Should I trust travel agency (Magical Vacations) if non refundable

[cmac609]

Hi everybody,

I need to hear from anybody that used or have knowledge of Magical Vacations travel. We are going back to Disney in December and they are the cheapest for the WL. However, the policy is as follows:

$200 NON refundable policy by CHECK ONLY
Then the balance due 60 DAYS before leaving by CHECK ONLY too

This is different from AAA or Disney policy and I just want to see if anybody else has done this and was okay.

PLEASE help.

cmac609

 

[helenk]

I've never used Magical Vacations but I have heard of them and they've gotten pretty good reviews on these boards....but WOW thats a really strict cancelation policy. The price would have to be really great for me to book a non refundable deposit.

 

[JanB]

I agree -- that is a pretty strict policy. Also, the fact that CHECK is the only payment method accepted wouldn't sit well with me. That gives you far fewer protections in the event of a product or service not being provided as expected.

I suppose that you have to decide how much it is worth to you to get the price that they have offered. For me, I'd probably choose to pay a little bit more. I've always had a great experience with Dreams Unlimited. You can pay with credit card, if you want. And their cancellation policy is the same as Disney's.

 

[mickeynut1]

I always book through Disney myself so I don't have any experience with any travel agents, but I agree with the pp that that cancellation policy is pretty strict, especially having to pay ONLY by check . I guess you would have to look at how much cheaper they are compared to booking through Disney to see if it's worth it for you . Another thing to keep in mind is that booking through them (or any other TA) means they "own" your ressie until you check in......if you need to change dates, resorts, etc., you must contact them and they have to make the changes or answer any questions you may have as Disney won't discuss the ressie with you . I, for one, have to be in complete control of my vacation so that's why I go through Disney....but the CHECK ONLY policy as well as the non-refundable deposit would be 2 red flags....but that's just me .

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Well, here's the deal (and probably more info then you'll ever want but here goes). They may want you to pay with a check precisely because you can't challenge that $200 non-refundable fee, and to protect themselves against CC fraud on the vacation balance. If you paid with a CC you could cause a chargeback to them and recover the money if you won a challenge over an issue, or the fact that you challenge it at all can cause a chargeback depending on your CC company - so that chargeback (taking the money back from them) is exactly what MV doesn't want. I think they must be processing the check as payable to MV (would that be correct?) and then paying Disney (or whatever other vendor) out of their business account.

While I sympathize with the fact that they've probably had an issue with fraud/other problems (as an internet agency, think of all the people that contact them - mostly good and I suspect some bad) - - and so initiated this policy - that doesn't help you out any. I can also sympathize with the fact that they've done work on your behalf and the $200 non-ref deposit can pay for that time, still that is to their benefit and not yours. They could get out of the liability by taking your CC number and making the payment directly to Disney or whatever vendor they are using, and not passing it though their business acount AT ALL, but I suspect they may be adding some to the cost for their work (that $200?) and they can't charge that to Disney/vendor and then collect it back. So instead of being upfront about a service charge and charging the service charge on the card to MV, and the vacation payment to Disney/vendor - they are doing what I described above. It's actually not unusual in the travel industry, although I prefer the upfront approach. I hope I'm explaining this where it makes sense (I'm in the travel industry so I might assume it makes more sense than it possibly does to the consumer). If they are having you make payment to Disney/vendor direct, I see no benefit or reason for insisting on a check,(but hey we really can't know for sure what their reasons are as I don't work for MV) . If they aren't adding a service fee, I see no reason to not pay Disney/vendor directly, don't know what benefit they'd get by passing it though their business account. It isn't going to sit there long to benefit much from interest, although I guess you'd get a few days, as it's got to get to Disney/vendor quickly.

Not sure how they could be the cheapest on WL either as the price is set by Disney, not MV, and it looks like they maybe added a bit to it? You should make sure you are comparing apples to apples when pricing, itemize exactly what each quote includes. Perhaps some added travel insurance and MV didn't? Make sure you know!

This is conjecture on my part but it seems to be what might be happening. I'm not saying MV is bad, just that they are protecting themselves by their policy. Whether you want to accept their policy is up to you but you might want to check around about that price. You really will have no recourse about the non-refundable part but if it's the deal you want - does it matter? Is there a big chance you might have to cancel? Are they $200 cheaper than the rest? Worth the risk? On the other hand, cheapest is not always the best - what about things like this policy, their customer service, knowlege of Disney, helpfulness, ease of contacting them, etc? Lots to think about and for you to decide . . .

Good luck with it and have fun. The WL is gorgeous and one of my personal favorites - and I haven't even seen it at Xmas time!

BTW, they are requiring I think, payment 60 days in advance so they have time for your check to clear their account and then turn around and make payment to Disney/vendor by 45 days out.

 

[mickeyluvr004]

we use Kingdommagic travel.com absolutely wonderful and our agent Joyce x 702 is absolutly the BEST ever she is always looking for discounts for ya and the best personality, we truely LOVE her and your 200 deposit is refundable and you can use any type of payment cc,check, mo they take it all GOOD LUCK

 

[WillCAD]

I can't comment on the agency, because I know nothing about them, but in general I stay as far away from anything with the words "non-refundable" as I possibly can.

It doesn't matter who I'm dealing with - my OWN plans often change, and I don't like the idea of losing any of my money in the event of a cancellation. Of course, that's what travel insurance is for, but even travel insurance has its limitations and problems.

 

[whitneyNC]

I just don't know why people use Travel Agents. To me the internet has become "a travel agent". It's so easy to do your own leg work and choose what's right for you.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hmmm, depends on your type. Some people don't want to, or don't have the time to do their own legwork. A good TA is worth a great deal and can have knowledge that would save a client literally hours of research. A good TA can solve problems that a client wouldn't have a clue about how to start and some people just like the luxury of having someone do the work for them (I could go on and on but I won't). I don't personally like the above policy, although I can see the justification, and would question the same deal or close couldn't be found with another TA, or yes if the OP feels comfortable with it - on their own.

I've got a sister that would rather not go than have to do mega research on her own, just depends on the person.

OK, one more thing - the internet has actually helped a lot of TA's with getting clients. There's SO MUCH info, and much conflicting, that people need someone they can trust to sort it out

 

[bytheblood]

That is too strict a policy for me. I would go direct myself. However, it depends on if you want to manage your own reservation or not.

 

[shellbelle]

Well, here's the deal (and probably more info then you'll ever want but here goes). They want you to pay with a check precisely because you can't challenge that $200 non-refundable fee, and to protect themselves against CC fraud on the vacation balance. If you paid with a CC you could cause a chargeback to them and recover the money if you won a challenge over an issue, or the fact that you challenge it at all can cause a chargeback depending on your CC company - so that chargeback (taking the money back from them) is exactly what MV doesn't want. I think they must be processing the check as payable to MV (would that be correct?) and then paying Disney (or whatever other vendor) out of their business account.

While I sympathize with the fact that they've probably had an issue with fraud/other problems (as an internet agency, think of all the people that contact them - mostly good and I suspect some bad) - - and so initiated this policy - that doesn't help you out any. I can also sympathize with the fact that they've done work on your behalf and the $200 non-ref deposit can pay for that time, still that is to their benefit and not yours. They could get out of the liability by taking your CC number and making the payment directly to Disney or whatever vendor they are using, and not passing it though their business acount AT ALL, but I suspect they may be adding some to the cost for their work (that $200?) and they can't charge that to Disney/vendor and then collect it back. So instead of being upfront about a service charge and charging the service charge on the card to MV, and the vacation payment to Disney/vendor - they are doing what I described above. It's actually not unusual in the travel industry, although I prefer the upfront approach. I hope I'm explaining this where it makes sense (I'm in the travel industry so I might assume it makes more sense than it possibly does to the consumer). If they are having you make payment to Disney/vendor direct, I see no benefit or reason for insisting on a check,(but hey we really can't know for sure what their reasons are as I don't work for MV) . If they aren't adding a service fee, I see no reason to not pay Disney/vendor directly, don't know what benefit they'd get by passing it though their business account. It isn't going to sit there long to benefit much from interest, although I guess you'd get a few days, as it's got to get to Disney/vendor quickly.

Not sure how they could be the cheapest on WL either as the price is set by Disney, not MV, and it looks like they maybe added a bit to it? You should make sure you are comparing apples to apples when pricing, itemize exactly what each quote includes. Perhaps some added travel insurance and MV didn't? Make sure you know!

This is conjecture on my part but it seems to be what might be happening. I'm not saying MV is bad, just that they are protecting themselves by their policy. Whether you want to accept their policy is up to you but you might want to check around about that price. You really will have no recourse about the non-refundable part but if it's the deal you want - does it matter? Is there a big chance you might have to cancel? Are they $200 cheaper than the rest? Worth the risk? On the other hand, cheapest is not always the best - what about things like this policy, their customer service, knowlege of Disney, helpfulness, ease of contacting them, etc? Lots to think about and for you to decide . . .

Good luck with it and have fun. The WL is gorgeous and one of my personal favorites - and I haven't even seen it at Xmas time!

BTW, they are requiring I think, payment 60 days in advance so they have time for your check to clear their account and then turn around and make payment to Disney/vendor by 45 days out.

I agree 100%.


You should consider the following questions when making your decision.


Is the savings worth the non refundable $200 to you?

Are they providing an outstanding service?

Are they helping you plan you itinerary, make ADR's etc?

Have you been personally referred to them by someone you know?

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone:
I'm at work on break so I don't have a lot of time but I just wanted to say that I have used Magical Vacations for our last couple of trips and will definitely use them again.

The reason that they get the best rates is because they book a group. When you book with them, you are part of their group, hence the great discount. Disney gives MV these groups rates along with certain stipulations, and one of them is pre-payment, and strict cancellation fees. Also, MV gets these great rates BECAUSE it's a group rate, and it wouldn't be a group if, for example, a lot of people booked a trip and then cancelled and wanted their money back at the last moment. If that happened, then Disney would not and could not give MV such great discounts.

I am comfortable enough with the company (MV) to know that they are 100% legitimate; they offer EXCELLENT customer service (as evidenced by some Disney problems right before my last trip which Lisa took upon herself, made several phone calls, and bottom line was on MY side and got the issues all straightened out for us), and she does suggest purchasing travel insurance for the very reason of the strict cancellation policy.

If anyone has any further questions about MV I would strongly recommend that you call them directly because Lisa (the owner) would be more than happy to give you whatever info you need in order to make an informed decision.

She also responds to emails very, very quickly as well.

Again, this is my own personal opinion, based on experience working with Magical Vacations.

P.S. Lisa is excellent when it comes to her booking ADRs and tours for you! She really is like having "concierge" to book things for you. To me, this is an added benefit.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

We use Magical Vacations and have not had a problem. In fact I am working with her right now on pricies for next year.

However, this must be a new policy cause we used a credit card for our deposit. But we booked a MYW package and the refund policy was the same as Disney's. $200 deposit refundable up to 45 days out or whatever it is. Maybe that's the difference.

Lisa is very reasonable and open ask her why the policy is that way. I'm sure she will have a reasonable answer.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I hope anyone that is considering using a travel agent for their WDW vacation plans is also giving Dreams Unlimited the opportunity to quote. Afterall...they are the ones that sponsor this website (that so many people use to ask about other travel agencies ). So please give them a chance too!

OP -- If you are concerned about a non-refundable deposit go with your gut feeling and don't do it. Your piece of mind is probably worth more than whatever you're saving.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Not sure how they could be the cheapest on WL either as the price is set by Disney, not MV, and it looks like they maybe added a bit to it? You should make sure you are comparing apples to apples when pricing, itemize exactly what each quote includes. Perhaps some added travel insurance and MV didn't? Make sure you know!

Magical Vacations gets group rates for a few deluxes several times throughout the year. These are not available to the public.

 

[lvloopingbag]

I could not go for that policy. That is why I am happy to use Magical Journeys. They abide by Disney's booking policies.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Magical Vacations gets group rates for a few deluxes several times throughout the year. These are not available to the public.

Well, there you go - a group would be the other possibility re the price. Thanks for the explanation. I wonder why the MV agent didn't explain that to the OP in the first place, or perhaps they did - OP?

I still don't get the check only thing if MV is paying Disney directly though, unless Disney is requiring it or will make MV liable for it? It could still be a premium on the group rate, and they are entitled if that's it, after all they made the deal, but only thing I can think of for check only is to protect either MV or Disney against a client causing a chargeback - to make absolutely sure they get that $200. So OP, do realize that you won't have any recourse about that. Travel Insurance is great but it usually doesn't cover everything (like job loss or other unexpected cash flow problems, if you just change your mind), athough you'd have some cancellation penalties with anyone within certain timeframes, and may not get out of that even if you use a cc. You'd have to read their insurance policy carefully to see what it covers and decide if the savings is worth the risk to you. How likely are you to cancel?

Good luck with it!

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hey SeaSpray

I'd love to read about the problems you had (sorry you had some though) and how they were resolved for you. If you get a chance could you point me to those posts? I did a search but didn't find them easily as you've got lots of posts!

Thanks!

 

[LukenDC]

I have used Magical Vacations several times and have been delighted with the service rendered and their ability to secure discounts. I recommend them highly and without hesitation.

Last July I stayed at the GF on a group rate that Magical Vacations secured and it was totally legit and a significant discount.

ETA---The payment by check policy is only for the group discounted rooms. For those guests who are not staying in one of the discounted, they can pay with credit card and the charge is made by Disney. I always pay my for my room in advance and Magical Vacations sees to it that Disney charges my credit card on schedule.

 

[SeaSpray]

Hey SeaSpray

I'd love to read about the problems you had (sorry you had some though) and how they were resolved for you. If you get a chance could you point me to those posts? I did a search but didn't find them easily as you've got lots of posts!

Thanks!

Hi there:

I'm on lunch break now. LOL Anyway, there are no posts about the issues I had right before my trip this past May because I didn't post anything here about it. The problems I had were questions and issues with a few of the behind the scenes tours that I had booked, and also not hearing back from Polynesian concierge when I was trying to get the answers myself.

Lisa (owner of MV) took it upon herself to get involved even though I had booked the tours myself, and made several phone calls to concierge (I had called also but got nowhere), and so she spoke to a few people at Disney, got to the bottom of it, and got the answers I needed, and also a very satisfactory result.

Lisa is very much a full-time, dedicated travel agent. She's reachable by phone or email, which I like. She makes sure that all of your plans are in tact and accurate. I'm not saying that problems might not come up, but just knowing how she has handled my trips in the past lets me know that she won't stop working for you until she has an answer and a result. Again, this is all based on my own experiences with Lisa and Magical Vacations. And I WILL be booking my next Disney trip through her.

My ONLY advice to anyone, no matter who you use, is to ask what the conditions of the reservation are, and then make an informed decision. MV has nothing to hide; the conditions are a little "strict" for the group rates, but then you have to remember that you're getting an excellent rate in order to be part of that group. Like someone else mentioned, if you're booking with MV and not part of a group rate, then the same usual Disney policies and conditions apply.

P.S. I have used Dreams Unlimited and I feel they are a good agency as well; however I like the group rates that MV gets, and I like being able to speak to someone on the phone sometimes when I have a lot of questions and need the answers quicker than waiting for an email. But I would not discourage anyone from using DU, either.