Best way to book

[scoutie]

How do you like booking? Through Disney directly? Through a travel agent? Do you package everything together?

 

[mickeynut1]

I always book directly through Disney and usually book packages. I have done room only as well, but most of the time we get tickets and DDP .

 

[buzznina]

I do all the work looking for the best deals and when I am set I call Disney directly. I like doing this because there has been times I got a better deal from them, i.e. a PIN was attached to my name or one time they were running a non-advertised special at CSR that I got for the same price as POP, the resort I was calling to reserve. BUT if you do not do the leg work then I cannot totally trust the Disney CM's because there have been many that have given me wrong information and would go with a TA that specializes in Disney, like Small world vacations or dreams unlimited travel. They will check for specials for you and keep checking even after they make your ressie.

 

[Giselle22]

when DH and I went for our honeymoon a couple years ago we booked through AAA; AAA does a lot of Disney vacations so they are pretty knowledgeable and she got us a good discount (we were there over the holidays, though, so not a lot of discounts were offered), and I really liked doing it that way because we were able to pay in installments instead of all at once.

 

[ssleblanc]

Last time I did everything myself. I couldn't do a package last time because I was at CSR for a conference and the company paid for my room through the conference (I paid a few extra days OOP but took care of that through the company). I did tickets, ADR's, MNSSHP tickets, etc myself.

This time I'm doing a package and am going through a Disney specialist TA. She will handle everything, and monitor for discounts/FD/etc. She said she'll also make ADR's for me. I'm still doing research and my spreadsheets and know what I want. But the calling and legwork, and recommendations from the TA are making it easier. Right now I am booked with room only, waiting for packages to come out for 2013.

 

[FloridaFun]

I agree that you should do your research even if using a travel agent as only you know your likes and dislikes. This will help you have the best trip possible and get the most out of your time at Disney World.

 

[Sue M]

My first few times I used a TA who specializes in only Disney vacations. Booking a WDW vacay takes a bit of research and planning. Specialized TAs know when WDW puts out promos/discounts and will automatically apply it to your reservation if it will save you $. They can also advise you on many things if you are a newbie to WDW.

A good book for planning is WDW The Unofficial Guide.

 

[jp02]

I book through Disney. Last trip I booked a package. This upcoming trip I booked room only because I don't think the dining plan is worth it. I agree with PP. Do your own research because it isn't uncommon for the CM to give you wrong information.

 

[scoutie]

Thank you for the suggestions! I've read two books, and have done some research. I feel I have a decent understanding of what I want, but I think I need to keep reading these boards!

 

[DisDeluxeAddict]

I booked once on my own, got an ok deal and had a WONDERFUL vacation. After that I found a TA who specializes in Disney, she did all the work. I told her what I wanted and she found us the best deal. A few times she even called me to tell me there were "new promotions" and ended up saving us lots of $$.

The other good thing about TA's....they will book your dining, they will plan your entire vacation if you want them to. I like that they gave me $$ !! Disney Gift Card just for booking with them. Gotta love FREE $$ !!

I used to use a TA that was with another agency !! Now she has her OWN !! Still provides great service. (Castles and Dreams Travel in NC)