Overbooked at Boardwalk and moved barely without asking?

[OverbookedDave]

So just got a call from our travel agent telling us that we got moved from the Boardwalk to the the Beach Club in 3 days of our trip. Is this normal for Disney to just move people because they over booked? and without really even asking. More "telling" based on information from the agent. Said it was a "lateral" move.

I asked if it was a choice and as told no. Go to the Beach Club or dont show up. Has Disney really fallen this far that this is the "New" Disney Magic that we pay for?

Is this really a thing that happens these days with Disney? I just feel like "Give us your money and shut up"

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

I have never had that happen. I would think Disney would give you the option to change resorts if there was a last minute situation. It does make me wonder if something is going on with this travel agent

 

[Narcoossee11]

Overbooking happens all the time. Everyweek at at least one resort.
Disney goal is to get you a upgrade normally.
If you say NO, they just go to the next guest.

 

[juxtapose]

Boardwalk is having room reservations done, and I heard they are running behind and having to move some people because of that.

 

[Her Dotness]

Yes, I'm betting it's due to some construction issues at BWI. Refurbs almost never go as scheduled.

That it's supply issues (or even people getting covid) is highly likely.

 

[OverbookedDave]

I guess I could have understood construction delays. It was just how they handled it. Because I went through a travel agent they wouldn't even talk with me. I have been to Disney 3 times in the past and it was always a GREAT experience. However not asking, giving a perk, "just take it or leave it" seems bad business to me.

The problem I'm going to face is because I wasn't involved in this discussion I'm going to feel "stiffed" when I get there.

Just disappointed, almost to the point of just writing it off rather then bowing down.

 

[dcassetta]

I can understand that you feel concerned about this, and not having a choice in the matter. But the new resort is right across the lake from your original resort, so same access to Epcot and the Studios. Plus the Beach Club has the best pool area on property. I hope you can make the best of it and have a great time.

 

[OverbookedDave]

lol, I cant swim. lol

Just poorly handled

 

[john7994]

wow ... sounds like you are really upset about it - you even joined the Disboards today and created your handle to describe the situation! Are you sure you still want to go?

 

[nw6675]

Am I understanding correctly that you heard everything second hand through the agent? If you weren't on the call, you've only heard how one side of how the call actually went. Perhaps the TA thought it was a great opportunity for you when speaking with them and then backed off when they realized you were not happy. Just a thought.

 

[OverbookedDave]

wow ... sounds like you are really upset about it - you even joined the Disboards today and created your handle to describe the situation! Are you sure you still want to go?

I was/am upset, which coming from me is rare. I've had such fun at Disney over the years. Took my son there for his 5th birthday, Went there for our honeymoon and a Disney cruise. Everything was perfect.

I own my a business and customer care is a top priority for me. I just didnt like the way this went down. Then after the Disney "cast member" told me to call my travel agent i was ticked.

We have until tomorrow to cancel the trip and do something else. Just sad and upset kinda on how this was handled.

 

[Marrila]

I was/am upset, which coming from me is rare. I've had such fun at Disney over the years. Took my son there for his 5th birthday, Went there for our honeymoon and a Disney cruise. Everything was perfect.

I own my a business and customer care is a top priority for me. I just didnt like the way this went down. Then after the Disney "cast member" told me to call my travel agent i was ticked.

We have until tomorrow to cancel the trip and do something else. Just sad and upset kinda on how this was handled.

It sounds like you were unfortunately at a disadvantage due to utilizing a TA.
The Beach Club is a truly lovely resort. I hope you are able to turn this unexpected change into a happy vacation after all.

 

[OverbookedDave]

Am I understanding correctly that you heard everything second hand through the agent? If you weren't on the call, you've only heard how one side of how the call actually went. Perhaps the TA thought it was a great opportunity for you when speaking with them and then backed off when they realized you were not happy. Just a thought.

I don't know, Something went wrong and at this point I'm just trying to find out where that happened. I know everyone on here is a big Disney fan as I'm as well, but really just wanted to see if this was the new norm or something else.

 

[john7994]

I was/am upset, which coming from me is rare. I've had such fun at Disney over the years. Took my son there for his 5th birthday, Went there for our honeymoon and a Disney cruise. Everything was perfect.

I own my a business and customer care is a top priority for me. I just didnt like the way this went down. Then after the Disney "cast member" told me to call my travel agent i was ticked.

We have until tomorrow to cancel the trip and do something else. Just sad and upset kinda on how this was handled.

No doubt, in anticipating this trip, a last minute change can be disappointing. I would suggest that since Disney was proactive in addressing the situation - which for them is not ideal either and they have absolutely no incentive to change your accommodations - tie up personnel to chase down reservations etc - they did exercise proper customer care in an anomalous situation. I have been upgraded twice on check-in at Disney when my room type was pulled from inventory for whatever reason - loved having a Grand Villa over a 2BR any day of the week.

In terms of this being a "new norm" - remaining objective - Disney properties run at an extremely high occupancy rate especially as this is running into spring break for some regions of the country. So whether construction delays, a block of rooms were flooded (which happened to me on a recent business trip) or for whatever reason, there is not a lot of extra inventory to pull from for you and potentially other guests checking in at the same time.

The offer of Beach Club versus Boardwalk - I would take any day of the week tbh. But, I understand if there is attachment, fond memories, or other nostalgic reasons. Obviously, you have some decisions to make.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m at the Beach Club right now and I love it but I do understand that how you end up at the Beach Club matters a great deal. Being told “take it or leave it” is upsetting, and it’s poor customer service.

The only thing that I’m curious about is - did anything get lost in translation with the TA? Perhaps Disney did offer you a choice through the TA but they accepted on your behalf, without confirming with you?

Disney has moved people and they have been heavy handed before. But usually if enough of a fuss is raised, from the posts I’ve seen here, Disney makes it right. The fact that they won’t even speak to you directly is super frustrating…

 

[gottalovepluto]

So just got a call from our travel agent telling us that we got moved from the Boardwalk to the the Beach Club in 3 days of our trip. Is this normal for Disney to just move people because they over booked? and without really even asking. More "telling" based on information from the agent. Said it was a "lateral" move.

I asked if it was a choice and as told no. Go to the Beach Club or dont show up. Has Disney really fallen this far that this is the "New" Disney Magic that we pay for?

Is this really a thing that happens these days with Disney? I just feel like "Give us your money and shut up"

BWI is under a refurb so it’s definitely possible your room got delayed and now won’t be ready in time. Take your dates and look on the website and see if another hotel you would rather have is available. If it is
-request your TA have you moved you there
-if they won’t and you are within your cancellation window with the TA and you are willing to pay the price the new room is listed at book it straight with Disney and then cancel the booking with the TA

Being walked by Disney (outside of Covid) is unusual. BC would generally be considered an upgrade to BWI while in the same area so I understand why you were put there. If no other rooms are available, that’s life. If others are available at hotels you prefer to BC your TA can definitely try to get them for you.

 

[gottalovepluto]

…The fact that they won’t even speak to you directly is super frustrating…

It’s because they used a TA. The TA has the power over the booking.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I guess I could have understood construction delays. It was just how they handled it. Because I went through a travel agent they wouldn't even talk with me.

It’s likely they can’t talk with you. I think technically the TA owns your reservation so you can’t make changes to it yourself

ETA- just got back from a nice BC stay. The rooms aren’t brand new like BWI but the walk to EP is shorter and the hot tubs and pool bar/grill are better imho. Don’t need to swim to enjoy SAB

 

[OverbookedDave]

So talked with one member tonight, he was much nicer about it, but was still unable to do anything. Gave me another number to call in the morning saying it was escalated. Again the way this went about was the problem. It may have been Disney or the TA. IDK. I will keep this post going with a final result. Maybe this just wasn't the right time for us to go somewhere.

 

[Her Dotness]

So talked with one member tonight, he was much nicer about it, but was still unable to do anything. Gave me another number to call in the morning saying it was escalated. Again the way this went about was the problem. It may have been Disney or the TA. IDK. I will keep this post going with a final result. Maybe this just wasn't the right time for us to go somewhere.

If Disney tells your TA they're moving you to what most people consider a better, more desirable resort, there's definitely a good reason for it. As I suggested earlier, I'm betting something prevented BWI from putting you into the room originally scheduled for you.

Otherwise, it doesn't make sense to move you to a high-demand, smaller resort from a less-desired one undergoing construction. And, a resort that's practically AT Epcot's back gate, it's that much closer than BWI. You're getting an upgrade.

It does make sense, however, that Disney refused to go into details with you. That's simply how things must be done when you're using a TA.

I encourage you to give it a go. You may well return delighted that you did.