Pricing Error

[geena]

Wanted to see if anyone knows what if anything can be done about an error in pricing.

This will be our first trip back to WDW in five years because we finally saved enough money to go.

I contacted two companies (Small World Vacations and Magic for Less) to get a quote on a Disney vacation. One company was more than the other for the exact same itinerary. So I called the less expensive company and gave my credit card for a deposit.

I then went and purchased our airfare for the trip and even added two extra days at the end of our trip because of the lower priced itinerary.

This morning I got an email stating that the Disney reservationist made a mistake with their quote and the price was going to be $300 more. ARGH!

This exact same thing happened to my sister-in-law a few years ago when she booked directly through Disney and they honored their price.

Has anyone had this problem before when booking through a travel company rather than Disney directly and if so, was the original price honored? I never would have added on extra days when booking the airfare if I had known there was an error in pricing. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Sandisw]

I would check over all your paperwork. Even Disney's mentions something about mistakes and not being help liable for them.

Unfortunately, all you can do is contact them and ask them the policy if there is nothing in the paperwork about this.

Obviously you are not in a position to cancel so I would plead your case and see what they do.

Good luck!

 

[Bete]

happen. It will depend on their policies and I would read everything over very carefully. Talk to a supervisor and impress on them that you came with them because you believed their pricing. Say you feel like this is a bait and switch scam and that you will report them to the Better Business Bureau if you feel they did this on purpose.

You can probably change your airfare for a fee and do less days if you don't want to spend the extra $300.

 

[plutolovr]

All reputable travel agencies should carry Error & Omissions insurance to cover this type of thing. They may first give you the option of canceling the package with them and refunding your deposit. You could push the issue and perhaps they'll honor the price.

 

[Joan1]

happen. It will depend on their policies and I would read everything over very carefully. Talk to a supervisor and impress on them that you came with them because you believed their pricing. Say you feel like this is a bait and switch scam and that you will report them to the Better Business Bureau if you feel they did this on purpose.

You can probably change your airfare for a fee and do less days if you don't want to spend the extra $300.

I am sure it was an honest mistake so why would you even suggest saying it was a bait and switch scam. Honest companies don't go there as it hurts their reputation and business. Threatening them to go to the BBB is also not very nice if it was an honest mistake

 

[Luv2Roam]

So I called the less expensive company

Sounds like the OP went with a travel agent, not Disney. Unless Disney was the least expensive company.
The OP will have to deal with who she booked through. Sounds like they were least expensive because they goofed somewhere in the quote.
And that quote is just that, a quote.
But maybe what was booked through them can be cancelled without penalty. (Not considering the airfare.)
Although not sure why bother to cancel if the prices will be the same.

 

[dclfun]

This does sound like an honest mistake. Do you remember who you spoke with or do you have a written quote via email? I know with most companies, it's not a confirmed price unless it's been booked vs. just a quote and usually you will get the disclaimer that "rates and availability are subject to change w/o notice." Of course once booked, the price should not change. Did you review your confirmation before adding the extra days and booking air or were you going by a verbal quote? Is the difference in price perhaps the room type or view/location? For instance were you originally looking at a standard view and a water view/preferred location was booked? Let us know how it turns out. It sounds like there are a few variables that need to be looked at. Perhaps you can make modifications to bring the price down to fit w/in your budget.---Kathy

PS- sorry that I didn't read the OP's entire post- now I see that the TA stated that the WDW agent made a mistake with the quote.

 

[geena]

The price quoted was sent via email by the travel company (an authorized Disney vacation planner) and I called right away and gave my CC# to book it.

I have used this travel company in the past and they are established and reputable.

The travel rep emailed back that she needed more info. which I sent and then booked the airfare. The next morning I got an email saying they were quoted the wrong price from Disney.

I had the travel rep look into it and I also called Disney directly. No one cannot figure out how the original Disney agent came up with the quote she gave me as I didn't change anything on the reservation.

Anyway, it probably was an error on the part of the Disney rep any they said there is really nothing I can do about it. I will keep an eye on the airfare and change my flights if the fares come back down. Otherwise we will just suck it up and stay the extra days.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

geena, I am curious why you use a travel agent rather than just booking online on the Disney website.
Just curious, as I have never used a travel agent.
Do you get some extra perk?
I can't imagine they are able to get a cheaper price in anyway.
Do they send you a fruit basket or something?

 

[geena]

I like having the personal connection when using a travel company of having the same person to talk to should I need to make changes, etc. I realize a Disney rep. can do the same thing as far as booking goes, but you never get the same person twice if you have a question or need to make a change.

Also, if the rate goes down before you travel, the travel company will let you know there is a better deal out there. Finally, you get a few freebies such as neck wallets, autograph books, etc. This time I got a free subscription to Tour Guide Mike.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

Thanks for the answer. I figured you must get something.
But I don't mean call on the phone and talk to a rep. I mean really just do it online. You have total control, see all the choices and price differences, etc.
I guess I am a visual person, and want to see all the options, rather than hear them.