Kevin - thanks for the clarification but let me explain how I got that understanding and offer a few suggestions:
1. The ABD website refund policy says that deposits are non-refundable after 15 days. Maybe they should add some clarifying language to differentiate the initial deposit and subsequent deposits before final payment.
2. The DU website - the reservations screen - shows "Deposits Paid" - maybe separate into "Refundable" and "Non-Refundable" Deposits.
3. The DU final payment reminder - here is the language email:
"As per Disney's policy if you do not pay your balance in full by the balance due date Disney will cancel your vacation automatically and will keep any deposit monies paid to date. Based on this policy if your balance is not paid by the due date above, you will lose the money you’ve paid on this reservation so it is critical that your balance is paid as soon as possible. We hope you understand that this is Disney's policy and not that of
Dreams Unlimited Travel. Please also understand that we have no way of extending your balance due date with Disney and/or getting this fee waived so it is imperative that you pay your balance prior to the balance due date."
I was considering all monies paid to date as deposits. May want to add some clarifying language so that future clients clearly understand.
I would add the ABD has handled this horribly - I really feel bad for all the folks that posted their stories on the ABD Forum. ABD should have issued no questions asked refunds in this environment. Instead they are playing chicken with us to either move monies to a future trip or take a loss. I will not take any loss (that I did not cause) and will play ABDs chicken game. ABD has to realize not everyone can make a commitment for a future trip for personal situations. My son is going off to college next year and will be unable to travel during the Halloween timeframe for at least the next 4 years - so moving to a future ABD is not an option. And as many on the ABD Forum have said I may never use ABD again due to their handling of the current trips.
I do appreciate you correcting my misunderstanding but wanted to show how I got that understanding.
Glad you sold out the other 2 ABDs and I hope they are great. The difference in booking now compared to when I booked is that people are aware of the limits. No parades, no fireworks, no character interactions, shorter park hours, no Halloween parties, etc - I just really don't see the value until we have a vaccine or ABD can provide comparable replacement activities/events that justifies the cost.