Refunds and construction?

[diddldonna]

Hi just wondering, I have seen many people saying about spoilt holidays regarding construction. Has anyone complained to Disney about it and got a refund? I know they have to do construction but shouldn't they make you aware of it before you go? I don't think it would bother me as we spend most of our time out and room to just sleep but I was wondering from other peoples views and experiences.

 

[aaarcher86]

Some people have.

I think it depends. I'd think it be hard to book somewhere that is openly being constructed on and get a refund. But if a construction schedule comes out after booking it would probably be easier.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

some have. Getting a full refund is unlikely. More likely would be agreeing to move the guest to another resort or offering some other form of compensation.

i've gotten 2 letters from DVC noting that there will be renovations at Beach Club Villas when I stay there and one from the Polynesian regarding construction at the east pool. So yes I am on notice.

 

[diddldonna]

I was curious as was reading peoples reviews on trip advisor and a lot complain about the construction blocking views when they paid set amount for view or the noise the construction caused. If it really bothered them that much wouldn't you say something? especially if no previous knowledge been given.

 

[Brandon5tewart]

I had a downright awful trip in January, you name it, it happened... Checked in and they didn't have my reservation, took hours to find me a room for two nights (all time I missed at the parks) awful odor outside of the room, and they sent me an additional $100 bill after because I "changed the dates of my trip" which I didn't. All in all they gave me 5 paper fast passes... It left a bad taste in my mouth so I'm done paying more to stay on property. So after all that, I doubt a refund would be avail.

 

[goofy4tink]

The first time I stayed at the Polynesian, back in '03, we were in Tokelau, and they were redoing Hawaii. You couldn't really sit out on the balcony due to the construction workers there all day. You had to keep the drapes pulled....it was less than wonderful. But, nothing was offered. We had gotten such a great rate that we just lived with it.
Then, last year, my friend booked us into VWL in early Sept....yes, the time when the main pool was being closed! Guests were told they could swim in the DVC pool..which is much, much smaller than the main pool. My friend was refunded a few points back to her DVC account but nothing other than that. I believe some cash guests were given passes to BB, or credits to their room accounts. No such luck for us.

If you find that there is going to be construction or such during your stay, it's a good idea to call Disney and see what can be done. They may be able to get you into another resort, if that's what you want. But they seldom make refunds.

 

[Babsy]

Been there. Couldn't deal with the situation. Complained (politely and calmly). Was moved to another resort. No refund.

I think that WDW CMs will try their very best to look after you and make you happy. Your experience would most likely have to be far worse than merely construction issues to get a refund, however.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

I had a downright awful trip in January, you name it, it happened... Checked in and they didn't have my reservation, took hours to find me a room for two nights (all time I missed at the parks) awful odor outside of the room, and they sent me an additional $100 bill after because I "changed the dates of my trip" which I didn't. All in all they gave me 5 paper fast passes... It left a bad taste in my mouth so I'm done paying more to stay on property. So after all that, I doubt a refund would be avail.

How did you book? Did you print your reservations from MDE and bring them? Why would they charge you extra for changing dates if you had the documentation? This all sounds weird to me.

 

[jcjen519]

Been there. Couldn't deal with the situation. Complained (politely and calmly). Was moved to another resort. No refund.

I think that WDW CMs will try their very best to look after you and make you happy. Your experience would most likely have to be far worse than merely construction issues to get a refund, however.

just out of curiosity were you moved to another monorail resort? was it a resort of your choice or did you just have to take what they gave you? Obviously they have the ability to do whatever they want including a refund or an upgrade so I'm just wondering.

also I realize that they've been putting people on notice with letters as well as warnings on the website when you book but I can see how that doesn't give the full picture of the construction. we haven't stayed there since march of 2014 but we've been at the GF several times since and visited the polynesian. It was unrecognizable for awhile.

 

[Brandon5tewart]

How did you book? Did you print your reservations from MDE and bring them? Why would they charge you extra for changing dates if you had the documentation? This all sounds weird to me.

It was a weekend that was packed so I called on the drive up to see if there were cancellations, there was one, I verified the correct dates three times and she input them in the computer incorrectly, had my check out date as the check in. They ended up dismissing the rate change after I called three times (always the person I needed to speak with was gone).

 

[Jadyreen1282]

It was a weekend that was packed so I called on the drive up to see if there were cancellations, there was one, I verified the correct dates three times and she input them in the computer incorrectly, had my check out date as the check in. They ended up dismissing the rate change after I called three times (always the person I needed to speak with was gone).

Sorry about that. Those are usually the weekends I avoid. Glad they hooked you up though. At least you got some FP's you may not have gotten on a busy weekend.

 

[Brandon5tewart]

Sorry about that. Those are usually the weekends I avoid. Glad they hooked you up though. At least you got some FP's you may not have gotten on a busy weekend.

Yeah, but on 3 day$1,000 weekend to have 4 hours totally killed in waiting for that it really left a bad taste in my mouth. I usually go up once a month and just stay off property now. Honestly other hotels I stay at would have been more accommodating for a mistake like that on their end, so if I could save a ton of money and (as much as I never wanted to admit) get better service I'll go that route.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Yeah, but on 3 day$1,000 weekend to have 4 hours totally killed in waiting for that it really left a bad taste in my mouth. I usually go up once a month and just stay off property now. Honestly other hotels I stay at would have been more accommodating for a mistake like that on their end, so if I could save a ton of money and (as much as I never wanted to admit) get better service I'll go that route.

Try the Waldorf. My brother stayed there a couple of weeks ago and loved it.

 

[StrwLady]

I have stayed at resorts that had construction before. I can honestly say that noise was never an issue. Which was pleasantly surprising to me because we are late risers. Once a the Poly there was construction near our long house so the walk to and from was not as scenic, which was a little disappointing, but we made the best of it.

If you think construction will bother you, before you book, check on websites for info on construction and refurbishment. Then after keep an eye out during the wait for your trip. If there is construction when you get there talk with management but by all means be nice and friendly! Yelling and fussing will get you nowhere.

With over 30 trips since 2000, I have had a few problems. We have been compensated for most. (sometimes I was just giving feedback and did not ask/accept compensation) Compensation has varied. Flooded room from flood in floor above us...one nights room cost. Service causing serious delay getting in bed to get up early for breakfast...taxi voucher to resort where breakfast was.

I hope you have a fun and construction free trip.

 

[diddldonna]

Thanks everyone for your input

for those who had problems I hope you still had a good holiday x

 

[bookgirl]

The first time I stayed at the Polynesian, back in '03, we were in Tokelau, and they were redoing Hawaii. You couldn't really sit out on the balcony due to the construction workers there all day. You had to keep the drapes pulled....it was less than wonderful. But, nothing was offered. We had gotten such a great rate that we just lived with it.
Then, last year, my friend booked us into VWL in early Sept....yes, the time when the main pool was being closed! Guests were told they could swim in the DVC pool..which is much, much smaller than the main pool. My friend was refunded a few points back to her DVC account but nothing other than that. I believe some cash guests were given passes to BB, or credits to their room accounts. No such luck for us.

If you find that there is going to be construction or such during your stay, it's a good idea to call Disney and see what can be done. They may be able to get you into another resort, if that's what you want. But they seldom make refunds.

I was at the WL during the construction. I paid for a courtyard view which was a view of the construction, so yes I did ask for and receive a $50 per night 'refund'. This brought the price of the room more in line with a standard view. The original reservation was made long before the announcement and though I did think about switching over to POLY in the ent the chances of getting a decent view there was smaller as everyone wanted to be away from the construction there as well. So I stuck with the WL. We did receive a one day pass for BB and though we did not swim we did visit there and get donuts and drinks and walked through the gift shops and looked around.

I thought my compensation was appropriate and the construction while not pretty was not a huge distraction for me. However they did not OFFER anything to guests. You had to ask. I was lucky to follow that thread and find out what Disney was willing to do and came in prepared to ask for a small concession from Disney. I didn't ask for anything more than others had gotten and I would have been happy with either the tickets OR the discount. In fact I was originally told it would be one or the other and I choose the discount, but the clerk came back out and told me the manager said that I could have both.

I do think Disney should have done more for their POLY guests during the construction than BB access. I mean even giving people a small discount per night probably would have done wonders for guest's attitude and made the discomforts easier to take, while still making Disney a profit.

 

[diddldonna]

That was a good refund you got did you get the refund there or did you have to wait until you got home?

 

[Nancyg56]

Disney is not known for handing out refunds, so if you book a resort knowing there is construction, be aware that while you may be able to be moved if there is availability, you probably will not get the compensation you want if you choose to stay.I am not talking about the sneaky Pete construction, I would have not been happy to go to the Poly and find all of the issues that were taking place without formally notifying me. I am talking about booking a resort under construction because it is your dream resort, and then discovering you hate it. I think it is best to be really honest with yourself prior to booking because these resorts are expensive and to many, there is a level of expectation that may not be able to be met.

I know I am not a candidate for a resort that has construction, and all the Wishes in the World cannot change that. My husband continues to suggest the Poly, and until it is completed I won't go because I know if I do, and I am disappointed, I had my eyes open.

 

[goofy4tink]

I was at the WL during the construction. I paid for a courtyard view which was a view of the construction, so yes I did ask for and receive a $50 per night 'refund'. This brought the price of the room more in line with a standard view. The original reservation was made long before the announcement and though I did think about switching over to POLY in the ent the chances of getting a decent view there was smaller as everyone wanted to be away from the construction there as well. So I stuck with the WL. We did receive a one day pass for BB and though we did not swim we did visit there and get donuts and drinks and walked through the gift shops and looked around.

I thought my compensation was appropriate and the construction while not pretty was not a huge distraction for me. However they did not OFFER anything to guests. You had to ask. I was lucky to follow that thread and find out what Disney was willing to do and came in prepared to ask for a small concession from Disney. I didn't ask for anything more than others had gotten and I would have been happy with either the tickets OR the discount. In fact I was originally told it would be one or the other and I choose the discount, but the clerk came back out and told me the manager said that I could have both.

I do think Disney should have done more for their POLY guests during the construction than BB access. I mean even giving people a small discount per night probably would have done wonders for guest's attitude and made the discomforts easier to take, while still making Disney a profit.

Unfortunately, DVC people were treated differently than 'regular' guests. No credit for us....other than a return if a few points back into my friends account. We were offered a day at BB, but we couldn't use it. We booked well before there was news of any construction. We had looked forward to relaxing beside the quiet pool over by the villas. But that area was packed with guests that normally would have used the main pool area. It was too bad really....left a somewhat bad taste in our mouths. Really, who wants to pack up and travel to another resort's pool? As DVC members, we can pretty much do that anyway.....and my friend and I seldom choose to do it. It's just too much trouble.
I'm thrilled some got compensated. It's just too bad it wasn't an automatic, across the board thing. If Disney can't provide you with the amenities you expected when you booked, they should offer compensation. You shouldn't have to ask for it. Even $25-50 a night room credit would be nice.

 

[RustManFan]

When we arrived at POR a few years ago they were paving the parking lot outside the building we wanted. They offered to move us but we elected to walk for a day or two (neighboring parking was close anyway). They apparently moved other people since we only saw 2 other people in our building during our visit (mid November)

I would always say something if I paid extra for a specific view and would expect them to find me an appropriate accommodation.

Personally I wouldn't expect any refund though