Canadians... How do you book your Disney Vacation?

[schoonersky]

We have gone the last two summers, in August. Both years, I knew exactly what I wanted booked, how much it would cost, and contacted a recommended TA at CAA a few days before free dining was set to be released. I called her at 9am the morning it was released and she booked everything I wanted. We were booking two airfares on Aeroplan points and paying for two, so she took care of getting the flight options and booking them so we were all on the same flights - which I had no idea how to do. So that was great.

Last year, pretty much the same thing happened, except I had spent much time surfing flights and looking for a good deal. Found one out of Bangor and she called and booked it for us. Friends decided to go and they booked through her as well - and we turned it into a grand gathering.

In July - Disney upgraded a LOT of grand gatherings from POP to SSR. Our TA was away on vacation. And what I found out on here was that the people who got upgraded (there were a LOT of them), were people who had booked directly with Disney.

So, my lesson was learned - I do all the work anyway and tell her what to book, have booked all the ADRS and extras, etc., know more about Disney travel than almost anyone I know. Next time I will book direct with Disney.

 

[canabrits2]

I booked our last package directly through Disney's website. It was awsome. I picked the dates, the resort, the dining plan, ADRs, the magical express etc. Then I bought airtickets through Expedia for us all when I saw them go on sale.

This year, because I'm trying a cruise for the first time, I booked through Karen at Small World Vacations. Also got onboard credit. Karen is terrifically helpful and full of tips.

 

[trivial]

On our last trip, I booked flights, rented DVC points, ordered tickets, and booked the DCL cruise myself. I then transfered the DCL cruise to a TA. It all worked out very nicely.

If I wasn't renting DVC points, I would probably book it all through Dreams Unlimited Travel, except for flights (I fly the inexpensive carriers, and booking directly with the airlines seems to be the way to go). My reason for choosing Dreams Unlimited Travel is both their reputation, and also as a small way of thanking Pete and John for The DIS and their hard work. I could book it all myself, but I don't see the need... I like having an intermediary.