Do you find it more convenient to make reservations online or by phone

[twinx4]

HI

I'm curious to know when planning your vacation to WDW, do you find it more convenient to make your reservations online or taking with a cast member over the phone.

I usually go online to get an estimate of what my trip will cost me but then I call and will get alot of helpful advice from the cast members. So I have never booked a trip online. But would like to know if it works well for others or have you run into any problems.

Please provide helpful input as to why you choose your option .

Thank you

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I like actually speaking with someone.

 

[parmtoo]

I like to call and speak to a CM. Online, you can't ask about discounts

 

[fultons96]

DW and I like checking for dates online then calling to see for specials or discounts

 

[cmonroe]

Originally posted by twinx4
HI

I'm curious to know when planning your vacation to WDW, do you find it more convenient to make your reservations online or taking with a cast member over the phone.

I usually go online to get an estimate of what my trip will cost me but then I call and will get alot of helpful advice from the cast members. So I have never booked a trip online. But would like to know if it works well for others or have you run into any problems.

Please provide helpful input as to why you choose your option .

Thank you

twinx4,

I do everything online. Shop, pay bills, etc. My work is on the internet. When making my reservations though, I prefer to use the phone. That way there are no questions, there is someone accountable for what they told me. With an online form, question and answer to customize things is still difficult.

Just my opinion.

 

[Joyciemc]

I usually book online. But then I'll call if I need to change anything, or ask a question. So far I haven't had a problem modifying an online reservation by calling to speak with someone.

I did book this trip over the phone, though.

 

[stitchchick]

I make nearly all of my travel plans over the internet. The only exception is WDW. I LOVE calling them. In fact, it is the only place in the world I LIKE to be put on hold. The last time I called them I was put on hold to hear "In the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki room". The song was in my head for hours and got me very excited about my upcoming vacation. This is one aspect of life where the internet is trumped by the telephone!

 

[Micca]

I was just about to post my reply when I read that Stichchick and I think the same way The greatest "music on hold" ever!

 

[llij]

I'll check on-line first to see what some of the rates are, but I always call to make the final reservations. I really enjoy speaking with a CM and they have always been so friendly and helpful!

 

[jimmiej]

Research on-line, book by phone.

 

[CindyAnn]

We book by phone in order to take advantage of special codes and offers. Unless things have changed in the last year or so, or unless I've forgotten, I don't think you can get even a AAA discount using the on-line forms. However, CRO and the on-line system have access to different bunches of rooms. Even when CRO showed no availability at a hotel for my dates, I've been able to get those dates through the online system (at full price).

 

[LuvTigger]

I'm in the minority and I book online, but only through DU because of their wonderful service (book PS, look for discounts, etc.).

However, if DU didn't exist, I would call.

 

[twinx4]

Hi Stitch

I join in with you and MIcca, that I don't mind being put on hold. The songs really put you in the mood for your uopcoming vatatons

 

[bigbabyblues]

I also get a quote online to see how much it should cost, but I prefer to make all reservations over the phone. I call the 800#, so it's not a problem with my phone bill. It's just mroe exciting that way I guess!

Steph

 

[Missy1961]

I booked online, but I think in the future, I'll either call myself or use DU.

 

[robinb]

Oops. For some reason I was thinking "airline reservations" and not resort reservations. I make all my resort reservations over the phone because I usually use an AP discount. I'm not sure if those show up online. My airfare, however, is always made online. It's cheaper.

 

[liznboys]

Call. We feel more secure that we're getting what we're supposed to this way.

 

[Amirah95]

Do my research online and then book on the phone. There are some things you can get with talking to a live person the phone than you can online.

 

[twinx4]

Originally posted by robinb
Oops. For some reason I was thinking "airline reservations" and not resort reservations. I make all my resort reservations over the phone because I usually use an AP discount. I'm not sure if those show up online. My airfare, however, is always made online. It's cheaper.

Hi Robinb

I've been considering trying the Annual passes. How do they discounts work out for you? We usually go to Disney during the month of December every year and before I can get back home I'm ready to go again. So I considered the annual pass so I can get a savings so I can go back more than once a year.

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by twinx4
Hi Robinb

I've been considering trying the Annual passes. How do they discounts work out for you? We usually go to Disney during the month of December every year and before I can get back home I'm ready to go again. So I considered the annual pass so I can get a savings so I can go back more than once a year.

We love our annual passes. We usually make two trips, one over Christmas/New Years and then another trip. We get 15-30(!) days out of our passes. Watch out, though! Those APs have been known to burn a hole in your pocket and suddenly you find a great airfare and you're flying down for a long weekend!

The discounts are pretty good. I am at POFQ this month for about $84 per night. We've stayed at AKL in a standard view (and upgraded to savanah view) for $119 and at All Star Sports for a mere $49.

Here are some current rates (8/29/04 – 9/29/04) from http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html#ap :

* Value Resorts (All Stars and Pop Century) - $49 standard
* Moderate Resorts - $79 standard
* Animal Kingdom Lodge - $109 standard, $121 woods view, $151 savannah view
* Wilderness Lodge - $109 standard
* Contemporary - $149 standard view garden wing, $190 garden view
* Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club - $199 standard
* Polynesian - $209 garden view, $380 lagoon view concierge

In addition, there are other food and recreation discounts available for annual pass holders. More info can be found here: http://allearsnet.com/pl/apass.htm .

BTW, we just have the regular AP which only covers the 4 parks. We don't go to Pleasure Island because our DD is young. We also don't go to the water parks often enough for the same reason. That saves us over $100 each.