Discovery Cove Payment Issue

[Poohbeck]

So, we are going to DC next month and booked it about 10 months ago. When we booked it, we put down the deposit and they mailed me a receipt letting me know it had to be paid by 3/23/10 or they would automatically charge my credit card. So, in January I mailed half of the balance by check (one of the Customer Service people said I could do that so it didn't charge my CC). The check cleared, no issues. Last month I mailed a check for the balance so it's paid in full. Well, as of last Monday the check hadn't cleared, so, I called, the CS person said they hadn't received it.

Sooooo, I called on Friday and a different CS also said they hadn't received it AND the first check I mailed hadn't been received either. What?? Well, I know they received it because they cashed it. The CS person said she would look into it and call me back. After 5 hours, no one called me back...SOOO I called again and spoke to ANOTHER CS person. I couldn't get back to the original rep. Frustrated. Well this new CS said Yes they had indeed received the first payment, but not the second. So, I put the balance on a credit card so I don't lose my reservation and they after I hung up I called my bank and put a stop payment on the check.

THEN...I asked if I could please have a receipt or somethign mailed to me letting me know I paid in full, the CS said she would try, but they usually can't do that. What????

So, now I am a bit worried. I guess I will bring all my check stubs and bank statement with me for the day we get there since I have not receipt or anything marked Paid in Full!

I guess I just wanted to vent and let you all know what happened in case any of you paid by check.

 

[hunter.deal]

That stinks.... it seems like things are just so CREDIT centric nowadays, and I would guess they have an employee turnover depending on season and demands as well. Of course the return calls taking so long have no excuse. I agree if you can gather the proof of all payments before going and carry it with you they should be able to figure it out, BUT I'd also press them one more time for confirmation you are paid in full and ask for the person's name or to speak with a manager. Too much money is changing hands for you not to be satisfied.

 

[Poohbeck]

That stinks.... it seems like things are just so CREDIT centric nowadays, and I would guess they have an employee turnover depending on season and demands as well. Of course the return calls taking so long have no excuse. I agree if you can gather the proof of all payments before going and carry it with you they should be able to figure it out, BUT I'd also press them one more time for confirmation you are paid in full and ask for the person's name or to speak with a manager. Too much money is changing hands for you not to be satisfied.

hunter.deal,
You are correct, too much money has changed hands for me not to be happy and secure in knowing when we check in we will be all set. I fear checking in and them saying you have not yet paid in full. I will call tomorrow and try to get some clarification.

We are trying not to put anything on a credit card, which is why I paid by check. I do better that way.

Wish me luck.

 

[Poohbeck]

So...I called again yesterday and asked for a manager. It took a while for them to find my reservation - UGH - so I proved my point to the manager. She was very nice and said my reservaton was "paid in full" and it wouldn't be a problem to mail me a receipt. Now I'll wait...

 

[hunter.deal]

I am happy to hear things are looking good. I'm curious if in your dealings you think it is a disorganized operation or just not used to handling "non-credit card" transactions?

 

[DEBBYIAC]

i didn't want to use any of my CC either so I just used my visa check card it was like using cash.

 

[Poohbeck]

I am happy to hear things are looking good. I'm curious if in your dealings you think it is a disorganized operation or just not used to handling "non-credit card" transactions?

I don't think they are disorganized, I just don't think they are used to people paying by a check. It seems it took a long time for the receipt of my first check to be applied to my reservation and who knows where the second check went. Additionally, I guess they changed computer systems after we had made our reservation, so, every time I called they couldn't find me in the computer system.

On a positive note - I just received my receipt and it shows a 0 balance!

i didn't want to use any of my CC either so I just used my visa check card it was like using cash.

I know I could have done that too, but, I don't use my bank card as a CC over the phone or internet, I just use my traditional CC.

Can't wait to go!