What's a hostage to do....

[BuzzBoyMom]

To make a long story shorter....

I've been struggling for a year to work with my TA. I went with AAA thinking I would get "service" and never having cruised in the past, I wanted to be able to reach out and touch someone.

So after my first AAA TA kept getting all the information wrong on confirmation letters (room numbers, cruise date, etc), I spoke with a manager. She convinced me to give her another try.

Then, for months things seemed okay....mainly because there was nothing to do.

So, about 3 weeks ago, I ask my TA to send me a final bill and confirmation....and guess what, not only was the room number and cruise date wrong AGAIN, but she was showing that I still owed several thousands more than I did. Clearly some of my payments weren't being applied to my account even though my CC was charged. So, I "complained" (I probably should use a harsher word here) and now the district manager is taking my file.

But here is where I need advice - and keep in mind I am 65 days out - the district manager who is working my case has been out with pneummonia. She has called me from home so she seems to be trying to work my case. BUT - after giving her my credit card last Friday, it STILL hasn't been charged for my final payment. I would understand a day or two delay in the posting, but two questions:
1. When should I REALLY start to worry? (yes, I have already been worrying and calling...and AAA is telling me everything is paid)
2. What can I do? (short of almost harassing this TA with phone calls and checking my CC every day, I'm at wits end)....and I tried to sneak a call to Disney...the kind lady there verified that Disney doesn't show the final payment either.

HELP! Sob! Sob!!!
Karen

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

Karen, take a deep breath and get a really big glass of wine.

Everything will work out fine. Is it possible that the DM is still out sick and hasn't been able to process your cc yet? Keep in mind to, that based no your cc co., even though AAA processes a charge, it may not show right away. Are you able to check unprocessed transactions?
Short of breathing and wine, keep harassing that TA. Explain to her, politely - after all we must maintain a Disneylike decorum, that you only have 65 days til you leave and would hate to have to get all Cruella deVille on her.

If you need to vent, give a holler, all 55,000 of your closest friends are around.

 

[Scratch42]

It still has not gone thru!

It's time to go CRUELLA on her! Our final payment was due last Saturday! Have no mercy! We are talking big bucks here! Is there anyway that you can make a personal appearance at the AAA office and raise a little "HEdouble hockey sticks!"

If they claim they have made final payment, get it in writing!

Go Get them! Time is of the essence here!

Good Luck!

Keep us posted!

Scratch


PS In case Cruella reads this, Luv Ya, Mean it!

 

[yourtravelpro]

The stress this is causing you is probably preventing you from getting excited about your cruise.

What I would do is give Disney a call and advise them of the situation. At least they can make notes in their file. They might also be able to call your TA with you on the other line.

If the TA put payment thru, Disney would be able to see it on their end right away. Even if it's just pending, they will still be able to see that it has been made. Also confirm with Disney your sailing date and cabin assignment.

Disney number is 800-511-1333

Good luck!

 

[BuzzBoyMom]

Thanks. I'll take the advice on the wine - I'll take any excuse to have a drink tonight. Been a rough day.

I know it might take a few days and yes the DM IS still out. (Which I feel bad for her being so sick). But where does that leave me? She told me that before Disney will cancel my ressie (if they messed up something with the last payment) they will call them. Is that true?

I'm just stuck between sitting back and believing the TA OR seeing it for my own eyes. Yes, I am a control freak - SORRY!!

Where does trust end and stupidity begin.....

After I typed that, I realized that we haven't heard from BD in a while. HEY BD - are you out there...I'm sure my last sentence is a target for you!


Anyway, thanks ... my cruise thread people have been listening to me vent and I just wanted to see if any of you know something I can do. The glass of wine being step #1.

 

[ChattyKathy]

You know it, I would have been in they're face long before this.. But I understand you are giving them the benefit of the doubt here. I'm with scratch42 on this one!
You mean to tell me that no one else in that AAA office there can do what the one sick lady does... someone else has to have been able to finish up this ressie for you. Tooo much time has gone by...I would have had to go above her head by now, (with all the cc statements for proof of pmts)I'll bet you if you call AAA's main office in the USA...they'lll move on it, 1,2,3!!!
IF she screws up, and what she is telling you, isn't true...
your the one that will be out, not her ... What does she have to lose in this...
You already gave them a second chance, how many does AAA need?
Sorry but this is bs....I would have to get Cruella too!!

Good Luck Karen, and have a glass of wine for me too tonight! Keep us posted.





Kathy

 

[Minybear]

I am sorry on what you are experiencing with your TA at AAA. My suggestion for you is to go into their office and demand that they take care of this situation NOW and take no excusses this has gone to long. Also demand that THEY need to compensate you for all THEIR MISTAKES. What you are going through is rediculous. You have been through this too long. In your discussion with them say you will report them to the BBB.

 

[tailfethrs]

We had this problem in the pass using a TA and we called Disney after getting no where with the travel office. They took care of everything, and the TA all of sudden couldn't do enough for us. I think Disney can come down rather hard on TA's and they don't want to lose that kind of business.

There was time Disney wouldn't do anything through a travel agent( before they even had cruise ships) because they didn't like them for this very reason, and felt it would give Disney a bad name.

Rosie

 

[Minybear]

I would do what tailfethrs suggested that you do and if that doesn't help I would do what I suggested.

 

[mark & sandra]

Hello BuzzBoyMom- If I'm correct in my math, you'll be sailing 1/24/04. We're sailing 1/17/04 and our final pymt was due last week. If I'm not correct I'm sure someone will tell me, but can't they cancel your ressie if they don't receive your final pymt 60 days out? If your TA is as inept as you say, you need to call DCL and find out if all/some or any of your pymt's have been received. I think its time to go direct to DCL and let them get involved with your ressie.

 

[BuzzBoyMom]

Looks like someone sent me some pixie dust! I called DCL and they were able to tell me, "Everything is taken care of." I love how they try to help without stepping on toes.

So - this story ends with good news. Thanks to one and all for your words of advice. The wine definatley helped last night.

And now I can think more happy thoughts and let all my worries be drowned in a Konk Kooler!

Hope everyone has a GREAT DAY today!!!

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

Glad to hear everything finally worked out Karen.

Back to relaxing and thinking about enjoying your cruise.

Have a good time!!

 

[mariamard]

i was starting to panic for you......now, all your energy can go towards packing enough shoes......

 

[BuzzBoyMom]

Mariamard - PACKING shoes....no no no...first we must do the SHOPPING!!! THEN, we will worry about the packing!!

 

[Scratch42]

Scratch