I am about to be a squeaky wheel

[Tigz]

We are in Bryson City NC right now.

 

We came up for a train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. I had made the reservations online and paid online. I have my confirmation number and information for the trip. (which was to be this morning at 10:30)

 

Well, my car's transmission is acting a little "off", so we rented a car to drive up. We stayed in a hotel last night (and tonight).

 

Well, we got to the train depot with an hour to spare. Strangely enough, there were no cars in the parking lot. So we went up near the depot and went into a gift shop. The guy at the gift shop just sort of gave us a blank stare and said that the train doesn't run today. That they don't run on Sunday and Monday. I showed him my confirmation email, and he tried to call someone, but apparently could get no one. We went over to the depot and waited around until after 10:30 (when the train was supposed to leave according to our confirmation)

 

I am really pizzed. The train ride was the main purpose for this "mini-cation" I mean, yeah, we can go to Cherokee or drive in the mountains for the scenery....but that isn't the point. The point is we came up here specifically for the train ride. If I had known that they didn't run on Sunday, we could have left Friday night and taken yesterday's excursion. But no, I have this confirmation for today's excursion, with our seat numbers and everything. We have to be back in GA on Tuesday (DD has rehearsal for her recital, and she can't miss it), so we really can't stick around for the Tuesday excursion.

 

We are contesting the $250+/- charge with AMEX....but considering the other money we are out, I think they ought to offer us a free excursion. (or at very least, one free ticket). The reservation was made directly through their website....not a 3rd party.....so I think it is only fair.

[SplashMom]

That sucks, Tigz, and I agree that you should be compensated for what you've already spent and should receive free tickets for another time. How strange that their site allowed you to purchase tickets for a day the train doesn't even run. They obviously need to fix that! DH and I want to visit NC and ride the train, too. I'd especially like to go in the fall when the foliage is turning. The squeaky wheel gets the oil and I hope you get yours. GOOD LUCK!

[beli]

If it was made through their website, there was/is no excuse. I'd be on the phone first thing tomorrow morning with management.

[Labyrinthine]

That would be one very ugly conversation if I were you. And it would be best if they ended up compensating for all my expenses, not just the lost train ride. Inexcusable.

[cashnocredit]

Wow!

 

Incredible.

[gamecockcountry]

I've ridden the trains out there a few times. We do the polar express each year there. I haven't ever had any problems but they don't really seem to be a very well organized organization.

 

The train schedule on their website does not list any Sunday or Monday rides available this month. That is crazy that they actually let you buy tickets.

[Nemeweh]

Waiting to find out how it worked out, Tigz.

[butterflywings]

That would be one very ugly conversation if I were you. And it would be best if they ended up compensating for all my expenses, not just the lost train ride. Inexcusable.

 

I agree 10000%

 

 

Tigz, I hope your husband didn't blame you for this, and take it out on you that you drove all that way for basically nothing.

[pryan67]

They should also pay your expenses for getting there...the rental car, etc

[TauntingBull]

That would be one very ugly conversation if I were you. And it would be best if they ended up compensating for all my expenses, not just the lost train ride. Inexcusable.

 

If the reservation was made thru their site, then i agree 100%

[dawniedawn67]

What ended up happening????

[TeeSharice]

That would be one very ugly conversation if I were you. And it would be best if they ended up compensating for all my expenses, not just the lost train ride. Inexcusable.

 

If the reservation was made thru their site, then i agree 100%

 

 

Can you advocate for the OP?? She needs some assistance

[orangecrush]

 

 

 

Can you advocate for the OP?? She needs some assistance

 

[giraffy]

Tee. C'mon now. That's like poking a stick at a wasps nest.