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

[CDolacki2003]

I also am currently using Lisa from Magical Vacations. I talked to her last night about this rate since I will be at the Poly for this special rate period. She has gone over and above to help me plan my WDW vacation and answer each and every question I have plagued her with LOL . I would not hesitate to use her.

 

[NJRRK]

I actually have used MV twice (last year and this year) and Lisa has been great and up-front about everything.

I went to book one of the group rates she had but as I wasn't actually sure of the dates I passed and had her book me a regular room, which I was glad of since my dates DID change. She was upfront about the group rate, the cancellation policy and why she needed checks, not Credit Cards for the group rate, but since this is a public forum I suggest if you're really interested and concerned to ask her, she'll explain everything. Lisa even called me last year from her vacation when free dining was opened up to ask if I wanted my reservation changed.

I will recommend her and I used to do all the planning myself, but she makes my life easier. I've even met her and she's just as nice in person as she is professional on the phone.

 

[McKelly]

Don't you lose the $200.00 with Disney also, if you cancel within 45 days? It doesn't seem much different. Or do you lose the ENTIRE AMOUNT if you book with MV and cancel within 60 days?

Ouch, I wouldn't like losing $200.00, but I could live with it, but the entire amount of vacation dollars, especially staying at the Poly would put me over the edge!!! LOL!!

 

[kimbo0569]

I used to work for a tour company (sold European trips, not Disney) but I think most tour operators/travel agencys that sell packages, you will find that the deposit is normally non refundable. At least that was the policy with the tour operator that I worked for, and for most that I've seen in the past.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi Seaspray,

Thanks for explaining that, especially on your lunch hour I'm always interested in learning how problems were resolved.

It sounds like lots have had good experiences with MV. I agree, ask them about the conditions, I'm only speculating here - from what I've seen some agencies do.

 

[yamiyani]

What is their website?

 

[LukenDC]

What is their website?

http://www.**********************.com/

 

[cmac609]

First of all I want to thank everybody for their replies. Lisa did promptly call me back and explain everything to me in great details. I totally understand the policies now. She even went out to give me referrals if I wanted them.

It is a group booking and that is why the deposit is non-refundable. She was great and we will be booking with her.

We are really excited about going back to disney twice in one year and our first time at WL especially for Christmas.

Thanks again.

 

[vicki_c]

I haven't used them either, but they are the TA that Tikiman uses for his [special Tiki-themed annual event at the Poly -- interesting what gets censored here!] and I posted some great package deals they had earlier this year on another board I participate in. They have just recently came out with a whole new set of package specials for 2008.

Quite a few people reported very large savings from those previous offers -- one person said she saved $1800 on her Poly room. However, someone else was unhappy because they tried to change something or cancel or something and didn't realize about the non-refundable policy. So it's all in what you're comfortable with -- just make sure you read the fine print with any TA, like a PP said.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Perhaps it would be more appropriate to discuss this on the website Magical Vacation Travels sponsors?

 

[vicki_c]

Perhaps it would be more appropriate to discuss this on the website Magical Vacation Travels sponsors?

So then we shouldn't discuss touringplans on the TGM-sponsored Theme Parks Board either? And since there currently isn't any Tikiman site anymore, and it's uncertain if it will be operating again in the future, I'm not sure there is such a place anyway!!

 

[rt2dz]

Perhaps it would be more appropriate to discuss this on the website Magical Vacation Travels sponsors?

Wow. If we only talk about things that/services that are officially sponsored, why are we talking about any WDW resorts at all? The Swan and Dolphin sponsor this board, not Walt Disney World.

I think it would make these boards a heck of a lot less valuable if we sensor that much. Just my opinion.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I looked at Tikiman's site today - maybe it's not being updated but it does still exist (as of today anyway). I'm confused I'd put a link in but are we not supposed to?

OP, happy things are working out for you. Enjoy your trip!

 

[cmac609]

Thanks for everybody's help and advice.

I looked at Tikiman's site today - maybe it's not being updated but it does still exist (as of today anyway). I'm confused I'd put a link in but are we not supposed to?

OP, happy things are working out for you. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks. I know we will enjoy our trip. I noticed that we are going to be in Disney at the same time. we are leaving the 11th of December. Where are you staying at?

 

[Allison]

Perhaps it would be more appropriate to discuss this on the website Magical Vacation Travels sponsors?

I don't think so. The owner of this site obviously has decided it's okay to talk about what travel agent you want to talk about. They don't make us discuss only official sponsors.

If they don't worry about it, why should a poster on the site?

 

[Allison]

First of all I want to thank everybody for their replies. Lisa did promptly call me back and explain everything to me in great details. I totally understand the policies now. She even went out to give me referrals if I wanted them.

It is a group booking and that is why the deposit is non-refundable. She was great and we will be booking with her.

We are really excited about going back to disney twice in one year and our first time at WL especially for Christmas.

Thanks again.

That's great to hear.

 

[PrincessDreams2]

Another vote here for Kingdom Magic Vacations. My agent is Buddy, and he is fabulous!! He applied discounts after they came out (like free dining) and made all my ADR's for me, in addition to recommending specific activities we might like. I would not have done it any other way. Their deposit and payment policy was similiar to that of the OP, and I felt comfortable with that. They do take credit cards, however. I did shop around, and really didn't see much of a price difference with other travel agencies, even at AAA. But the service I got was exceptional. If it is your first time, I would recommend it.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Thanks. I know we will enjoy our trip. I noticed that we are going to be in Disney at the same time. we are leaving the 11th of December. Where are you staying at?

cmac609 - my travel plans are always subject to change, DH says not to even tell him the details until we're leaving! We will arrive either on 12/10 evening or 12/11 morning (depending on whether I decide on flying or Amtrak), right now we are staying at the BCV's in a 1 bedroom (we're DVC members) and leaving 12/14. It's a short trip to celebrate my birthday at WDW and go to an MVMCP. If I could get a concierge room with a discount at YC, GF or WL, we may change our accomodations (see what DH means?) but so far I've been unsuccessful at that.

We haven't been to a MVMCP in several years and will probably go to the one on 12/11 (my b-day). How about you?

Our DVC home resort is VLW, needless to say we love it there, were just there last April. Have you stayed at WL before? I'm sure it's going to be gorgeous at Christmas time!

 

[mickey2minnie1]

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.

I am considering this. If you have to cancel for emergency, will they keep the 200 and apply to a new booking, or is it a total loss for a group booking?

Thanks!

 

[ttstroker]

the 200 deposit is a total loss. also if its past the 60 day mark the whole thing is a total loss if its with the group discount. if its more than 60 days before your check-in you get a refund of any money put down minus the 200.