Can someone tell me if this is a good deal?

[SRF]

Looking to take two adults and three kids (7, 5, and 1) to Disney in January of 2014. For 7 day park hopper with Disney dining I've been quoted about 3k for value, 3,400 for Caribbean, or 4k for animal kingdom. This is through an agency that friends have used. Can I do better than this on my own? If so, how much could I reasonably expect to save? Thanks.

 

[DebbieB]

Looking to take two adults and three kids (7, 5, and 1) to Disney in January of 2014. For 7 day park hopper with Disney dining I've been quoted about 3k for value, 3,400 for Caribbean, or 4k for animal kingdom. This is through an agency that friends have used. Can I do better than this on my own? If so, how much could I reasonably expect to save? Thanks.

2014 rates are not available, probably not until around June. They probably gave you an estimate based on 2013 rates.

 

[SRF]

That is correct. I'm just wondering if I could beat these rates on my own, or if they're pretty good.

 

[LindyN]

You won't find anything different because Disney has not released 2014 pricing. They usually release the next years in summer. In July 2012 they released 2013 rates, so you're way too early.

If you're booked with an agency that specializes in Disney, chances are good that the price you are quoted will not be the final price you pay. Typically there are discounts in January but holiday weekends are blocked out.

 

[DebbieB]

That is correct. I'm just wondering if I could beat these rates on my own, or if they're pretty good.

There's no way to know. They are only estimates, not final rates. Those prices are not guaranteed, but usually they do estimate high. You'll get an actual figure quote when the rates are released, then from there you can try to shop around.

 

[SRF]

So different companies do have access to different/better rates?

 

[DebbieB]

So different companies do have access to different/better rates?

There are agencies that have discount rates - AAA for example.

 

[cjsm&d]

That is correct. I'm just wondering if I could beat these rates on my own, or if they're pretty good.

If you're going in January, there will definitely be better rates available later on. I would go straight through WDW and not lock myself in with some TA.

That's just me.

 

[focusondisney]

That is correct. I'm just wondering if I could beat these rates on my own, or if they're pretty good.

If I was you, I wouldn't book anything with an agency for next January yet. There is no advantage to doing that. I'd suggest you hang out around here, Mousesavers & Allears.net for awhile. You'll get a feel for Disney's pricing & discount promos. Someone will start a January 2014 Code watch thread before too long & you can check in there for any discount news.

All of Disney's discounts can be booked on the Disney website, so it's easy to play around with different options & check prices for yourself. You can then book online or call Disney & book it over the phone. That way you can make changes/ apply discounts yourself, without going thru a travel agent.

You can even go to the Disney website now check current prices for hotel & tickets. Then you will have some idea if that quote is a good price compared to today's rates. As others have said, 2014 rates won't be available for awhile, but you can be sure they'll be more than this years rates.

If you do decide to book that travel agent's offer, make sure there are no penalties to cancel or change if a better discount comes out.

 

[StrwLady]

With the exception of AAA, I don't think different Travel Agencies get special rates. (to the best of my knowledge). Booking with a TA that specializes in Disney may get you someone who will notify you when a discount code comes out for your dates and then attempt to get that code added to your reservation.

I don't use TA's I like doing things myself and Disney makes it very easy to book through them directly. Be aware if you book with a TA they own your reservations So you will have to go through them for any questions about or changes to your reservation. So you are bound by their hours and availability. I am too much of a control freak and do things on off hours (evenings/early mornings) to book with a TA