Costco?

[IrishCowboy]

New Costco opens in Birmingham this Thursday and I was debating on joining. I've read on these boards that Costco can have some of the best prices for DCL.

I usually do all the 'legwork' and book my cruises onboard. Has anyone ever transferred a reservation to Costco?

Are their prices better than others?

Thanks!

 

[polkadotladybug]

I called Costco and their rate didn't differ much (actually it was higher) than the other places I tried. I know that when Costco came to our town, they gave free memberships for the first year. So you might just get lucky!

edited to add that we booked with All Seas Travel - after checking prices with DCL, AllSeas, Dreams, Small World, AAA and Costco - the prices didn't vary a whole lot! I really don't believe that there's whole lot of commission for a TA for Disney - and there isn't much room for negotiating prices. At least All Seas Insurance is cheaper than the Disney insurance - that's really the only difference I could find. And All Seas rates were online (personally I like to be able to check on rates from week to week as we are not confined to traveling on a specific date...rather I want the most bang for my buck!)

 

[bigsky]

I've gotten a price from Costco. Not only was I not crazy about their prices, but their service. Always had to wait on hold forever. Plus you don't have a real TA.
I booked with All Seasons Travel...www.allseastravel.com
Very pleased with their service AND price!!

Laura

 

[DIScruisers4]

We booked with Costco in 2002 for this January 2004. Costco's price was a few hundred dollars cheaper than AAA and Dreams and about $500 cheaper than Disney. Their service is not great, and you do have to wait on hold for quite a while, but I do most of the leg work myself for our vacations so I just wanted the best price and they had it. Good luck with whatever agency you choose!

 

[professorandmom]

When costco came to town Sams members were offered free memberships. I called and got a quote from Costco and then asked AAA to meet the price. They agreed without hesitation. I saved about $200 and it didn't cost me anything. I think it is worth a call but I wouldn't pay the $45 without knowing what the quote is
Barbara

 

[sitchu2]

I booked on board last aug for next july and got my 200$ credit, then transferred the ressie to costco and saved another 300$

I guess it all depends on the rates and dates, it all varies.

I find costco prices in line with allseastravel I check their pricing online often.

Costco is not a travel agent, therefore no travel agency service, thus is why you save, they pass the comission on to you. You have to be comfortable doing your own legwork.

Do not call on monday and you wont hold so long. I have had long hold times as well as short ones like anywhere else, remember they are a service of your membership , not a comissioned travel agency. Its a group rate service.

Good Luck

 

[trishy]

Not only was I not crazy about their prices, but their service. Always had to wait on hold forever.

I thought it was just me! That's why we chose NOT to go with Costco - we figured it was reflective of the service we could expect from them. Their price was comparable to AAA when we received quotes. Ultimately, we went with a different agency.

 

[Otisp]

Wow. We must have lucked out. I had a very helpful Costco representative who not only knew about and booked us in a SPH room, but also had a good laugh when the DCL CR she talked to denied its existance. Costco was several hundred less than everybody else (AAA agent said she could only get within $200). I cannot compare to All Seasons because I didn't know about them at the time. We booked a Land/Sea, and when Disney closed the POR (a moderate) we were booked in for refurbishing, Costco had us booked into the Dolphin (a deluxe) for no extra charge. There was even a "lovely parting gift" from them in our SPH room when we arrived.

Big caveat: I have heard that early last year Costco switched the travel firm they were outsourcing to.

So, I guess your mileage may vary!

 

[KarenC]

Costco opened up in our town last year. I used to shop at Sams Club, but joined Costco and haven't been to Sams since. I haven't used their travel services, but I sure do like the store. They have a great selection of wine, the meat is wonderful and I'm always picking up great stuff I don't really need!

 

[minnieluvzmickey]

Irish Cowboy--I sent you a pm

 

[gswfan]

I'm more in line with Otisp. We got a great price for our land/sea vacation last Aug. I did call a number of travel agents (DCL, AllSeas, Dreams, AAA, Expedia, Ethan Allen, Travelocity) and found that Costco was consistently $300-$500 lower. So, in my exprience Costco has some of the best prices for DCL. One note: do not book with Costco if you expect great service (you will be on hold). Go with a travel agent and pay the commission. As sitchu2 says:

"Costco is not a travel agent, therefore no travel agency service, thus is why you save, they pass the comission on to you. You have to be comfortable doing your own legwork.

...remember they are a service of your membership , not a comissioned travel agency. Its a group rate service."

Another side note: We booked our 2004 Hawaii Vacation with Costco. Got great price for a package that includes a free car (SUV) rental.

 

[TigerLadyK]

I booked a Celebrity Cruise with Costco last year. Their price started out a couple of hundred cheaper, but when the cruise had a price drop, I called them to try and get it, but after a great deal of time on hold and haggling, they told be that they couldn't get it. In the end it actually appears to have cost me more to have gone with the "cheaper" Costco rate and no service. This time I went with a travel agency that will keep checking the rates and if there is a drop, rebook me.