This is actually comical. Here's my story, that started at 6 am.
1. I had all the trouble that everyone else had from 6 am-9 am. No dice with calling or with the website.
2. At 9 am, I got in the virtual online queue and that took forever.
3. In the meantime, I got through to the regular number, where the CM said he couldn't help me and all would be good once I got through online.
4. I finally got through the online queue and loaded my passes in my cart, and the website would only let me enter one Disney gift card. GAH! Obviously, I had more than one loaded to the $1k max to purchase my APs. Website told me to call the gift card number.
5. The gift card CM told me she couldn't help and sent me to customer service. Customer service told me they couldn't figure out why the gift card CM sent me to them. They said I needed to call the AP dedicated number for help with the gift card transaction.
6. I sat on hold with the AP number, and on a whim I messaged an online chat CM who told me DVC member services is the only one who can help. So I hung up.
7. Since then, I have tried repeatedly to get through to DVC member services, and I couldn't even get in the phone queue...I just got a busy signal.
8. In frustration, at 11 am (five hours now that I've been trying to figure this out) I closed all my website tabs, and took the poor dog for a walk. (Poor guy has been waiting since 6 am for a walk!). When I came back from the walk, I tried DVC member services, and I"m now in the phone queue. I was told my wait time is 32 minutes. So, we'll see what unfolds and how long I wait.
Takeaway...Disney doesn't know what they are doing. CM's have been lovely and I feel so sorry for them. This mess isn't their fault. By hook or by crook, if there are any Sorcerer passes left when I finally get to talk to a DVC member services CM, Disney WILL take my fistful of Disney gift cards. No way am I paying on my credit card when I have plenty of $ on these gift cards to pay for my APs. Gggrrrr...
I hope all you Disfriends have been able to figure this out today! Peace by with you...
UPDATE: I just got off the phone with a DVC Member Services CM who was able to help me purchase my APs with my gift cards. And yes, it's noon. So, it's been SIX HOURS. But, I'm happy to have APs now!