Booking through Disney vs booking through 3rd party

[nancy drew]

I'm pricing our upcoming trip and looking at booking with Disney vs. booking with getawaytoday, etc. I've booked through both before (well, I've booked hotels through Disney and tickets through GAT), and have had excellent experiences with both. The GAT package is $100 less than booking through Disney, which is fairly minor considering the cost of our trip but still that could be our food budget for a day, or our transportation cost. Is there any reason why I should book through Disney instead?

 

[wdw4rfam]

Really no difference unless you are a control freak like me. If you have a question about your reservation, want to make a change, add a discount that comes up, make a room request, etc.- you have to let the TA do it for you. Disney wont talk to you, they will tell your to have the TA call, because it is technically "their" reservation. Unless something has changed recently. I like having control of my reservation to make changes myself. Like the 1 time I used a TA....FD was announced for our dates after we booked. I called the TA, and she didn't know about it, but said she'd call and check. She didn't do it till the next day, and my OCD was going crazy thinking the rooms would be gone. Just peace of mind for me....

 

[nancy drew]

Good point. Something to consider. Thanks!

 

[specialks]

Well, the package perks are different between GAT and WDTC. You won't get Mickey's ToonTown Morning Madness or Priority Seating at certain CA shows with the GAT package. If those things are worth $100 to you, that's something to consider.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Also, Disney has free payment plans to pay off packages. GAT needs to be paid in full or they charge $50 to make payments.

If you are a Costco Member, I'd look into booking through them. They offer a $20 Disney gift card per package and a premium character meal voucher for each person on the reservation. They are ultimately booked through Disney so you get the free payment plan as well.

 

[specialks]

Also, Disney has free payment plans to pay off packages. GAT needs to be paid in full or they charge $50 to make payments.

If you are a Costco Member, I'd look into booking through them. They offer a $20 Disney gift card per package and a premium character meal voucher for each person on the reservation. They are ultimately booked through Disney so you get the free payment plan as well.

 

[nancy drew]

Also, Disney has free payment plans to pay off packages. GAT needs to be paid in full or they charge $50 to make payments.

If you are a Costco Member, I'd look into booking through them. They offer a $20 Disney gift card per package and a premium character meal voucher for each person on the reservation. They are ultimately booked through Disney so you get the free payment plan as well.

I don't need a payment plan, as I have the money for the trip set aside already, but that is good info to know.

That's a good idea, but what if Disney releases a summer hotel discount? Will Costco honor that price? GAT said if there is a discount released, they will rebook the hotel and refund the extra money. It is highly unlikely that Disney will have any discount, but if they do, I'm totally taking advantage of it!

 

[nancy drew]

Any further thoughts on booking through Disney vs. GAT or Costco? Package or hotel only/ tickets?

My biggest issue is not wanting to be stuck with a package I can't change if Disney comes out with some sort of deal. I want to be able to cancel/rebook at a new price (still dreaming that a hotel offer will be released).

 

[marybaby08]

I would love to know also!

 

[skiingfast]

Any further thoughts on booking through Disney vs. GAT or Costco? Package or hotel only/ tickets?

Using middle men means they have to profit too. In the end because you support them it's costing you thousands and thousands over your lifetime.

 

[nancy drew]

Using middle men means they have to profit too. In the end because you support them it's costing you thousands and thousands over your lifetime.

Even though their prices are lower?

 

[hellokitty1]

Using middle men means they have to profit too. In the end because you support them it's costing you thousands and thousands over your lifetime.

The middle men get a significant discount on the price. That is why they can sell it and for even cheaper. So really, Disney is making a lot more profit when you book through them. It's just that thry have to use their resources to handle the reservation so it's probably a wash.

 

[nancy drew]

However, the 3rd parties tend to have a more lenient cancellation/rebooking party, right? I think I read on here that you can't cancel/rebook without penalty within 30 days of travel if booking directly through Disney. Is that correct?