So....I need to fire my Travel Agent/Old Thread...New Update

[daisy112878]

Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry for all the troubles you're having. I really hope you got a good update today.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Well, I got kind of a non-update from DCL. They don't want to do anything until the TA pays off the cruise, because he "owns" the reservation.

After that they might consider trasferring the reservation away from him so that the tickets will come to us, but only if the TA says its ok.

Up until now, DCL was looking good in this, but I'm not too happy with them today.

 

[thecooley]

Too bad DCL can't revoke the reservation the TA "owns" and re-book you themselves. One would think that Disney would go out of their way to make things right, considering they bestowed the title of Authorized Vacation Planner to these lunatics.

 

[zulaya]

Maybe you should inquire with DCL and see if, considering the bizarre circumstances, you cancelled with your TA and then rebooked with DCL directly, if you could get the same price you paid originally.

I hate it when people say, "Lesson learned", but this type of situation is why I will be hard pressed to ever use a TA of any kind when I am perfectly capable of making my own arrangements and getting my own insurance.

It really seems you are stuck between a rock and a hard place and I feel for you.

 

[dredick]

Oh Tom, i'm so sorry! i wish it worked out better!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

On the bright side, I was able to obtain a fax number and I faxed over the TA's email to the reservations supervisor I have been talking to.

I don't think they realized how bad it was.

They do now.

 

[disneyismyname]

I'm so sorry that this happened to you. Hope things get better.

 

[disneynewbee]

I can't believe the way this guy talked to you, he'll never stay in business like that. I hope he gets what he deserves, at least I hope disney strips him of his title which will cost him a good deal of Disney Cruise travelers.

 

[pixidustmom]

Tom, gosh what a bad situation. I hope that something can be worked out soon. Keep us updated to what they say about your fax to them with the email correspondents.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Still hoping for a happy ending for you!!!

 

[poohfriend]

Tom --

I hope that this TA will be delighted to release your reservation. I for one doubt it when they are so close to getting paid. (sorry).

I think you should write formal letters to everyone at DCL and Disney you can obtain an address. Ask the person you've been talking to for addresses. This is Disney, they won't offer anything unless you ask.

I haven't followed the Drama closely. But what I do understand is that the Travel Agency is paying with an Agency check which means that if you cancel, Disney will refund them first.

I am so dissapointed that Disney and other travel providers don't have a system for dealing with these horrible circumstances. I think it should be in the commission contracts between these agencies and Disney that if extenuating circumstances _________title of Disney Cruise line can revolk "ownership" of a reservation.

There are many great travel agents (and even those who know DIsney) who do not have the priviledge of being called "Authorized" Disney Vacation Planners. I think DISNEY should share a portion of the responsibility for the awful experience. They allow the agency to use the DISNEY name and EARS! Shouldn't there be some assurance there that you'll be able to get at least the most basic service from them? (including the ability to book shore excursions when eligible!) I would be shouting to everyone possible at Disney...and not just the cruiseline. That "authorized" logo they use is because of overall sales and other factors.

I would copy the letter you quote toward the beginning of this thread and send it everywhere. It certainly does not reflect a willingness to serve the DIsney guest. YOUR cruise will begin with a bitter taste ... EVEN though it is not completely Disney's fault, they do have an obligation to ensure the guest is treated well. COMPLAIN -- LOUDLY! Maybe if enough clients share your distrust of this agency, Disney will not pay them commission anymore.

I agree with other posters, since the agency has forgotten that their pocketbook is NOT the customer, they are likely to go under soon. You can't treat your customer like this and expect business.

I'd also consider if there is anything that Disney could do to make it up to you ...wasn't part of your willingness to use this Agency again because of that Disney "authorized" logo? What could Disney do to make it better? ASK!!

Hopefully the agency will fully pay your cruise ontime!

I certainly hope that by the time you get to your cruise that you are relaxed and looking forward to a delightful vacation. I can think of no vacation I enjoy more than a Disney Cruise...

Looking forward to hearing about your GREAT vacation!

 

[Coach Rick]

On the bright side, I was able to obtain a fax number and I faxed over the TA's email to the reservations supervisor I have been talking to.

I don't think they realized how bad it was.

They do now.

Way to go Tom. This is just unreal. I have been following this thread with great interest, and fully thought we would be hearing of a resolution by now. About a year ago upon some convincing of a friend, I got hooked up with a travel agency and started booking for family and friends. Since then I started getting friends of friends booking with me. I can't imagine doing something like this, EVER. I also have an embroidery business, and refuse to take payment until the product is done and delivered. It's not only they I prefer to do business, but it's the right way IMO to do business. There is not much to being "Disney Authorized" BTW. Once again, I hope you get a quick resolution to this "fiasco". BTW, I don't blame you for giving them a second chance. Just sounds to me like you have a heart, and understand things sometimes happen, but not twice. One thing for sure, YOU BETTER ENJOY THIS CRUISE>>>>>>>YOU REALLY WORKED FOR THIS ONE!

Again, GOOD LUCK!

 

[lbgraves]

I worked as a TA with the military for many years and have been impressed enough with their customer service that each of my own personal cruises have been on DCL, too. When my mother passed away toward the end of my last cruise, they were amazing...left a message asking to speak with my husband about one of our charges (in case I got the message instead) and offered to give us unlimited use of the phone, sent a fruit & cheese basket up, assigned someone to help us with everything we'd need and even arranged for us to be first off the ship, so that we could make it to her memorial service in time (our dining staff even delivered breakfast to our cabin that last morning...twice, by accident...they wanted to make sure we ate though!). I can't recommend Disney highly enough...it's just sad that your TA doesn't care about the level of service they provide the same way Disney does.

I have been following this horrible situation to see how it does get resolved but have to comment on how nice it is to read about how DCL did something right. We always see the posts about people not being happy when something is wrong for them. It is good to know that DCL does go out of their way to help when something like this happens.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

Tom:

I just read this! So sorry this is happening - how frustrating!!! I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the very best! Hope Disney comes through for you - and soon!!!!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Disney is unable/unwilling to do anything at this point. They have been told by the TA that "the check is in the mail".

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Oh..that is so frustrating!! What happens if they don't pay by the 75 days mark???? Will you lose the cruise??

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Oh..that is so frustrating!! What happens if they don't pay by the 75 days mark???? Will you lose the cruise??

Since the deposits are there and since there A LOT of notes, probably not.

 

[castlegazer]

I think any more poking of the beehive may jeopardize Tom's cruise. I would leave all alone at this point and ensure that if anything happens, like non-payment by the drop dead date, that the consumer reporters know about it as mentioned before. Disney can/should also work to ensure that the reservation does not get cancelled.

Tom, I think you're going to be fine. Relax, and enjoy packing.

There is nothing that can not be worked out once on board - Palo included. Most of the excursions don't sell out and if they do, most times there are independent providers to step in and provide the experience for you. Honestly, I think it's better to wait as a first time cruise to book things until you have gotten on board. Who knows what may conflict with that excursion for you guys, and who knows if you still want the time that is available to you at 75 days out for Palo. It will be fine. The stress of the reservation marks is often times uneeded.

I think you definitely need to work with another travel agent next time around and when all is set and the money is with Disney - raise holy hell!!!!

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Oh Tom! I've been lurking on this thread and have been awaiting some more positive news after hearing DCL was making an effort to get the TA's attention. You're such a positive, giving person and deserving of so much more respect. I'll continue to send positive thoughts your way as I keep up with your updates.

Karma. Karma. It's a good thing. In the meantime, I'm so sorry that you're loosing out on the bookings when you want to place them. It will work out for ya!

 

[castlegazer]

Oh, and by the way, since you are in a group, you may want to look into booking the private room at Palo anyways. This can't be done until much closer to the cruise - so you're fine!