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Margaret Asks:
As long as I've been going to WDW I still get a little confused when making ressies. Could you explain a few
things here: like CRO, DC, and WDWTC...what these are, what they stand for, and what the difference is in
making ressies? We usually use our Disney Club 800# for making the initial ressie, then end up calling CRO
for any changes. Is this right or should I do it differently? Obviously, living in Miami Beach we don't
need air reservations or car rental.
Pam Responds:
I know there is so much confusion surrounding Walt Disney Travel Company and the Central Reservations office. I'll try to help with that :)
There are two different companies that handle reservations for the Walt Disney World Resort. There
is Central Reservations (CRO) and the Walt Disney Travel Company (WDTC). The CRO phone number is
407-WDISNEY (407-934-7639) The WDTC phone number is 407-939-7860. Because they each handle "overflow"
calls from the other, You could reach either one using any of the numbers above.
An important thing to remember is that you aren't making a mistake by booking through either. They each
have different pros and cons, and you just need to be able to make an informed decision.
The main thing that separates CRO and the WDTC is the different deposit, final payment and cancellation
terms. They also differ in the components they are able to book. I'll give you a general outline of them
below. One thing to note is that WDTC books all Disney Club reservations, and there are special terms for
Disney Club Reservations. Also CRO has the ability to offer some "packages" that include room and tickets.
CRO Room only Reservation terms:
Deposit: 1 nights room rate + tax
Final Payment: due upon check-in
Cancellation Policy: must cancel more than 5 days prior to your arrival date
CRO packages:
Deposit: 1 nights room rate + tax
Final Payment: due 21 days before your arrival date
Cancellation Policy: must cancel more than 5 days prior to your arrival date
Walt Disney Travel Company reservations:
Deposit: $200 required within 14 days of making a reservation
Final payment : due 45 days before your arrival date
Cancellation: must cancel more than 45 days before your arrival date
Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Club reservations:
Deposit $100
Final Payment: due 21 days before your arrival date
Cancellation: must cancel more than 5 days before your arrival date
When to book through CRO:
When making a true μroom onlyξ reservation (no Disney club discount, no shuttle, no rental car, insurance or
other options you can make them through Central Reservations) Central Reservations also offers some
"packages" that include passes.
When to book with WDTC
If you are making a Disney Club reservation, a reservation that includes airfare, rental car, shuttle
transfers, insurance, or other options you will go through WDTC. Also there are certain codes that are
released that must be booked by WDTC. WDTC also offers some "extras" with their reservations.
Benefits of WDTC:
If you are going to purchase a Reservation that includes Ultimate Park Hopper tickets, (This package
is called the Dream Maker Package for 2003 reservations) you get some additional benefits by
booking this through the WDTC. You get the Luggage tags, the and the lanyards and pins, and a free choice
feature. Those are some useful bonuses :)
Another important thing to remember is that whenever you ask Disney to book your airfare as part of a
package that throws a whole new set of rules in to the mix.
Transferring a reservation from WDTC or CRO or CRO to WDTC:
Generally this can't be done. They are different systems different policies etc. If you have an
existing reservation through one, you would have to cancel it and make a new reservation through the
other. The money you would put down on the old reservation would be refunded to you, and you would be
required to make anew deposit. The new reservation would be based on the rooms and discounts that are
available at that time
Final thoughts:
The cancellation and payments terms that CRO and WDTC company offers are good terms. Most vacation packages
to other vacation destinations require a final payment at least 45 days before your arrival date, and their
cancellation penalties can be much more stiff.
If you feel unsure about your vacation plans, and feel there is a possibility you may need to cancel,
consider purchasing the Travel Waiver offered by the WDTC. It is a great price at less than $35 per adult,
and is included free of charge for the children in your party.
I don't think you can go wrong when booking with either company, you just need to figure out what works
best for you.
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