All Seasons travel 600.00 cheaper then Dreams ???

[sandee]

Like others, I am so impressed that John has allowed this dialogue about possible cheaper rates to continue. I love DU. I have been a fan of this site for years - long before DU arrived and found anything they're involved with is honest and they have a lot of class. A few years ago I use to book a town car that advertised on this site whenever we flew into MCO. It was great the 1st couple times but slowly the service went down hill. Before I even had time to email Pete ,I noticed their ads were no longer on the boards. Obviously he'd heard about the slip in service and dropped them. I have used many of the DIS sponsers and DU many times and have never been disappointed. I truly think if you can save hundreds on your trip DU would be 1st to say "go for it" but, for me it would have to be a very big price difference. Finding a business which truly thinks of their customers as family is rare these days. When I contact Donna or any other DU agent I feel I'm the only customer they have - it's a great feeling.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I notice that there are more recent posts here about considerable savings on some sailings in May.... And, also, just received the e-newsletter from AllSeas. And, yes, it did mention special rates on some sailings in May. Also, it mentions that Disney has had price increases on Verandahs... And, that AllSeas is able to book verandah staterooms at the Pre-increase prices.

Just a FYI for any cruise shoppers.

All also applaud DU !!!! We have booked thru them, and expect only the best in service. Did I not just read that DU is looking into ways to offer some discounted fares on some DCL cruises. If so, Yey!!!! We all know that DCL discounts are super hard to find. So, THANK YOU to DU for this board, and for allowing this open exchange of information!!! DU is the best!

 

[goofygal1975]

I recently booked w/allseasons ( aka allears ) I was impressed at first at how quick they were to respond. as soon as she knew I was a "given" that I was going to book, I felt like responses were slow to come. I was only trying to get things corrected, (I noticed pricing mistakes, seating times mistakes) I do understand she was sending off a big group on a cruise, so she couldn't get back right away. She is always so sincere when she sends her email, I hate to complain, but when I feel like I have something important I need an answer to, I usually have to email 2 times and even call and leave messages on voice mail, w/in a 3 day time period. Right now I am awaiting word on if I can change to a different room that includes a verandha. I know we are not booked until 5/04, but I'd like to get all the big stuff taken care of now.

I had not found these boards or DU until after I made my reservations, and i know it is not fair/correct to change reservations over, but for any future cruises, i now know to check with DU first!!

 

[wovenwonder]

I would also like to applaud Dreams and Webmaster John for their professionalism in this matter. It is certainly a step above what I would have expected!

I have a feeling that they are working very hard right now at coming up with a way they can also be just as competitive as their competition.

I have to admit that if it meant savings of many hundreds of dollars that I would have to also switch to another TA -- even though I feel some sort of dedication to Dreams and these boards.

I also think it is very unprofessional of All Seasons to post openly on these boards using their Travel Agency name as their screen name. I feel that they are taking advantage of the DIS Boards and those that pay to sponsor the boards -- mainly Dreams Unlimited. It is one thing for a poster to recommend a TA and quite another thing for a TA to solicit new business in the manner which All Seasons has been.

 

[kellyb2000]

Now, now - we've went through 5 pages of posts without bashing either company so let's not start now.

I check this board everyday and I have never seen All Seasons post anything which means I have never seen them solicit their business. It is because of this one thread that I went to their website and in turned booked a cruise with them. They didn't ask for my business - I went to them.

 

[inkkognito]

I too have to add my kudos to John and the whole DU team and to Pete for this excellent website. I get lots of questions from people via my website asking who I recommend as a travel agent, where to get the best rates, etc. (often, they even think that I'm a travel agent!). I always recommed DU, and for the ones who are looking for the cheapest rate, I tell them to visit the DIS boards because they can find the largest amount of unbiased information. I explain that although DU sponsors the boards, they will find honest opinions (of course, there might be a slight slant in DU's favor because so many of us here are not just posters but also clients ). We've gotten great service from DU, so even if another agency or a place like Costco was a bit cheaper, it wouldn't be worth it to switch. I think we have something like 11 more cruises currently booked through DU (6 this year and 5 in 2004), and we'll be adding a couple more next week.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[goofygal1975]

I wouldn't post here again, especially since this is not a reservation w/DU, but since I posted earlier w/a complaint, I just want to follow that up. I spoke w/the TA from Allseasons (AKA MouseEarVacations) this evening. I emailed her again, and she stated that she tried to call me twice and my line was busy. But she did get ahold of me finally by email and then called me and we got the stateroom I was looking for.

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by goofygal1975
... I spoke w/the TA from Allseasons (AKA MouseEarVacations) this evening.....

I don't think that All Seasons is the the as Mouse Ear Vacations. At least they have separate websites, pricing, etc. Unless there is some behind the scenes connection that I don't know about, they appear to be totally different companies.

 

[goofygal1975]

Originally posted by FredS
I don't think that All Seasons is the the as Mouse Ear Vacations. At least they have separate websites, pricing, etc. Unless there is some behind the scenes connection that I don't know about, they appear to be totally different companies.

AHHHH you are so right, duh!! I had checked w/MouseEarVacations.com, and they are also called Cruising Co ETC. I guess because I was receiving so many emails from AllSeaons regarding specials on cruises (dont know how they got my name,) I just assumed that was their other name. i couldn't remember at the time what the other name was. I just looked it up to double check.

MouseEarVacations is a part of Cruising Co ETC that handles disney related reservations only.
Thanks for clearing that up!!

 

[lruggiero]

I posted the All Seasons webiste last year when I originally booked. Both last year and this year they were a few hundred dollars less that DU. Both I feel had very caring and capable agents. What I did like was that I was one of the very unfortunate cancelled November 30th Disney Cruisers and when I called the 800 number for Disney that I was given (and called many times even though my agent said she was handling it)several agents told me that since I originally booked with All Seasons, I would have no problem getting on the 4 night Wonder they also expressed that this was the favorite and largest booking company. Not only did we get on, we also were booked into a balcony room which I was told at the supervisor desk on the ship at check in that this was unheard of and then she said "oh you booked through all seasons". Not only do they have great rates, great service but they are highly respected by DCL themselves.

 

[Gretel]

I checked the site mentioned and our cruise would be $350 cheaper than our current ressie with DU. I am so wanting to save the $350, but I trust DU so it is a hard decision. I value their service and quick reponses and the expertise. The only reason our price is higher is because of the verandah costs being raised and All Seasons buying blocls of rooms beforehand.

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

I checked the site after seeing this thread and it is All Seasons was more for our cruise in October 25, 2003 compared to my ressie with DU

Today I have checked around for my sister because she wants to go with us on the Magic and I had requested a quote from DU and All Seasons and once again DU beats by $157. Als I requested on my quote form to be contacted via e-mail since I have a sick toddler but All Seasons called here about 1 hour ago

But honestly even if they did not I would go with DU for DCL cruises and others. I personally think Michelle is the best TA ever and is patient, honest and hard working. DU will continue to get my business because I don't get the hard pressure sail I have with others (like cruise.com) where I feel as if I am on a car lot. They have told me "there are only a few cabins left, hurry and book and such".

Just my 2 cents, not worth much now days but I like DU.

 

[Grumbo]

I found this thread (although VERY long) extremely informative and enlightening. I had booked onboard for a 7 day in March 2004 and when contacting Dreams to check the price I received an almost immediate reply from Rob. The quote was $300 more than what I had booked onboard 2 weeks ago. The $75 from Dreams would have made a $225 difference. I asked Rob about this and was I perhaps missing something here. He advised that I had a good deal and Dreams couldn't match it. Fair enough. I also asked All Seasons Travel for a quote. I was asked to call a 1-800 number which was fine. I spoke with Chuck from their company and I have to admit I was extremely impressed. He took the time to explain a number of things I didn't understand and then asked me to give him a chance to make some calls and he would call me back. I spoke with him later and he beat the onboard price by $100 which gave me a $325 differential with Dreams.
I think that both are good companies and would have no qualms dealing with either but Chuck did go that extra mile for me and did get me a better deal. $325 (and thats U.S. dollars!!! ) is a few shore excursions added for me and I am very pleased.
I still don't quite understand the complete concept of the subtle (and not so subtle) price differences but know that the internet is such a wonderful and empowering tool.
Well thats my 2 cents worth
Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[Mjasp]

Somewhere in the last 4 pages I read that DU is looking into buying blocks of rooms and good for you if you start that. Seems that is how All Seasons offers the lower prices.

BUT... What if you cancel your cruise, is there a TA charge for cancellations.
Does DU have a cancellation fee?
Does All Seasons have a cancellation fee?

I know our local TA has a cancellation fee of $50 per person, no matter what time frame your in, they charge a cancellation fee. That is why I have been sticking with DCL directly.

Another thing to check.

Joanna

 

[CathyCanada]

Joanna, Dreams has NO cancellation fees other than what DCL charges if you cancel within 60 days. You must be reading minds, we are putting that info up on the Dreams site today.
Cathy

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by WebmasterCathyCanada
....You must be reading minds, we are putting that info up on the Dreams site today.
Cathy

Cathy:

What info are you putting on the board today -- about cancellation fees or discounts (due to DU buying blocks of rooms) for booking in advance? If the latter, for what time period do you have availability for discounts due to block reservations? Thanks!

 

[lruggiero]

no cancellation feels with all seasons either

 

[iluvorlando]

Wow. This has all been enlightening.

My question is how come this TA can buy up these room blocks at an earlier savings tier and what is Dreams doing to correct this?

No wonder there are never any cat. 3 open. This TA has most of them!

 

[MelissaE1]

Originally posted by iluvorlando
My question is how come this TA can buy up these room blocks at an earlier savings tier and what is Dreams doing to correct this?

The way I understand it, most agencies do this to a limited extent, like when I checked with AAA last time we sailed they had a couple of sailings for the year that were in a similar price range because they bought space on them. I am sure Dreams does the same. It must take a tremendous amount of money for All Seasons to buy that many spaces, though -- how in the world do they do it? That's what I want to know!

Originally posted by iluvorlando
No wonder there are never any cat. 3 open. This TA has most of them!

It wouldn't suprise me! I read somewhere (their newsletter?) that they have suites available on just about every sailing, including holidays. Are they that hard to get? (I wouldn't know -- the day I get a suite is the day we win the lottery! )

 

[iluvorlando]

Very true, I would imaging the more you can buy rooms in bulk the more savings you can pass on.

I guess my question is how is allseasons getting the rooms before dreams to incur a higher savings tier.