Disapointed With Disney Travel

[helenm29]

This is sort of a just in case thing. I book our trip through Disney Travel and was perfectly happy with the package I had booked. One problem arose when we had an emergency come up just as we were to pay for our package. We had to use some of the money that we were to put on our trip so we called Disney to see if they would extend our payment two days and they said no! not only would they not extend our trip but they would take our DEPOSIT too! I realize they are a big company but emergencies do sometimes arise and they could at least give a small brake. Anyway, I just didn't think that it was fair especially since the amount to be paid was in the thousands. You'd think they would want the money. All in all, we managed to get it done in time with some help but it was too close for comfort no thanks to Disney Travel.

 

[Chad&Janet]

I think maybe the Disney Company is financially stressed just like the rest of us. I have been reading a lot here and on other boards about layoffs, maintenance cutbacks, etc. Unfortunately, the always successful WDW resort takes heat when other parts of the company crap out, like ABC and Disney's film studios.

But believe me, I ain't making excuses for them! That is pretty ridiculous considering that before you HAD to book through CRO, there were other more lenient payment options. That's really sad that they would have sent you packing and kept your deposit. It's only the happiest place on earth............

IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT! hmmmmmmmm.

 

[dahirsh]

Not here to defend Disney Travel, because quite frankly I think a 45 day cxl policy is ridiculous. However, having said that, I work in the hotel industry and I can't begin to tell you how many people expect the hotel to "make an exception, just this one time" for whatever "emergency" they are having. The same way we tell every last person who books a reservation with us our (rather generous by today's atandards) cancelation policy, and expect our guests to take responsibility from there, Disney tries to sell everyone travel insurance, which I imagine would cover your deposit for an actual emergency.

Deb

 

[Jasminesmommy]

Use a travel agency. There you can let it slide a day or two if needed. I use the same person everytime I go and this past trip I couldn't pay until the week before my trip and it was fine with her she paid the 45 days before and I paid when I could. I recommend her to all my friends.

 

[helenm29]

Hey dahirsh: Yes we did have travel insurance but that only covers medical emergencies not financial. Unfortunately, ours was the other one. and yes, I understand the cancellation policy and can understand where the industry is coming from with the people who just figure it's no big deal for you to just put a hold on whatever but as with everything...there's usually some kind of acception. the trick is...is it really the acception!
We went through a travel agency and they tried to get an extention...no go! not even for an agency in good standing that does thousands of dollars with them! Ah well, we're covered thanks to the wonderful people at the travel agency and we'll be there in about 7 weeks!

 

[jann1033]

just curious did you try to cancel or change your dates or would they not do anything at all to your existing ressie? I was told by a travel agent you would not lose your deposit as long as you either upgraded or stayed the same and changed dates. I kind of figure that is why CRO no longer "exists"..hate to make it convenient for the paying customer! It is a shame that unless you figure out how to save save save( like on the budget board) it is getting harder and harder for the average young family, supposedly the prime market for WDW , to easily afford a trip to WDW.

 

[Ratpack]

I am assuming you were going to use Cash to pay for the trip. Since you only needed two days to recover the money needed, why not use a credit card to pay the reservation and then ay off the balance with them? That would buy you close to 25+ days to get the additional money needed. Just a thought.

 

[helenm29]

Ratpak: Unfortunately, we don't use credit cards. Cash or check is about it. I am just glad that it all worked out and next time I book a trip we'll pay for it asap instead of waiting 'till right before we go! not a smoothe move.