CC Charged $1 Fees For Dining Reservations

[twooley2]

It isn't specific to either type of card, and they don't know that you have enough available credit/funds for the fee. In fact, I've booked many, many times when there was less than $5 available on the debit card I was using, because I keep a specific checking account for online transactions and don't transfer money into it unless I'm planning a purchase.

That is my point its a failed system as people will just use other CC for just this purpose unless they were to charge upfront there is no way to know that the money will be there to charge a no show.

 

[vicki_c]

That is my point its a failed system as people will just use other CC for just this purpose unless they were to charge upfront there is no way to know that the money will be there to charge a no show.

I think you're really blowing it out of proportion. If Disney is willing to take the risk that any/every resort guest could charge up to the limit on their KTTW card (which could be up to $1500 for deluxe guests) by using a valid card at check-in and then canceling it, or running up the outstanding open balance - I don't think they are that concerned about this dining charge issue - the risk to Disney is very small. I would not consider it a failed system at all.

I just don't think the whole thing is a big deal at all. I have only once cancelled a dining reservation less than 24 hours in advance and I did pay a penalty that time for canceling our kids club reservation, and we are never late for anything. If it's concerning, don't book at the places that require a CC guarantee.

And I'm very happy that Disney is more egalitarian than Universal and hope it stays that way forever.

 

[buckeev]

Well from the reports being posted it is not as easy as that and it seems to be the discretion of the person you are speaking too.

I found it pert-near impossible to cancel reservations while there at Halloween and in December 2011. Using both my mi-fi and the hotel's, and making phone calls while on buses and in the parks proved difficult...and at city hall, there were waits of 10 people or more twice when I went to cancel and/or make changes.
They've got a mess on their hands, for sure, but I'll be the first to admit that I don't know a solution. We love free dining, but I won't be purchasing a DP any time soon.

 

[Colleen27]

Well from the reports being posted it is not as easy as that and it seems to be the discretion of the person you are speaking too.

I suspect you're only half right there... It isn't as easy as people are assuming it will be, and I think that's because they've taken the CM discretion out of the equation. I haven't yet read a single report of anyone having the no-show fee waived for illness, transportation delay, or any other valid last minute reason.

I suspect that the only way it will be waived regardless of reason is for those guests upset or assertive enough to go up the food chain to guest services, rather than accepting the answer of the front-line CM they initially make contact with when cancelling.

 

[twooley2]

I think you're really blowing it out of proportion. If Disney is willing to take the risk that any/every resort guest could charge up to the limit on their KTTW card (which could be up to $1500 for deluxe guests) by using a valid card at check-in and then canceling it, or running up the outstanding open balance - I don't think they are that concerned about this dining charge issue - the risk to Disney is very small. I would not consider it a failed system at all.

I just don't think the whole thing is a big deal at all. I have only once cancelled a dining reservation less than 24 hours in advance and I did pay a penalty that time for canceling our kids club reservation, and we are never late for anything. If it's concerning, don't book at the places that require a CC guarantee.

And I'm very happy that Disney is more egalitarian than Universal and hope it stays that way forever.

I agree it is not really a big deal to me as I do Deluxe dining and never get it for free during the free dining promo times so obviously not a big deal to me I'm just saying if people would book multiple times at different parks during the same meal for different family members names and such as I have been told was happening those same people will circumvent the system thus it would be a failure in its intended purpose to prevent this. As that is what I mean by a failure. They tell us that those are the reasons for the new policy and Next they will be telling us those that circumvent the situation requiring a CC are the reason for even stricter policies to come. I have never pulled a no show we love Disney dining so this does not worry me but rather the mistaken charges that could occur from the system not working as intended In our experience that 1500.00 limit is checked periodically in smaller increments during a persons stay as ours was dinged every couple of days. I too hate Universals policy I'm just guessing that Disney may try to do something like Universal in the end. Hope I'm wrong. Now if I paid for dining plan why not just deduct my dining points?? Sounds simpler to me as its already paid for. I always thought that is what would happen if there was a no show thus we never pulled a no show or never been late.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I agree some would not be happy no matter what they do but take universal you cant get the fast passes unless you stay onsite or pay more when staying offsite for their front of the line pass and I can see where a big corporation like Disney would use this to their advantage with dining too. What I am saying is that they could make reservations onsite or offsite just have to buy the DDP of some sort to regulate the number of ADRS made

Anyone can still stand in line at Universal to ride. With your proposed policy, locals could be shut out of restaurants they're interested in, regardless of how far ahead they were willing to commit. Why do you think TIW came about? It's to get locals to spend their dining $$$ there, instead of the many other options they have available to them. If they can't get into the restaurant they want, why would they bother eating at WDW at all? TIW is also available to AP holders many of which have DVC. That 20% discount could be the difference in them eating in a WDW restaurant or cooking in their villa. If they can't eat where they want, they may decide cooking or eating offsite is the way to go. Then there's many others who don't use DDP or TIW that would possibly be looking elsewhere, if they had to accept what would basically be the leftovers.

If you're looking at it as a way for WDW to benefit, the current policy accomplishes that. They either get the money from the meal, or they get the fee for those who make ADRs, then didn't cancel in time. Many people, who are also making ADRs under the new policy, don't have a problem with it. I'm sure the powers that be expect people to eventually accept it as normal. After all, they've convinced us that making ADRs 180 days in advance is normal. They also know first time guests, of which they put a high priority on, won't know anything different. If things don't work out as planned, they'll probably make changes. Whatever decision they make will undoubtedly be the one that they benefit most from. This is no different than any other business.

I do agree that they need to work out the bugs in the system. I'm just not really worried about unwarranted charges. Those will eventually be reversed.

 

[twooley2]

Anyone can still stand in line at Universal to ride. (yes and anyone can eat at Disney with the idea I was giving they may just have to wait or commit by buying the DDP by making the DDP available to offsite guest) With your proposed policy, locals could be shut out of restaurants they're interested in, regardless of how far ahead they were willing to commit. Why do you think TIW came about? It's to get locals to spend their dining $$$ there, instead of the many other options they have available to them. If they can't get into the restaurant they want, why would they bother eating at WDW at all? (Do locals not go to Universal too and deal with their restrictive policy?) TIW is also available to AP holders many of which have DVC. (We have an AP and are not locals and are DVC and they are getting ready to sell the TIW to DVC members not just AP and locals, or so I have heard.) That 20% discount could be the difference in them eating in a WDW restaurant or cooking in their villa. If they can't eat where they want, they may decide cooking or eating offsite is the way to go. Then there's many others who don't use DDP or TIW that would possibly be looking elsewhere, if they had to accept what would basically be the leftovers.

If you're looking at it as a way for WDW to benefit, the current policy accomplishes that. They either get the money from the meal,(they got my money when We bought the Dining plan) or they get the fee for those who make ADRs, then didn't cancel in time. Many people, who are also making ADRs under the new policy, don't have a problem with it. I'm sure the powers that be expect people to eventually accept it as normal. After all, they've convinced us that making ADRs 180 days in advance is normal. They also know first time guests, of which they put a high priority on, won't know anything different. If things don't work out as planned, they'll probably make changes. Whatever decision they make will undoubtedly be the one that they benefit most from. This is no different than any other business.

I do agree that they need to work out the bugs in the system. I'm just not really worried about unwarranted charges. Those will eventually be reversed.

I basically was just brainstorming what could become a nightmare and hoping it don't and that it will work out for the better of everyone. I do not mind the CC just think the computers make too many mistakes to mess with accounts and people who have multiple changes in planning involved. I also called and asked if someone wanted to update their CC for the dining if they could and her answer was no that they have no access to do so.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Do locals not go to Universal too and deal with their restrictive policy?)

Sure, but they don't have to face the fact that they may be shut out of their favorite rides completely, because others have booked up all the times for that day.

We have an AP and are not locals and are DVC and they are getting ready to sell the TIW to DVC members not just AP and locals, or so I have heard.

This was kind of my point. A policy such as the proposed wouldn't only affect locals. Why would DVC members buy TIW, if they knew there was a real possibility they may not be able to get into a restaurant of their choosing, regardless of how early they were willing to commit to an ADR? They may be fine with securing that ADR with a CC, but that wouldn't even be an option.

(they got my money when We bought the Dining plan)

This is very true, which is another reason that making ADRs available only to those with DDP wouldn't make sense. As you said, they already have your money. It's the other people's money they're competing for. They definitely wouldn't want to implement a policy that would convince them to go elsewhere. KWIM?

I basically was just brainstorming what could become a nightmare and hoping it don't and that it will work out for the better of everyone. I do not mind the CC just think the computers make too many mistakes to mess with accounts and people who have multiple changes in planning involved. I also called and asked if someone wanted to update their CC for the dining if they could and her answer was no that they have no access to do so.

I think they're willing to take a chance that people won't go to the extreme of messing with their bank accounts just to get one over on them. If they do, they'll have bigger problems than a WDW dining fee eventually.

WDW definitely needs to work out the bugs. Unfortunately, that's nothing new as far as they're concerned. There's always bugs in any new system they attempt to implement. It's a sad fact, but that's the way it is. Eventually, they'll get it worked it. It may be just in time for a new policy change, but they'll get there.

FWIW, I'm not trying to argue with you. I'm just trying to explain why I don't see a policy benefiting only those using DDP would be advantageous to WDW or many of their guests.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

On the topic of UO vs. WDW. WDW also offers perk to their onsite guests that locals & those staying offsite don't get (EMH, +10 ADRs) They're also the only guests allowed to purchase DDP (although I'm not convinced that is a perk anymore). I think most fair minded people are fine with that. WDW's goal is to fill their hotels. It makes sense they offer perks to get people to book. Those who are day guests still get to make ADRs & enjoy the parks. They just don't get the extra hours/days advantage.

Only allowing those purchasing DDP to make ADRs would be more like only allowing those staying in Deluxe resorts to book any restaurant. Those who book Mods could make ADRs at non-signature restaurants only. Value resort guests would have to wait, until they got there. I'm willing to bet most people would have a problem with this. There's a big difference between filling the rooms & filling the restaurants. Many onsite guests eat CS only. They need locals & offsite guests to fill the restaurants, & I'm willing to bet they know that.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

I made 3 dining reservations the other day and when I checked my cc statement online I noticed 2 $1 debits from my account. It's been 4 days now and I called Disney Dining and they insist they didn't put them there, that it was my bank. Now HOW can and would my bank just charge my cc from disney world? Anyone else had this happen? I don't really want the hassle of disputing $2 and closing my card, waiting for a new one, and all that. I just want to make sure that the $2 charge will drop off. Has anyone else ever had this? They told me when they take your cc they do nothing with it but I told them that was false because when I had made other dining reservations, using a valid debit card that had $0 on it, they told me it was declined so obvious they do charge to make sure the card works.

Aren't debt cards usually for bank accounts? I understand that it can be "valid" for a short time, even if the bank account didn't have any money, but wouldn't the account be closed soon after if it remained at $0?

 

[twooley2]

Sure, but they don't have to face the fact that they may be shut out of their favorite rides completely, because others have booked up all the times for that day.



This was kind of my point. A policy such as the proposed wouldn't only affect locals. Why would DVC members buy TIW, if they knew there was a real possibility they may not be able to get into a restaurant of their choosing, regardless of how early they were willing to commit to an ADR? They may be fine with securing that ADR with a CC, but that wouldn't even be an option.



This is very true, which is another reason that making ADRs available only to those with DDP wouldn't make sense. As you said, they already have your money. It's the other people's money they're competing for. They definitely wouldn't want to implement a policy that would convince them to go elsewhere. KWIM?



I think they're willing to take a chance that people won't go to the extreme of messing with their bank accounts just to get one over on them. If they do, they'll have bigger problems than a WDW dining fee eventually.

WDW definitely needs to work out the bugs. Unfortunately, that's nothing new as far as they're concerned. There's always bugs in any new system they attempt to implement. It's a sad fact, but that's the way it is. Eventually, they'll get it worked it. It may be just in time for a new policy change, but they'll get there.

FWIW, I'm not trying to argue with you. I'm just trying to explain why I don't see a policy benefiting only those using DDP would be advantageous to WDW or many of their guests.

I see your valid points. I was again brainstorming about a totally new DDP plan system available to all not just onsite guest, not as the current one is. I am just throwing crazy ideas out there again I do not know all there is to know about a system just that any system can be circumvented and if it is their intention to discourage this as I was told it was the reason it was implemented this will not do that as people who would do that will do it no matter what you throw at them.Some people as stated here... do not mind paying whatever it cost if the kids are too tired or someone is too ill to attend we are in a state where some peoples finances are less important than their comforts and such, so what would it matter if money is no object to some? My other question is why charge a CC for meals already paid for through the DDP purchase. They got our money already not like they are loosing anything. Wouldn't taking the dining credits be more beneficial?

 

[twooley2]

Aren't debt cards usually for bank accounts? I understand that it can be "valid" for a short time, even if the bank account didn't have any money, but wouldn't the account be closed soon after if it remained at $0?

Good question I am not sure but I think if someone had direct deposit their account can stay open with $0 until the next deposit but that is the only way I can think it would be a valid checking account or such with no money

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I see your valid points. I was again brainstorming about a totally new DDP plan system available to all not just onsite guest, not as the current one is. I am just throwing crazy ideas out there again I do not know all there is to know about a system just that any system can be circumvented and if it is their intention to discourage this as I was told it was the reason it was implemented this will not do that as people who would do that will do it no matter what you throw at them.Some people as stated here... do not mind paying whatever it cost if the kids are too tired or someone is too ill to attend we are in a state where some peoples finances are less important than their comforts and such, so what would it matter if money is no object to some? My other question is why charge a CC for meals already paid for through the DDP purchase. They got our money already not like they are loosing anything. Wouldn't taking the dining credits be more beneficial?

None of us can know for sure, but I don't think the people booking multiple reservations per meal were the only reason for the new policy. It's just as likely they're attempting to discourage those who only make one ADR a day from making them, if they can foresee any reason they may not show up. In a perfect Disney world, all people making ADRs will show up. Now they're requiring a CC guarantee for the more popular & more expensive restaurants to try to assure that's what happens. If guests don't cancel at the last minute or don't show for a variety of reasons (one more ride, tired, not hungry, bad weather, rather swim, sick, etc.), they now have money invested in that decision. (It's unfortunate that a true sickness has to be included, but they can probably foresee half the guests all of a sudden getting sick. ) These people may now make the meal their top priority & Disney fills the table. If they feel it's worth losing the money, WDW is still getting some of their money. If people are unwilling to take that chance, they don't make ADRs. WDW now knows ahead of time the restaurants are available for walk-ups. With the new policy, Disney knows all the guests with ADRs will show or will cancel in plenty of time for them to know how many walk-ups they can take. If not, they still get some money for that table. This applies to those who make multiple ADRs per meal as well. They just have a potential for a bigger loss. The people who didn't want to take a chance securing an ADR now have a better chance for a walk-up or same day ADR. It's hard to imagine a policy that would be more advantageous for WDW.

I really think anyone who is willing to play around with CCs or Debit cards will eventually have a bigger problem than worrying about ADRs & a $10/person fee. I'm sure Disney doesn't think there's that many people who would go to the extreme of doing major financial damage to circumvent the policy. If they do, let them have all the ADRs they can make. They'll definitely end up paying for it eventually. I don't know if they're taking prepaid cards to hold ADRs. If they are, I agree it would be much easier for people to play the system. It wouldn't be as easy as it was before though.

As far as DDP guests, they do have your money. If you don't show up, you still have your credits. The only alternative to them taking $10/person would be to take a DDP, TS credit for each person. That's a whole lot more than $10/person. I'm guessing most people would be more upset about that. Maybe, they could change the policy to offer the guest a choice. They could ask if they'd prefer to be charged $10/person or a DDP credit/person.

 

[nkereina]

Aren't debt cards usually for bank accounts? I understand that it can be "valid" for a short time, even if the bank account didn't have any money, but wouldn't the account be closed soon after if it remained at $0?

Good question I am not sure but I think if someone had direct deposit their account can stay open with $0 until the next deposit but that is the only way I can think it would be a valid checking account or such with no money

It depends on the bank. I belong to a credit union and they don't require we keep a certain amount of money in our checking accounts. In college, there were many times when I had a $0 balance checking account with them

As for the credit card issue with the KTTW card - we don't put a credit card on our KTTW card. We pay cash for everything, including our trip. I do have a credit card but it only has about $30 of available credit on it - certainly not enough to accommodate the no-show charge if we no showed for any ADRs. Not saying that I plan to no show, but if I have to cancel within that 24 hour reason for an extenuating circumstance, they wouldn't get their full cancellation fee. But I guess as PP said, I'm probably in the minority with this situation so it can't be that big of an issue for Disney.

 

[coopersmom]

I do have a credit card but it only has about $30 of available credit on it - certainly not enough to accommodate the no-show charge if we no showed for any ADRs. Not saying that I plan to no show, but if I have to cancel within that 24 hour reason for an extenuating circumstance, they wouldn't get their full cancellation fee. But I guess as PP said, I'm probably in the minority with this situation so it can't be that big of an issue for Disney.

In that case they will try to charge the fee, often multiple times, and then your credit card company will ding you for over-the-limit fees. So, it will cost you even MORE, not less to miss your ADR.

The same on a "zero balance" debit card/checking account. Haven't you ever heard of NSF charges (non-sufficient funds)? Those will add up a lot faster than Disney Dining charges!

Disney authorizes the card you make the reservation with to make sure it's valid/active/etc. Once they have authorization it's likely the bank will put the charge through, either credit or debit, and if you don't have the funds/credit limit to cover it, you'll be charged additional fees by the bank for that "service."

I have stated elsewhere that I think this a lousy, and customer-unfriendly policy, for various reasons, but anyone who thinks they can "pull one over" on a multi-national corporation like Disney with a credit card/bank card "scheme" is delusional.

 

[Colleen27]

In that case they will try to charge the fee, often multiple times, and then your credit card company will ding you for over-the-limit fees. So, it will cost you even MORE, not less to miss your ADR.

The same on a "zero balance" debit card/checking account. Haven't you ever heard of NSF charges (non-sufficient funds)? Those will add up a lot faster than Disney Dining charges!

Not all accounts allow for overlimit/overdraft charging, though. If someone tried to put through a charge on my debit card for more than the available balance, which is generally very low unless I'm expecting to make a purchase, the charge would simply decline. We specifically set the account up that way to minimize our exposure if the card number is compromised, since we prefer not to use credit.

Pre-paid cards work the same way and Disney does accept those for reservations as well. If there's no money in the account charges simply decline, no NSF/overdraft fees possible.

 

[buzz1fan]

When you say prepaid credit card, do you mean for example of visa or AE gift card they sell at the grocery card?

 

[Colleen27]

When you say prepaid credit card, do you mean for example of visa or AE gift card they sell at the grocery card?

Those or the reloadable cards from GreenDot, Kroger Financial, Target w/AE, etc. that serve as credit card substitutes for people who can't get a traditional credit or debit card. Some have fees attached (often less than the fees that would accompany a low-balance checking account), others don't, and everyone seems to be jumping into that market right now. Disney accepts both types for booking ADRs and neither comes with any assurance that there will be sufficient available balance to process a no-show fee.