Disney YES Program Open to non-groups

[Aliceacc]

I have yet another question for you.

Since the YES program includes park tickets, I'm changing my reservation to Room Only. That means I have to book my trip insurance separately.

What have you guys done in the past?

 

[torinsmom]

Oh no! DD turns 13 & we are doing this ON her b-day. Were you able to leave feedback after the class? Maybe they can change this b4 8/15.

Let's hope they do. We have a 12, 15 and 16 year old in our group taking that class.(I was told it was okay for the 16 year old to take it) Maybe the will do the class differently if it is mostly older kids.

Marsha

 

[GinnyEmma]

I have yet another question for you.

Since the YES program includes park tickets, I'm changing my reservation to Room Only. That means I have to book my trip insurance separately.

What have you guys done in the past?

I didn't but I'd love to know if you figure it out. I hated not having it insured.

 

[Aliceacc]

I didn't but I'd love to know if you figure it out. I hated not having it insured.

Here's what mousesavers says:
"Trip Insurance
It is especially important to buy trip insurance for a vacation package, because you have to pay the entire cost in advance and you won't get a refund if you have to cancel right before your scheduled departure. With hundreds or even thousands of dollars at stake, it's worth it to protect the investment.

It's super-important to buy insurance if you will be visiting Walt Disney World on a package vacation during peak hurricane season (roughly the months of August and September). Don't underestimate the potential of hurricanes to create major problems even in an inland location like Orlando. Walt Disney World was directly affected by two hurricanes in 2004 (Frances and Jeanne) and one in 2005 (Wilma). Two hotels located on Disney property (but not operated by Disney) were virtually destroyed by the 2004 storms; one didn't reopen until 2010!

While Disney's own resorts weathered the hurricanes very well, guests were stuck in their rooms for up to 36 hours and many had major travel problems because airports were closed. Disney did waive "no-show" fees for a few dates, but those whose trips began before the specified dates (but whose travel plans overlapped with the hurricane) or just afterward were out of luck. Many people had similar problems with their airfares. The airlines allowed highly restrictive changes for certain dates without extra fees, but many of those who had to reschedule could not work within the airlines' narrow rules and just had to suck up the extra cost.

Perhaps the most important coverage included in a trip insurance policy is trip cancellation and interruption insurance, which can protect your investment if you have to cancel your vacation at the last minute (or come home early) due to illness or injury. Depending on the policy, you may be covered if you cancel for other reasons, such as jury duty, terrorism at your destination, or even unemployment.

Emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation insurance are very important if you become ill or injured during the trip. Otherwise you're on your own as far as booking very expensive last-minute airfare to get home. And if you're too ill to travel by commercial jet, you may have to pay for treatment in Florida (which your personal insurance may or may not cover) or for evacuation on a medically-equipped jet, which is incredibly expensive.

Delayed baggage insurance will help you pay for replacement clothing if the airline sends your suitcase to Timbuktu and you need something to wear in the meantime. Supplemental baggage insurance will pay a predetermined amount if an airline loses your luggage completely. (Some higher-end credit cards provide extra baggage insurance, so check with your card issuer before paying extra for this coverage.)

Disney sells trip insurance, but it's expensive and it has major exclusions. You can almost always get better insurance than Disney provides, and at better rates, by buying it elsewhere.

Be aware that in most cases, trip insurance will provide slightly less coverage (usually by adding exclusions on pre-existing conditions) unless you buy it within about 14 days of paying your DEPOSIT on the vacation package. So be sure to purchase it right away, once you've committed to the trip.



A great place to comparison-shop for trip insurance is InsureMyTrip.com,
where you can see side-by-side policy information and rates for major, reputable insurance companies.

I used InsureMyTrip.com myself to buy trip insurance for an upcoming cruise.
I saved about $25 and got much more comprehensive coverage than Disney's policy would have provided"

 

[happily single]

Very minor correction, it's actually listed as 8-15. But I totally agree with you.

We did Ocean Discoveries on June 15th and DD7 seemed to enjoy the class, but it was pretty lame for DD10 and DD13. The activities seemed like the kind of games you would use to teach something to 1st or 2nd graders.

In contrast, DD13 and DS16 did the Production Arts and Science class at DHS on June 23rd and they both really enjoyed it.

I just booked my dd14 for the Production Arts and Science for 10-21-11. Soo excited. Of course we're going to MNSCHP on 10-20, so hopefully she'll be able to wake up early enough for the class

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

I have yet another question for you.

Since the YES program includes park tickets, I'm changing my reservation to Room Only. That means I have to book my trip insurance separately.

What have you guys done in the past?

I used American Express Travel Insurance for our upcoming trip. The price was very reasonable. https://www295.americanexpress.com/...vel-insurance/home.do?inav=footer_prot_travel

I decided to call and do it over the phone so I could ask questions.

You decided how much per person you want to insure. So I took the cost of the cruise and park tickets and divided by four. I was not worried about plane tickets because that can roll over into a credit.

 

[addiedisney]

can anyone please help me find what classes are offered in January? I can't seem to find them anywhere??

Thanks!

 

[pigletto]

I didn't but I'd love to know if you figure it out. I hated not having it insured.

GinnyEmma, I am in Canada but I believe the basic premise is the same. I went through my bank to insure my trip. Unfortunately most (not all) policies want you to purchase your insurance within 10 days of your trip to cover cancellation.
I opted out of trying to find cancellation insurance, because I booked long before knowing that rule. What I was able to get was extensive medical coverage (very important for us being Canadian) and basically everything but cancellation. It includes lost and delayed baggage, accidents etc. Most importantly it covers delays and interupptions which was my concern with travelling during hurricane season. Cancellation would have been ideal.. lesson learned on that one.

"Insuremytrip" is a good place to start for price comparison. What I have learned in my research is that no two policies are equal. If you are loathe to read through all the fine print, which can be confusing, try a travel agent or AAA if you have it.. even your bank. They should have someone who will tell you what you need.
We ended up insuring ourselves medically as well as trip coverage so we paid 180.00 dollars. That covers all four of us for any trip we take this year up to 15 days.

ETA.. One plus of going with my bank was I was able to do it online once I had asked my questions by calling the 1-800 number. Paid right from my bank account and it was easy

 

[GinnyEmma]

Thank you so very much. I've always just bought with a package. I really appreciate you taking the time. Have a great day!

 

[csmommy]

Let's hope they do. We have a 12, 15 and 16 year old in our group taking that class.(I was told it was okay for the 16 year old to take it) Maybe the will do the class differently if it is mostly older kids.

Marsha

Will you be there for the 8/15/2011 class?

 

[ugadog99]

When I ordered my tickets and signed up for the class, the email confirmation said to expect a final email confirmation two weeks prior the class date. That date was yesterday, but I didn't get an email. Should I be concerned?

 

[GinnyEmma]

I wouldn't worry. I find Disney to be on their own schedule!

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

Anyone have any confirmed info about Individual Enrollment schedule/prices for 2012?

Will Disney continue to do Individual Enrollment with class offerings and dates similar to the 2011 schedule? I think prices will increase, but anyone have any idea how much they may increase? Looks like from 2010 to 2011 they went up aprox $10 per ticket, but with some of the big price increases Disney did a couple of weeks ago I don't want to assume anything! I am trying to decide if I want to bite the bullet and buy 10 day + WP + no expire from UT today for our next three trips which would average out to $763 per trip or have my DD do the Y.E.S. program in June 2012 (assuming individual enrollment stays the same and there is only a modest price increase) which would put our tickets in the $716 - $756 range. I am just afraid if I count on it Disney will change it!

 

[addiedisney]

Anyone??

Can anyone out there post the link on where to find what classes they offer for January? I am trying to see if they have anything available for when we are there.

Thanks!

 

[GinnyEmma]

They won't announce the January classes until later. No way to know what changes will be made. Peoe have abused the program.

 

[mill4023]

When I ordered my tickets and signed up for the class, the email confirmation said to expect a final email confirmation two weeks prior the class date. That date was yesterday, but I didn't get an email. Should I be concerned?

I didn't get those "two weeks prior" confirmation emails for either of the classes we did on our trip either. But I would suggest emailing them.

 

[ugadog99]

I didn't get those "two weeks prior" confirmation emails for either of the classes we did on our trip either. But I would suggest emailing them.

Thanks. I think I'll give them a call.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

They won't announce the January classes until later. No way to know what changes will be made. People have abused the program.

This is exactly why I am worried! I hope the program stays the same, but only time will tell.

 

[Aliceacc]

Anyone have any confirmed info about Individual Enrollment schedule/prices for 2012?

Will Disney continue to do Individual Enrollment with class offerings and dates similar to the 2011 schedule? I think prices will increase, but anyone have any idea how much they may increase?

Here's the email I got from YES yesterday:

"Hi Alice,

I am so glad you are excited! I wish I had more information to share with about our 2012 dates, but we are still finalizing our 2011 fall programs. Typically we launch summer 2012 in March. However, I will do my best to answer the questions below for you.

1. The current cost of the 8 day park hopper for 2011 trips is $190.82 per person. This price will likely change in 2012, so please plan accordingly for the expected increase.

2. The tickets are available for participating youth and their immediate family. Yes, you and your husband would also purchase the tickets and attend the YES Programs as chaperones. Only one adult may attend the program per youth participant.

3. Once the 2012 registration site is available (around March) you will be required to register online and your ticket purchase is the final step of your registration.

4. You will have the opportunity to view all the classes available during your dates of travel prior to purchasing yoru tickets. Once you select a program you are required to attend to utilize the ticket. Although, very few of our programs cancel due to lack of registration, we do have a solution for those that do. We do require a minimum of 10 participants to run a program. If we have to cancel a program due to lack of registration, we will contact you 2 to 3 weeks prior to the program date. We will provide other options in programming for your child. If your child does not meet the age requirements for another program during your travel dates, you have the option to receive a refund or travel and utilize the ticket with no program.

I hope that this information is helpful and we look forward to having your family participate in our educational program!

Have a Magical Day!

Disney's Individual Enrollment Team"

 

[torinsmom]

Will you be there for the 8/15/2011 class?

Yes, the 8/15 class. I don't know if it will be me or my sister who will accompany the kids. At the time I signed us up, you didn't have to note what adult would attend and we were able to get 8 tickets with only 3 kids attending.