Disney cancellation policy, TA or disney site?

[amy-momofthree]

I am trying to think of the best way to do this. We want to go to DIsney the first week of October. I can take advantage of "stay and Play" if I check in on Oct 1st which I am thinking is doable.

THere are a few uncertainties, the kids school schedule hasn't been released for 2011-2012 but historically they've had the first week of oct off for fall break.

Also, dh usually travels that time of year and it may fall on that week?


So, if I book it now (stay and play offer is good until March 27) what is the cancellation policy if kids don't have that week off or dh can't get that week off?

Also, is it better to go through a TA or book on the Disney site? Would they both provide the same policies???

Will I be able to move the reservation to Spring Break? WOuld that be better than cancelling i,e, no penalties??

Thanks!!!

 

[DaniB]

If you book the "play & stay" package now, you put down a $200 deposit.

If you cancel before your 45 date (of your arrival date) you get that $200 refunded.

For 2011, if you cancel anytime after that 45 day mark - you lose the $200 deposit.

I'm not sure about penalities for moving reservations. Some say there is a $50 penalty. Others say no. Others say yes if you are downgrading your package, but not if you are upgrading. Beats me. I switched our trip from May to September and did not incur a penalty.

Ohh, and I believe it would be the same regardless if you used a TA or went through Disney. At least I know with my TA the prices I get are the exact same Disney charges.

 

[amy-momofthree]

Thanks!

 

[Marionnette]

I am trying to think of the best way to do this. We want to go to DIsney the first week of October. I can take advantage of "stay and Play" if I check in on Oct 1st which I am thinking is doable.

THere are a few uncertainties, the kids school schedule hasn't been released for 2011-2012 but historically they've had the first week of oct off for fall break.

Also, dh usually travels that time of year and it may fall on that week?


So, if I book it now (stay and play offer is good until March 27) what is the cancellation policy if kids don't have that week off or dh can't get that week off?

Also, is it better to go through a TA or book on the Disney site? Would they both provide the same policies???

Will I be able to move the reservation to Spring Break? WOuld that be better than cancelling i,e, no penalties??

Thanks!!!

DaniB is right. You lose your deposit if you cancel a package with less than 45 days to go before your arrival date.

You also lose any money you paid for trip insurance. It's non-refundable.

You will be credited for your canceled airfare but the airline's change/cancellation rules will apply. You may be require to pay a huge change fee just to be able to use those funds.

TAs have their own cancellation rules. It could cost you more than just your deposit if you cancel a trip that you booked with one. You need to check their policy before you plunk your money down.

Sometimes Disney will waive the cancellation fee if you reschedule your trip rather than cancel. They would prefer you to come and spend money than to just take a couple hundred dollars from you and take the chance that you won't visit at all.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Actually if you cancel between days 44 and 6 it is a $100 refund, 6 days to check in day, it is the full $200.

Suzanne

 

[amy-momofthree]

Thanks!

What if I add a day to the reservation? Does that incur any penalties?

It's just hard to make reservations 8 months out!! You never know what can happen

 

[DaniB]

Actually if you cancel between days 44 and 6 it is a $100 refund, 6 days to check in day, it is the full $200.

I'm afraid not. This changed for 2011.

if you wait til your date to cancel, you get all your money back???

No, she meant you would lose the full $200.

Last year if you cancelled between 44-6 days out, you would get a $100 refund. Not anymore. Anything less than 45 days you lose the full $200.

 

[amy-momofthree]

Actually if you cancel between days 44 and 6 it is a $100 refund, 6 days to check in day, it is the full $200.

Suzanne

if you wait til your date to cancel, you get all your money back???No, she meant you would lose the full $200.

Last year if you cancelled between 44-6 days out, you would get a $100 refund. Not anymore. Anything less than 45 days you lose the full $200.
__________________

 

[Marionnette]

Thanks!

What if I add a day to the reservation? Does that incur any penalties?

It's just hard to make reservations 8 months out!! You never know what can happen

No penalty from Disney for adding days. They love it when you spend MORE money! A travel agent might have their own change policy. And your airline might also charge you to change a flight.

 

[DaniB]

What if I add a day to the reservation? Does that incur any penalties?

It shouldn't. I would think Disney would be happy to take more money from you.

I added 2 days on to our trip last September, at least 2 months after I booked, with no penalty.

And I'm wanting to add another 2 days again for this September - 2/3 months after I originally booked.

I foresee a future tradition with our vacations...

 

[amy-momofthree]

It shouldn't. I would think Disney would be happy to take more money from you.

I added 2 days on to our trip last September, at least 2 months after I booked, with no penalty.

And I'm wanting to add another 2 days again for this September - 2/3 months after I originally booked.

I foresee a future tradition with our vacations...

Thanks! Yes, we added a day to our last vacation and I can see us adding to this one too. I just want to go with the times that I *know* we can have and then add later instead of taking away