Am Ex $250 onboard credit people

[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.



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!

 

[rae519]

Great to know that someone got both offers!

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!

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