DRC Fall Offer -Yeah, Right

Y'all know how much I normally love my job, right? So imagine my disappointment when I go to book the offer yesterday and there is NO availability!

At 3:30 p.m. EST we were allowed to start booking our offer. I had to redial for 30 minutes straight due to busy signals and finally got through. Once I got through I had to wait on hold for over an hour and half! That's okay, I kind of expected it since it was for the Deluxe Disney Villa Resorts (Old Key West and Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa). The rates were fabulous: Studio for $40, 1BR for $50 and 2BR for $60... who wouldn't be calling in.

I finally get Megan Fay on the line (bless her heart) and there is no availability in October for anything... okay, let's try my birthday weekend on December 15th since it is the last day available for the offer... no availability either! I could book a Studio at SSRS for three nights (Dec 14, 15 AND 16th) but the last night (16th) would be rack rate making the total $430!! Give me a flipping break... you can't be serious.

When they first did this three years ago, it was in September (which is why we called it the Super September offer) I was able to get right in and book two nights at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for $120. Rock on... this was sweet. The next year I was able to get in and stay Disney's Beach Club Resort over Memorial Day weekend for two nights for $100. These were regular rooms, not the villas. This year it took me over two hours to find out that there is no availability and I was one of the first ones to call!!

Something has happened and it isn't good. Those of us who pour our blood, sweat and tears to make sure that every aspect of our Guest's vacation - from booking to the DME ride to catch their flight home - is magical. When did we stop caring about our own cast? I wrote a letter to WOYM (What's On Your Mind - our area to ask questions that goes straight to executive management) and I copied it below... Leader's don't usually go there because we have the ability to speak to executive management, heck we are the ones who answer them half the time... this time, I thought that they should know that we are fed up...

Dear What's On Your Mind:

I must say that I am deeply saddened that those of us who work hard behind the scenes were give a wonderful sounding offer for rooms but there is nothing available during any of the time blocked out for us. The process was frustrating enough as I tried for a solid 30 minutes from the lines opening until I finally got through and then waited on hold for an hour and a half in queue only to find that there is no availability in October or December!

I have to say that this has been the most frustrating and disappointing experience of my entire Disney career and may I suggest that in the future that if you are going to "celebrate" us, you do so with actual availability.

Thank you and have a magical day,

Amy E. ****** (I actually wrote it there, not so smart on the WWW)
"The Royal Court" - Worldphile Leader
Disney Reservation Center

I need coffee and Pixie Dust... it's just sad.