Very Disappointed! Need Help...

[lindym]

I agree with (Jen) Pixiedustholidays. Book with a travel agent specializing in Disney. We love what we are doing and it shows. I just returned from Walt Disney World to see everything new that had opened up since my last trip in 2006. I am a travel agent specializing in Disney and I would never let any of my customers leave without knowing what parks they are doing on what days, the first attraction they will be doing each day, have reservations for table service restaurants. know about counter service restaurants, know everything about fastpass, etc. etc. I have had many people who didn't think they wanted the dining plan and then decided shortly after booking that they did. Absolutely no problem to add that on. It's different if you booked with any internet company. That is probably a packaged deal and good luck on getting a hold of a live person who knows much about Disney and can actually help you. I do wish you good luck though on adding the dining plan, I do think it is well worth it.

 

[MaeDaisy]

I think I can picture the conversations:

Convo #1
OP: We just booked a trip to WDW. Can we add the dining plan to it later if we want?
CM: Is it a package?
OP: What do you mean?
CM: A package includes your room AND tickets, and is eligible for the dining plan.
OP: Yes, we booked a room and our tickets.
CM: Is it a package?
OP: ... Yep, a room and tickets.
CM: If it's a package, then yes, you can add DDP later if you want.
OP: Cool, thanks!

Convo #2
OP: I just wanted to double check something. We booked a package including our room and our tickets. Can we add DDP later if we want?
CM: Sure, if you booked a package, you can add DDP later.
OP: Hm, that's what the other CM said, I just wanted to be sure.

The problem isn't with Disney. There was a communication gap between OP and AMEX. AMEX either didn't book what they were supposed to, or didn't properly explain what WAS booked.

 

[MaeDaisy]

... Which is not to say that I don't sympathise with you, OP. What an aggravating thing to have happen. Don't let it spoil your trip though. I hope you have a great time.

 

[bicker]

That's a pretty good explanation of what could have happened, MaeDaisy. And good advice.

 

[DisneyMim]

MaeDaisy I think you are right on. My husband and I are long time WDW visitors, DVC members, can't count the times we've stayed and I'm STILL confused when it comes to the dining plan. I just made last minute (well, not exactly last minute, but..) ressies for a quick trip, non DVC, and we must have asked the CM a million questions. We're annual pass holders and I thought (silly me!) that I could just add the dining plan on, but no, we had to book a package with Disney Unlimited. I think the problem is that people think a package is a package is a package, but in reality it's not. You need to book though Disney, NOT just any old travel agent. To the OP, dont let this ruin your trip. Make the best of it and learn from this experience. While a TA can be very helpful, booking a Disney trip in unlike other trips. There's not much Disney can do if a trip is all ready booked through an independent TA. The bottom line is that you really need to research and read everything you can before planning a trip. That's why this board is so great.

Good Luck and Have a Wonderful Trip!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I think that is where much of the misconception is. I don't know how many posts have been here where guests think they can just buy the DDP, as if it were a ticket.
It probably is made confusing due to DVC, as they don't need to buy a package.
That might be where part of confusion is -- hearing or reading where someone has bought the DDP and paid for it at check-in.
The difference is, that guest was DVC. Disney has obviously allowed DVC members an extra courtesy not offered to other guests.
(Gotta follow that consistently inconsistent. )

 

[minijeanie]

I think at this late stage you are better off to keep what you got. If you cancel and rebook there may be fees involved and worst yet your airfare might go up and who knows the resort of your choice might be gone

You stated that you got a good price. Be Happy and remember next time if you want the dining plan, to get it up front


Have a wonderful trip