Wow! DCL Through Costco

[StaceyD]

Hi! I just got a quote for the Disney Wonder through Costco. For my family of 8 it is $1000 cheaper than booking directly through DCL. I was shocked! Someone posted on the boards the other day about Costco so I thought I would give them a call. I'm glad I did. If anyone has a membership with them, I think I'ts worth checking out. Stacey

[my3kids]

I love Costco Travel! When I booked they were WAY less than DCL, DU or the local travel agent. I'm a big fan of the place. Even if you don't have a membership, for savings like that you can get one online at Costco.com and call the 800 travel number. If if you never set foot in the store to buy their croissants(THE BEST!!!) the membership fee is a drop in the bucket to what you can save on a trip.:)

[vicnmickey]

What is the link for Costco? I was just wondering if I could get a cheaper rate. Thanks for all your help:)

[StaceyD]

Hi! You won't be able to find any info for the DCL on their website. You will have to call the toll free travel number. The number is 1-877-849-2730. Stacey

[vicnmickey]

I just got off the phone with Costco. You have to have a membership, which is $40 before they will even quote a price.
I am not sure I want to pay the membership, without knowing if the price is better than what I already got. Oh, well. Thanks for the tip Stacey. Have a great trip. 385 days and counting everyone of them:D

[my3kids]

You can join at Costco.com and get your membership number, then call the 800 number. I think the basic membership is $45.00 for the year(Gold Member) and you get a spouse card. If there is one even remotely close, it is a great place to shop, even if only occasionally. But, the prices on travel will be much less than the $45 fee to join.

[dbcruise]

I have booked 2 cruises through them and never been asked for membership # . I am a member but have never been asked by the travel department for . Guess it's who you talk to . I would call back and ask another person or just call for a quote and not mention mebership unless they do . Good luck

[gscott8075]

THe membership fee is refundable. If you don't get what you want, get a refund!

[Mjasp]

Spent a half hour on hold tonight to Costco, hung up and redialed and was told they were closed. OK spill the beans. what are some of the quotes you guys got on a seven day.

[StaceyD]

The price for the 4 day land/sea through DCL was $7134.00 for my family of 8. Through Costco for the exact same trip it is $6150.00. Stacey

[Minnee]

7 Day Western - May 2003:
DCL quoted me $5293.85, DU quoted me $4918.85, Costco quoted: $4530.00. This was all for the same date, 2 adults, 3 children, No insurance, transfers or air.
:)

[my3kids]

$3858 for family of 5 traveling in 2 cabins(so charged as 4 adults and 1 child even though we are 2 A and 3 C) This is for the 7 night Eastern trip Nov. 2. No insurance, no air in 2 category 10 rooms.

As someone said, the fee to join is refundable if you are unhappy, as is any merchandise from the store if you aren't satisfied.

As someone mentioned, they typically never asked for your Costco number. That used to be the case, but Costco has switched travel companies to partner with. The new one always seems to ask for the number. If your reservation was made prior to Nov. 12, 2001, they transfer you to the old company for assistance. I think they have closed the loophole for Costco prices without a Costco membership on that Nov. date.

[artie137]

this is what i learned yesterday. costco will deduct 10% off out side rooms and 5% off in side rooms. i did use them last year when they offered a 10% rebate. no problems. this is off the cruise only not taxes or port charges.

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Unfortunely, when I called today, they asked for the membership number :(. The closest Costco is over an hour away, so it isn't feasible for us to shop there. I would purchase a membership if I knew it would mean substantial savings on our cruise.

[dbcruise]

Do you have a freind or family member who is a costco member ? If so ask them to borrow or use their name and number just to get the travel quote . If the quote is a good one then buy a memebership . I would try this . IF the above posts is true that Costco changed travel companys . I am using their old company then Priceless vacations 1-800-800-8505
http://www.pricelessvacations.com/
They give a discount up to like 7% I believe .
They are located right here in San Diego next to costco headquarters . Good luck .

[tiptoen]

I talked to them today and they claim to beat any price from anywhere. I got one quote for a 3 day in December for 3 people for 1066.00 . It was a cat 11 but I've not gotten back with them to get the price for an upgrade to a cat 6 or 7. Anyone heard of these guys?

[gscott8075]

You can join at www.costco.com - there are amazing items available via the internet for Costco members.

My buddy just moved his reservation to Costco and he saved $700 off two staterooms for our June 7 day. (I am cruising on points)

If the savings are that substantial, the $45 fee is well worth it.

I also have car insurance through Costco/American Express. The rate was $500 less per year than the best quote I was able to get.

And, the Costco/American Express card gives you up to a 1.5 % cash rebate based on all of your purchases anywhere. So, if you spend $4000 on a cruise, that's $60 more dollars off - my rebate was hundreds of dollars based on all of my spendng last year - and there is no annual fee!

The card also qualifies you for the Amex White Glove treatment if you pay for the cruise with it.

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

When I called, they answered 'Costco Travel', so I assume they did change travel company's? Should I call the other number you gave me and will they ask for a membership number? I live in VT. There is only one Costco in VT and it is 2 hours north of me. The closest one in NH is 2 hours away and the closest one in MA is a little over an hour away, so I do not know anyone who holds membership to a Costco (too far to travel). I have a BJ's membership and know plenty of people with Sams Club memberships, but Sams Club does not offer travel plan and BJ's Disney cruise would cost me even more than one purchased through Disney direct (a couple of hundred more).

[hokie5cruiser]

Please do not cheat-buy a membership even if you can't use the store-you can shop costco on the web. I would hate for them not to be able to offer Disney cruises (and other travel) because of some people trying to "sneak".
I booked my 6/22/02 Magic on 4/30/01 through Costco after an exhaustive search of prices based on suggestions from this site-NOONE could beat the price. 4/30/01 was the last day Costco was booking Disney until recently. Although we haven't sailed yet, I have been pleased with the service Amy has given us. I was required to give my number before she could process our trip.
Please keep this in mind-and spend $45 to save hundreds. And, like previous posters said, if you don't book through costco (because you want to spend more-LOL-or your mother is your travel agent-LOL) you can get your membership refunded.

PS-Check into Costco's executive credit card that gives 2% of purchases back. If you booked the cruise on that you would probably get enough back for plenty of spa ressies and excursions

[IrishCowboy]

I used cruisesonly for our first cruise. The price was great but the service left a little bit to be desired. They did have the best prices.

[janets]

with Costco and they quoted us a price of $3801.40 for 2 adults and 2 children (one is an infant) for a cat. 4 cabin. I called several other agents, including DU, Amex and I think cruiseonly.com and no one could come close. Cruiseonly.com actually told me, after saying that they will meet/beat any price, that they couldn't even begin to meet my Costco price and I should have a wonderful cruise.

I used them for our 7 day land/sea in August/September 2001 and they were fine. I make my own air, transfer and insurance arrangements, so I only need them for the cruise booking.

I think if you're saving several hundred dollars on your cruise, then the $45 membership is worth it. And again, it is refundable if you don't like it, so maybe after getting all your other quotes, you might join, get a quote and if it's worth it, keep it. Otherwise, cancel.

Good luck.

Janet

Disneyland 1991
Offsite 1992
CBR 1997
Swan/Contemporary Concierge 2001
Contemporary/DCL Wonder 2001
Contemporary 2001
Next Stop...The Magic 11/30/02

[simpilotswife]

You don't get a rebate on Travel with the Executive Membership. I just checked on this recently .

[mmouse37]

I also used cruises only before. The price was good but as Irish Cowboy stated, the service was not as good. Everytime I called I was assigned a new agent who did not know what the last agent had done. It was frustrating.

MJ

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

I personally do not feel it's a crime to try and get a quote without having to pay $45 for it. If the price were right, I would absolutely purchase a membership (which I may end up having to do anyway).

[my3kids]

Rumbly Tumbly-I'm over an hour away from the nearest Costco also, but I love the membership! Even with having to drive....you can get such great things at such amazing prices, it is worth the drive.

Anyway, join at costco.com and call the travel company for your quote. If it isn't what you'd hoped for, call Costco(a toll free number) tell them you hoped the travel company would make the membership worthwhile but it didn't so you'd like the membership fee refunded. They will be happy to refund the fee to join. They are always very willing to assist their "members." In my case it was hundreds saved, others have said $700, $1000......the membership fee is nothing compared to that, especially if you can get it refunded if you decide not to book the trip.

[happydays]

I just got off the phone with Costco. The quote they gave me for the Magic Western Carib. on August 16, 2003 for cat. 5 for two adults and two children was only $5 cheaper than what I already have with DCL. I book without insurance or ground transportation and made sure the Costco quote was without this as well. Why am I not getting the deep discounts that all you good folks are posting about?:rolleyes:

[Wiggle]

I've got a 4-day 10/03 cruise booked through Dreams for our family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids). Cat 10. $1665 (after DU's rebate, no insurance, cruise only).

Costco came within $10, and that's it. The agent seemed genuinely surprised that I had a rate that matched hers. Sounded like that never, in all of carnation, had that happened before.

She said (as did another poster in this thread) that inside cabins are discounted 5% (at Costco), and outsides at 10%. So for kicks, I asked for the price for the same dates and same family in a Cat 8. $1973.40. I didn't compare to Dreams, though.

Maybe booking this early has something to do with the deep discounts available. So maybe booking something closer in will see a bigger difference in using Costco. Dunno.

[jen-n-greg]

Any chance someone could check and see what it would be for a family of 5 for 10/11/03 Category 4 on the Magic? When I called they wanted a member #, which I don't have. I will gladly get one though if it saves me $$

[Mjasp]

After reading Happydays post I called Costco Travel and the cruise I've been eyeing for august 2003 is $550 dollars cheaper through Costco. WOW can it be?

[Mjasp]

Sorry... I just want back on DCL and its $250 cheaper through Costco

[Wiggle]

Mjasp - did you get a quote from Dreams Unlimited? They're offering rebates if you book this month.

[happydays]

mjasp wrote:

After reading Happydays post I called Costco Travel and the cruise I've been eyeing for august 2003 is $550 dollars cheaper through Costco. WOW can it be?

Are you sure you are comparing apples to apples regarding the inclusion and/or exclusion of insurance and ground transportation? If you are, I am baffled as to why you are getting a discount that I am not - for the same month. Perhaps it has something to do with the itinerary ... maybe the 7-day Western cruises are not being discounted ...

Anyone else have any insight into this?

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

I had read here that the state you live in factors in; cheaper rates for certain states. Maybe that is why?

[Mjasp]

Wiggle... No I didn't get a price from DU. I haven't ever even cruised yet. We go 5/11 on the Inaugural for our first time ever. But if I like it the week I am eyeing for next time is in August 2003. BUT I had to call Costco to see the price after hearing all the bargain prices.

I am definitely going to ask DU for a price before I leave, so if I LOVE cruising like everyone says I will book when I get back.

There was NO Insurance OR transfers in the price quoted me from Costco.

[Wonderwoman1982]

Ok, I have an Apples to Apples comparison... Keep in mind, my quotes include early booking discounts, so I think that is why SOME of you aren't getting great discounts...I know I did. ALL my quotes are for EXACTLY the same thing, same category, same date, etc... These quotes are for the June 7, 2003 WESTERN cruise.

Through DISNEY, my quote for 2 adults, 1 child was $4066.31
SAME through Dreams Unlimited $3671.37
Through MyTravelCo $3540
Through Orbitz $3686.31
Costco $3353.31

Also, let it be known if I had made my reservation even earlier, I'd have gotten an even better rate. I know from seeing other peoples rates for the same general time, EXCEPT in all fairness to my quote, I'm going in the SUMMER, so my rate is going to be higher than other rrates I've seen for April, etc.. We used Costco for our last cruise in October of 2001,and we paid for the same people (2 adul. 1 kid) and same category only $1931 and some change...SOOO< if you book early, you WILL get substantial deals through Costco, and good service as well. By the way, the lady I made my reservations with at Costco DID tell me that at various different times, different cities get different better rates, but it's random and they can't tell you when what city will get a better rate.

[gscott8075]

To clarify the 2% discussed - If you are an Executive Member, you get a 2% rebate of merchandise purchases (does not include travel)

If you use your Costco American Express Card, you get up to 1.5% back on ALL purchases made anywhere + on the cruise you get white glove treatment.

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Okay, I had a friend help me out. I got a quote a bit ago and Costco was only going to save me $36 against the DCL quote (which for me was comparable all around; this was transfers included, no insurance). It was going to save my friend about $50.00 (outside oceanview cabin, Category 8, no insurance, no transfers).

Not so great of a deal for us.

[Mjasp]

Does AmEX have a yearly fee if you get the card from Costco?

[gscott8075]

If you are a Costco member, the AMEX card is free.

[my3kids]

For people with existing reservations, it might be hard to compare the Costco quote.....early booking savings disappear and the price increases. Try comparing the quote from Costco today with a quote from the DCL website today. I'm surprised the quotes people got today from Costco were so close to the going rates from DCL. When I used Costco, I booked the best rate I could from DCL then called Costco and transfered the reservation. The price dropped significantly with that phone call for the exact same reservation. Hopefully most, if not all, will save with Costco. Make sure if you have friends call that they are checking exactly what you checked yourself with DCL....no insurance, airfare....whatever you selected.

[happydays]

OK - I called Costco again - prepared to tell them I was from another state - to see if that was why I wasn't seeing a discount ... and I was given a very different price than that which I received earlier in the day for the exact same thing (I double checked with both agents on what was included). NOW - I am seeing a $380 savings with Costco - and it had nothing to do with what state I was in as they never even asked (they never asked for an account number either).

Go figure - I guess it is a bit like calling CRO - a lot can depend on what agent you get ...

Now I have to find out if I can still get the AMEX platinum package when using Costco - That would REALLY make it worth the switch!!:D

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Hmmmmmm...

My friend didn't call for me earlier; she gave me her number and I called myself. I never told them what state I was from or what state she was from, but assumed they had that information when they pulled up your membership. Anyway, I gave them all the same details I entered when I sought a quote through DCL and only a savings of $36.00. If I lived closer to Costco, I would definitivley by the membership, even for that little bit of savings, but I live over an hour away and traveling 3 hours round trip to buy some groceries, diapers, etc. with a baby and toddler is not my idea of fun. I'd rather drive the 20 minutes to the closest Walmart Super Center.

But I will mention that when I called, they said that their systems were down and they needed to call Disney to get a price (stating they would beat Disney's price). So darn it, I wonder if that is why we all are not finding great savings today!? I am going to try them again and I'll let you all know...

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Hmmmmmm...

My friend didn't call for me earlier; she gave me her number and I called myself. I never told them what state I was from or what state she was from, but assumed they had that information when they pulled up the membership. Anyway, I gave them all the same details I entered when I sought a quote through DCL and only a savings of $36.00. If I lived closer to Costco, I would definitivley by the membership, even for that little bit of savings, but I live over an hour away and traveling 3 hours round trip to buy some groceries, diapers, etc. with a baby and toddler is not my idea of fun. I'd rather drive the 20 minutes to the closest Walmart Super Center.

But I will mention that when I called, they said that their systems were down and they needed to call Disney to get a price (stating they would beat Disney's price). So darn it, I wonder if that is why we all are not finding great savings today!? I am going to try them again and I'll let you all know...

[my3kids]

If $36.00 really is the best Costco can do, I'm almost certain you can get a good savings from someone else. Try cruise411...I've seen that mentioned here alot. Of course try DU, cruisesonly I've read here. Good luck.

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

We've requested quotes from several different on-line travel agencys; I tried Cruiseonly earlier and they were SUPER friendly, but the best they could do was match DCL's price. My friend obtained a quote for me from DreamsUnlimited a couple of weeks back, so I'm working to see if that is still good. With the rebate and onboard credit, it did come in under DCL's price. I'm not disappointed with that price, but when I saw all the savings you guys were getting from Costco, my wheels started to turn. I'm still going to give them one last call tomorrow. Hopefully it was just a computer glitch?

[jen-n-greg]

Ok-- Here is my comparison: For a family of 5 traveling 10/11-10/18 2003 in a category 4 with insurance: DCL $5500 --- Dreams Unlimited $5000 (that includes the $200 rebate)-- Costco $4953 + $45 membership card =$4998-- only $2 less than DU. She did have to call Disney though because the computer was down-- do you think there would be any difference later?

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

I called twice this morning and I was not asked for the membership number either times. I called the second time for my friend who DID purchase a membership, but lives in St. Maarten so asked that I call on her behalf (toll free here).

Anyway, the first time I called, she had to call Disney and the second time the computers were up and running. The rates were different today than they were yesterday! THEY WERE MORE! I was given the EXACT same price today as DCL quoted me. They told me that they do not discount inside staterooms for anything less than a 7 day cruise. Ugh. So I asked for a 7 night quote and it was only $273 less than the DCL quote, but I bet it would come close to the DU price.

I'm getting quotes for a cruise that is almost 8 months away, and DCL considers it an early booking. So I'm not sure how everyone else is getting substantial price breaks, but I'm envious and giving up ;)

[Goofy41]

I just went on their website and it had NO Disney Cruises listed. I am leaving on July 6th for the 7 day Western Caribbean. I booked thru AAA and i wanted to compare but nothing was listed to compare. Does anyone have any updated info I can use to look at. In the mean time i'll give them a call.

[Gina]

I just called and spoke with a really nice agent at Costco. I was never asked for a membership number. No great deal for me, though! I have a current ressie through DU for myself and my son, Feb. 1st sailing of the Magic, cat. 7. Total including all taxes and fees, insurance, and transfers is $2402.54. That includes the $75 rebate and a $100 shipboard credit. Costco quoted me $2777.54 for the exact same thing. (My current ressie was just recently made, so no big difference due to booking years in advance or something.)

Between the price and the service, I think I'll stick with DU. :)

-gina-

[dbcruise]

I use to be a travel agent and still keep up on travel news . The airlines have cut off commissions to TA's car rental companys are doing the same So unless costco is getting a special rate from the cruise companys the percentage They give us off is part of their commission which is being cut everywhere else and unless they start charging us a fee like alot of travel agencys do now a days maybe they will be giving less discounts so they can still make a profit . I don't know if this why people are not getting such great deals here recently but just a thought. Happy cruising to us all .

[AprilN]

I just booked a cat-6 stateroom for 2 adults on the 2/22/03 Magic cruise with Costco, after making (and cancelling) my first set of reservations with DU. The reason I switched?

(prices include Disney insurance, all port charges and taxes, NO transfers)

DU (with $75 rebate): $2980.70

Costco: $2734.70

While I'm impressed with the services that DU provides for no additional cost, for $171 in savings, I made the switch. It helped that I'm already a Costco member.

I was quite surprised by the savings, very happy with the Costco customer service, and I'm looking forward to the extra $171 in spa treatments and excursions!

April