Watch out for those fees!!

[wannabeBelle]

Hey everyone, Id like to share an experience I just had so hopefully no one else has to go through what I did. I called WDW on Saturday to inquire about a room for January 30th of this year. As my friend Rich, works for the travel industry, he gets a pretty great discount. I booked the room the same as I always have. Today I went into work and my boss asked me if I can postpone my trip as a project I Am working on is critical and I Am needed. OK not a huge issue right?? WRONG!!! I get home and there is a FedEx envelope under my door from Disney Travel Company. I called WDW immediately as I had never gotten this before because I had always booked through the Central Reservations area. It turns out that with 2003, more packages have become the exclusive domain of the WDW Travel Company and that eventually everyone will be WDW Travel Company!!! Well I know this option does carry some very hefty fines($100 to cancel or $50 to transfer your vacation to another date if the changes are made within 45 days of your arrival). I spoke to Guest Services and they were kind enough to work with me and transfer my dates with a smaller fee. When you book BE SURE to ask what is the cancellation policy...even if you are like me and think you have heard this 7 million times before!!! It could be a costly mistake!!! As I said Disney was wonderful about it, but I would have preferred to not have to go through this at all!!! Have a magical day!! Belle

 

[wannabeBelle]

there is a $100 cancellation fee for an outright cancel or a $50.00 fee to move it to another time. As I said, the young lady I spoke with at Guest Services was very understanding and was able to get around most of the fee for me. I did rebook the vacation in May though. I am going to be going over Memorial Day Weekend. I did end up paying $10.00 but that I will survive. Now I know that I have to book EVERYTHING else prior to booking Disney. Not a huge problem for me, but the flexibility the CRO cancellation policy had really was an amazing service to it's clientele!!! Belle

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

The cancellation/change fees are for when you cancel or change your trip within the 45 days prior to your trip. the WDW Travel Co. wants your trip paid in full by 45 days prior to your arrival. Here are the cancellation and change policies from the WDW Travel Company for everyone to view.

CANCELLATION AND CHANGE FEES


For a cancellation made 44 to 6 days prior to arrival, there is a cancellation fee of $100 per package plus any cancellation fees assessed by hotels or other suppliers.
For a cancellation made 5 days or less prior to arrival, there is a cancellation fee of $200 per package plus any cancellation fees by hotels or other suppliers. No refunds will be given to no-shows.
For a change made 44 days or less prior to arrival or that results in a rate change, there is a change fee of $50 per package plus any change fees assessed by hotels or other suppliers.
For changes, the change fees must be paid in addition to any increase in rate resulting from the change.
In addition:
If your air travel has been ticketed, there will be an additional cancellation or change fee per ticket equal to the higher of (i) $75 and (ii) the cancellation or change fee assessed by the airline; provided, however, that cancellation of a published, promotional or other nonrefundable airfare results in a charge equal to the entire amount of the airfare.
Travel insurance is nonrefundable once deposit has been received. Upon any cancellation, the charge for travel insurance will be added to the other applicable cancellation fees.

CHANGE PROCEDURE


Changes affecting outbound flights or first night's accommodations must be made at least 6 business days prior to arrival. All existing documents must be returned to Walt Disney Travel Co., Inc. via overnight delivery service and revised documents will be delivered express at an additional cost of $10.
Land portions of the booking cannot be cancelled without canceling the air reservations.
Airlines/hotels/suppliers do not permit changes in certain situations.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Another thing that you have to watch for with the WDW Travel Co. is that they automatically charge you trip insurance. This is optional and you can add or delete it from your reservation up until your payment is made in full at the 45 day prior mark.

Pam

 

[wannabeBelle]

As always thank you Pam for all your info!! I wonder if my room only "package" included that?hhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm.. Belle

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

I would call and ask them if I were you. If your room is not paid in full and it's on there, I would ask for it to be taken off in order to save some money. The only time that I recommend that my clients take the insurance is when they include airfare or if it's for the cruise line.

Pam

 

[wannabeBelle]

bump

 

[Woody13]

Well Belle, did your ressie include that trip insurance? While I have never (knowingly) paid for such a thing, I'd be interested to hear if other guests have paid this fee. Thanks.

 

[wannabeBelle]

nope it hadn't. I did get my ressie notice yesterday. It looks pretty awful. Just tells you the cost of the package and a payment envelope. No Due date. no amount to be sent no nothing. Pretty awful if you ask me, but then again what do I know!! Belle