Agents or DIY?

[saysib]

I know I've asked this before, but it was kind of as an aside question tacked onto another question.

I'm looking to book for the end of next year. Plans have changed probably a hundred times since we first started looking but in the end my heart has won out and we are going to stay onsite and go for free dining.

Would seasoned Disney goers advise booking now and going DIY or waiting another couple months until the TAs release their winter 2014 prices. I know I can currently book with Virgin, Travelcity and Jetsave (no free dining for our dates with them though) but are the others likely to be able to give me a package at a competitive rate? I'm a bit nervous to DIY when I'm unsure how much our flights will be ontop.

For DIY, other than Disney direct, any other recommendations? I've looked at Complete Orlando and Kenwood Travel so far.

TIA, I'd be lost without you guys.

 

[Elise79]

We always book DIY - haven't been able to get a package to be close to what we pay.

We book direct with suppliers where possible to give maximum control - so I book Disney through Disney, flights with the airline, car hire I will use a third party broker as they give the best price but check for cancellation policies ect to again give flexibility.

For accommodation we have used complete Orlando in the past as their price was better.

 

[flortlebap]

Packages are more expensive, but a lot less work and a lot less stressful.

I can knock at least £2,000 off package prices for our family of 6. I got £1,000 off for the two of us too so as long as you don't mind spending hours checking hundreds of websites I would say DIY every time.

Don't forget to use either UK Cashback or Quidco with whatever you book!

 

[saysib]

Thanks guys!

Never heard of Quidco or UK cashback - what do they do? Many hours spent online researching is half the fun, you got any recommendations on where to start though?

 

[flortlebap]

They are websites which you sign up to and then click through them onto websites where you spend money and you get a % Cashback on online purchases

I have had over £900 in free Cashback so far, it's absolutely worth it and I've used it for 18 months with no strings and no hassle. UK Cashback offers a decent rate on both Virgin Holidays and through WDTC. So if you factor that in you get more spending money (but it's a few weeks before you can draw it out).

 

[zippy99]

Our August holiday this year included for 4 adults (kids are 13/15 so adult)

Fly Drive with BA £2600 18th Aug - 3rd Sep
(Indirect via Miami)
(also got £80 cash back via quidco)

Wilderness Lodge Bunk Bed Wood View - 10 nights with Disney UK
£3284 with tickets (£200 deposit)
(also got £135 cash back with quidco 6 weeks after booking having only paid deposit)

Royal Pacific Resort £730 for 5 nights booked direct with Loews (included a weekend stay so higher price than usual)

Out of curiosity I priced the same elements with Virgin and it was over £5000 more!! So well worth doing. We could have got cheaper flights but I was happy with the price from BA as it was good connection times - plus I could secure the booking with a deposit.

I am sure you will have guidance all the way by asking for support here! I was inspired to DIY after reading these forums and never looked back since!

 

[saysib]

Thanks! Cashback sounds wonderful! How did I not know these existed?

Those are some savings! Hopefully I can be as lucky!! How far in advance did you book?