Friends and Family Discount

[dmoore718]

They can't book it until their discounts are set for 2015. Right now they are only through 2014. I don't know if they completely correspond with the rate release.

Thanks! I might book something myself just to make the ADR at 180 for the whole trip and then cancel it and put in the real one.

 

[marsh0013]

Today is my 21 days out so I called to change to a package with the dining plan. I was quoted a much higher number at Beach Club than expected. It seemed to work out to about 30% instead of 60% (cast member in the room) to the tune of about $800 (edit to say sorry its about $600 more not $800) more than it should have been. It's so weird because the CM kept saying it was showing that it was the 60% offer. I asked her to double check that she wasnt choosing club level or any higher priced room. She gave me the exact price if the dining plan ($48.99 per adult if anyone is curious) so I know that wasn't causing it. My calculation for Pop was only off by a few bucks. So I wasn't doing bad math. Anyone ever had this happen before? We went with Pop for now but I'm going to call back after work tonight to see if there was some sort of error. And check on other possible options.

 

[girli565]

Today is my 21 days out so I called to change to a package with the dining plan. I was quoted a much higher number at Beach Club than expected. It seemed to work out to about 30% instead of 60% (cast member in the room) to the tune of about $800 more than it should have been. It's so weird because the CM kept saying it was showing that it was the 60% offer. I asked her to double check that she wasnt choosing club level or any higher priced room. She gave me the exact price if the dining plan ($48.99 per adult if anyone is curious) so I know that wasn't causing it. My calculation for Pop was only off by a few bucks. So I wasn't doing bad math. Anyone ever had this happen before? We went with Pop for now but I'm going to call back after work tonight to see if there was some sort of error. And check on other possible options.

We're you changing from a room only to a package? They'll have to cancel your previous room only and then book your package. Were you taking into acct the deposit from your room only you'd be getting refunded?

This happened to me when I switched. And when I realized it my numbers added up.

 

[natalieguy]

I have a F&F discount question. My aunt is a cast member and is going to help us get a discount... Well she is out of town and will still be gone for my 180 day window. Should I just call and book the room and can I change it with a discount later? Or can I cancel after?

 

[marsh0013]

We're you changing from a room only to a package? They'll have to cancel your previous room only and then book your package. Were you taking into acct the deposit from your room only you'd be getting refunded?

This happened to me when I switched. And when I realized it my numbers added up.

Yes I was looking at the total price. I knew it was a new booking. I took the total price for my nights for the room only (including tax), took 60% off, added the additional adult fee (plus tax), added the dining plan price for 3 adults, and I came up almost $600 less for the total than I was given. Confirmed that it was the same level of room (garden view), same number of people, everything the same. The Pop total I was given was only a few dollars off from what I calculated there the exact same way. It just seems odd that my math for Pop was almost dead on (I understand a difference of a few bucks) but that the total for BC was so off.

It really worked out to about a 30% discount at BC. June 12-17 she told me for discount for room only was $1667.05 whereas the no discounted price is $2385. When I do math, half of $2385 is $1192.50. $1667.05 looks like a 30% discount to me. Add in the dining at $48.99 per person, and you get real close to the somewhere around $2406 I was quoted for the 60% plus dining. I figured it should be $1821.98. That's a huge difference when I thought BC would only be about $500 more than Pop and I'm being given a number closer to $1100 more than Pop.

If I've given too many details I can edit them out. But it's just math based on the known discounts.

I'm going to call again tonight to check again or check on other options. Just wanted to have something booked this morning since all of this took over an hour and I was late to work.

Edit: looking back up $1667.05 would be $1533.92 without the extra adult so more like 35% off but still not 50% (looking at room only). Either way the math I did for the totals has not changed. Just the possible percentage it looks like it was being quoted as.

 

[marsh0013]

I have a F&F discount question. My aunt is a cast member and is going to help us get a discount... Well she is out of town and will still be gone for my 180 day window. Should I just call and book the room and can I change it with a discount later? Or can I cancel after?

If you're worried about 180 days for dining, you can book a room only yourself through Disney for now. Once your aunt is home and can book, she can book you with her discount. As long as there is availability with the CM discount. Not all resorts are always available. Once your aunt has secured you a discounted reservation, you can cancel the original one you book. Just be aware that you will most likely need to put a deposit on each. Not sure if they can transfer your deposit from the original to the CM booking.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Yes I was looking at the total price. I knew it was a new booking. I took the total price for my nights for the room only (including tax), took 60% off, added the additional adult fee (plus tax), added the dining plan price for 3 adults, and I came up almost $600 less for the total than I was given. Confirmed that it was the same level of room (garden view), same number of people, everything the same. The Pop total I was given was only a few dollars off from what I calculated there the exact same way. It just seems odd that my math for Pop was almost dead on (I understand a difference of a few bucks) but that the total for BC was so off. It really worked out to about a 30% discount at BC. June 12-17 she told me for discount for room only was $1667.05 whereas the no discounted price is $2385. When I do math, half of $2385 is $1192.50. $1667.05 looks like a 30% discount to me. Add in the dining at $48.99 per person, and you get real close to the somewhere around $2406 I was quoted for the 60% plus dining. I figured it should be $1821.98. That's a huge difference when I thought BC would only be about $500 more than Pop and I'm being given a number closer to $1100 more than Pop. If I've given too many details I can edit them out. But it's just math based on the known discounts. I'm going to call again tonight to check again or check on other options. Just wanted to have something booked this morning since all of this took over an hour and I was late to work. Edit: looking back up $1667.05 would be $1533.92 without the extra adult so more like 35% off but still not 50% (looking at room only). Either way the math I did for the totals has not changed. Just the possible percentage it looks like it was being quoted as.

Your dates only include the discount until the 14th. Then you are paying full price for the room and dining. Divide your dates in to two reservations. Modify your package dates and make a room only for 50% off and the dining at the non discounted price.

 

[marsh0013]

Your dates only include the discount until the 14th. Then you are paying full price for the room and dining. Divide your dates in to two reservations. Modify your package dates and make a room only for 50% off and the dining at the non discounted price.

Ah I was looking at 2 different numbers and somehow not realizing they were different for Pop! I was seeing 1332 and 1132 as the same thing! Wow head slap. I thought it would work like other discounts and cover the whole time period as long as I checked in within the time period. That stinks. So now if I want to switch the non-covered nights to the regular 50% discount without dining plan, I'm gonna get hit with a fee for lowering my package? Wish I knew it this morning when I was on the phone. Do you know if it covers the night of the 14 or if the last checkout date is the 14? Now I need to run more numbers. Man, I'm embarrassed.

 

[natalieguy]

If you're worried about 180 days for dining, you can book a room only yourself through Disney for now. Once your aunt is home and can book, she can book you with her discount. As long as there is availability with the CM discount. Not all resorts are always available. Once your aunt has secured you a discounted reservation, you can cancel the original one you book. Just be aware that you will most likely need to put a deposit on each. Not sure if they can transfer your deposit from the original to the CM booking.

Thank you very much. This is my first time planning so I'm just nervous lol. I'm ok with the deposit, I figured that part. I just want to get an early morning character breakfast for my two year old. Thanks for your help

 

[aaarcher86]

Ah I was looking at 2 different numbers and somehow not realizing they were different for Pop! I was seeing 1332 and 1132 as the same thing! Wow head slap. I thought it would work like other discounts and cover the whole time period as long as I checked in within the time period. That stinks. So now if I want to switch the non-covered nights to the regular 50% discount without dining plan, I'm gonna get hit with a fee for lowering my package? Wish I knew it this morning when I was on the phone. Do you know if it covers the night of the 14 or if the last checkout date is the 14? Now I need to run more numbers. Man, I'm embarrassed.

It should cover that night but I'd double check.

The fee would be $50. You could see if they could void it since they didn't tell you why it was higher, but since the numbers are technically correct I wouldn't bank on it.

 

[marsh0013]

It should cover that night but I'd double check.

The fee would be $50. You could see if they could void it since they didn't tell you why it was higher, but since the numbers are technically correct I wouldn't bank on it.

Thanks. I was able to get it split. First 2 nights are 60% plus dining. Last 3 nights are room only at 50%. Unfortunately Beach Club was no longer available for all 5 nights (and neither were yacht club or boardwalk, and the only mod was CBR - not paying extra to still have double beds), so we are sticking with Pop. Didn't want to do a split resort stay on such a shirt trip. I know there is a possibility they won't be able to keep us in the same room since we have 2 separate reservations, but hopefully it will work out okay.

 

[natalieguy]

Can someone help me with a few more question about F&F discounts. My aunt is a CM she said she can get us a discount for our stay. We are planning to go Nov 30- Dec 6th. She mentioned that the best discounts come out in October. My questions are:
-So can I not book anything until October?
-I would like a dining plan (discounted or not) do I make my ADRs now? Will I have to change them after our package is booked?
-what is the 21 day window mentioned in other posts?
- There any way to tell what hotels will be offered for our dates? I'm just nervous that nothing is booked yet and our 180 day mark is next week

I'm sorry this is so many questions. I really appreciate any and all help!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Can someone help me with a few more question about F&F discounts. My aunt is a CM she said she can get us a discount for our stay. We are planning to go Nov 30- Dec 6th. She mentioned that the best discounts come out in October. My questions are: -So can I not book anything until October? -I would like a dining plan (discounted or not) do I make my ADRs now? Will I have to change them after our package is booked? -what is the 21 day window mentioned in other posts? - There any way to tell what hotels will be offered for our dates? I'm just nervous that nothing is booked yet and our 180 day mark is next week I'm sorry this is so many questions. I really appreciate any and all help!

You can book at the 40% off friends and family rate. Holiday discounts come out in the fall. Modifying (depending on availability) could get you 50% off the room and a discount on the dining. You might want to book to help with your ADR window.

The 21 day booking window just started a couple of weeks ago. This means you can not modify to the 50% off until you are within 21 days of arrival. Also room reservations that include the discount dining must be booked as a package. It is important to understand the policy differences between these bookings and to remember that the package would need to be paid in full at that time. Your room only reservation deposit can not be transferred and will be refunded.

No way to know what would be offered at the greater discount. There are certain resorts that tend to get the deeper discount. All Star Sports in the values, CBR in the mods, AKL in the deluxes, and SSR in the villas are usually available.

 

[aaarcher86]

I would recommend booking full price dining with the 40% discount now so you don't have to modify to a package so close to arrival.

Balance will be due at 45 days out.

I almost wonder if they aren't applying $50 change fees to cm bookings since they aren't allowing the lesser rate until so close.

 

[natalieguy]

You can book at the 40% off friends and family rate. Holiday discounts come out in the fall. Modifying (depending on availability) could get you 50% off the room and a discount on the dining. You might want to book to help with your ADR window. The 21 day booking window just started a couple of weeks ago. This means you can not modify to the 50% off until you are within 21 days of arrival. Also room reservations that include the discount dining must be booked as a package. It is important to understand the policy differences between these bookings and to remember that the package would need to be paid in full at that time. Your room only reservation deposit can not be transferred and will be refunded. No way to know what would be offered at the greater discount. There are certain resorts that tend to get the deeper discount. All Star Sports in the values, CBR in the mods, AKL in the deluxes, and SSR in the villas are usually available.

Thank you so much for your help!! So I can call myself and book the 40% friends and family now? I will book a room to help with the ADRs. One more thing I'm unclear on, should I book room only or with dining? I know I will get my deposit back or transferred so I'm fine with paying it. And I will be fine to pay the balance off by the 21 say window too. I'm sorry so many questions! I would call my aunt who is the CM but she is out of town. Thanks for your help it's a relief to get answers!!!

 

[marsh0013]

I would recommend booking full price dining with the 40% discount now so you don't have to modify to a package so close to arrival.

Balance will be due at 45 days out.

I almost wonder if they aren't applying $50 change fees to cm bookings since they aren't allowing the lesser rate until so close.

I'm wondering that as well. I'm holding out hope that they will start a new discount beginning June 14, knowing full well it's not a great possibility. That's why I didn't add the regular nondiscounted dining to my last few days. If no additional discount comes out, I can always add the dining at full price closer to checkin.

 

[marsh0013]

Thank you so much for your help!! So I can call myself and book the 40% friends and family now? I will book a room to help with the ADRs. One more thing I'm unclear on, should I book room only or with dining? I know I will get my deposit back or transferred so I'm fine with paying it. And I will be fine to pay the balance off by the 21 say window too. I'm sorry so many questions! I would call my aunt who is the CM but she is out of town. Thanks for your help it's a relief to get answers!!!

You can't book the original 40% f&f yourself, the CM (your aunt) has to do it. I think it was just mentioned that you don't wait too long to have your aunt book it once she is available to do it.

 

[aaarcher86]

Thank you so much for your help!! So I can call myself and book the 40% friends and family now? I will book a room to help with the ADRs. One more thing I'm unclear on, should I book room only or with dining? I know I will get my deposit back or transferred so I'm fine with paying it. And I will be fine to pay the balance off by the 21 say window too. I'm sorry so many questions! I would call my aunt who is the CM but she is out of town. Thanks for your help it's a relief to get answers!!!

You can't book anything with a CM discount. Your aunt will have to call and do the booking for you.

If you want dining regardless I'd add it now just to make the RO -> PKG less of a hassle later. You'll need to pay the balance off at the 45 day marker if you do it this way.

 

[natalieguy]

You can't book the original 40% f&f yourself, the CM (your aunt) has to do it. I think it was just mentioned that you don't wait too long to have your aunt book it once she is available to do it.

Thanks for your help!!!

 

[natalieguy]

You can't book anything with a CM discount. Your aunt will have to call and do the booking for you. If you want dining regardless I'd add it now just to make the RO -> PKG less of a hassle later. You'll need to pay the balance off at the 45 day marker if you do it this way.

Thanks for your help!! I appreciate it!