Help with last minute package changes - Arrive Sat!

[BlueFairy]

Hi,

I helped a friend plan her trip. She paid for two rooms on what I understand to be one reservation. They booked on a discount promotion back in December. Room A is her room with 2 adults and 3 kids. Room B is her in-laws (2 adults). It is a package with tickets (I can't remember if she booked dining). Anyway, the in-laws may need to cancel because of a medical emergency, in which case I would assume that they would be subject to either a $200 cancel fee or a $50 change fee to remove the one room. Does anyone know which is correct? Also, would this affect the room rate on Room A in any way?

More importantly, I think the preferred option would be to substitute other family in Room B. In other words, both names come off the reservation and 2 new adults check-in to room B. The travel agent seemed to suggest that this isn't possible, but that the people on the reservation would have to make an appearance at check-in and make the name changes then. Obviously they can't be there.

I'd love to give her a clear picture of what her options are. Thanks for your input!

 

[BlueFairy]

Bump - feeling impatient. Checkin is in less than 48 hours and the other parties need to make plans. Any ideas? Should I post elsewhere?

Thanks!

 

[minnie mum]

The best advice I can give, since they received unsatisfactory advice from their travel agent, is for them to call Disney reservations and ask them. They have to remember, however, that it is their travel agent who has total control of the reservation until they check in. Any modification of the reservation must go through the travel agent.

It should not affect the discounted rate on the first room. I doubt that they will let them remove the names from the second room and add new ones. That would essentially be making a new reservation, and would be at current rates. Do they have cancellation insurance?

And this is just one more reason I never use a TA for WDW trips.

 

[BlueFairy]

Thanks for your suggestion. I guess I don't see how what you describe really differs from the TA. Both would imply that they may cancel and incur a fee and that they cannot add names that weren't already there.

I do agree that in this sort of situation having a TA in the middle can be really great or cause a problem.

 

[shellbelle]

Hi,

I helped a friend plan her trip. She paid for two rooms on what I understand to be one reservation. They booked on a discount promotion back in December. Room A is her room with 2 adults and 3 kids. Room B is her in-laws (2 adults). It is a package with tickets (I can't remember if she booked dining). Anyway, the in-laws may need to cancel because of a medical emergency, in which case I would assume that they would be subject to either a $200 cancel fee or a $50 change fee to remove the one room. Does anyone know which is correct? Also, would this affect the room rate on Room A in any way?

More importantly, I think the preferred option would be to substitute other family in Room B. In other words, both names come off the reservation and 2 new adults check-in to room B. The travel agent seemed to suggest that this isn't possible, but that the people on the reservation would have to make an appearance at check-in and make the name changes then. Obviously they can't be there.

I'd love to give her a clear picture of what her options are. Thanks for your input!

Each room would be given a different confirmation number. That makes it 2 separate packages. If they cancel, they will pay $200. If they reschedule, they will pay a $50 change fee. As far as another family taking over the reservation, I am quite sure that is not allowed unless the lead guest on the reservation stays on the reservation. This is my understanding. Hope it helps.

Also, I agree with PP. If it was booked through TA, you can not speak to Disney about the reservation. However, you can call an ask generally (not about the specific reservation).

 

[shellbelle]

The best advice I can give, since they received unsatisfactory advice from their travel agent, is for them to call Disney reservations and ask them. They have to remember, however, that it is their travel agent who has total control of the reservation until they check in. Any modification of the reservation must go through the travel agent.

It should not affect the discounted rate on the first room. I doubt that they will let them remove the names from the second room and add new ones. That would essentially be making a new reservation, and would be at current rates. Do they have cancellation insurance?

And this is just one more reason I never use a TA for WDW trips.

Just wanted to add that a TA Specializing in Disney can be great for some. I would not book with just any TA.

 

[BlueFairy]

Thanks Shellbelle. It is a Disney specialist, and I am sure she is getting good information, but it seemed to be getting garbled in translation and I wanted clarification.

I think your explanation of 2 confirmation #'s and 2 packages is really helpful. Thanks. Though I still have one question - when you say the lead guest on the reservation - is that for the particular room (in this case Room B) or for the whole reservation - which is my friend who is staying in Room A and who paid for both rooms and will not be changing her portion?

 

[minnie mum]

Just wanted to add that a TA Specializing in Disney can be great for some. I would not book with just any TA.

I absolutely agree

 

[shellbelle]

Thanks Shellbelle. It is a Disney specialist, and I am sure she is getting good information, but it seemed to be getting garbled in translation and I wanted clarification.

I think your explanation of 2 confirmation #'s and 2 packages is really helpful. Thanks. Though I still have one question - when you say the lead guest on the reservation - is that for the particular room (in this case Room B) or for the whole reservation - which is my friend who is staying in Room A and who paid for both rooms and will not be changing her portion?

The first person on each reservation is the lead guest. So the first person in room B would be the lead guest for that reservation. Disney does not care who pays for it, as long as it gets paid. So, that wouldn't matter. Each room is a separate reservation.

Worst case is to have to pay $200 deposit for canceling that package so close to check-in date. Tell Disney it is a medical emergency. They are really good at working with you. You never know, they could waive it.

 

[BlueFairy]

Thanks!

They ended up canceling the 2nd room yesterday. I think with the price of the package and what they might have paid for comprehensive travel insurance, $200 is a reasonable fee. I'm not sure what Disney charged them.

As it turned out, the 3rd party was unable to travel, so making a name change was a moot point.

Now we know. I appreciate the info.