Decided on resort, now what?

[Alanna]

I first posted this in the resorts thread, but maybe this is a better place for it?

We are planning to visit WDW again next May. It is me (single mom) and my two kids, DD will be 13 and DS will be 7. We went in May '05, but because I won the trip in a contest, it was all prepared and booked by Disney (or maybe Clear Channel Radio, who I won the trip through).
Anyway, I know we want to stay at CSR and we plan to stay 8 days. But I am lost regarding how to go about booking a trip. We will want the whole package as far as room and tickets, meal plan, plane tickets. Even though the trip is over a year away could someone let me know where to even start with this? I am confused as to rack rates, AP rates, codes .
Oh, and I am a member of AAA. Is that the best (i.e. cheapest) way to go, or should I do one of the travel agencies that specialize in Disney?
Help me, oh wise ones .

 

[la79al]

I have been trying to get this question answered too as we are going next June. I've found that AAA seems to be the cheapest way to get room, tickets and dining plan all together. I would get plane tickets on your own though as AAA seems to be more expensive on that. We are actually taking Amtrak down since we have time to do so and the kids will enjoy the train ride. My AAA agent told me that I could pay for one night now and that would reserve my room for when I want it. Then when Disney comes out with next years prices, I get offered a package and can either accept it and put a $200 deposit down or refuse it and get my deposit back.

 

[goofiecrazy]

We always go through AAA when we book our trip to the world as well. We find it to save $$ and we book everything in one package.. BUt I have heard people say they have used Magical Journeys travel company and have had a great time dealing with them.They will book it everything for you and keep checking for the best rates on room and tickets etc..

 

[spiceycat]

try the sponsors for this site

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/totallist.cfm

 

[Anna114]

I have to admit that I joined AAA just to get the discount. I saved almost $300 after first booking the vacation throught Disney. I think you have time to research it. There are a number of different websites that may help you. I liked booking through Disney at first (I don't know if I can do it through AAA) making payments on my vacation. Before I turned it over to AAA I made $1,300 in payments. When it comes time to book my DCL vacation for 2008 I'll be smarter then I am now lol

Have a magical day,
Anna

 

[mx55mom]

I have used Dreams Unlimited twice and have been VERY happy with their service. I have used Rhonda@dreamsunlimitedtravel.com both times and she is wonderful. I checked with AAA and got the same price. I booked room only and she made our reservations for Hoop-Dee-Doo Review. You can also get park tickets at a discount too.

 

[Alanna]

Thanks for all your help

 

[byoung]

AAA would be a good choice for you. You might look into renting points and staying at a DVC resort.