Service fee changes on DCL!

[Michelle]

Just FYI:

Effective Sept. 12, a new non-refundable service fee applies whenever a sail date change is made to a reservation within the cancellation period (59-0 days prior) and money has been applied. The non-refundable service fee is $50 per guest regardless of age.

Disney Vacation Club, American Express Rewards and Contest Winner bookings also will be assessed the $50 sail date change.

In addition, the current non-refundable service fee of $25 which applies for document reissue, air changes and name changes beginning 30 days prior to vacation commencement date is changing to $35 per guest.

[Beth]

Whenever we make a modification to a DCL or other type of "external" DVC reservation - we are assessed a $75 fee by DVC.

Do you think the fee they (DVC) charge us will cover that $50 s/c, or will this be in addition to DVC's?

[Michelle]

It's in addition to the DVC charge, Beth. :)

[jazzbran]

Hello Michelle

I just came back from the 9/14 Western and booked for the following year onboard.

While onboard, Donna of DCL stated that my date could be changed without penalty if the date I booked onboard needed to be verified once I arrived home.

The change must occur within 60 days.

My daughter starts High School on the date that was booked onboard therefore I must change it.


Jackie

[Mjasp]

I thought Michelle was stating that only if you are in the 60 day range of sailing. Or is it as Jazzbran states within 60 days of making the ressie.

TIA


Joanna

[gdulaney]

We rebooked on the 9/14 cruise too...using DVC points (which means w/i 11 mos.), but we wanted a date TWO weeks outside the 11mos. We were told that we could change w/no problems (but we might be assessed the $75 DVC charge)...THIS IS NOT TRUE! According to the folks at DVC, if we change our date, it is a NEW booking and we aren't eligible for the reduced (on-board) points. After a VERY long conversation (and an extremely helpful DVC rep...who "went up the ladder") we were told that they would "honor" the wrong information that we received from Donna. **NOTE: Donna received her answer via e-mail from her contact at DVC.

This is a HUGE problem and we have heard that many other DVC cruisers are upset too. Many cruisers like to cruise at (or about) the same time each year (which doesn't fit into the 11mo. rule). From what we were told, the rule is a DVC rule and the folks at DVC are looking into possibly changing it. But, as with many things, it involves many factors (such as their legal dept, bylaws, etc).

Maybe we need a writing campaign to DVC to show support for a change which would allow us to book a cruise within a 12mo. window (vs the traditional 11mo window). I've started working on my letter...if anybody else is interested, let me know.

[Michelle]

Sorry I didn't see the other posts on this thread before!

Thanks for the DVC update, gdulaney. I'm going to go ahead and lock this so an if any NEW questions come up regarding the changes please start a new post below so everyone will see it. Thanks.