to do?

 

[Goofy22]

GrannySandy,

Does Disney record the phone conversations? Alot of companies do to protect themselves. Because if they really told you that tips and apps where included when you called in January 2008, then you might want to pursue this further.

I would give them a call to ask them if they could review the phone conversation.

As for myself, I guess I just put too much trust in the Disney Rep and will have to live with my mistake. No, they did not lie to me and were very helpfull on other points. But the extra $300 or so will still hurt, considering we have been saving up for it for 2 years.

This is our first family vacation and the only one for several years. I would love to be able to go several times a year or even every year like some people here. But from Montreal, plane tickets alone cost us $2500! That's why I really want everthing to be perfect.

I feel bad for you and hope everything works out well for you and your family. It sound like a vacation of a lifetime and I hope you have a great time!

Candaian Mouse and Granny Sandy:

When are you going to disney what are your dates? You actually maybe able to get free dining! Then all you would have to do is pay tips! You could try calling but i'm assuming that they would just offer to delete the dining for you! GRANNYSANDY: Are youre children grown? If they are you explain the situation to them and tell them you are sorry you have to do away with the dining plan because it will cost another $1000 or so in tips above what you are paying and you can't do that. Maybe they will split the cost of the tips between them since if you didn't have the dining plan they would be paying for there own meals? or not? Just an idea in case you don't get what an answer from Disney.

 

[GrannySandy]

Sorry so many people think that asking for correct information is wrong on my part. I think it is sad that I can't get the information from Disney and had to find this site to answer my questions. What if I hadn't stumbled across you and got to Disney $1000.00 short. And I love this site and I thank all of you who have been so patient with me and my questions. Disney did not send me a brouchure on the dining plan. In fact I can't even download it. (This area only has dial up so we are limited and .pdf files are nearly impossible.) Disney has sent me only a invoice and the free maps that I requested. Otherwise I am depending on you guys. Doesn't anyone get that they took our money based on a lie? It's not my aim to get something for nothing. I just want someone to give me a straight answer about what I am getting for my money. Sorry that upsets all you seasoned Disney fans who already know all the answers.

 

[libinatorsmom]

1st your not the only one that recieved the 07 info while working on planning 08 trips - we actually booked our trip in the late summer of 07. However we checked and double checked what if any changes would be made. The new 08 plan was out before we could book out 08 trip... yes the dvd was updated late and I agree that should have been fixed - but we did our research - we checked online and on non official boards before officially booking our trips... I believe that us as the consumers have the responsibility to research what we are booking.... we did and had no issues and actually booked our trip long before you did - so the information was out there and available...

I would guess disney doesnt respond to every email sent...and so far we have recieved incredible customer service in all of our dealings with Disney - dont let it ruin your trip...

 

[honeymo78]

GrannySandy - since you can't get the PDF, please call disney back and ask them to send you the proper dining plan brochure, so you can have it on hand. They will be more than happy to send it to you if you request it - some CMs will send it out without any request but others will only do so if you request it.

Again, my DH and I have both worked in sales in the past and never do I trust what someone says - even if they are a company representative. Not every employee understands all the products offered or can explain them all properly. Finding good employees is harder than it looks. That is why everyone should always request information in writing detailing all aspects of what they are buying - vacations or otherwise. That way there is no confusion.

I'm sorry you spoke with a misinformed CM, it happens, as it happens in any other line of business. There are plenty of travel agents who have no clue what they are talking about as well. And if every CM fully explained all the aspects of the dining plans to guests over the phone, you'd be there forever. That's why we always request a brochure (or get one from the disney site) and detailed information regarding what we have purchased.

 

[Allison]

Sorry so many people think that asking for correct information is wrong on my part. I think it is sad that I can't get the information from Disney and had to find this site to answer my questions. What if I hadn't stumbled across you and got to Disney $1000.00 short. And I love this site and I thank all of you who have been so patient with me and my questions. Disney did not send me a brouchure on the dining plan. In fact I can't even download it. (This area only has dial up so we are limited and .pdf files are nearly impossible.) Disney has sent me only a invoice and the free maps that I requested. Otherwise I am depending on you guys. Doesn't anyone get that they took our money based on a lie? It's not my aim to get something for nothing. I just want someone to give me a straight answer about what I am getting for my money. Sorry that upsets all you seasoned Disney fans who already know all the answers.

Who said asking for correct information is wrong?

How have you been able to determine you were lied to versus given incorrect information by an uninformed CM? Lieing implies it was a deliberate action done to deceive you.

What seasoned fans are upset by you wanting to know what you are getting for your money? I think that is what most of them are encouraging people to do.

 

[willis37862]

Sorry so many people think that asking for correct information is wrong on my part. I think it is sad that I can't get the information from Disney and had to find this site to answer my questions. What if I hadn't stumbled across you and got to Disney $1000.00 short. And I love this site and I thank all of you who have been so patient with me and my questions. Disney did not send me a brouchure on the dining plan. In fact I can't even download it. (This area only has dial up so we are limited and .pdf files are nearly impossible.) Disney has sent me only a invoice and the free maps that I requested. Otherwise I am depending on you guys. Doesn't anyone get that they took our money based on a lie? It's not my aim to get something for nothing. I just want someone to give me a straight answer about what I am getting for my money. Sorry that upsets all you seasoned Disney fans who already know all the answers.

I don't think it's wrong at all. I stand by my post earlier that it is Disney's responsibility to give the consumer correct information when selling them a product. I am sure if a certain CM does not know the answer to a question there has to be a book or a supervisor they can check with before giving out wrong information This has been a problem for a long time now with Disney. As much as I like Disney I don't feel the need to make excuses for their employees not knowing their job and not being able to go the extra distance to find the answer.

Of course they can if they want. If you read the OP's question, I directly answered it. Isn't that what they wanted people to do?

You come across rude IMHO.

 

[gina2000]

While I don't think the OP deserves anything for the inconvenience, I do believe that WDW has done an absolutely lousy job of informing the consumer of dramatic changes in their dining plan. If a company rep can't give you correct information, then the company has no business employing that rep. And unfortunately, WDW reps have become incredibly slipshod in their information. Also, sending a 2007 planning video that includes the DDP in its 2007 form is incredibly misleading. The DDP changes are too dramatic to leave it up to the consumer to find out for himself, fine print or not. The information is conflicting and the consumer would probably choose the easiest method of absorbing information - i.e., the video. Believe me, if the DDP changes were in favor of the consumer, WDW would be touting it to the rafters.

Sorry, I think WDW has done a bad job informing the consumer of this huge change in the DDP. And if I were the consumer and I were to show up on January 1, 2008 not knowing of the DDP changes, I'd be one unhappy, loud, extremely vocal individual.