Disney Private Events not DVC Friendly

[InstImpres]

I called yesterday to book an Illuminations dessert reception (for Feb 2005). I was treated pretty rudely by the "screener". Apparently you must have an on-site reservation to book a "Disney Event". I explained I was DVC and could not reserve my room until March 2004. I was told than I couldn't qualify.

I ended up insisting on being put through and basically was told to make any reservation on site (and pay my deposit) and than cancel it in March 2004.

Not a big deal but again, I think it is the right hand not understanding the left hand. I am not a mega point owner but certainly with several addons have a sizeable amount. It surprises me it would be so difficult ot book an event.

BTW, I am a professional event planner and this had no pull either.

Just thought you might all find this interesting. It also makes me wonder what else we don't qualify for in a timely fashion (ie if they really like PS to ressie will we not be able to book Backyard BBQ?)

Sandy

 

[JimC]

Don't the PS guidelines permit the Polynesian luau and hoop-dee-doo musical review to be made two years out? Backyard BBQ is at one year, I believe.

Does WDW permit you to book a hotel reservation before they have set their rates? And they release rates in the fall for the coming year, not two years in advance. If so, how does one take advantage of the 1 and 2 year PS windows?

 

[Chuck S]

Poly Luau & Hoop de Doo tickets require a CC number for confimation, at least when I've booked them they've requested it. This is true for on-site or off-site guests. They certainly had no guarantee that you WOULD book the room when your DVC booking window opens up. I've never booked the BBQ, but would assume that a cc deposit is required as well.

I'm not sure how far in advance cash customers can book through CRO, but it makes no sense NOT to be able to book rooms in advance..if rates are released in the Fall, and they only took ressies after rates were released, then no one could book for Thanksgiving or Christmas until the rates were released...makes no sense. I think you can book at least a year in advance with cash, but you won't be able to get discount codes...you'd have to re-book when the codes are released.

There are certain events that do require a confirmed on-site reservation, or a cc deposit. I see nothing wrong with leaving a deposit, then switching at the 11 month window, if on-site confirmations wave the deposit requirement.

 

[Disney Doll]

Perhaps you should make MS at the DVC aware of this situation, and see if they can do something about it. I understand what you are saying...when we can make reservaions is limited, and if we have to wait until we actually have a reservation, then some of the additional events we want to see may already be booked. Perhaps DVC MS can book these for us, and interafce it with regular CRO, seeing as DVC MS will have our members numbers.

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by Chuck S

There are certain events that do require a confirmed on-site reservation, or a cc deposit. I see nothing wrong with leaving a deposit, then switching at the 11 month window, if on-site confirmations wave the deposit requirement.

I agree they have a "risk factor". I have to provide a $500 deposit at contract signing for the event. I was told this is 100% refundable up until 1 week prior. I have no problem with that. I do however, think it is ridiculous for me to make a fake ressie with CRO. I will try and do that today. You all brought up good points, I hope I can book this far out.

I will definetly call MS if I can't

Thanks
Sandy

 

[Chuck S]

Beware, though. If they tie the event to a "fake" CRO ressie and that ressie is cancelled, the computer may automatically cancel your event ressie...it may be tied to the same confirmation number.

Are you sure that if you have a standing CRO ressie you still aren't required to put down a deposit?

 

[InstImpres]

Chuck -

I had thought of the cancellation issue. I specifically ran this scenario by her and she said no problem, but I will call and give the new hotel info 11 months about before cancelling.

The $500 deposit is in addition to the required room reservation.


FYI -

I just booked a room but was told the rate is subject to change as it gets closer.

Sandy

 

[RobDoc]

Guests may make Disney resort reservations far in advance (I think it's 2 years).

Even though the rates are not guaranteed, you will need to pay a deposit based on the current rates and policies (room only requires 1 nights charge as a deposit, packages require a $200 deposit). Deposits are full refundable based on cancellation rules (5 days for room only and 45 days ahead for packages).

In this case, they are not treating DVC members any differently than any other guest. Everyone MUST have a reservation made to book the program you want and everyone is subject to the same policy. DVC members may be at a disadvantage, since we can only reserve 11 months ahead, but they have provided a means to still make the reservation as already outlined.

I'd prefer not to think of it as a "fake" reservation- as it will have a paid deposit in place. Disney is getting the use of that deposit money even though you may later cancel. The policy does provide a level of protection for Disney for these events.

Enjoy the Illuminations Dessert party!

 

[Terry S]

I wonder if this is a change? I booked an Illuminations Dessert Party on April 25, 2003 for May 25, 2004. When she asked me where I was staying I told her it would be Beach Club Villas but they couldn't be booked until 11 months out. She was aware of the DVC policy and said that it was not a problem. On my contract where it asks for Hotel it says Beach Club Villas.

 

[Dean]

Call back and try again to be sure. If the 11 month booking window keeps you from booking other events, you will be out of luck. That's the nature of how things are set up. If you book a cash ressie then cancel, make sure you get the event ressie transferred BEFORE you cancel the cash ressie.

 

[PamOKW]

I don't think there is a limit on how far in advance Disney will book a regular hotel reservation. They don't guarantee the rate but tell you that you will be paying the rate that is in effect at the time you are staying. Some forward thinking people had their 12/31/99 reservations made five or more years in advance.

 

[lhook]

How much is an illuminations dessert party and how far in advance can you book it? Also, how many people can attend?

Thanks
Leslie

 

[InstImpres]

They have a min. of 20 guest and can go to 100+. The package starts at $19.95 + 20% + 6 1/2%, as well as a $90 guide fee. It all depends on your choice of food and beverage. Each guest from your party is required to have admission to the parks for the day. Those who do not can be escorted in (they prefer from International Gateway) for a fee of $12.50 each. A $500 deposit is requierd when booking. I am booking 18 months out, I don't know how much further than that they allow.

Sandy

 

[freediverdude]

I don't think I understand why Disney requires an onsite resort reservation for this. If there is already a $500 deposit required, what extra protection does an onsite reservation provide to Disney? I guess it might make them feel more comfortable that you're going to be there, but beyond that, I don't see the point of it. Why would they care if you're staying onsite or off-site while having a special party inside Epcot (beyond the extra revenue for an onsite resort room)? The only thing I can think of is maybe any extra charges could be billed to your resort room or something, but if you provided them with a credit card number, that would basically be the same protection. Sorry, I just don't see the point.

 

[RobDoc]

I don't think I understand why Disney requires an onsite resort reservation for this.

Consider it a perk of staying onsite. With this policy ONLY those staying at a WDW Resort can make the arrangements. It is designed to offer incentive to stay onsite.