Day guest pass? And question about working with TA.

[txelle05]

First, my question about a "guest pass" - I am currently working with a travel agent and had inquired about adding extra people to my reservation. She told me that all people on the reservation have to purchase the same ticket package, which we don't need. The only reason I wanted them on there in the first place is so they could visit the pool with us one day so she said that I could inquire at the front desk about purchasing a guest pass for them when I check in. Is this a real thing? She didn't seem sure about it so I wanted to see if anyone had experience with this.

Second, I am seeking some advise about this TA and trying to see if I'm overreacting a bit. Our trip is not until April 2022, but I have been trying to book this package with the TA for weeks now. She was supposed to call me 4 hours ago to take the deposit payment and I haven't heard from her. We were emailing less than an hour before she was supposed to call me.

When I initially got in touch with her, she mentioned the possibility of renting DVC points for a stay. I asked her more about it and she told me that she couldn't actually help me with that type of booking, but if I did do points that she could book tickets only and then I would still have access to her help. I did look into it further and decided to try for a stay on points but I also wanted to book a package through her as a back-up if points didn't happen. That is what I am trying to book with her now - she is aware of all of this but I am wondering if it was a mistake to tell her even though she was the one that mentioned the points!

The package we've been talking about is currently in the 3-day hold, so I am thinking of just waiting the 3 days and seeing if she reaches out at all. If not, then I will try to find someone else. Does this seem super crappy on my part? As I said, we've been talking about this for a while and she has given me several different quote options over the past few weeks. But the main reason I wanted to use a TA was for help later with booking ADRs, FPs (if they come back) and just keeping an eye on deals and changes as they get announced. I am wondering if she would actually do any of that just based on our interactions so far. And how do you find a good TA? I contacted an agency I had heard good things about but didn't have a direct referral to anyone.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I have never heard of Disney selling day passes. Your TA sounds like a bit of a mess tbh. And since you asked yes, it is indeed crappy to use a TA to book your backup trip and having them book all your ADR stuff and then bailing when the trip you actually want on points materializes. The TA only gets paid if you go through with the trip they booked.

All that aside it sounds like you’re already doing so much legwork it would be easier not to use a TA in your case.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

A good TA will get in touch with clients immediately. I have never heard of a day pass and have done the Disney TA college. Not once did it mention such a things.

Even with trip in 2022 your TA should be giving you the same service as a client who has a trip next month.

 

[Pooh2]

My son visited us at the resorts when he lived in Orlando.
The guard at the entrance directed him to day guest parking.
They did not charge him or us for the visit.

 

[supersnoop]

You used to be able to add a guest at check-in without adding all the ticket and dining plan expenses included in the package you booked. I've read reports that resorts have pushed back on that recently, so you might not be able to add anyone. That's what is typically referred to as a "day guest;" someone added after arrival. If you book your room and tickets separately, you can easily do what you want. Is you day guest local? Or will they require MDE and/or access to the room?

 

[Dave006]

I will not comment on your relationship with your TA but Disney resorts offer something called a Day Guest. You just go to the front desk and can get your day guest a Keys to the Kingdom card for access and they will have resort privileges they may also offer a basic MB as the have in the past.

Your TA is also correct that for packages everyone on the reservation has to have the same tickets and other options like the old Disney Dining plan.

Dave

 

[Marthasor]

First, my question about a "guest pass" - I am currently working with a travel agent and had inquired about adding extra people to my reservation. She told me that all people on the reservation have to purchase the same ticket package, which we don't need. The only reason I wanted them on there in the first place is so they could visit the pool with us one day so she said that I could inquire at the front desk about purchasing a guest pass for them when I check in. Is this a real thing? She didn't seem sure about it so I wanted to see if anyone had experience with this.

Second, I am seeking some advise about this TA and trying to see if I'm overreacting a bit. Our trip is not until April 2022, but I have been trying to book this package with the TA for weeks now. She was supposed to call me 4 hours ago to take the deposit payment and I haven't heard from her. We were emailing less than an hour before she was supposed to call me.

When I initially got in touch with her, she mentioned the possibility of renting DVC points for a stay. I asked her more about it and she told me that she couldn't actually help me with that type of booking, but if I did do points that she could book tickets only and then I would still have access to her help. I did look into it further and decided to try for a stay on points but I also wanted to book a package through her as a back-up if points didn't happen. That is what I am trying to book with her now - she is aware of all of this but I am wondering if it was a mistake to tell her even though she was the one that mentioned the points!

The package we've been talking about is currently in the 3-day hold, so I am thinking of just waiting the 3 days and seeing if she reaches out at all. If not, then I will try to find someone else. Does this seem super crappy on my part? As I said, we've been talking about this for a while and she has given me several different quote options over the past few weeks. But the main reason I wanted to use a TA was for help later with booking ADRs, FPs (if they come back) and just keeping an eye on deals and changes as they get announced. I am wondering if she would actually do any of that just based on our interactions so far. And how do you find a good TA? I contacted an agency I had heard good things about but didn't have a direct referral to anyone.

I would recommend posting your question about adding people to your reservation post-check-in on the DVC boards as there may be different rules or stricter terms for adding people to rental point, DVC reservations. For a regular reservation, you can add people at the front desk, post-check-in, as long as you have not gone over room capacity. You will not be able to add more guests than your room capacity allows. If your room is only allowed 2 adults, you may be charged an extra adult fee if you have more than 2 adults (18+) in the room after you've added your guests. If your guests are only staying one day, make sure you remove them from your reservation the next morning so you aren't charged more fees.

If it's difficult to work with this TA now, I'm not sure it will get any easier once ADR and possible FP+ windows open.

 

[txelle05]

Thanks everyone. I feel like I’ve made a mess of things using a TA and trying for points. I guess I’ll just see if she reaches out over the next couple of days before the hold expires. If she doesn’t, I’ll plan to move on and just book the so-called backup plan myself.

The room sleeps up to 5 adults so we’re fine there. The visitors aren’t local, just staying offsite. They are grandparents joining the vacation but have already told us they will probably only do a couple of days at the park. Room access would be nice if they did need to rest somewhere for a bit but we mainly just wanted them to be able to join us for our pool day without breaking any rules.

 

[patty57]

If I am understanding correctly, you want to use a TA to book your ADRs, but will probably cancel the package to rent points? If that is accurate, it doesn't seem right.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

I agree it is horrible to use a TA to book a room, use them to make ADR and cancel. A TA only gets paid after you complete your stay. It takes time to prepare quote, make any changes, process payments, etc. That is unfair to TA.

You do realize TA uses same system to book ADR as we do so no benefit. They will need access to your MDE to book, do you want them to have password and be able to login? If they have multiple clients traveling the same dates who says they will book yours first. Some TA’s won’t do ADR in case there is an issue and client doesn’t get what they want - client can’t ‘blame’ TA. Same if any fastpass system opens up. A TA shouldn’t book those either especially if big client base with several traveling over same time frame- who do they choose to book first?

 

[txelle05]

I would never ask a TA to make reservations and then cancel. At the point where ADRs are being made the booking would be set - either using points with the TA doing the ticket purchase or the room and tickets all through the TA.

And actually she was the one who brought up buying points and just using her to purchase the tickets. I didn’t know she could do that or that she would even want to since I am fully aware that they only get paid once the stay is complete and that they are commission based.

But that does make sense about some TAs not wanting to do ADRs. It really seems like booking it myself is the best option at this point but I will wait a few days to see if she reaches out.

 

[msjprincess]

I agree it is horrible to use a TA to book a room, use them to make ADR and cancel. A TA only gets paid after you complete your stay. It takes time to prepare quote, make any changes, process payments, etc. That is unfair to TA.

You do realize TA uses same system to book ADR as we do so no benefit. They will need access to your MDE to book, do you want them to have password and be able to login? If they have multiple clients traveling the same dates who says they will book yours first. Some TA’s won’t do ADR in case there is an issue and client doesn’t get what they want - client can’t ‘blame’ TA. Same if any fastpass system opens up. A TA shouldn’t book those either especially if big client base with several traveling over same time frame- who do they choose to book first?

Travel agents can still call to make ADRs. Some clients like it because it's less work for them.

Most agents won't book FPs though for the reason you mentioned. Disney doesn't want agents going into MDE and most agents won't do it because of the risk of something getting messed up while in there.

 

[lanejudy]

The room sleeps up to 5 adults so we’re fine there.

While the room sleeps 5 adults, there is an “extra adult” fee for more than 2 if you have a regular (not points) reservation. And if you are interested in renting points, be sure you fully understand the limitations of that contract as it is usually non-refundable.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The other adults would need to be added to the reservation in order to have access at the pool. You could add them when you check in as long as you have the vacancy. But they could charge you the extra adult fee for the nights of your trip. Or they might not. If you add them now, they are part of the reservation and would need the same park admission as the rest of your party. They probably would not be able to join you at the pool without being added to your reservation. You would not be able to exceed occupancy of the room to add them.

I am a DVC member and added my son and his two friends for one night when we were there for three nights. They were able to be added to our reservation when we checked in as "day guests" but they would not have charging privileges on their band/card. We had a one bedroom villa at OKW that has occupancy for five persons.

 

[focusondisney]

Thanks everyone. I feel like I’ve made a mess of things using a TA and trying for points. I guess I’ll just see if she reaches out over the next couple of days before the hold expires. If she doesn’t, I’ll plan to move on and just book the so-called backup plan myself.

The room sleeps up to 5 adults so we’re fine there. The visitors aren’t local, just staying offsite. They are grandparents joining the vacation but have already told us they will probably only do a couple of days at the park. Room access would be nice if they did need to rest somewhere for a bit but we mainly just wanted them to be able to join us for our pool day without breaking any rules.

From your other thread, it looks like you’re planning to be at Yacht Club for your pool day. Pool access is strictly controlled at Y & B. Everyone entering will get their magic band scanned & must be a registered guest. So you will have to add them to your reservation, whether before or at check in. And you will have to pay the extra adult charge, since you will have have more than 2 adults in the room. Last I knew, the charge was $25 per extra guest, so you will have a $50 fee for the day they are there. You might get lucky & not be charged that fee, but I would plan on being charged.

Are you looking at a package with the travel agent? Everyone in the room on a package must have the same ticket length as you were told. But you can book a room only reservation & purchase tickets separately & get only what each person needs. You then link the tickets to each person in MDE. There are some online sites that sell tickets at a small discount too, so unless The TA has a special offer, you might be able to do better buying elsewhere.

 

[nkereina]

She told me that all people on the reservation have to purchase the same ticket package, which we don't need

That's true when you are booking a package. However, you can book room only and purchase tickets separately so its no longer considered a package. By doing this, you'd have the option to add others to your room without purchasing tickets for them. Do keep in mind that after two adults on the reservation, any additional 18+ adults will incur per night extra persons charges by having them on your reservation. You also have the option to add them at the front desk for only the nights they will be with you.

She told me that all people on the reservation have to purchase the same ticket package, which we don't need. The only reason I wanted them on there in the first place is so they could visit the pool with us one day so she said that I could inquire at the front desk about purchasing a guest pass for them when I check in. Is this a real thing?

Never heard of that, but I'd wonder what restrictions it has compared to a registered guest on a reservation.

she mentioned the possibility of renting DVC points for a stay. I asked her more about it and she told me that she couldn't actually help me with that type of booking,

I'm surprised she mentioned that. Most TAs don't have the capability of renting points unless they are a point broker. Normal TAs are not, and they would not be paid commission if they facilitated a point rental on your behalf. She'd still earn on tiny commission for handling the ticket portion, but my guess is that she's not been quick to respond because the potential commission will be so small. To me, its a red flag that she mentioned point rental knowing that she'd drive a potential customer away, and then is putting you on the back burner.

 

[Missingmypooh]

I have used the guest pass a number of times. Totally legit.

my aunt often drives up for the day and will get it for a day. Once time hubby had to stay home for work, so we added him as a guest pass for when he dropped off and picked me up (so technically he had it 5 Days but only used it twice). CMs are always helpful and understanding!

 

[Disneyfan754321]

Thanks everyone. I feel like I’ve made a mess of things using a TA and trying for points. I guess I’ll just see if she reaches out over the next couple of days before the hold expires. If she doesn’t, I’ll plan to move on and just book the so-called backup plan myself.

The room sleeps up to 5 adults so we’re fine there. The visitors aren’t local, just staying offsite. They are grandparents joining the vacation but have already told us they will probably only do a couple of days at the park. Room access would be nice if they did need to rest somewhere for a bit but we mainly just wanted them to be able to join us for our pool day without breaking any rules.

I have learned more from my family here on dis than any TA.
There is a whole thread on renting points/ DVC and the process and good sites you should use.

We live in Florida and went to visit friends at Disney. We bought our tickets through our own MDE so we could get our discounts. We went to the resort as a guest with no issues. Told the security the guest name and we were having dinner. No problem

 

[Marthasor]

I have used the guest pass a number of times. Totally legit.

my aunt often drives up for the day and will get it for a day. Once time hubby had to stay home for work, so we added him as a guest pass for when he dropped off and picked me up (so technically he had it 5 Days but only used it twice). CMs are always helpful and understanding!

Just to clarify, the CM added your aunt and hubby to your resort reservation so they could use the amenities for the days they visited you. I'm assuming this is what the TA meant when referencing a "guest pass". As PPs have noted, you can only have as many guests as your room occupancy is allowed.

 

[Missingmypooh]

Just to clarify, the CM added your aunt and hubby to your resort reservation so they could use the amenities for the days they visited you. I'm assuming this is what the TA meant when referencing a "guest pass". As PPs have noted, you can only have as many guests as your room occupancy is allowed.

We choose to only use the day amenities, but they could have stayed the night (we weren’t over occupancy- hubby is a firefighter so that’s a taboo topic I don’t even whack with a 10ft pole).

the guest pass was free, allowed them to open the door to our room, and the pool, no charging privileges, and helped the resort know that there was an extra person there (again, helpful for occupancy reasons).


that was how it was explained to me. If you are over your occupancy, I would *assume* that you might not be able to get a guest pass.

could I have just added them to the resort? Yes, but I hate how fastpasses and MDE are set up so I typically delete anyone in my party who isn’t there (and I haven’t created an account for my aunt since she doesn’t do the parks), and readd them when they come on our next trip. A guest pass won’t have them show up on MDE. We are AP so we don’t use the ticket option, and rarely do DDP.