Disney Cancellation Policy	November 20, 2008
Topic: Disney Resort Cancellation Policy Category: Disney News City: Lake Buena Vista County: Orange Metro: Greater Orlando Region: East Central Florida

Is Disney's Cancellation Policy Fair?

We have received a large amount of phone calls and customer feedback emails regarding the Disney Resort Cancellation Policy. And, nearly 100% of the feedback has been less than glowing! The comments from many making Disney Resort reservations was that it seemed unfair to them. The happiest place on earth has such a large demand, they assumed Disney would have the best hotel cancellation policy for the benefit of its customers. With such a large back log of tourists and locals wanting a hotel room, any cancellation would quickly get gobbled up. We often call, looking to get a room which opened up due to a hotel reservation cancellation.

It makes sense, as when you make a Disney reservation the resort availability is almost always weeks and weeks in advance. With so much demand, they could easily fill any cancellations right? It sure appears from the feedback that we have received as such.

So for the sake of better understanding, let's compare a typical hotel chain like Marriott to Disney. Who wins in customer service specific to its cancellation policy?

Marriott Hotels vs. Disney Resorts

We wanted to first take a peak at Marriott Hotel's Cancellation Policy. You get sick, the water heater breaks down, your Grandmother needs you to stay home to help her, etc. Marriott's Cancellation Policy is to be sure to cancel by 6 pm on the day of arrival. Yes, just call by 6:00 pm to let them know you can't make it, perfect! Now about Disney, it is call five days in advance or pay one nights cost as a fee, uggg. What a striking difference in policies.

Let's compare and summarize the core reservation cancellation details for both the Disney World Resorts and the Marriott chain, as we understand them now. Please note, these policies do adjust, so double check with them directly in case some parts have changed. The following example assumes the person calls to cancel their reservation one day prior to the check-in date.

And the Winner Is?

As for the cancellation policies, Marriott wins hands down. Disney needs to improve its cancellation policies, as life has uncertainties that cause people to adjust their plans. Children get sick often, the boss needs us to finish a project, or the car breaks down, but they still requires a financial penalty to pad their pockets.

With the huge demand for the Disney Resorts, we think that is an unfair and poor customer service policy. Please let us know what you think. Please Share Your Experience.