? about using a TA like DU...

[d4est]

I am undecided as far as where to stay. Would like (at least) a mod, CSR/POR.

1. If I use a TA like DU, how far in advance should I start?

2. Are AP codes generally available during Pres. week?

3. Do I have to decide where to stay right away OR can I just say I want to find a mod using what ever code they can get for the cheapest? (ie AAA, AP, gen.)

4. Also, is it cheaper to get a package with them or room only and then get tix thru ticketmania (mousesavers rate)? If I go with the package I might also do the dining. (I figure $100/day for food for 3 of us, dining package would be $80/day)

We probably won't go until Feb (Pres week) in 06, but that is up in the air until I get next year's school schedule, as I am a teacher. Right now we have NO Feb break in our calendar (union is putting up a fuss, hoping to get it back)!

Sorry I have so many questions. There is just so much to take in and figure out. I have changed my mind about where to stay/how to do it a zillion times and my head is spinning! I still keep thinking that renting points for DVC might be better. More room for about the same $ as a mod at AP rates.

TIA for any advice/ideas!

 

[NCombs]

I am undecided as far as where to stay. Would like (at least) a mod, CSR/POR.

1. If I use a TA like DU, how far in advance should I start?

[2. Are AP codes generally available during Pres. week?

3. Do I have to decide where to stay right away OR can I just say I want to find a mod using what ever code they can get for the cheapest? (ie AAA, AP, gen.)

4. Also, is it cheaper to get a package with them or room only and then get tix thru ticketmania (mousesavers rate)? If I go with the package I might also do the dining. (I figure $100/day for food for 3 of us, dining package would be $80/day)

We probably won't go until Feb (Pres week) in 06, but that is up in the air until I get next year's school schedule, as I am a teacher. Right now we have NO Feb break in our calendar (union is putting up a fuss, hoping to get it back)!

Sorry I have so many questions. There is just so much to take in and figure out. I have changed my mind about where to stay/how to do it a zillion times and my head is spinning! I still keep thinking that renting points for DVC might be better. More room for about the same $ as a mod at AP rates.

TIA for any advice/ideas!

B]I booked this week with DU for June, 2006. I used another TA last year and DU is much better.[/B]


I think you need to book something and then let them work with that. I have AAA and will get AP so DU has my reservation booked at rack rate and will apply these discounts as they become available.

I always book separately but it's up the needs of each family as to which was is cheaper. Also, cancellation is 5 days for room only vs 45 days for a package.


I don't know about codes for President's week.

 

[d4est]

Thanks for responding. Did you call to book? I just decided to check their website and the dates don't go into 06. TY!

 

[NCombs]

I ended up doing it in a backwards way. I originally requested a quote for June of this year. It was a great price but I decided I really didn't want to go until next year. So, after I made that decision I just had them adjust the reservation. If you are thinking of going 2006, there are no discounts for that time frame yet and you would have to book at rack rate. However, the beauty of using DU is that when discounts do become available, they take care of it for you. I decided to take this route after I read posts about people being on the phone for 2 hours trying to get an AP rate and then the resort they wanted was not available. GOOD LUCK.

 

[d4est]

Another question: If I book now, what % would need to be paid and do you make payments or what?

 

[Miss Mickey Mania]

With DU, if you book a room only stay (not a package) you pay a deposit of one night's stay. The balance is due when you arrive at the resort. Sorry I don't know the situation with package payments.

There is a facility at DU's site to put in payments when you want to although I haven't used that before.

I put in a request for AKL which turned out to be too expensive. It was no problem at all to change the reservation. I think they are well used to it.

DU uses email as communication. It works very well, don't be concerned about that.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[NCombs]

Yes, you do have the option to make payments via their site whenever you want but are only required to make a one night deposit to finalize the reservation(this is Disney policy).

My agent told me the time frame within which she will respond (and it has been faster than that) and gave some really good recommendations on things we might want to do based on the questionnaire you complete for them. She also let me know what will happen at any time she happens to be on vacation or not available.

They will make PS's for you and reservations for speciality things-like cruises and such. They will also help you put together an intinerary if you want help with that.

 

[d4est]

You are all being very helpful. Because this is our first family onsite stay, I am a little overwelmed...resort choices/location, ammenities, packages etc. It is all a lot to take in and sift through. Sometimes I wish someone would just tell me: "you will stay here. It is the best." There should be a website where you imput what is important to you (ie location, ammenities, price etc) and *bam* you get the perfect recommendation based on your needs/desires. A little "perfect resort for you" calculator! Anyone want to get started on that one...

 

[Rhonda]

That's what DU agents are for! Fill out the "get a quote" request form (follow the link in my signature) and in the special instructions box just type what you're looking for and your DU agent will help you decide which resort/package would be best for you!

If you're looking for next year, then your reservation will be booked as a "room only" using this year's prices. At the end of the year when the 2006 prices are released, your price will be adjusted accordingly. But at least you'll have your reservation!

 

[NCombs]

That's what DU agents are for! Fill out the "get a quote" request form (follow the link in my signature) and in the special instructions box just type what you're looking for and your DU agent will help you decide which resort/package would be best for you!

If you're looking for next year, then your reservation will be booked as a "room only" using this year's prices. At the end of the year when the 2006 prices are released, your price will be adjusted accordingly. But at least you'll have your reservation!

Yes, It's great just to know you have that reservation and you can work from there. In fact, I'm already going to be changing mine because now we want to do a split stay b/w Poly and Contemporary.

Plus, I know people have had frustrations with calling Disney directly and getting different answers from different CM's. I don't have to worry about that because I'm working with an agent with years of experience.

I'm normally one that likes to do things for myself. In fact, my title at work is quite appropriate for me away from work also (Controller). Last year, I wished I hadn't bother using a TA because I don't felt like I got much service from the particular agency. I have a completely different opinion with DU and I'm very glad I decided to work with them.

Good luck. I think it sounds like this would be a good choice for you.

 

[d4est]

Thank you both. Now I just need to decide if I want a mod or go with renting points. I am only torn because I would really like a balcony. Of course, I think I might miss mousekeeping too. Sigh...

 

[d4est]

Just a thought...what is the cheapest I could get a deluxe (for the balcony!) with a discount? (AP, AAA, gen public code...)

 

[Rhonda]

It's hard to say right now, if you're still thinking about next year. The discounts won't be released for February til late this year. You could always book the resort you want (balcony room!), pay the deposit, and wait for the discounts to be released! When they are released, your DU agent (if you go with DU) will do their best to get the discount applied to your reservation! Or if you book it yourself, you can call Disney and try & get the discount applied yourself!

 

[Rhonda]

Another thought...

The Swan and Dolphin resorts have very nice balcony rooms! Check HERE for pricing! They don't have 2006 rates out yet, but you could use a date this year just for an idea....

 

[d4est]

Thanks. I actually just checked there and using available dates (none past sept 4th) and the cheapest was 149/night. I would pay that for, say, AKL. But that seems high for something "non-disney." Just curious, if you stay at the Swan or Dolphin, do you get to use Magic express, dis transportation, & EMH?

 

[Rhonda]

At the S/D you get EMH and all the transportation, but you can't use Magical Express.

 

[d4est]

Thanks. That made one decision easy. I don't want to rent a car, so the Swan/Dolphin are out.

PS...your weight loss is very impressive AND inspirational! Nice job!