Disney Club/Disney Travel Co. BE CAREFUL

[Cathy baby RN]

We are going to WDW in June and staying at the Wilderness Lodge. I booked my trip through Disney Travel Company.
We are AP holders and Disney Club members. I usually book through CRO, but was told by the agent that the Disney Club cancellation policy would apply to this reservation (payment due 21 prior to arrival and 5 day cancellation policy).
Today I received a letter telling me my reservation payment was past due (21 days out would have been May 15). When I called to question this I was told since this was a "Summer Special Rate"(the ones with the free mini golf ), the Disney Club rules don't apply. I was NOT told this when I booked. I need to make some changes to the dates because of DD 's graduation.
It will be a $50 charge to change anything.
Any suggestions? Should I compalin and to who??
Thanks in advance.

Cathy in Illinois

 

[SuzyQue]

That doesn't sound right to me, did you have your deposit in on time? Which summer rate did you book? All of the DC room only ressies come with the free mini golf or trip to WWS, that's what makes it the "Basic Plan" package. ~~

 

[crusoe2]

Cathy, how much of a deposit were you required to pay? If it was only $100, that should indicate that you are booked for the Basic Package and the 21 day/5 day deal would apply. If the deposit was $200 then you probably do have one of the code deals and the policy will be different for some of those. We had originally booked a code rate at a moderate and had to pay a $200 deposit, would have had to pay the balance 45 days out, and there would have been penalties for changes or cancellation anytime less than 45 days out. We booked this thru the Disney Club, too. We changed to a regular Disney Club discount for ASMo, transferred the deposit, and have to pay the balance 21 days before arrival. I just called a few days ago to confirm this. As far as I know, we still have until 5 days out to cancel without losing our deposit. (Haven't confirmed on that yet but will before I pay the balance.) Either way, definitely call back and talk to another CM - they are notorious for being uninformed, especially lately. Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[Puffy2]

Just had to comment; I personally think that Disney's various policies on deposits, cancellations, $50.00 change fee, etc... is RIDICULOUS.

It's like trying to figure out your taxes and making a simple reservation with a hotel shouldn't be THAT complicated!

It wouldn't be so bad if they had ONE UNIFORM POLICY for ALL reservations but NO, they have to have a different policy for serveral.

Makes staying off site look very attractive....

Sorry, I just had to vent.

 

[jlambrig]

I have never had this experience before and have been to WDW about 20 times now. Makes me think the original CM screwed it up somehow. Call back and let them know you are steamed, they should take care of it for you.

 

[Cathy baby RN]

Thanks so much for your responses.
I did call back and talked to a very sweet CM this time. She said that the Disney Club reservation policy did apply to my reservation since I am a member.
I think the problem was this was booked under a Summer Special code that had expired and was no longer in the computer. It took a few minutes to find the code, but she did and modified my reservation. This was a "room only" reservation and all I wanted to do was drop a few days from the beginning of the reservation. She even made sure I was not charged the $50 change fee by mistake.
My family and I have been staying at Disney Resorts for years and it still amazes me the inconsistency of both attitude and knowledge between CM's. There are those that will go the extra mile and are wonderful to deal with, and then there are those that act like they are doing you a favor by talking to you. You can really tell just by the tone of their voice.
I agree with Puffy2 about all these different policies, especially with a room only booking.I don't have a problem with paying in advance, but I need the flexibility of being able to add or subtract days without a penalty.
I will make sure I only book through CRO from now on.

Cathy in Illinois

 

[GoldenOldie]

Glad everything worked out for you.

I just wanted to let you know that you don't always get to choose who books your reservation. If you are using a code for a package like you were this time, you may be forced to go through WDTC. Not always as it depends on how they have the code set up but quite often you won't be able to book these through CRO.

 

[corndog]

We booked the same package for the same place and got the same thing in the mail. When I called, they said just to ignore it and that since we are D/C members that those rules did apply. We paid everything according to the D/C rules. We just got back yesterday and had no problems.