Are Expedia Guests treated worse? More Information WDW Price 3738 Expedia 2734.27

[johnnyr]

YES!! Be sure if you need tickets to go thru UT because they still have the old rates on them.

Yep. Already have AP's. The Expedia rate was so good I cancelled my Disney AP discounted room rate which Disney would only apply to one night of my stay. With the Expedia rate, I have a considerable cheaper rate for every night at the same resort. I asked Disney before I cancelled my AP rate reservation if they would match the Expedia rate. They would not.

 

[Needzavacation]

Doing the happy dance! Just booked Yacht Club for Dec. 22-29 through Expedia -- fantastic rate!

 

[PolyDec2008]

I DID IT!

Thanks to everyone for making me feel it was OK to book through Expedia!

We got the Poly Club Level for $100 less than the Standard Garden View we had booked

We were going to add the dining package on to our room before but w/ this savings plus the snacks included will pay out of pocket w/out a problem (and kids will like it better, they got frustrated with the table service when they were tired and hungry).

The rack rate for this is $8500

Expedia
Hotel: 2 adults
3 children
Garden View - Club Level-Special Promo Includes: Free Airport Shuttle
12/14 - 12/24: $303.00 per night
Taxes & service fees $40.91 per night
Amount charged for hotel reservation $3,783.01


WDW Club w/ 40% discount
Check-In: 12/14/2010, Check-out: 12/25/2010
Date Rate per Night
Tue, Dec 14 - Thu, Dec 16 $303.00
Fri, Dec 17 - Fri, Dec 24 $453.00
Total $ 4533.00
Tax $ 566.68
Grand Total $ 5099.68


WDW Standard Garden w/ 40%
Check-In: 12/14/2010, Check-out: 12/25/2010
Date Rate per Night
Tue, Dec 14 - Thu, Dec 16 $219.00
Fri, Dec 17 - Fri, Dec 24 $348.00
Total $ 3441.00
Tax $ 430.11
Grand Total $ 3871.11

 

[FoodLover]

We got the Poly Club Level for $100 less than the Standard Garden View we had booked

We were going to add the dining package on to our room before but w/ this savings plus the snacks included will pay out of pocket w/out a problem (and kids will like it better, they got frustrated with the table service when they were tired and hungry).

Wow, great deal! I think you're right, the Club Level will give you a light breakfast, drinks and snacks, so your food bill will be lower.

I can't tell you how tempted I am to add a Christmas trip with this deal, but we already have other plans. That is the down side of finding Disney deals all day -- constant temptation! At least I know other people are getting to take advantage of the deals. That makes me feel a lot better.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

 

[Rachaelt]

I don't really know if you're treated worse. If you call in about something, we can't discuss your res. We won't be able to find your res. It's not that you don't have a res, but your res won't be downloaded to the resort until right before arrival. We have a valued partnership with Expedia. We sell them a block of rooms, that they can price out however they want. But if you have any questions at all about your res, need to make any changes, add any requests, you have to call Expedia. Just like dealing with any travel agent. It scares some people when we can't find their res when they call, those ressies are handled by a back office and 99.9% of the time there are no problems.

 

[Sleepyluke]

I was going to post what rachaelt posted. I asked this recently over on the cruise board and had different answers. One had a gret time with it and was very pleased, one was a planner and could not take the fact that Disney does not see the reservation until 3-4 days before arrival, and if there are any problems, that leaves little time to fix it, and in the case of us being on the boat, no time to fix it.

My other concern is magical express, how do you book this when Disney can not see the reservation? I have not completed a reservation with expedia, but does it allow you to select for ME?

 

[johnnyr]

My other concern is magical express, how do you book this when Disney can not see the reservation? I have not completed a reservation with expedia, but does it allow you to select for ME?

In your Expedia Itinerary, they give you a phone number and web site address for DME. You can either call or make the reservation online. I did mine online. The only thing I was confused about was what to enter for the Hotel Reservation Number. Expedia support told me to use the Expedia Itinerary number assigned to my reservation. It accepted it. I hope they are correct.

 

[maroo]

This is amazing...but can you book a room with handicapped accomodations?? Does anyone know?

 

[Original]

Well, you could book the first 5 nights with Disney as a package, including 5 nights Dining Plan and 9 days of tickets. Then if you booked the last 4 nights with Expedia, you'd only have to pay out of pocket for your meals for the last 4 days.

Also remember, your package options are actually good until midnight of the last day of the package, which is the first day of your Expedia stay, so depending on how you use your meal credits, you might only have to cover 3 days out of pocket. A lot of people end up with leftover credits on the Dining Plan... this way you'd have a chance to use them all up.

Just a thought!

Mary
MouseSavers.com

I thought about doing that, but I still don't come out ahead (enough to make it worth it). Maybe a couple hundred bucks at best (and that is depending on how we eat the last four days).

This deal really only benefits those who can arrive only a day or two before the bump. Ideally the smaller the party (1 or 2 people) the more you save as compared to the package price. Food and tickets are a fixed price. The only variable is the room rate (which changes week to week). i.e. a burger on December 23 will cost the same on December 26. With that said, the Expedia rate becomes like the food and tickets (it does not change week to week). That is, assuming you get in before the bump (preferably only 1 day). That is why my recommendation is to go from December 23 - January 1 (or what ever day you decide to depart). Also, Expedia is giving the best rate for a Deluxe at the Wilderness Lodge ($240 night). Compare that to Disney's $480 night.

I'm sticking with the MYW + Dining for all nights from December 19 - 28th. Here's why. My rate only bumps for the last two nights. That would be the savings (otherwise Disney is charging the same amount). That savings, plus buying tickets through UT would only leave me with $1500 for food for four for 9 nights (or $166 per day). I don't think it is worth piecemealing the package from different vendors in order to save a few bucks per day. Here are the hard numbers:

9 nights at $240 at Expedia: 2451
Tickets for 4 through UT: 929
Total: 3380
Food estimate for 9 nights (party of 4): 1300
Total: $4680

Disney package 9 nights and DDP same place same dates: $4875

Savings with Expedia and UT and all the hassle: $195

Now, I highly recommed the Expedia deal if you are going b/t 12/23 - 1/1/2011. You will save way way more. The other big savings is to arrive on 12/16 ($144/night!!!!!!). If you stay from the 12/16 -whatever, you are GOLDEN!

It's just not in the cards if you are arriving on 12/19.

Final thoughts: Arrive on 12/16 or 12/23 and use Expedia. Otherwise, it aint worth it.

 

[Missoutandabout]

I've booked our upcoming trip through Expedia (absolutely excellent savings, I might add!). A few days after, I checked the itinerary again and it included the Disney reservation number. I used this number to book the Magical Express. I received our ME envelope with tags about 2 weeks ago. Our tags actually said Expedia on them with both reservation numbers listed: Disney's and Expedia's.

You can actually check in online too according to this post. Can't wait to try it out.

 

[Rachaelt]

This is amazing...but can you book a room with handicapped accomodations?? Does anyone know?

In this case, you really need to call in. We have a department that works very hard to ensure your resort has the required room available for your dates.

 

[Original]

I saved sooo much by going thru Expedia at the WL checking in Dec. 16-26!!! The rate stays the same as your first night. She said this rate will be honored.

You did this EXACTLY right. 12/16 - 12/28 @ $144 per night. Can't beat that!

I'm trying to convince my wife to do 12/16 - 12/28 for the same cost that we are paying for 12/19 - 12/28. We would get 3 extra days for the same price. I just need to convince my wife to pull the kids out of school early

 

[MIChessGuy]

So, anyone know how Expedia can offer such a deep discount? We are well into the second day and the rates are still being offered -- doesn't seem to be a programming error.

 

[Rachaelt]

Expedia buys a block of rooms, they can then price them however they want.

 

[DisneyDoogie]

Wow, this expedia deal is amazing! Almost too good to pass up! I've never dealt with expedia before, so I could use some advice from you experts! I understand that I have to pay for my entire trip at the time I book it - is that correct? And, what about cancellation policies? If I cancel a week before my check-in dates, I should have no cancellation penalties, right? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Original]

Wow, this expedia deal is amazing! Almost too good to pass up! I've never dealt with expedia before, so I could use some advice from you experts! I understand that I have to pay for my entire trip at the time I book it - is that correct? And, what about cancellation policies? If I cancel a week before my check-in dates, I should have no cancellation penalties, right? Thanks in advance for your help.

Depends on where you stay. Disney for example has the following policy (based on booking of 12/16):

We understand that sometimes plans fall through. We do not charge a cancel or change fee. However, Disney's Wilderness Lodge has cancellation and change fees that we are required to pass on. See Disney's Wilderness Lodge change and cancellation policies

Cancellation or Change Policy
Cancellations or changes made after 4:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time (US & Canada)) on 12/11/2010 are subject to a hotel fee equal to 1 Night Room & Tax.
Cancellations or changes made after check-in on 12/16/2010 are subject to a 100% charge.
Canceling your stay: Cancellations can be made online. From your itinerary, click the How to cancel this hotel reservation link and follow the instructions.
Changing your stay: To make changes, please call 1-800-EXPEDIA (1-800-397-3342) or 1-404-728-8787, and specify that you booked an Expedia Special Rate hotel.
All refund requests must occur within 60 days of hotel check-out. At the sole discretion of Expedia refunds may be given due to extenuating circumstances.
If you wish to book multiple rooms, you must use a different name for each room or the duplicate reservation MAY be cancelled by the hotel.

Bottom line is that you need to look at the specifics for your hotel and dates traveling. Hope that helps!

 

[FoodLover]

Wow, this expedia deal is amazing! Almost too good to pass up! I've never dealt with expedia before, so I could use some advice from you experts! I understand that I have to pay for my entire trip at the time I book it - is that correct? And, what about cancellation policies? If I cancel a week before my check-in dates, I should have no cancellation penalties, right? Thanks in advance for your help.

You really need to go on Expedia and do a mock booking, then click on every little link that says "terms and conditions" or similar. That's the only way to make sure you understand the exact policies that will apply to your booking.

We can tell you what we "think," but it's really wise to check it for yourself - carefully.

Mary

 

[mikmouse]

I thought about doing that, but I still don't come out ahead (enough to make it worth it). Maybe a couple hundred bucks at best (and that is depending on how we eat the last four days).

This deal really only benefits those who can arrive only a day or two before the bump. Ideally the smaller the party (1 or 2 people) the more you save as compared to the package price. Food and tickets are a fixed price. The only variable is the room rate (which changes week to week). i.e. a burger on December 23 will cost the same on December 26. With that said, the Expedia rate becomes like the food and tickets (it does not change week to week). That is, assuming you get in before the bump (preferably only 1 day). That is why my recommendation is to go from December 23 - January 1 (or what ever day you decide to depart). Also, Expedia is giving the best rate for a Deluxe at the Wilderness Lodge ($240 night). Compare that to Disney's $480 night.

I'm sticking with the MYW + Dining for all nights from December 19 - 28th. Here's why. My rate only bumps for the last two nights. That would be the savings (otherwise Disney is charging the same amount). That savings, plus buying tickets through UT would only leave me with $1500 for food for four for 9 nights (or $166 per day). I don't think it is worth piecemealing the package from different vendors in order to save a few bucks per day. Here are the hard numbers:

9 nights at $240 at Expedia: 2451
Tickets for 4 through UT: 929
Total: 3380
Food estimate for 9 nights (party of 4): 1300
Total: $4680

Disney package 9 nights and DDP same place same dates: $4875

Savings with Expedia and UT and all the hassle: $195

Now, I highly recommed the Expedia deal if you are going b/t 12/23 - 1/1/2011. You will save way way more. The other big savings is to arrive on 12/16 ($144/night!!!!!!). If you stay from the 12/16 -whatever, you are GOLDEN!

It's just not in the cards if you are arriving on 12/19.

Final thoughts: Arrive on 12/16 or 12/23 and use Expedia. Otherwise, it aint worth it.

Booked the same exact rate on Disneyworld.com under special offers. Average per night for Fort Wilderness cabins $227.00. So no extra savings with Expedia and we only had to put 1 night deposit and can cancel for full refund 5 days before. Also, called Disney and got the same exact promotion, so we were able to apply it to our existing reservation which was $325/night!

 

[Original]

You did this EXACTLY right. 12/16 - 12/28 @ $144 per night. Can't beat that!

I'm trying to convince my wife to do 12/16 - 12/28 for the same cost that we are paying for 12/19 - 12/28. We would get 3 extra days for the same price. I just need to convince my wife to pull the kids out of school early

Yesterday the rate was $1961 for 12 nights at WL ( 12/16 - 12/28 )
Today the same dates cost $3611

You would have saved $1650 before they fixed the website. Hope you were lucky enough to get it.

 

[maddiesmom0116]

I have booked through Expedia, it was a couple of years ago. I was not treated any differently. The deal was too good to pass up, I was at POP for $49 a night plus an extra $50 off the trip by paying with my visa.

I cancelled my next stay through Disney and booked a split stay through Travelocity because I saved $600. $600 less for a hotel room = $ more character meals and an extra MNSSHP party for us.