Booking online?

[Etoile]

I am interested in going to WDW in September. I have never been to Disney-anything before so even the planning part is a new experience for me! I prefer to book online myself rather than going through an offline TA. I have some questions...

1. Can I book a whole package anywhere but the official WDW site? Expedia seemed to only do resort plus air, not tickets.
2. If you CAN book full packages on other sites, what's the cheapest one? Alternatively, are the WDW site packages discounted at all, or should we book resorts, air, and tickets all separately?
3. There will definitely be two of us going, and probably also a third, but we're not 100% sure about the third. If he needs to cancel, how would that work? (Assuming we booked on the official WDW site, I guess.)
4. Can you get the Magical Express service if you don't book your air through WDW, but you are staying at a Disney resort? (We are looking at Coronado Springs.)
5. Do you recommend the dining package? Is it a good idea, or a waste of money?

Thanks so much for answering my questions. I'm really excited about going!

 

[Etoile]

I just discovered MouseSavers.com and they say the packages are basically equivalent to paying full price, and you should do room and tickets separately. So should I book the resort at Expedia, Travelocity, etc.? If I do, will I still get the Magical Express service?

 

[spiceycat]

okay I would go with dreams unlimited - they know how to save your money.
the travel agency for this website
http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/index.html


if you still want to do it on your own.

Do you belong to AAA? if you do then call them (not online) and get that discount.

disney does not give out alot of discounts lately....but if there are any out there mousesavers will list them. do you sign up for her email so you will be able to get her ticket discounts????

I won't add your friend until he is certain that he is going... an adult over 2 is an EXTRA charge.

sometimes the value resort are the cheapest alternative. sometimes OKW can beat them if you rent through a DVC member.

when are you going?

oh when I fly I generally go with
www.southwest.com - be sure to add the DING to your computer.

but I like to drive....

the DME (disney magical express) is for EVERYONE that stays on WDW property - doesn't matter where you made the reservation.

the dinning plan can only be brought with the full package - both the resorts and the WDW tickets....

DVC members will have access to it after April - if you rent a DVC resort through a member you don't have to get the WDW tickets to get this dinning plan.

Yes it is very worth it - a person generally spend $50 per day per person on meals...

 

[fan of the TTA]

definetly mouse savers dot com or travelosity!

 

[wdwdreamin]

If you belong to AAA you can still get your discount without actually booking through them. We are members of AAA and for our trip in Feb 05, we booked room/tickets separately by calling Disney directly and we still got our AAA discount simply by asking. We had to show our card when we got there and you don't get the other AAA perks, but still a good savings.

 

[Etoile]

Yep, we are AAA members. I hadn't thought to use Southwest, that's a good idea. And we would be flying out of BWI...maybe we'd get on that show Airline! LOL.

I will definitely sign up for the Mouse Savers newsletter.

Keep those tips coming if you've got 'em!

 

[justlikeeyore]

Expedia does allow you to buy tickets