AEfx said:
...when you try to change anything about a [internet] ressie, or even just add days, it can get very complicated. To do those things you have to contact Disney by phone, which complicates matters on it's own because they have a policy in place that says that deposits paid online may not be transfered to a new reservation...
...If you make ressies over the phone, those funds can be moved around easily to new reservations...
AEfx
The reason for not being able to transfer funds is that when you book through Disney you are using one of 2 different companies (both wholy owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company.)
Central Reservations (CRO) - books room only reservations (by phone only) and can sell park tickets. CRO is a reservation office for all 24 Disney Resorts. Your reservation will always have an 12 digit number and no letters.
Walt Disney Travel Company (WDTC) - books vacation packages that include your resort room and park tickets. Airfare, car rentals, vacation insurance, meal plans, and other options can be added. WDTC is a fully licenced travel agency and purchases room blocks from CRO to sell as packages. Your reservation will always be 8 digits and may contain letters and numbers or just numbers.
When you book on the internet you are booking through a subsidary of the WDTC. Due to legal reasons money paid by credit card to one company cannot be transferred to the other, instead your credit card must be refunded and a new deposit charged.
Advantages to WDTC Packages:
One stop shopping for all your travel needs
Deposit requirement is $200 regardless of your package total, balance is paid 45 days prior to arrival.
Change fee of $60 if made within 45 days of arrival
Cancellation penalty is $100 if cancelled 44 to 6 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation penalty is $200 if cancelled 5 or less days prior to arrival.
More fexible air pricing, payment and change policy, depending on flight.
Advantages to CRO Room-Only Reservations:
Best for those that only want a room and maybe park tickets.
Discount marketing offers often available to those who quailify.
Deposit requirement is 1 nights lodging plus full cost of tickets regardless of when booked. Balance due upon check-in.
Cancellation penalty of full first night's lodging if cancelled 5 or less days prior to arrival. Tickets are non-refundable once purchased.
Hope this helps! :sohappy: