Beating a Dead Horse

[skier_pete]

Julie-At-home,

If you are thinking of going during the time of free dining (mid-August to end Sept.) be patient. I firmly believe there will be some public code for that time of year. It probably won't be 40 % off, and may even not be free dining (though I still think it will be), but there will be something! This is the slowest time of year and Disney wants to fill up their resorts. Just because this mailer came out and it sounds like everyone and his brother got the discount, it doesn't mean they've sold everything out. Keep an eye on the boards and get your Disney Visa Card warmed up for early April...just get in line behind me!

SkierPete

 

[Kim1964]

One of my closest friends called me on Saturday, all excited to share the news that she got one of the 40% off postcards in the mail. She was excited because she thought she could give it to me for our upcoming trip...she had NO idea how those things work, lol. I explained that we couldn't use it, and she was so bummed, since they aren't going to use it, either.

We booked our upcoming trip with the AAA discount, and we are going during value season. We got two of our airline tickets for free with credit card miles, and we get a discount on our rental car for being BJs Club members. Mostly, I feel OK about how we are doing with the finances of the trip....we've paid for the airfare, and the money is in the bank to pay off our package when it's due. I have from now until August to save spending money, and have a plan in place to save enough so we aren't nickel and diming ourselves to death the whole trip. Still, there is a *tiny* part of me that is bummed out about not getting a really terrrific discount. It won't ruin my trip or prevent me from going....but it would be nice icing on the cake.

 

[turning40withMickey]

I think the "never pay full price" mentality is inbred, probably from those of us who had NOTHING growing up and had to come up with creative ways to stretch a dollar. I am now fortunate to have a good job and the ability to take my kids to Disney, but I do have to convince myself that spending that much on one vacation is worth it.

 

[TheRatPack]

Okay, just a 'what if' question here. What if someone in your family or a close friend received the postcard, why can't you use it? I've heard of people on here calling and being able to use someone elses postcard sent to their address, so why not use your friends card and just have all your confirmations....etc mailed to her address, under your name? Maybe when you checked out you could change the address, saying you moved since you made the reservations? Just seems odd that you can use a card with someone elses name on it, but your address but not the other way around. I know if my MIL got a card (she's only been once) I'd try to use it, as the one time she went was with us LOL

 

[Va-bear]

One of the biggest things holding me back from the dolphin/swan is the dining package (even if I have to pay for it) My in-laws are going with us this year and they have never been to Florida, much less Disney. They would so appreciate a sit-down dinner every evening, so the package definately makes it worthwhile. I am correct in assuming you can NOT get the Disney dining package at the swan/dolphin, right?

Right, no Disney Dining.

Also, a heads up..... I went to book Swan/Dolphin and realized, that for that package, they have a horrible cancelation policy! You lose one nights deposit if you cancel anytime between the day you book and up to 3 days before arrival. If you cancel 3 days before arrival or later you lose your ENTIRE hotel cost (which must be paid in full the day you book.) It's hard for to believe - it seems to me the most they could charge you for not arriving would be one night.....

Anyway, wanted all to be aware , such a shame..... or I'd be booked there now! (We are they type, that is our son is sick the day before we arent going to go...dont like vaction w/ a sick one....)

 

[kribit]

You know, what goes around, comes around. There have been times when I paid rack rate, and times when I've gotten 40-50% off. No matter where you go, or what hotel you stay in, there will be people who pay more, and people who pay less, for the same room. Plan a vacation you will enjoy and can afford, and if a discount comes along you can take advantage of, great. If not, you'll still have a great vacation, wherever you go.

Sometimes, too much of the Internet is a bad thing.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Okay, just a 'what if' question here. What if someone in your family or a close friend received the postcard, why can't you use it? I've heard of people on here calling and being able to use someone elses postcard sent to their address, so why not use your friends card and just have all your confirmations....etc mailed to her address, under your name? Maybe when you checked out you could change the address, saying you moved since you made the reservations? Just seems odd that you can use a card with someone elses name on it, but your address but not the other way around. I know if my MIL got a card (she's only been once) I'd try to use it, as the one time she went was with us LOL

Disney policy is not to allow that.

Disney doesn't always follow their own policies.

Your mileage may vary................. GREATLY.



J

 

[taximomfor4]

Right, no Disney Dining.

Also, a heads up..... I went to book Swan/Dolphin and realized, that for that package, they have a horrible cancelation policy! You lose one nights deposit if you cancel anytime between the day you book and up to 3 days before arrival. If you cancel 3 days before arrival or later you lose your ENTIRE hotel cost (which must be paid in full the day you book.) It's hard for to believe - it seems to me the most they could charge you for not arriving would be one night.....

Anyway, wanted all to be aware , such a shame..... or I'd be booked there now! (We are they type, that is our son is sick the day before we arent going to go...dont like vaction w/ a sick one....)

Which package at S&D? I had 2 rooms booked for August at the $125 special rate, and just cancelled 2 days ago...got my credits back to my credit card today. My cancellation policy said you could cancel without penaly till 7 days before checkin date. Do they have another special package available too?

Beth

 

[turning40withMickey]

Also, a heads up..... I went to book Swan/Dolphin and realized, that for that package, they have a horrible cancelation policy! You lose one nights deposit if you cancel anytime between the day you book and up to 3 days before arrival. If you cancel 3 days before arrival or later you lose your ENTIRE hotel cost (which must be paid in full the day you book.) It's hard for to believe - it seems to me the most they could charge you for not arriving would be one night.....

What package are you talking about? I thought dining was just not available at all with Swan/Dolphin?

 

[Va-bear]

Which package at S&D? I had 2 rooms booked for August at the $125 special rate, and just cancelled 2 days ago...got my credits back to my credit card today. My cancellation policy said you could cancel without penaly till 7 days before checkin date. Do they have another special package available too?

Beth

REally? Wow...I tried it three different times to see if I was crazy.....I tried 3 ways...the link above; going directly to the Swan Dolphine site and hitting the "$125." deal, and also thru Expedia (which even had a special note about the cancelation policy...) How did you get it?

 

[Va-bear]

Also, a heads up..... I went to book Swan/Dolphin and realized, that for that package, they have a horrible cancelation policy! You lose one nights deposit if you cancel anytime between the day you book and up to 3 days before arrival. If you cancel 3 days before arrival or later you lose your ENTIRE hotel cost (which must be paid in full the day you book.) It's hard for to believe - it seems to me the most they could charge you for not arriving would be one night.....

What package are you talking about? I thought dining was just not available at all with Swan/Dolphin?

Sorry, I didnt really mean package - I just meant when booking the special several people here had mentioned of 125/nite. You're right - no Disney dining at Swan/Dolphin, sadly.

 

[Va-bear]

Here's the exact (cut and paste) cancellation poilicy I get when trying to book the 125/nite deal:

The time for canceling without penalty has passed. If you cancel between 05-Feb-2007 and 4 pm hotel time on 20-Aug-2007, the forfeiture amount will be 1 night(s). If you cancel after 4 pm hotel time on 20-Aug-2007, the forfeiture amount will be 100.00 percent.


(Aug 20th is 3 days before the dates of arrival I put in....)

If anyone got the 125/nt w/out this policy let me know how - I"d love to get it too. Thanks!!!!

 

[turning40withMickey]

Wow Va-Bear, that cancellation stinks! I booked the 125 rate and can cancel with NO penalty until right before my August trip. What you were quoted seems unfair and extreme.

 

[Va-bear]

Wow Va-Bear, that cancellation stinks! I booked the 125 rate and can cancel with NO penalty until right before my August trip. What you were quoted seems unfair and extreme.

I know...it almost seems like it shouldnt be legal!! How did you book?

 

[taximomfor4]

Here's the exact (cut and paste) cancellation poilicy I get when trying to book the 125/nite deal:

The time for canceling without penalty has passed. If you cancel between 05-Feb-2007 and 4 pm hotel time on 20-Aug-2007, the forfeiture amount will be 1 night(s). If you cancel after 4 pm hotel time on 20-Aug-2007, the forfeiture amount will be 100.00 percent.


(Aug 20th is 3 days before the dates of arrival I put in....)

If anyone got the 125/nt w/out this policy let me know how - I"d love to get it too. Thanks!!!!

*********************************************************
A deposit equal to one nights stay plus tax is charged at the time of booking to
the credit card you provided. Cancellation policy: If you need to cancel this
reservation for any reason, you must do so more than 7 days prior to your
arrival. If you fail to cancel within this period, you will forfeit your
deposit of one night plus tax. To cancel your reservation, please send an email
to cancel@dreamsunlimitedtravel.com, and include your confirmation number
(xxxxxxxxx)

Walt Disney World Swan
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Hotel Phone: 407-934-4000
Check In Time: 4:00 pm
Check Out Time: 11:00 am


Check In Date: 08/12/2007 Departure Date: 08/16/2007
Number of Rooms: 2
Room Type: Standard View
Adults: 2 Children: 4
Total Cost: $1,125.00

Discount Applied: DIS
*******************************************************

Perhaps try to book through DreamsUnlimited, which is how I did it. I would think they'd HAVE to honor my refund if I cancel, since this is what their confirmation to me states!!

Beth

 

[Va-bear]

try to book through DreamsUnlimited[/B], which is how I did it. I would think they'd HAVE to honor my refund if I cancel, since this is what their confirmation to me states!!
Beth

Thanks so much - I will try Dreams Unlimited!! (Did you call or can you do their reservations online?)

Thanks again!!

Va.

ps - with that in writing I am sure they'd honor it.

 

[taximomfor4]

Thanks so much - I will try Dreams Unlimited!! (Did you call or can you do their reservations online?)

Thanks again!!

Va.

ps - with that in writing I am sure they'd honor it.

I booked it online. I about had a heart attack when this thread had the crappy cancel policy posted! I booked HOPING we'll be able to take an August trip. I graduate Nursing school in May (or at least I SHOULD, lol). Who knows when I will be working. I didn't check the cancel policy when booking, I just hurried since the room was available.

And earlier in this thread, when I said I got my refund for my cancellation, that was the portion that was the TEACHER discount, not the DIS discount!!

Beth

 

[Va-bear]

I booked it online. I about had a heart attack when this thread had the crappy cancel policy posted! I booked HOPING we'll be able to take an August trip. I graduate Nursing school in May (or at least I SHOULD, lol). Who knows when I will be working. I didn't check the cancel policy when booking, I just hurried since the room was available.

And earlier in this thread, when I said I got my refund for my cancellation, that was the portion that was the TEACHER discount, not the DIS discount!!

Beth

I bet you did get stressed!! So glad its ok - congrats on nursing school!!!!!
(I orignally didnt check the cancelation policy either - I too jumped at the great price - and right before hitting "send" I read it - eek!)

Thanks again for the info!

 

[Julie-at-home]

I have a hypothetical situation for y'all: what if the friend with the postcard decided to purchase a WDW trip for her best friend's family for an anniversary gift. (pretty great friend, huh? ) Anyway, could she place a reservation in her friends' name, and pay for it on her own credit card, and use the discount postcard that she received? It can't be that much different from what I did the last time when I got an email for free dining (before it was released to the public). I booked 2 rooms, one for us and one for my parents, so that we could both get the free dining. It was perfectly legal. She even told me I could pay on 2 seperate credit cards instead of putting it all on mine and then my parents paying me back. And my parents' reservation was in their own name. So why couldnt a friend place a vacation for a friend using the discount code? Just wondering......

 

[beth_cam]

2 differences

free dining is a public code....a friend booking with a pin is using a private code.

You were there with your parents so in the case of a private code the holder of the special email is there 'sponsoring' a second room. A private code requires the 'owner' of it to be there to check in - such as the person the email was sent to, the person named on the ap, the person named on the aaa etc etc. With free dining you could have done all the reservations and paid for it, put the room in their name then sent them along and it wouldnt matter because the code isn't tied to a specific person in the party.

I had another one but lost my thought. I'll add it later if I remember.