Booking Questions and Much More!

[JAG2007]

Since I am new to all of this, I want to make sure I know as much information as possible (and as early as possible), please bear with me if the questions are redundant (or easily search able):

* upon review of our taxes (which was going to be the trip fund), we are pretty sure we can't spend the entire week (Nov 29-Dec4) at AKL - which we wanted to do for our Mom's - However, we're interested to know if we can switch hotels during the week; such as start off at POP (or some place similar) and then spend the last 2 nights at AKL. I'm pretty sure this is a common thing to do, right?
* Chase credit card question: We have a Chase Amazon card, has anyone experienced switching their card to a Disney card? We want to see if we can rack up enough points (or if we can roll over our current points if we're able to switch) to provide some savings. I do plan on calling Chase, eventually, but I wanted to know what was out there in advance (plus, I searched on Disboards and didn't really find information - that was current)
* Booking: Right now, I've been exchanging a few emails with a travel agent through Small Wonder Vacations (I hope I'm able to say the company's name); DH feels iffy about using a travel agent - I feel different than he does. Is it easier (less stressful) to make the reservations on our own (with ya'lls help of course), or go through a travel agent?
* DVC: I've read (on disboards and many others) about renting points; so far, I've learned that I could save a good bit of money doing that (when comparing the TA's quote to the DVC renter's on a week at AKL), but, again, DH is leary. Can anyone provide information to help DH see the value of saving?

That's all I have for now. I really appreaciate your help!

 

[carj]

I hope someone here can help you. I think that there was a thread recently on the budget board about switching another Chase Visa to a Disney Chase Visa. You might try there.


I would not want to switch hotels in the middle of my trip. That is just my personal opinon though. I would choose a less expensive hotel and just stay there the whole time. I am not sure how the switching takes place but it just seems like a pain and some wasted time to me.

If you do it, I would definitely stay at the cheaper hotel at the beginning of the stay and the switch. Otherwise you may not enjoy your stay at the value as much!

I understand your husband's concerns about renting DVC points. I just didn't feel comfortable doing that either. (I am sure that it would have been fine, but I was not comfortable.) To me the added stress of worrying about it would have made it not worth it for me.

There are some deals offered for some dates. I believe that you can make changes to your package if something better comes along.

A good travel agent can be a great help. I would have them prepare a quote for you and then call yourself and see if you can do better. Take the better deal.

One thing that we found is that it was more expensive to book the flights through Disney. We ended up getting a package from Airtran which included Air and All Star Sports. Sometimes a package isn't always the cheapest option, price the components individually and as a package and see what works best for your family.

One reason that we did not do that package was because my husband was at a conference for 4 and a half days of our 7 night trip. We would have to all be on the same package so we came out better paying for dining and tickets separately.

The planning process is overwhelming because there is a ton of information out there!

 

[jenseib]

If doing the dining plan, you won't want to switch resorts as You will have to buy another one day ticket to dop the package the last couple of days. I personally would just go to Pop for the full stay. I think it would be a pain to switch mid vacation too.
If you have AAA you may b et a better deal. They offer deals that basically no one else does. But if you are already getting a Disney deal, the AAA deal can't be used as well. We booked AAA the last two years and it worked fine, but I did all my own arraggements basically. I got all my ADR's etc, they just booked my trip and sent me my documents. This year I booked with Disney since they had the 4/3 deal. It wouldn't have saved me money with AAA.
It's up to you on how you want to do things, but you have more control over your reservation if you book yourself.

 

[the5beans]

Is it better to pay for the trip in one lump sum or break it down into many payments? someone said something about when you call to make payments the operatior can "sprinkle fairy dust" on your trip. I was unclear as to what this meant. Is this an upgrade kinda thing or is it just something cute they say?

Thanks, H

 

[nikkers]

I agree that I think it would be a hassle to switch hotels in the middle. Especially, with children. Maybe plan a dinner or breakfast at one of the AKL restaurants. You can see the hotel, and take advantage of their viewing areas. Just a thought?
I also would be nervous renting a DVC. Especially so far ahead of time. I would be worried if you had to cancel for some reason. The owner does not have to refund you.
Have a great vacation!

 

[jenseib]

Is it better to pay for the trip in one lump sum or break it down into many payments? someone said something about when you call to make payments the operatior can "sprinkle fairy dust" on your trip. I was unclear as to what this meant. Is this an upgrade kinda thing or is it just something cute they say?

Thanks, H

I have no clue what that means. never heard that one before?

 

[mjkacmom]

I rented DVC points, and my only problem is the fact that I don't think my family will be happy anywhere else but a 2 bedroom villa! Seriously, if asked the best part of the trip, they say the resort (beach club) and room - what have I done?!

 

[natnelliesmom]

I have rented points 4 times before and I think it has saved us quite a bit. Especially since you have a bigger group going- you could get a 2 br. and all stay together. You'd have your own full kitchen and washer dryer. Then you can save money on food and pack lighter.
I also second not booking your flight through Disney. We save over 100 a ticket by going right through Delta.
If you are interested in renting points- check out the DVC boards. There are many helpful owners.
If you do want to do the planning yourself I HIGHLY recommend buying the Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide. It's an E-book so you just download it to your computer. It walks you through the DVC rental process very easily and she also covers every other trip planning strategy and money saving tip there is! I think it's $24 but is free to update each year. I would have been lost planning our first trip without it.
Don't be afraid to rent points- you will be spoiled though! I couldn't stay without a washer/dryer in our room now!
-Sarah