Why do Disney resorts require early payment?

[tiki23]

The "extras" in the package are only included when you book with Disney? I booked with AAA, so just wondering.

 

[pugdog]

The "Disney extras" are the same weather you book through WDW or AAA. But AAA does add some more extras of their own if you book through them and the price you pay is the same either way.

 

[WDWBetsy]

I believe that most of the package components are given to guests at check-in. If you buy a package, they will mail your final documents which will include vouchers that are presented at check-in. It will show that your package is paid for and the individual components included (tickets, dining, Planet Hollywood certificate, etc.). One year, we received a framed lithograph as part of a package. I can't remember if we received a certificate for it at check-in, but we did receive a voicemail in our room saying to pick it up in the gift shop after a certain day/time during our stay.

Honestly, I wouldn't want to receive some of the certificates prior to me getting there - it's too easy to lose them.

As for AAA's packages, you'll receive some things (luggage tags, parking pass, etc.) along with your final docs prior to leaving for your trip.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I did find these items below on Disney's website package descriptions; they are supposed to be included with a magic your way basic package.
Will I get these certificates, etc. in the mail or at the hotel once we get there?

It has been a long time since I did a package, but they sent me the vouchers when it was paid off. If you booked too close, like the day before you left, I assume you'd get them at check-in, but I don't know.

 

[tiki23]

Thanks! I hope they still have the SeaRaycer offer when we go in November; my guys are really excited about those!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't know why. I don't know of any other hotel that requires up front payment. I don't think it's a matter of smarts, but more a matter of greed. They get their money faster. Being a travel agent, WDW does not pay out commission until 2 weeks AFTER the guest has checked out. So go figure!

When we travel and stay at a 4Seasons or Ritz or any other upscale hotel, a deopsit is required, full payment at check out. Since you cannot check into any resort or hotel without a credit card, there is no "skipping out on the bill".

Room-only reservations require a deposit of one night's cost plus taxes. A room-only reservation can be cancelled very or reasonably close to the actual stay and a full refund will be issued. This could be as long as five, seven, or fourteen days (depending on the property rules), or it could be as late as 6 PM on the day the reservation starts. Don't cancel and don't show? No refund.

PACKAGE reservations require payment IN FULL a certain number of days prior to the start of the stay (e.g. Holland America now requires payment in fully SEVENTY-five days before a given cruise departs). PACKAGE cancellations and refunds are subject to a different set of restrictions (e.g. cancel 6 to 44 days in advance, $100 cancellation fee; cancel 1 to 5 days in advance, $200 cancellation fee; cancel same-day or don't show up, no refund).

Nobody should ever purchase ANY service without first knowing and fully understanding what's included, what the rules are, etc.

As for Disney not paying the commission until two weeks after the Guest leaves - makes sense. If they (or any travel provider) paid up front and then the reservation was cancelled or shortened, how fast would the Travel Agency refund the commission to the provider? Automatically disbursing commissions after only two weeks is extremely reasonable. It's earnings - and most employers hold back one check, paying their employees AFTER the service (work) is completed.

Apparently one CAN check in to a Disney resort without a credit card - they accept cash for reservations. Interesting that potential Guests who could stay at a Four Seasons but choose for whatever reason NOT to use credit cards, can't stay there.

Will I get these certificates, etc. in the mail or at the hotel once we get there?

Um, for the most part I'd say "once you get there" based on this line from what you copied & pasted

upon check in at your select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel

although I'm pretty sure you get the luggage tag with your documents before you go.