Is it typical for DU TA to not respond during release day?

[missmulan]

It's been over 24 hours and I am not used to not hearing back by now, especially if correspondences are via email. I'm a gold castaway member and I wanted to book with DU to get OBC but at this rate I think I might have to do it myself and simply lose out on the OBC incentive. I can't risk losing the staterooms I want.

So are bookings released at midnight? If so, EST or PST? I must be ready.

 

[mousefan1972]

8 am Eastern.

 

[Melissa S]

Yes. But they get the job done and go above and beyond. I emailed yesterday at 5pm and Got a quote at 1pm today. Officially Booked for Northern Europe! You have to keep in mind they are flooded with requests and if they are emailing back and forth they are not working with DCL to book what you want.

 

[missmulan]

thank you mousefan1972.
Melissa S, I'm just afraid my reservation/request will be 'lost' in all the requests they're getting.

Also, in their initial email, they wrote that I must not look at the DCL website because their system knows when I'm looking and will lock any agent out from booking. If I don't hear back from this DU TA, I am afraid I might look and book!

 

[Adventurelawyer]

I haven’t had a response from my DU TA in a few weeks now, even though I do have a cruise embarking in less than a week now. Last time I use a TA. Keep your OBC, I’ll keep my control.

 

[nycdisneygal]

Mine has been very responsive (from DU).
I cant book yet but even when I emailed her today she responded. Once when I did book on opening day (for Silver) she worked really hard getting thing booked for me.

 

[allashore]

thank you mousefan1972.
Melissa S, I'm just afraid my reservation/request will be 'lost' in all the requests they're getting.

Also, in their initial email, they wrote that I must not look at the DCL website because their system knows when I'm looking and will lock any agent out from booking. If I don't hear back from this DU TA, I am afraid I might look and book!

The risk not getting the cabins you want is not worth the obc. What do they do if the cabins you want are not available? how do you find out?
If you don't have a place holder you can book online yourself, today it opened before 8am. If you have a place holder you must call.
I would rather stay on hold from 8am for 30+ minutes to know what I can get. There is no way I could wait hrs to find out my cabin.
I would also look constantly at the dcl website to see what is avail, would never give that control over.
When I booked today, I was on the website, at the same time as the dcl rep helping me.

 

[FigmentSpark]

How does the system know you're looking and then lock out the TAs? 1000s of people are looking. You're one person. It won't affect the system unless you try to actually select those rooms. I could see that locking them out, but just looking? No. I call B.S. on that one. (but I'm also not a TA)

 

[missmulan]

How does the system know you're looking and then lock out the TAs? 1000s of people are looking. You're one person. It won't affect the system unless you try to actually select those rooms. I could see that locking them out, but just looking? No. I call B.S. on that one. (but I'm also not a TA)

That's what the email from the TA wrote. I thought that was weird too. If it isn't true, then it's shady to make sure I don't look.

 

[lanejudy]

If you are looking and go through the process far enough to select a stateroom, and pick the one you want, even if you don’t complete the booking process it locks that room out from inventory for a period of time. The TA then would not be able to choose it for you, and potentially another cruiser could grab it once it releases back into the booking system because the TA had to select something else for you and moved on to another booking. Then you complain “but I saw the room available!” and you are upset the TA “lost” your requested room.

Not “you” specifically, PP, but a general “you.”

Good luck with your bookings!

 

[Ccll4]

That's what the email from the TA wrote. I thought that was weird too. If it isn't true, then it's shady to make sure I don't look.

You should screenshot the email and post it.

 

[smmco]

I tried getting a quote from them a few years ago and got no response. I've tried using a TA a couple of times, but it hasn't worked out for me. I'd rather be in control of my reservation. That being said I've never been hung up on getting a certain room. I usually book with a discount and don't choose my room other than the category. I don't think room location is that important.

 

[missmulan]

You should screenshot the email and post it.

Here's a copy and paste: Just a reminder, if you access your Castaway Club number online on release day, Disney’s system will not allow me to book this for you. Their system now identifies when a Castaway Club number is booking or even viewing options online.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Here's a copy and paste: Just a reminder, if you access your Castaway Club number online on release day, Disney’s system will not allow me to book this for you. Their system now identifies when a Castaway Club number is booking or even viewing options online.

Ah, well, yes, if you're logged into your account they know......

In my experience, only one device can be logged into an account at a time.

 

[missmulan]

Sorry, I have another question, I just searched several places....what is the Cancellation / Refund Policy on DCL for 6-9 Nights Embarking/Debarking on non-US port, non-holiday cruise? At what point will I get 100% refund, including deposit?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Sorry, I have another question, I just searched several places....what is the Cancellation / Refund Policy on DCL for 6-9 Nights Embarking/Debarking on non-US port, non-holiday cruise? At what point will I get 100% refund, including deposit?

Depending on whether you're Concierge or not - 120 days. Concierge deposit is non-refundable. This is from the DCL website (the amount you forfeit):

Cruises of 6 Nights or More (Excluding Suites and Concierge Staterooms)

Days Prior to Vacation Commencement Date	Fee Amount
119-56 days	Deposit per Guest
55-30 days	50% of vacation price per Guest
29-15 days	75% of vacation price per Guest
14 days or less	100% of vacation price per Guest

Suite and Concierge Staterooms: All Sailings

Days Prior to Vacation Commencement Date	Fee Amount
90 days or more	Deposit per Guest
89-56 days	50% of vacation price per Guest
55-30 days	75% of vacation price per Guest
29 days or less	100% of vacation price per Guest

 

[Sakura1017]

Here's a copy and paste: Just a reminder, if you access your Castaway Club number online on release day, Disney’s system will not allow me to book this for you. Their system now identifies when a Castaway Club number is booking or even viewing options online.

Isn't each family member assigned their own castaway membership. So theoretically you can give your ta your number, but login with another family member? That way you can look at the rooms and prices.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Ah, well, yes, if you're logged into your account they know......

In my experience, only one device can be logged into an account at a time.

Okay. I stand corrected. That makes sense.

 

[KashasMom]

I haven’t had a response from my DU TA in a few weeks now, even though I do have a cruise embarking in less than a week now. Last time I use a TA. Keep your OBC, I’ll keep my control.

I would have called and requested a new TA. My DU TA (Mike F) is super response - even getting back to me on weekends/evenings. Not sure what there is to keep control of?

 

[Trera]

we like to control our reservation as well.