Disney4me Posted 8 hours ago Report Share Posted 8 hours ago The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) passed a Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees that took effect on May 12th, 2025. This new rule helps to protect consumers from “junk fees” when they purchase live-event tickets or short-term lodging. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge If you have ever gone online to buy concert tickets or a room at a hotel, you have likely encountered these “junk fees.” They are fees that sometimes seemingly appear out of nowhere and get added on as you are checking out. Thanks to these junk fees, the $100 hotel room you initially saw now costs you well over $150. However, this new rule wants to help put more transparency into pricing and require businesses to disclose the total price ahead of time. The FTC announced a new Junk Fees Rule in December 2024, which was approved by the commission via a 4-1 vote. Now, this new rule has officially taken effect and, according to the agency, “should save American consumers up to 53 million hours per year of wasted time spent searching for the total price for live-event tickets and short-term lodging,” which the FTC claims is equivalent to saving $11 billion over the next decade. The rule officially took effect on May 12th, 2025, and we are diving into what this new rule means and how it might affect your next Disney vacation. ©Federal Trade Commission With the new Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees, businesses must disclose the total price upfront, including all charges or fees the company knows about. Pricing information in ads and other offers must also include the total price the purchaser will pay. The only fees that can be excluded from the total prices are taxes or other government charges, shipping charges, and charges for optional goods or services people may select to buy as part of the same transaction. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge The total price must be displayed prominently, and the business must disclose any excluded charges before asking for payment. Additionally, the company can’t misrepresent fees and charges, and must describe the fees. They must avoid using vague phrases like “service fees” or “processing fees.” Art of Animation Resort Currently, this rule only applies to two main areas of business: live-event tickets and short-term lodging. Live-event tickets include tickets for concerts, sporting events, theater, and other live performances that audiences watch as they occur. As of right now, audio and visual performances are not covered by the new rules. Short-term lodging refers to temporary sleeping accommodations at places like hotels, inns, vacation rentals, home shares, and more. Long-term or other rentals are not currently covered under this new rule. Disney’s Riviera Resort How might this rule affect your next Disney vacation? Well, Disney hotel rooms would be included in the short-term lodging category, so Disney will be required to provide the total price upfront, including additional fees. The only fees Disney will be able to exclude from the total price will be taxes and charges for optional add-ons. This rule could help make your next hotel room booking much easier and transparent. Disney’s Coronado Springs Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney and travel news! How Tariffs Could Affect Disney World Prices Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this new FTC rule regarding junk fees? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!The post NEW Hidden “Junk Fees” Ban Now in Effect — How It Could CHANGE Your Disney World Vacation first appeared on the disney food blog.View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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