Can't Pay Ahead On Internet Res?

[sorcerormickey]

My In-Laws are coming into town next week and staying at SSR (non-DVC). They wanted to pay off their room over the phone so it would be one less thing to worry about.

When they called CRO they were told any res made over the internet can only be paid for at time of check-in (minus the deposit paid at time of res). I didn't think that was accurate, so I called and was told the same.

Anybody know what's up with that?

 

[mickeymouse1017]

That is just the way that their system is set up. I made that mistake once and have booked over the phone ever since. I like to have everything paid off before I get there.

 

[sorcerormickey]

Grrr....well thanks for the validation of the CRO info. This is the first time I have ever dealt with internet res - when we lived out of state, we always made phone res and paid them off ahead of time.

 

[mickeymouse1017]

One thing that I have done to get it paid for ahead of time is purchase Disney gift cards so that they are paid for and I can use them to pay off the balance when I get there. I purchased them through the Scrip program at my DD's school but they have always worked in the past when I have used them to pay over the phone. I just hate knowing that there is a large balance facing me when I get there. I will book over the phone from here on.

 

[fall08CP]

Yes that is correct. The only time it is pre-paid is for conventions and magic your way packages. They can put the card on file and just not have it charged until the date of check in or as PP said, buy gift cards and use those. I think part of the reason is in case they don't show up or decide to cancel there is less confusion about refunds. Even though they take the full payment at check-in, the card isn't actually charged that amount at once. That night's payment is taken out every night at midnight so again, if someone leaves early or switches resorts it is easier with the refunds. Hope that makes some sense. Don't kill me, I'm just the messenger