best way to book?

[AKADrea]

What is the best way to book an onsite resort vacation? Should I find a local travel agency, online???

I want to try and get it on the free dining!

TIA!

 

[rwdavis]

I would call Disney directly. Some people like the Disney-specific travel agencies which I've never used. Other than those why get a third party involved which, at best, will do everything you can do yourself? I've read about too many situations where the online travel agents (Expedia, Travelocity) make mistakes and it's a nightmare. No place is going to get you big discounts on tickets, at least I've never seen any.

So I would recommend doing it yourself.
Bob

 

[AKADrea]

OK, so don't go with the advertisers on here - dreams unlimited travel?

 

[JimR24]

Every trip I booked to go to WDW I have done myself. I don't want to put my vacation into someone elses hands.

 

[VMK_Mouse]

I prefer to go with Disney direct. Simply because I am in charge of my vacation planning and do not have to go through a middle person. Especially if I want to change something on my reservation and the agent is out or if a code comes out for a discount, I can call CRO directly and request it be applied.

 

[rwdavis2]

OK, so don't go with the advertisers on here - dreams unlimited travel?

I've read a lot of good things about Dreams Unlimited (a Disney vacation sepcialist). But, you only communicate via email and I've NEVER seen a phone number for them. Dreams had been around for a long time so they must be doing something right. Again, I'd never use a local or non-Disney-specialist agent.
Bob

 

[themudd4]

I would either go directly with Disney myself or AAA. Although you wont get the room discount with the free dinning.

 

[disney4evr]

I usually do everything myself and have found no problems, I used AAA this time just because I have so many people going I did not want the hassle, I wanted someone else to do it, plus I am way too busy at home and work that I could not devote time for research and things (I know that is no excuse). We leave in 87 days and can't wait.

rwdavis - from one Steeler fan to another, are you from PA?

 

[AKADrea]

wow, things are selling out quickly! I gotta make some decisions fast!

 

[PrincessNoelle'sMom]

Most value resorts for free dining are sold out during popular times. Be flexible and you should be able to get something suitable.

I'd be happy to recommend a Disney Specialist TA if you are interested to help with your search.

 

[HonnyDipp]

I cut out the "middle man" I did the research online and called Disney directly to book

 

[goofy4tink]

Depends on how knowledgable you are and how much free time you have. I'm pretty knowledgable about booking with Disney, so tend to do it myself. But, if I know there is something 'big', like free dining, coming up, I'll give Dreams Unlimited the business. I have better things to do with my time than sit on the phone, on hold for an hour or so. I let my DU agent do that for me. She has always gotten me everything I have asked for. She watches for all discounts that I am entitled to....AP, AAA.

I have no problem dealing with Disney directly. As long as you know what it is you want before calling. The agents at CRO aren't always very forthcoming with suggestions.
But decide quickly...those rooms with free dining aren't going to last forever!!

 

[pruesmom]

We go directly through WDW via phone. AAA gives a 10% discount but does not offer that during the free dining.

 

[AKADrea]

thanks everyone! I wound up just calling Disney Direct and got in on the free dining

 

[stopher1]

That's great!

I always do research directly on the WDW or DL websites - then usually end up phoning them directly. Even now as DVC'ers, I still do a lot of research directly on the main websites. Nothing against TA's, I just prefer to handle it myself.

 

[Tony NY]

I do my homework first online then I call WDW .. the only thing I book my self is the airline tickets .thats because I all get a better deal on them .