What everyone think about the new policies for DDP?

[funatdisney]

Got an e-mail today from DVC regarding the new system upgrades. What I think was interesting was effective Oct 14, "the new system will require a one-night room and tax deposit for cash reservations, and payment for the Disney Dining Plan will be required at the time it's added to a reservation." That may make renting out points a bit interesting if the renter wants to add DDP. I guess they will require a credit card to so these transactions.

What do you think?

 

[Daddio]

I am not sure what it will do with regards to those renting, but I am willing to bet it will eliminate alot of confusion at check in regarding whether the guest/member added the plan or not. I always seem to see people arguing with the CM that they 'did/did not' want the dining plan on their reservation. Prepaying for it will put a stop to that.

David

 

[Sammie]

I don't see it being a problem, unless your guest is not comfortable sharing a credit card with you.

Then they will just have to do without the dining plan.

 

[funatdisney]

Well it will require the renter to pay for the DDP before they check in, which means for a renter, they will have to ask for the money up front. I do rent my points on occasion, so this will add a bit more work on my side and risk.

I am wondering how DVC members fell about it in general, also. I assume that it will require a bit more when you make your reservation in that you will need to have a credit card handy to add the DDP.

 

[firen'ice]

We ran into a situation for our trip in 3 days. My mother wanted to pay for our Dinning Plan but is arriving 3 days later than we were. She was not able to pay for the plan or our annual passes in advance. For us, this would solve a lot of issues. I also like to have everything paid for when I get there, rather than having all that room on a credit card for trip details instead of fun stuff!

 

[nu2dvc]

OK, so my question is whether this is effective for new res's made after 10/14....or for any reservation that is booked after that date...

For instance, If I have a Nov. res booked with DDP, will I still be able to pay for it at check-in?

(sorry if this is a dumb question...we are newer owners)

 

[PSC]

I guess this is a good thing for those members who want to pre-pay for everything in advance, but for most of us it means that Disney will be holding onto our money for a longer time.

As far as renters are concerned, I believe some credit card companies can supply one with an alias credit card number which is only good for one transaction. Renters who don't want their member-landlords to know their credit card number might have to use this type of arrangement.

I wonder if this will backfire on Disney, as most of us make our reservations far in advance, an also pay for our airline tickets at about the same time. For members who also want the dining plan and don't want to pay for it very early, it will mean another call to member services to add it at a later date. Will calls to member services increase as a result of this?

 

[howardlee2]

why not just add the DDP at a much later date or at check-in?

 

[TEK224]

As I understand it, the dining plan has to be added 48 hours in advance of arrival, so you don't have to let Disney hold that money any longer than 2 days.

 

[TisBit]

OK, so my question is whether this is effective for new res's made after 10/14....or for any reservation that is booked after that date...

For instance, If I have a Nov. res booked with DDP, will I still be able to pay for it at check-in?

(sorry if this is a dumb question...we are newer owners)

If you already have reservations and added the dining plan, you should be under the system where you pay at arrival. If you attempt to add the dining plan after the 14th you will have to pay at that time.

If I am not mistaken this is not a DVC change, but a WDW change, which is going into effect for DVC on the 14th. Is that correct?

 

[Sandisw]

It is not that big of a deal for us if we have to pay in advance, although we won't add it until it is almost time to go so we don't have to give Disney are money too soon.

We may not even been getting it any longer but if we do, I hope they still allow payment via Disney Reward Dollars. This is what has paid for our plan the past two summers.

As far as how it will work for owners and renters, I think that it will just need to be adjusted to accommodate for it if they want to allow their renters to have the option.

The only piece I don't know is whether MS would allow an owner to simply give a renter's credit card to pay over the phone without getting authorization (3 way call) from the card owner. Most places won't allow you to charge things on someone else's card so it will be interesting in how they handle that.

 

[TDC Nala]

I suppose on a rental contract, if the renter wants DDP, the member will have to pay to have it added, with the renter reimbursing the member. I don't think I would ever suggest that a renter give an owner their credit card number. I know I'd never ask for it if I rented my points.

Owners who want to rent may need to consider a contractual clause (if they use a contract) stating that the renter will pay the owner for the DDP prior to some date that is in advance for the deadline for DDP cancellation, and if they do not, the owner will remove the DDP from the reservation.

Personally, it makes no difference to me, as I don't rent my points and never use DDP.

why not just add the DDP at a much later date or at check-in?

DDP can't be added at check-in. For DVC reservations the limit is no later than 48 hours before arrival. Not sure how that would work with renting, to add it that late, unless the renter has already paid the member for it.

If I am not mistaken this is not a DVC change, but a WDW change, which is going into effect for DVC on the 14th. Is that correct?

On cash reservations, DDP had to be part of a package reservation, which is required to be paid in full no later than 45 days from arrival. I haven't heard that WDW will now require guests on packages to pay in full for their DDP at the time they add it to the reservation, if they add it more than 45 days from arrival (if they add it within 45 days they are already required to pay it in full at the time they add it).

 

[funatdisney]

As far as how it will work for owners and renters, I think that it will just need to be adjusted to accommodate for it if they want to allow their renters to have the option.

The only piece I don't know is whether MS would allow an owner to simply give a renter's credit card to pay over the phone without getting authorization (3 way call) from the card owner. Most places won't allow you to charge things on someone else's card so it will be interesting in how they handle that.

The Disney reward cards I have not occurred to me. We go to WDW every two to three years. I would have put the DDP on my Disney Reward card, since I can accumulate quite a balance by then. I sure hope that they do accept the Disney reward cards.

I suppose on a rental contract, if the renter wants DDP, the member will have to pay to have it added, with the renter reimbursing the member. I don't think I would ever suggest that a renter give an owner their credit card number. I know I'd never ask for it if I rented my points.

Owners who want to rent may need to consider a contractual clause (if they use a contract) stating that the renter will pay the owner for the DDP prior to some date that is in advance for the deadline for DDP cancellation, and if they do not, the owner will remove the DDP from the reservation.

Personally, it makes no difference to me, as I don't rent my points and never use DDP.

I, as a renter, would never use a renter's credit card to make this transaction. I would prefer to have it paid up front and then pay for it. That would add to the risk on both renter and Member, I think. It also means changing the contact, as you mentioned.

 

[patsal]

Just add it 48 hours before arrival and you're not out the money 11 months before you use the product you are purchasing. We had a split stay once and I wasn't sure if I wanted the DDP for the second half. I called two days before check in on the second half and added it once I realized that we at least broke even. It was a 2 minute cell phone call, so now plan on 5 minutes while they take your credit card info!

 

[Sammie]

I checked today with MS about booking for a guest and the DDP as I am going to make reservations later in October for my brother and needed to make sure what the policy would be.

I was told if you have a guest booked; the payment will have to come from them by way of a credit card.

So yes the guest is going to have to give you their CC info, the agent I spoke was quite detailed about what info would be needed, including the 3 digit security code.

She also reminded me that if for some reason there is a problem with the CC used for room charges etc. I as the member will be held accountable. I asked if this is something they are reminding everyone now, and she said they try because there have been some problems lately with CCs.

 

[mybabesuz]

I am not sure what it will do with regards to those renting, but I am willing to bet it will eliminate alot of confusion at check in regarding whether the guest/member added the plan or not. I always seem to see people arguing with the CM that they 'did/did not' want the dining plan on their reservation. Prepaying for it will put a stop to that.

David

My last two trips they messed up my Dining Plan.
I am happy they are doing this.
One less thing to worry about at check in.
Adding it 2 days prior shouldn't be a big deal for those who don't want to lend their money to Disney.
As far as renters... I'm not sure about that one, but maybe once the new online reservation system is up and running
there will be a way for the renter to go online and pay.
It seems like they are catering a little more to the "guest" of DVC members.

Among the enhanced system's benefits to Members will be automatic e-mail reservation confirmations and the ability for Members' guest(s) to receive confirmations at the Members' request. Members also will be able to have one itinerary and confirmation number that represents all segments of their vacation (multiple rooms, resorts, reservation types, etc.). Most importantly, this system enhancement lays the final foundation for the planned introduction of online booking in 2011.

 

[kimberh]

I checked today with MS about booking for a guest and the DDP as I am going to make reservations later in October for my brother and needed to make sure what the policy would be.

I was told if you have a guest booked; the payment will have to come from them by way of a credit card.

So yes the guest is going to have to give you their CC info, the agent I spoke was quite detailed about what info would be needed, including the 3 digit security code.

She also reminded me that if for some reason there is a problem with the CC used for room charges etc. I as the member will be held accountable. I asked if this is something they are reminding everyone now, and she said they try because there have been some problems lately with CCs.

I have been doing a lot of thinking about this for a few weeks.
1. If a DVC member has a guest, they need to tell them upfront about the new policy, get a price for the DDP for the party, add the amount to the reservation and get the money in plenty of time to pay MS for it when it is booked. Then It can be booked on the DVC members CC and the owner doesn't have to worry about it being kicked back on them if they had waited until 48 hrs to add it.

2. IF, MS will except Disney Gift Cards, then the Guest can purchase those with whatever means they choose and pay for the DDP that way. Use their Own CC to get their Rewards points if they have one that pays that way.

Once I had someone give me all the info on their CC, I was as nervous as they were. There is Paypal, a CC can be used for that. Really don't want to go that way, the guest will have to pay the paypal %.

3. Or, just don't buy the DDP.

Anyone else have any ideas?

Just today, I booked two family trips and didn't add the DDP for either one. I will call tomorrow and add it, just so I don't have to pay at booking. I have 9 on one and 7 on the other.

 

[n2mm]

I like some of the new upcoming enhancements. I'm sure there will be glitches in the system. I don't rent my points, so don't have to deal with any hassles there. I can't wait for the online reservation system for 2011! I like being in control. I know it took awhile for most folks to get use to the new dining system, but I find that works great now, especially after the last enhancement. I remember the days when AP holders could only book over the phone and now it's great just searching for the AP discounted rooms. I'm sure we'll have to go through some craziness until things smooth out, but in the end I hope it's a good solution.

 

[joandegennaro]

With this new policy doesn't it eliminate the option of DP for only 1 part of a 2 resort stay. Having all linked together with only 1 reservation number would require you to have the dinning plan for your whole trip. How will this affect DVC members use of DDP? Will you just not add it at all? I was considering a 2 room change and adding the DP on the studio portion as we would be without a kitchen....what will happen now?

 

[CarolMN]

I checked today with MS about booking for a guest and the DDP as I am going to make reservations later in October for my brother and needed to make sure what the policy would be.

I was told if you have a guest booked; the payment will have to come from them by way of a credit card.

So yes the guest is going to have to give you their CC info, the agent I spoke was quite detailed about what info would be needed, including the 3 digit security code.

She also reminded me that if for some reason there is a problem with the CC used for room charges etc. I as the member will be held accountable. I asked if this is something they are reminding everyone now, and she said they try because there have been some problems lately with CCs.

If this is true (and I am only questioning the CM, not you, Sammie), then I think DVC has stumbled on another way to discourage renting. IMO, very few renters will agree to give the owner CC info (unless it is a one-time use card), and very few owners will want to mess with collecting $$ ahead of time and paying DVC on the renter's behalf. Those that do will probably be even more firm about no-cancellations.

If I rented (and I haven't to date), I would tell the renter to arrange for a one-time, pre-loaded credit card for the exact amount required. That would limit the renter's risk and simplify things for me. If the renter decided to cancel the DP, then the refund would go to the card and the renter could get his/her money back without me involved (except to actually call to request the cancellation).

I believe that the policy change is directly related to the reservation system upgrades. It appears that MS and CRO will be using pretty much the same system. There may be more changes coming because of this. We'll see.