Disney Customer Service

In a world where customer service seems to be disappearing, it is nice to see a company like Disney still cares about their guests. I see this first hand working as a Disney Cast Member at Disney-MGM Studios. I love my job playing with guests, but the part I enjoy even more is that we are empowered to actually make a difference in a guest's vacation.

One of my favorite stories as a Cast Member is when I was walking back to costuming (after my shift) and I saw a little girl with a Mickey Mouse ice cream. In the Florida heat, ice cream does not last very long. She was eating her new ice cream and the whole thing fell off the stick onto the ground. I saw this from a distance and saw the look on her face when that ice cream fell. It was like her whole world just ended. I walked over and told her it was okay. I helped pick up the ice cream and throw it away and handed her a coupon for a free replacement ice cream. All of a sudden the magic of Disney was back. For me, this is why I worked at Disney World; for little moments like that. It was not Disney's fault that the ice cream fell, but in a split second we made her vacation and her parents vacation just a little more magical.

I was able to make this ice cream spill a little better for her vacation because I actually saw it happen. Many times we (as Cast Members) do not see these situations or know that your child is celebrating a birthday or that your room did not have enough blankets. It is your job as a guest to make sure Disney knows if you need something. If you have a question or request during your vacation, talk with Guest Services at your resort or the Disney Theme Parks. You will be surprised what "magic" can be accommplished when you just ask!

Should I Use a Travel Agent?

One of the biggest questions when planning a Disney World vacation is...should I use a travel agent or book directly with Disney? We say - book with a travel agent! You can get the exact same discounts by booking with Disney direct or a travel agent. The extra incentive with a travel agent is saving extra time planning your trip and getting additional free stuff!

With any big purchase, you want to do your research and pick a good travel agent. A local travel agent is not always the best pick. Since they are local, they may not have the Disney experience and knowledge to best plan your vacation. We suggest finding an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. There are about 500 companies across the World that are considered Authorized Disney Vacation Planners. These companies are the "top producing" Disney travel agencies. These 500 companies book most of Disney's business so they really do book alot of Disney vacations. Besides Disney giving these companies the title of Authorized Disney Vacation Planner because they sell alot of Disney, they also know alot about Disney because they do sell so much. They are required to have most of their agents take a College of Knowledge Course and visit Disney every year.

Even with the Authorized Disney Vacation Planners, you have companies that are just better than others like Destinations in Florida. This company is not only an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner but they are also in Orlando. Who knows Orlando better than an agency actually in Orlando! Most travel agencies work on commission so they do not require any payment for the customer. Disney will pay them directly to help you.

Some of the great benefits of booking with a travel agent instead of booking directly with Disney:

• They offer unbiased guidance and information from which restaurant is best for your kids to their favorite ride at Magic Kingdom
• They sometimes offer additional incentives like Disney Dollars or rebates for booking with them - saving you additional money!
• You can get most of same discounts listed in our ebook with any travel agent including most agents will watch for additional discounts that may come available and inform you of the new promotions (that saves you time and it could save you additonal money)
• Agents will also book your dining, recreation, spa treatments, golf tee times, etc. for your visit (this will save you hours of time on the phone booking these)

Travel agents especially Authorized Disney Vacation Planners are a great source to plan your trip. We always suggest doing research on the company before you book anything (especially online) but a travel agent is always a great way to go. Happy Disney Vacation Planning!

Cheaper is Not Always Better

Many guests look at the hotel/resort price per night and try to find the lowest priced property. In chosing your hotel/resort be sure to look at the whole picture. Just because a hotel is $59 per night does not mean that is the best deal for your Orlando vacation. For example, one of the least expensive hotels around Disney World is the Rodeway Inn in Kissimmee. This hotel is $39 per night plus tax during the popular March (Spring Break) season. Sure, that sounds like a great price but this hotel does not offer any shuttles to the airport, Disney World or Universal Studios. That does not sound like a big deal but many people forget to check with the hotel about shuttle service before booking their trip. They find out they have a huge expense on transportation once they arrive to Orlando.

To give you an example on why the nightly rate is not always the best deal in booking a trip to Orlando. We priced the inexpensive Rodeway Inn compared to a Disney Resort like Disney's All Star Resort:

Rodeway Inn
$39 per night plus tax for 4 nights in March
Roundtrip shuttle transfers for 2 adults and 2 children from the airport to the hotel
Shuttle transfers for 2 adults and 2 children from the hotel to the Disney Theme Parks (for just 4 days)
$747.48 total (not including tickets)

Disney's All Star Resorts
$119 per night plus tax for 4 nights in March
Shuttle transfers from the airport are included with your room reservation
Shuttle transfers around the Walt Disney World Resort are also included with your room reservation
$537.88 total (not including tickets)

You would actually save over $200 by staying at a Disney Resort plus you could take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours. We know this can be a little surprising. Most people think staying off property is always the best deal. It can sometimes be a better deal but you have to do your research to make sure you are saving the most money overall on your Orlando vacation.

Happy Vacation Planning!

April-June Promotion

If your vacation dates are not flexible and you have to visit during the busy Spring Break season, you can still save money! Disney just released another package promotion for vacation dates from April 15-June 2. This package includes room accommodations at a Disney Resort (of your choice), Disney Tickets with free upgrades to the Park Hopper Option and the Waterparks, Fun and More Option, and some free features. The free features include shuttle transfers, $15 coupon for meals at Planet Hollywood, coupon for Sea Raycer boat time, and a round of miniature golf. A 6-Night/7-Day Package starts from $561 per adult plus tax. Juniors are $225 plus tax and children are $186 plus tax. This package is priced at a Disney Value Resort. Prices are more expensive if you upgrade to a Disney Moderate or Deluxe Resort.

For more information call 407-W-DISNEY and ask for rate code ZEY. Hurry - this package ends on February 18.

New FL Resident Discount at Pleasure Island

Florida Residents can now get free admission into Pleasure Island. This one of a kind nighttime complex with 7 nightclubs is offering free admission until June 2007 if you purchase a 1-Night All Access Pass. The cost for a 1-Night admission is $21.95 plus tax. You do have to purchase your 1-Night admission pass before the end of March 2007 to take advantage of this special deal. Florida Residents must have a valid Florida ID like a Florida Drivers licence to take advantage of the special FLA discounts.

Pleasure Island just changed many of the clubs admission requirements. Almost all of the clubs except Adventurers Club and the Comedy Warehouse will require guests be at least 21 years old. The Adventurers Club and the Comedy Warehouse will only require guests be at least 18 years old. Guests younger than 18 traveling with their parents will only be allowed into the Adventurers Club and the Comedy Warehouse at Pleasure Island.