Saying "no charging privileges doesn't always work...

[Dean]

Originally posted by LoveToDisney
Hi Everyone!

I promised to report back what happened. Bank One chose not to fight Disney and the charge of $51.12 will have to be paid since I could not produce a cash receipt to support my case (since I didn't know to ask for one--but I sure do NOW!). Disney was NOT required to produce a signed receipt.

Although I wish I had gotten my credit, I'm more concerned that Disney is ignoring the easy way that guests may be cheated. While investigating my problem it became very, very evident that ANY Disney employee that works at the FRONT DESK can charge against your cc WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE OR SIGNATURE and as long as they make sure to discretely remove the same amount from the cash till, you are made to look like a fool. Since you cannot have a cash receipt for what you do not know about, you will lose everytime if you try to fight it. It is my hope that Disney changes this policy because it is a very dangerous loophole that relies solely on the honesty of their employees. When I questioned the policy to the Disney Research and Billing dept, the rep from Disney said that "they don't hire anyone that would do such a thing..." but agreed to put the information into his report because he also could see the gaping loophole that existed regarding the front desk and miscellaneous charges for purchases such as E-Tickets, etc.

Sorry it didn't work out but I think it was predictable. While I think it's possible for this to happen as you warn, it's very unlikely. CM could also take your credit card info and perform identity theft if they chose. Your case was different though in that you did get the tickets so it was not a random issue, it was simply your word against theirs. And Disney knows who the CM was that was working on your account so if they see any type of pattern or other problems the person will be terminated. There's always a certain amount of risk to using a credit card in any situation. But as you warn, we should all be careful and keep our receipts.

 

[LoveToDisney]

Your are very right Dean. I'm a much smarter cc holder than I was before my first trip home to DVC! I hope my story helps others not get a surprise the way I did.

 

[flexsmom]

I'm a little surprised by this, simply because I find Disney to be receipt-crazed. Whether it's a $100 art print or a $1 bottle of water, I had to sign a receipt for it - regardless of where it was purchased. (I realize that's a little bit different since I was using my KTTW card for charges.) But, when I bought tickets at the front desk, I signed a receipt there, too. At the time I found it all to be somewhat humorous - I could have found my way out of a forest with the trail of receipts that were falling out of my daily backpack! But from this, I'm realizing that it's a good thing - for guests and for Disney.

 

[flexsmom]

I'm a little surprised by this, simply because I find Disney to be receipt-crazed. Whether it's a $100 art print or a $1 bottle of water, I had to sign a receipt for it - regardless of where it was purchased. (I realize that's a little bit different since I was using my KTTW card for charges.) But, when I bought tickets at the front desk, I signed a receipt there, too. At the time I found it all to be somewhat humorous - I could have found my way out of a forest with the trail of receipts that were falling out of my daily backpack! But from this, I'm realizing that it's a good thing - for guests and for Disney.

 

[DebbieB]

Sorry to hear it didn't work out. The sad part is you never even left a credit card authorization at the front desk, doesn't seem right.

I think it was Bank One that wouldn't give me help on airline tickets a few years ago. I had booked it with USAirways with the senior citizen discount because my mom was over 62, they allowed the senior & one companion to have a 10% discount. I did it online and printed the receipt with the discounted price. I was charged the full price. I went back online to look at my receipt and it was changed to the higher price. I had a printout with the lower price and they would not honor it. USAir said the fare I booked was not eligible for the discount. But why did they give me a receipt with the discount? Bank One said it was a dispute with the company, they would not get involved.

 

[manning]

Do two things.

1. forget about the refund. life is too short for that amount. However you were right to challenge it.

2. Get Bank One out of your life. Cancel the card and go elsewhere.

Guess who I won't consider for my banking needs.

 

[Dean]

2. Get Bank One out of your life. Cancel the card and go elsewhere.

Guess who I won't consider for my banking needs. [/B]

In favor of who, Capital City. Hard to stay away from BankOne and have a Mastercard or Visa including the Disney or Marriott card. I actually find them far easier to deal with and more reasonable than AE.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I could have found my way out of a forest with the trail of receipts that were falling out of my daily backpack

LOL! So TRUE! When we are at Disney, it is sometimes comical how many receipts we have pouring out of bags, pockets, fannypacks, ect, each night!

 

[Disney1fan2002]

OK, I just had a thought. What if, it is not the CM at the front desk that is at fault, but the CM that took the CASH and did not return a receipt?

Here is the scenerio, and could be an explanation as to why the cc was charged to begin with.....what if the OP paid for the tickets with cash, as stated, the CM probably "forgot" to give out a receipt for payment. Later in the day, he notices the cash order and realizes that the consumer has no proof of purchase, so he pockets the money. I don't know the exact particulars on how this could happen, but on that idea. Then, at some point, another CM is balances the purchases with payments, and maybe by the OP"s badluck or whatever, sees that her order was the only one that had no money attached to it....so, they go to the cc on file, not the one that was given, because it wasn't, but the one used to make the reservation.

This whole incident is very bizzare, so anything could of happened. I am placing my bet on the cm who handles the CASH.

Lesson learned, ASK for a receipt for EVERYTHING when at Disney.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by flexsmom
I'm a little surprised by this, simply because I find Disney to be receipt-crazed. Whether it's a $100 art print or a $1 bottle of water, I had to sign a receipt for it - regardless of where it was purchased. (I realize that's a little bit different since I was using my KTTW card for charges.) But, when I bought tickets at the front desk, I signed a receipt there, too. At the time I found it all to be somewhat humorous - I could have found my way out of a forest with the trail of receipts that were falling out of my daily backpack! But from this, I'm realizing that it's a good thing - for guests and for Disney.

And that is a good thing when you are paying with a CC or room key, but the OP paid cash and still had it put on her CC as well. I certainly will ask for receipts for cash purchases from now on! I suspect I always make sure to get them anyway, since DH is a receipt nut!

 

[LoveToDisney]

Originally posted by manning
1. forget about the refund. life is too short for that amount. However you were right to challenge it.

So true...I'm very happy it was only $50 that was in question and I've learned a valuable lesson.

2. Get Bank One out of your life. Cancel the card and go elsewhere.

I think the result would have been the same no matter what card company was involved, but because Bank One is closely "tied" with Disney (providing the Disney CC), they are not going to rock the boat with Disney when the decision is a toss up. I'm hanging onto the Disney CC and hoping to enjoy many awards dollars. If I get burned another way, then........

 

[manning]

Hard to stay away from BankOne and have a Mastercard or Visa including the Disney or Marriott card. I actually find them far easier to deal with and more reasonable than AE.

I use two cards that I pay a fee and get awards.

Diners for its primary auto insurance coverage on car rentals (I rent a lot) and American Express for Starwood points and room upgrades I'm looking forward to that (week of free lodging in Hawaii).

I have both Visa and Mastercard that are not associated with Bank One and Capital. Of course, I'm not interested in Disney awards. Just not convinced they are worth it.

At one time or another I have had to challenge charges with all brands and have had no trouble getting them resolved.

As far as I'm concerned about Bank One not wanting to rock the boat with Disney I take the same attitude towards them as I do towards politicians. They want to cater to the money then I will support the competition.

And yes, if any of the above mentioned institutions give me trouble I will cease to do business with them. Life is too short chasing those alleged free perks. Ever thought who pays for them? LoveToDisney found out through her experience. One way or another....you pay.

 

[Ksp]

Originally posted by DebbieB
I don't understand why they were asked for a credit card # for a points reservation. I don't recall ever being asked for that. The only time I ever gave DVC my credit card # was for my points purchase. Ironically, that was the biggest amount I've ever charged and I didn't have to sign (I did it over the phone)!

I haven't had a chance to read all the posts to this thread, so I'll apologize in advance if someone has already mentioned this....

In our experience, when we check in for points stay the cm at the front desk always asks us for a credit card...even before asking if we want to charge to the room.

I've been told by cm at the desk that it's a way to verify my ID....bearing in mind that they have my DVC ID card and my reso confirmation sheet (yup, I bring that w/us) right in front of them.

Come to think of it, they've never asked to see a photo ID/driver's license...just my cc w/my name on it. I am so used to giving my cc at check in at other hotels (non-DVC/WDW ones) that I've never given it a moments thought before.
I really like the express check out option.

After that point I am usually asked if I want to charge to the room, will the kids get charging privelges, etc.

So far, knock on wood, I've never had any problems. I am also absolutely anal about asking for and keeping receipts. Drives my husband nuts, lol! And I confess that I take time each night to subtotal our daily purchases...my DH is convinced that I'm suffering from some disease since he never saves receipts. I guess it's true that opposites attract.

 

[crisi]

I'm sorry they didn't reimburse you.

We had a meal last trip that never showed up on our account. We charge everything to the room. When I got back here to make out my trip report, that was when I did more than glance through the bill (probably bad of me). One of our meals was missing and we've never paid for it. I KNOW we charged it to our room - it was the first meal of the trip and my husband's aunt kept trying to give use money, so I'm fairly certain we didn't accidently walk out on the bill (which would be so embrassing to discover!). Hope it never got charged somewhere else!

 

[LoveToDisney]

The $51.12 charge in question (the charge for E-tickets that showed up on my cc bill when I had purchased them with cash) has not shown up on my Disney CC for more than 3 statement cycles after it was placed in question at BankOne and went through review with Disney's Research and Billing dept. I had received a letter about 2 months ago that my claim had been rejected and I would have to pay, but so far, nothing has showed up. So.....maybe my message was heard that they are not doing things correctly at the front desk of BCV which had opened the doorway for CMs to charge at their discretion to a cc at any time without approval. I hope they are now requiring signatures for all charges that are made for tickets, etc. to show that it is a customer who is using the cc (I know this can't include charges for the phone or cable internet, etc.) Just thought I would report back regarding this continuing situation.

 

[Muushka]

Thank you for the update. I sure hope you are right.

I'm happy for you.

 

[quentina]

I believe the limit set is based on the type of resort. Every time I have stayed at the value resort, limit is $500. Moderate was $1000....Now, since I am a DVC owner and staying at the more expensive resorts, limit is $1500.00. This is what they gave me at HH. I also had this at OKW and BWV.

Also, from what I was told, you can charge us to the set amount. At this point, they charge your credit card in full and you then start fresh.

Lucky for me, I have never had a charging issue at any Disney resort.

Kim

 

[twotoohappy]

I'm confused

My first visit home to VWL was a couple of weeks ago. I checked in, was asked if I wanted to charge to the room.....I said no.....so they didn't take a card.

When I went to check out, I asked , what should I do to check out, and the front desk said,,,, just leave. No signing anything. Is that normal? We hung around the room for another hour and then left. Aren't you suppose to tell somebody you're leaving or do they figure it out when the maids come?

 

[manning]

Boy, if didn't leave a credit card number at all, Disney has a nice bill to collect. Did you leave a credit card number when you made a reservation? If so, look for the charges on your next statement. If not, I'm sure someone from Disney will be contacting you. When they do explain what happened and tell them you'd gladly pay you bill if someone there will gladly accept.

Was there a bill hanging on your door or on the floor the morning you checked out? That means you had express checkout.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by manning
Boy, if didn't leave a credit card number at all, Disney has a nice bill to collect. Did you leave a credit card number when you made a reservation? If so, look for the charges on your next statement. If not, I'm sure someone from Disney will be contacting you. When they do explain what happened and tell them you'd gladly pay you bill if someone there will gladly accept.

Was there a bill hanging on your door or on the floor the morning you checked out? That means you had express checkout.

If twotoohappy used points and didn't charge to the room, the only likely charges would have been things like phone calls and towel packs.