Am Ex $250 onboard credit people

[CruellaDuVille]

I bought this Am Ex add on for $57 (you needed to be a catagory 7 or up). It includes:

-$250 on board credit
-pre-reservations at Palo
-white glove beach bag
-1 pin
-1 8X10 formal portrait
-10% discount on Castaway Cay water stuff

They said I'd be getting a letter confirming all of this. I made the Palo reservations, no problem. The "stuff" is supposed to be waiting in my stateroom upon arrival.

I never recieved a "letter'. The big thing to me was the $250 credit. I leave Monday for WDW. I called DCL, guess what, no ship board credit. After talking to the supervisor who told me it "hadn't downloaded" onto my reservation, the situation was corrected (I hope).

Just a heads up to the rest of you.

I'm going to Guest Services as soon as I get on board to be sure it's posted on my folio.

Anyone else have a problem with this?

[shelly3girls]

Sorry, I am new at this, but how do you get this package? Is it still available and can I get it if I used DVC points to pay for the adults and cash to pay for the kids?

[mmouse37]

Do you mean a Cat 7 or lower, like a 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 ,1 (more expensive cabins)

Or higher like a Cat 9, 10, 11, 12. These cats are typically the lesser expensive cabins and I am not sure if they would be included.

Did you call AmEx to get the pkg. or DCL?

MJ

[mmouse37]

I just checked the American Express website and it states that it is for cabin Categories 4-7. Must mentioned special pkg at time of booking to be able to take advantage of it. Must deposit and pay balance of cruise off with American Express. Valid on most 7-day cruises until 12/14/02 with some black out dates.

Did you book thru American Express travel or DCL?

MJ

[CruellaDuVille]

I meant 7 and lower. I did not get the package when I booked, actually I just called DCL and added it on. I did it right through them (Disney). I did pay for it with my Am Ex card.

[kingkong]

Does amex offer any white glove packages for the 4 night cruises?

[CruellaDuVille]

I don't know.

[Flik]

CruellaDuVille

Please let us know how you make out with the AMEX package. We have the same package. However, in reading other posts, there seems to be confusion as to when and how you're supposed to get it. The photo, chairs... are nice; but I want the $250 credit.

Thanks, and have a good time.

[Michelle]

Nitpicky thing here, but Cruella was correct in saying Cat. 7 or higher. Even though the NUMBERS are lower, the higher CATEGORY cabins are 1-6. With DCL when you refer to HIGHER with a cabin you mean what you're paying for the category as it relates to other categories...so the lower the number the more you're paying. :D

To book it, call DCL or your TA if you used one and ask to add the Caribbean Magic package. To my knowledge, it can be added to 7-night cruises ONLY.

[mmouse37]

I knew that, but I was not sure how they were meaning higher, as in category # or "level". One day I'll save enough for the Walt Suite!!!! Ha!

MJ

[starwood]

Anyone know if you can still get the Disney Club onboard credit along with this?

[MrsG]

We just got back from the 7 day Western and also got the $57 add on Amex through DCL. In our stateroom when we arrived was the bag and pin on the bed and on the desk was a note from guest services stating that a $250 shipboard credit was posted to our account. On Mon we received a note in our room about the 8X10 shutters pic (which you can redeem for any 8X10 not just the group pic). If the note about the $250 is not in your stateroom when you check in, go to guest services. We had no problem with this at all. Disney has to get its act together. They are not sending out a "letter" ahead of time

Good luck!

[rae519]

http://travel.americanexpress.com/travel/lmt/detail.asp?tpid=11524#itinerary

Here is the site.

Spoke to DCL, if you have a travel agent, you must use them for this offer.


According to my travel agent, you would have had to put both your deposit and balance on your American Express card and if you already have an on-board credit, you can not get another one.

There is a $250.00 onboard credit from Disney if you book within 90 days and sail within 18 months of your last cruise. I already have that credit so I can't use this one....but thanks for notifying all of us about it!

Rae

[MrsG]

Rae,

Can you elaborate on the $250 shipboard credit if you book again within 90 days of your cruise and sail within 18 mos. Is this through DCL or AMEX? Is this available with points? Is this only for the 7day or will it work with the 4 night Wonder? Who do we contact to ask about this?

Thanks,

Mrs. G

[Michelle]

The credit Rae has, it sounds like, is a CASTAWAY CLUB credit, and actually the maximum on that is $200. That offer unfortunately is no longer available UNLESS you re-book your next cruise while onboard the ship.

The AmEx credit is not available if you have any other credit such as a Castaway Club credit, Disney Club credit, or first-time cruiser credit.

[rae519]

To Mrs G:

Call DCL and ask them directly about the AM EX and DCL credits - unless you have used a travel agent, then ask him/her.

I make my reservations directly with DCL then go with a travel agent who gives me a 7% rebate on my cruise/airfare cost. I've used him three times already and have never been disappointed with that extra $200+ he gives me!

There are other amounts for the 3 and 4 night cruises - you just have to ask. : )


For Michelle:
I have never booked a cruise while on a crusie. I have always called DCL directly. This past May 2002 I telephoned them for my September 2002 cruise reservation (almost 90 days from my last cruise in February 2002) and I received my $250.00 onboard credit from the DCL directly for the September 2002 cruise.


I also received the $250.00 onboard credit when I booked my December2002 AND my May 2003 cruise - all confirmed by DCL.

Yes, the AMEX onboard credit can not be taken along with the other onboard credit, but if you can't qualify for the DCL credit then you could always try for the other one!

And I just love the fact that I can make all my own arrangements and still get a 7% rebate from that travel agent.

Happy Sailing!
Rae

[Cantw8]

I also added the AMEX package to my 4 day Wonder...I am receiving everything that you mentioned including the $250 shipboard credit (which is what I really wanted) unfortunately, I had to pay $159!!! We are a family of four, do you think that's why?? We are in a Cat 6 (room 6042). I still paid it, at least we'll end up with a little more spending money on the trip, even though I had to shell out more money up front. I even asked Cathy (my TA at DU) why I had to pay so much and she told me that was the going rate to obtain the $250 credit. So, either you got a fantastic deal or I got ripped off!!! LOL.

[CarolG]

Cantw8, we bought the Caribbean Magic Amex package last year, and it was something like $57 each for the adults, and something less for the kids, and was around $159 for the four of us. When I was getting information from DCL, the CM told me that the price for the package could vary depending on the cruise date and demand for the package. Since I had booked through Dreams, I just asked my TA to add the package to my reservation. The $250 credit showed up with no problems.

[Cantw8]

Thank you so much for clearing that up!!! I am now no longer confused. I should have figured it was per person.

[mmouse37]

rae519...wow, I called DCL this past March '02 (sailed this past FEB '02) to book our Aug '02 cruise and was told I could not get the $200 onboard credit because they did away with it. They told me if I had booked onboard in Feb for Aug. then I could get it. I even spoke to manger and she told me the same thing.

Curious as how Disney sometimes is not consistent with what they tell people. I was clearly within the rebooking guidelines as you were but I was denied. Who knows why some get it and some not.

Congrats on the credit...it sure comes in handy.

MJ

[RIDISNEYLOVERS]

We also have the AMEX parks and ports package - it is not considered an "add-on" but you actually have to switch over to that booking. Ours cost us $192.00 (per stateroom) (2 adults and a 2 1/2 yo) and we really wanted it for the $250.00 onboard credit. The price we are paying for this package is crazy so I believe the other benefits are what is making the package worth it - not necessarily the onboard credit.

Here is what we are supposed to get:
At Sea
$250.00 on board credit (per stateroom)
8 X 10 picture from shutters (one per stateroom)
Advanced reservations for Palo (for one night)
Beach Bag (one per stateroom)
Collectible Disney Pins (two per stateroom)
White Glove Treatment

On Land
Disney's Flex Feature (choice of one per person)
Special viewing area for 100 Years Of Magic Celebration Parade
White Glove Treatment

Like I said, I think it is worth it because there are other benefits no just the onboard credit.

I don't know why everyone pays a "different" price for this package. It really should be considered an "add-on" package and it should cost one base price for everyone.

Lisa

[stitchfansmom]

I was interested in the American Express White Glove Parks and Ports package, which is for land/sea vacations. However, I booked through Costco, which apparently is not like a traditional travel agency. When I called Costco, they told me they don't handle coupons (which I guess this is considered) so I needed to call American Express and then call Disney. I called American Express and they said to call Disney. Disney sold me the add-on over the phone at a cost of $92 (however, it's just my son and I and from reading this thread it sounds like the price is based in part on the number of people you have) and at the end of the conversation, the guy told me "we'll be sending the coupon to your travel agent". So I called Costco again, and they called Disney and then told me it was too late for them to do anything with the coupon (we leave in three weeks) as it will arrive after they send out my trip docs., which are going out today. So they said I just need to mention it when we check in to our resort, and we will be given a coupon book at that time.

It appears to me that this (and the three others like it - see the Amex website) is a program whereby you are meant to purchase your whole package through American Express. However, they are allowing people who used their American Express card to purchase their vacation to add on the additional perks, such as the $250 on-board credit, for an incremental cost. For me it is a good deal as last time we spent quite a bit more than that.

Everyone I dealt with on this was extremely pleasant and helpful.

[pagemaker]

I just got off the phone with my TA. I gave the info on several credit scenarios that I have read about on these boards. They check with DCL regularly are always willing to look into and ask about specific promotions floating around on the web. Apparently DCL is notorious for not giving out any specials unless you specifically refer to them. For example, if you ask for promotions toward the end of the year they will say no. However, if you ask for the Fall Fantasy package, they will pony up. And when there is a promotion, it is usually run in small pockets throughout the year.

[Diamond_Girls]

We got the package for our upcoming cruise in August for $59 and got all that stuff. It was quite a drama trying to get the details but apparently it's all in place! I am confused about the different prices people are paying...!

[4cruisin]

I am curious as to why cruisers cannot have both the White Glove package and the Castaway Club on board credit? I know I sound greedy but if I am a member os the Castaway Club and I use my AMEX to pay for the entire trip, why won't we be allowed both credits since AMEX "eats" one package and DCL "eats" the other?

I am not a very disciplined person and tend to spend way too much on souveniers and photos, well beyond what the combined credits would be but I was just curious if anyone knew why this "one or the other" policy was in place.

:smooth:

P.S., Please don't yell at me for wanting it all!!

[rae519]

Hey! I agree with you 100% on that point - why can't we get both credits (White Glove and Castaway Club)?!

And another thing is why one of our group was denied the on-board Castaway Credit when she tried to book within the guidelines? I had no problem what-so-ever.

You'd think that Disney and our Travel Agents would bend over backwards to get our return business by offering us all the discounts available!

Just my two cents, which is generally worth less!

Rae

[happydays]

On our 7-day January cruise, we definitely DID receive both the castaway club credit of $200 as well as the Platinum AMEX $250 credit and additional goodies. There was champagne and cheese and fruit in our room at arrival as well as a chair-holder(? I put it in a closet and haven't looked at it again) a bunch of pins (we're not collectors, but there had to be 7 or 8 identical "white glove" pins) and the castaway club bag. We were also invited to a "private" photo session with characters following one of their shows. This is not really private as it is a group photo of all onboard who bought this package.

I had booked our cruise directly through DCL (spurred on by their $99 fall cruise coupon promotion). About 3 weeks before the cruise - I had already received the docs - I learned of the AMEX benefits. I had already paid with my Platinum AMEX so called DCL back to request the extras. The rep informed me that it is a package that costs extra and that DCL could not book it for me. He referred me to AMEX Platinum travel and they "took over" the reservation and charged me $57 total for the package (we were a family of 4 travelling - there was no mention of a per person charge).

Perhaps some rule has changed in the past 6 months - but I definitely bought a lot of bingo cards with both credits. Then again ... maybe it was a mistake and I just got lucky!

We have the 7 day Western booked for Aug 03 (I booked through DCL but then transferred it to Costco for a substantial savings) but I have been told that it is currently unknown if the AMEX Platinum packages will be available for 2003. Guess I'll wait and see.

Happy cruising all! :teeth:

[rae519]

Great to know that someone got both offers! :bounce:

Amazing how different representatives interpret the rules - we all need to keep asking and be persistant in our attempt to pursue our passion. If only Disney would be more cooperative in making these offers and discounts available to us!

Maybe someone knows of a site makes John Q Public aware of these offers....any one?!

Rae

[stitchfansmom]

Maybe someone knows of a site makes John Q Public aware of these offers....any one?!


I think you are on it!!! ;)

[rae519]

I think you are right! :cool:

Rae

[twhipple]

I've been reading these boards for some time and called my TA about the White Glove Treatment. The first time she looked into it she said it was going to cost $350-$400 more so we said forget it. But then I saw here to ask for the "Caribbean Magic" package and she said it would be $57. Persistance pays off!;)

[rae519]

BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!

It does pay to ask and ask and ask!!!!!!!

Rae