[Dana]

I have been looking for a few days now to see if there is a penalty for moving resort under the new best rate program. Does anyone have any information on this? I know you can't get your deposit back, but I am wondering what happens if you change resorts?

[MerlinMatt]

50 bucks for changes.

Dana, call them to see if they'll change it without penalty. I think the odds aren't very good b/c you're less than 120 days, but it's worth a shot.

Why are you looking to change?

[Dana]

I just called. They told me I would lose one night's deposit if I change my resort. They also told me that I wouldn't be in the Best Rate program for those dates because it's not 120 before my travel time. I was just considering posibilities. I don't have to change, just considering. You know me matt...always looking...lol I think this new program is a bit iffy. If you have booked and have already placed a deposit for one night's stay, I can't see the harm in changing a resort. You are more or less stuck where you are or you lose the money. Not very flexibile.

[DisneyTeacher]

That stinks, Dana. I don't like this new program and I'm not sure I'll book throught it.

[Dana]

Stinks is right. I don't need to change my resort, but what if someone did? What if they found themselves in a position where they wanted to stay at the same place as their family or needed a cheaper resort for whatever reason? I am not renewing my AP in January. I am going to go back to the packages.

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by Dana

I think this new program is a bit iffy. If you have booked and have already placed a deposit for one night's stay, I can't see the harm in changing a resort. You are more or less stuck where you are or you lose the money. Not very flexibile.

I actually think the new program is better, once everyone gets comfortable with it.

One of the problems with the old "codes" was that people who were extra vigilant could snatch them up and then cancel without penalty with only 5 days to go. While this probably benefitted some people who were able to get AP rates for a spur-of-the-moment trip, it actually made planning very difficult for Disney.

Inevitably, there would be a certain percentage of AP rates that wouldn't get used and it actually discouraged certain AP holders from making plans well in advance, something that you generally need to do in order to get good airfare.

Then, with all of the last-minute scrambling, Disney had difficulty with resource planning. Clearly, they're trying to be more efficient, but the "codes" methodology made that impossible.

Honestly, I think the net result will be that more AP holders will be able to take advantage of good rates AND be able to budget and plan at least a few months in advance. Disney will have a better idea of how many people will actually be on site, so then they can schedule resources more accurately.

In the end, it will likely mean better service for all of us. Something that we've all complained about.

[Dana]

You have a good point Matt and I agree to a certain degree. They should make you book 120 days out and they should charge you the deposit, but I think you should be able to change resorts and still be ok. Just my opinion. I like flexible. I don't like feeling locked into something. I never cancel a trip, but do make changes.

[DisneyTeacher]

I don't think I'll renew my AP either. The new rules are too unforgiving for me.

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by Dana

You have a good point Matt and I agree to a certain degree. They should make you book 120 days out and they should charge you the deposit, but I think you should be able to change resorts and still be ok. Just my opinion. I like flexible. I don't like feeling locked into something. I never cancel a trip, but do make changes.

From a resource planning standpoint, changing resorts is the same as cancelling one and creating a new one. While Disney does have a lot of interchangable parts, each resort does have its own budget and providing that level of flexibility would be a resource nightmare. They're simply trying to make things a little more predictable so that they can provide a better level of service.

[royorb1]

If they don't allow you to switch resorts, which they have done in the past, that is a major flexibility they are taking away from the customer to make there system run better.

[SDuncan]

I don't feel the lack of flexibility outweighs the benefit of a little more predictibility. There will still be people who have to change/cancel for some reason and others who decide to make the trip without notice.

Are there that many people changing reservations?

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by SDuncan

I don't feel the lack of flexibility outweighs the benefit of a little more predictibility. There will still be people who have to change/cancel for some reason and others who decide to make the trip without notice.

Are there that many people changing reservations?

non-refundable deposits and fees for changing reservations are very typical throughout the travel industry.

I don't understand what all the fuss is about.

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by MerlinMatt

non-refundable deposits and fees for changing reservations are very typical throughout the travel industry.

I don't understand what all the fuss is about.

Honestly, unless I book online I haven't come across too many non-refundable rooms, I usually have a 24 hour cancel on rooms. Normally when I book a non-refundable room I am booking for a night or two not 2 weeks. I can usually work around something for a night but our Dinsey trips are bigger. I guess I don't like that I have to make a final decision 120 days out and risk $200 if an emergency comes up. A lot can change in 120 days.

[ddoll]

FYI, you only incur the $50 change fee if your change results in a lower price. If your change keeps your total price the same or higher than what you booked, then the fee is waived.

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by ddoll

FYI, you only incur the $50 change fee if your change results in a lower price. If your change keeps your total price the same or higher than what you booked, then the fee is waived.

I wondered about that. I think WDW used to do that with packages if you made changes after the 45 day mark.