DDP through Southwest vacations NEED HELP!

[brp123456]

I am new at the whole Disney thing. Went last year for the first time and had a blast so I decided to go back again this year…. Here is my dilemma.... I booked a Disney vacation for January 2nd through the 6th (about 2 months ago) through southwest vacation packages. The plan that I purchased includes hotel, park passes, and a dinning plan. I know that the dinning plan has changed for the 2008 year to not include appetizers or gratuity unless you purchase the premium dinning plan. My vacation packaged clearly states that the dinning plan includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage. When I talked to southwest to confirm which dinning plan I had purchased (just to make sure it’s the premium plan) I was told that the plan was the “southwest” dinning plan and they have “a special arrangement” with Disney to offer plans which were pre agreed in bulk. Now, when I tried to confirm this with Disney the people that I talked to had no idea about any special arrangements with Southwest and even went on to say “how would they be able to determine which people purchased their plan through southwest”. Does anyone know what the actual story is? I don’t want to get there and have this ruin my vacation. Someone else must have the same issue as me. PLEASE HELP.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Nothing like that has been posted here before. Not that it does not exist. But I have never heard or read about it. I would get everything in writing from where you booked. And later if you have issues you will need to take it up with them.

 

[bicker]

I wouldn't trust Southwest Vacations, quite frankly, from what I've read about their handling of the Dining Plan, in other threads.

 

[Lewisc]

SW Vacations is run by an outside company, not by SW. I'd be surprised if they have a different dining plan.

 

[TDC Nala]

If I run a Southwest Vacations package booking for the same dates now, and I click the dining option, the plan is described as:

*1 Table-Service meal (appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage)
*1 Quick-Service meal (entree and non-alcoholic beverage, or full combo meal: entree, side dish and non-alcoholic beverage)
*1 Snack (such as snack-cart ice cream, popcorn or a non-alcoholic beverage)


This is not the deluxe dining plan. The deluxe plan would be 3 meal credits usable for either table or quick service and 2 snacks for each night of your stay, plus a refillable mug. This description corresponds to the basic plan (which until January 1, 2008 is the only "dining plan" offered).

Most likely, Southwest Vacations has not updated their description to remove the appetizer from the TS meal for 2008 vacations. I doubt seriously they've contracted to provide appetizers only to those who book through Southwest.

For 2008, neither the basic nor the deluxe plan will include the gratuity.

 

[PictureJumpr]

I agree with the previous post, it is probably just that SWAVacations is behind the times.

I have used them in the past and had minor annoyances each time, but I refuse to use them anymore since they refused to be helpful or accomodating when I had a four-day trip to a four-star hotel in New Orleans booked to leave two days after Katrina hit. I called as soon as we saw the coverage, and they were less than interested in helping. Best advice I could get from them at the time was, wait a week until you are supposed to be back home and then send us your documents, we'll see what we can do about getting your flight refunded. Okay... what about the hotel? And why do I have to wait a week - it is already impossible to take this trip?

Long story short (I know, too late - sorry! ) they most likely signed you up for the basic plan, which will have to comply with all plan details in effect when you check in (2008 plan). And if you wish to try and have them make good on their mistake - I'll be rooting for you!

 

[jenny-d]

I have used SW Vacations before for Disney packages--we booked the MYW plus dining last year and it was the basic plan so I'm assuming that is what you probably booked also. I don't think there was any other option. As for SW Vacations, I don't think you have to worry about them being credible or not getting the dining plan with your package as another poster suggested. Hope this helps!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I don't doubt the OP will get the dining plan. I will be surprised if they get it as OP said SWV said.

 

[danceintherain]

Couldn't you sign up for the Disney Dining Plan before they came out with the new description?
To my knowledge you can call and make reservations for trips 11 months in advance. This includes saying you would like to participate in the Dining Plan, correct?
Basically, what I'm trying to say is that there were people who signed up for the Dining Plan with Disney before they made the changes, and they're still subject to the changes, so somebody who made reservations through SW would be subject to the changes as well. Just like anybody who made reservations before the rack rates for the year came out. They don't get the rack rate for the year previous, even if the new rack rates haven't come out yet. (unless of course Disney's running a special)
I don't think SW has any control over what Disney gives you on the other end. Most likely SW has failed to make the changes to their own information. I suppose you probably could push the issue and try to get yourself the appetizers and gratuity, but most likely you would have to go through an ordeal at every restaurant.
Also, you could go back and look at how much you paid for the Dining. From what I've seen Southwest doesn't have a lot of added discounts to Disney Packages other than the discounted airfare. They just allow you to utilize the already in place Disney Packages, while adding airfare. Though, I could be mistaken.

 

[TDC Nala]

I suppose you probably could push the issue and try to get yourself the appetizers and gratuity, but most likely you would have to go through an ordeal at every restaurant.

Probably so, since even if you get them to give you the deluxe plan, the gratuity is not included in 2008. You'd have to get Southwest to pay the tips for you.