DIY Convert

[Red-Snapper]

Well I have always booked a package with VH before but following our amended and then finally cancelled VH trip this month I have just taken the plunge and booked everything separately for beginning of October. (This was mainly so that I can cancel everything and get a refund if DM is taken ill again) as wont be able to claim cancellation off the Insurance for a 2nd time.

Anyway I have really enjoyed the experience today and actually managed to save about £400 over the current VH price:

Hotel direct via Hyatt ( v helpful American got me a special with 3 nights free for the HRGC and on the club floor for less than the VH price for a std room.

Flight booked direct with VA - webby was exactly 100% more than Expedia/ebookers so I rang up and V helpful Englishman got me PE seats for £60 less than Expedia

Dollar rental car UK site (cause I fancy driving a Dodge Magnum) 2 weeks full cover etc £260 internet special deal (obviously way less than VH wanted for the same thing)

So I am finally converted to DIY Internet holiday booking !! & would recommend it to anyone.

Fingers crossed now for the next 3 weeks !!

 

[UKDEB]

Welcome to my World.

We booked packages for the first two trips (in 1992 and 1996), but I just can't imagine doing that now. Quite aside from the savings, there isn't any package that could even come close to what I want.

Hope you have a great trip, R-S.

 

[Boss Hogg]

cause I fancy driving a Dodge Magnum

Good call, a nice looking car, never had one personally but they look really cool.

My advice for getting the car you want, be nice to the clerk and ask if he has one. They have so many cars in each class, but the last couple of times we've been there have been a lot of Magnums around, which makes me think that you've a good chance of picking one up.

Also, Pacifica is a good looking car and is the next class up, so, on the off chance they upgrade you try and get one of those.

You want to sign up to Dollar express as it should get you through any queue quicker, and it might be beneficial when you come to ask for the car. Personally never used it, as it is a relatively new thing I think, but there is a separate queue which has got to be a good thing. I've used Alamo's equivalent and it will definitely speed you up a bit.

Lastly, (and probably teaching you to suck eggs) don't forget to go the main Dollar counter, not the Virgin/Dollar one - assuming they still use their own.

 

[T16GEM]

We booked our last trip ourselves and it worked out great I can't remember how much we saved but it was considerable! I would recommend it to anyone.

 

[KayleeUK]

Great news

 

[Graeme]

Welcome to my World.

Ditto that!

I'm a cheapskate and always DIY. We've got a timeshare and can exchange to some fab hotels very cheap. Been to OKW and BWV doing this and have paid £160 for a week in Marriott's Grande Vista this time, Expedia price nearly £900 for the same week.

 

[Cyrano]

Great to hear this. I'm currently comparing all the prices for a planned trip in 2007/8

 

[Camac]

Ditto that!

I'm a cheapskate and always DIY. We've got a timeshare and can exchange to some fab hotels very cheap. Been to OKW and BWV doing this and have paid £160 for a week in Marriott's Grande Vista this time, Expedia price nearly £900 for the same week.

We have exhanged our timeshare in Spain for three weeks over Christmas and New Year in Marriott Cypress Harbour at a total cost of £330 for four people for three weeks. Price through Trip Advisor was quoted as just over £3,500.

What a great saving!

 

[rosiejo]

You want to sign up to Dollar express as it should get you through any queue quicker, and it might be beneficial when you come to ask for the car. Personally never used it, as it is a relatively new thing I think, but there is a separate queue which has got to be a good thing. I've used Alamo's equivalent and it will definitely speed you up a bit.

Anyone else signed up for DOLLAR EXPRESS? What do you do if you're not a business as it asks for your business name?

 

[Boss Hogg]

Anyone else signed up for DOLLAR EXPRESS? What do you do if you're not a business as it asks for your business name?

I just put my name in as business name.

 

[bazzanoid]

I always DIY my holidays... sooooo much cheaper!

 

[Boo Boo Too]

AGreed with revious posters - booking it DIY ensures you get EXACTLY what you want and often a LOT cheaper than booking a package (+ you get no reps hassling you - trying to sell you excursions etc...)

 

[Claire L]

I always mix and match depending on where I can get the best offer In fact for New Year it was alot cheaper to get a package from VH than to book the room direct with Disney as for our dates there will be no AP discounts

Claire

 

[wayneg]

We almost always book everything ourselves but don't rule out a package from VH especially when kids are at school, Last October Virgin Flight only best I could get (for 3 people) £2,100. Same flights with VH incl hotel for 3 weeks £1,600.
Another point is VH class 25th Dec and after low season, other tour ops class 25th Dec thru New year Peak Holiday season. (this was the case upto last Xmas not looked since)
Can highly recommend Dodge Magnum, We had one for a week last Xmas, best car I have had in Florida.

 

[rosiejo]

I just put my name in as business name.

Cool - that is exactly what I was planning to do

 

[Red-Snapper]

Good tip Boss Hogg- I will sign up now for the Dollar Express ( I had already realised i couldnt go to the FVC queue anymore)

 

[Twilight Terror]

I must be looking in all the wrong places or something. I have never found it cheaper to do a DIY holiday, in fact I've found most DIY holidays to be at least £1000 more than a packaged holiday. Where do you guys go and look for all these special deals????

 

[Red-Snapper]

So have I usually - but as I said in my starting post I contacted the airlinr/hotel/hire car company direct and quoted prices i had seen on Expedia etc - they then beat them - no questions asked !!

 

[wayneg]

I must be looking in all the wrong places or something. I have never found it cheaper to do a DIY holiday, in fact I've found most DIY holidays to be at least £1000 more than a packaged holiday. Where do you guys go and look for all these special deals????

Personally I spend hours and hours searching the net. In the 12 month period from Easter 2006-Easter 2007 We are doing 3 trips to WDW, 1 to DLR and 1 to Italy, 2 to Amsterdam and 3 to London. No way could I afford 70 nights abroad (All in School holidays) if I paid travel agents package prices.
2 examples
First eg We have just done 25 nights WDW staying at the Courtyart By Marriott LBV(highly recommend) booked on BA holidays site £26/night, BMI Flights booked on Airnet.co.uk £319 each. Doubt you could get a 25 night package in 6 weeks hols for £535
Second eg. I have booked flights for next Easter with Virgin frequent Points and Money, 2000 points and £291 then maybe stay 14 nights at BW Lakeside booked thru hotelmartusa.com £23/night (£46 if you book direct with hotel £52 Expedia) Total 14 nights Easter School hols £398 each
Cars I always book thru airnet usually very competative but I have bad experience booking elsewhere so would not use anyone else.
It is my hobby getting best prices for holidays. If I didn't make so much money being a florist I would want to be a travel consultant.

 

[Twilight Terror]

WOW! That's definitely some serious kind of savings!!!! What are your top internet recommendations for WDW holidays wayneg?