Don't laugh. Serious question from someone older

[sadiwest]

I'd old enough to have been to WDW when MK was the only park.

Now, we are taking our DD (4 1/2) to the world for the first time...and the new technology is SO confusing me.

If we buy our park passes from a NON Disney source, can we still link them to our Disney Experience and get FP+ set up 60 days out? We are staying at AOA, but have only room reservations at this time.

We will also want the DDP. Does it matter, cost-wise if we arrange directly through Disney's site? Originally booked through AAA but I know that they no longer offer AAA discounts for Disney. Now I don't know the best way to finalize our booking. We are 69 days out....whatever 'deal" WDW is offering is not available for what we've got booked so far.

Thoughts?

 

[Robo]

1. If we buy our park passes from a NON Disney source, can we still link them to our Disney Experience and get FP+ set up 60 days out?


2. We are 69 days out...

1. Yes.

2. However, it is "iffy" as to you having your tickets in-hand in just 9 days.
And, you'd need them in order to link their ticket numbers to your MDE account in order
to make advance FP+ reservations.

 

[themouseforme]

I procrastinated up against my 60day mark also. i didn't want to risk not getting physical tickets in the mail before the 60 day mark. I called and bought from Disney on a will call basis and they were linked before I hung up.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

if you want DDP, you must book either directly through Disney or use a travel agent who will book on your behalf through Disney. You cannot book through third party broker sites like Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz and get a dining plan.

 

[sadiwest]

if you want DDP, you must book either directly through Disney or use a travel agent who will book on your behalf through Disney. You cannot book through third party broker sites like Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz and get a dining plan.

So my follow up question is: Is there any price difference, usually booking DDP through WDW directly as opposed to, let's say, AAA? ... I know that AAA has no more WDW discounts.

TIA
Sandi

 

[fla4fun]

Unless you are planning to buy an annual pass, you will have to buy a package to get the DDP with your room. Packages typically require a minimum ticket purchase as well. So you might have to re-think buying tickets separately if you want to have the DDP.

 

[typhoonlagooner]

Is your current AAA reservation discounted in any way? My local AAA travel site is still showing possible discounts on Magic Your Way Packages.

It's worth a shot to call/email your agent and ask for a quote. Depending on the room you booked at AoA, for instance 'Little Mermaid Standard' there's a good chance a discount won't be available through AAA or Disney.

After contacting AAA, I'd probably try some online quotes with Disneyworld.com to compare. Does the current 'Stay, Play, & Dine' promotion fall during your dates with availability? What about the current 'Room Only' discount... which you can than add the DDP and tickets to upon check out?

I'd play around with the numbers, different resorts, etc. to see what worked best for us.

Don't forget that a package requires FULL payment by 45 days out from your check-in date!

 

[sadiwest]

Is your current AAA reservation discounted in any way? My local AAA travel site is still showing possible discounts on Magic Your Way Packages.

It's worth a shot to call/email your agent and ask for a quote. Depending on the room you booked at AoA, for instance 'Little Mermaid Standard' there's a good chance a discount won't be available through AAA or Disney.

After contacting AAA, I'd probably try some online quotes with Disneyworld.com to compare. Does the current 'Stay, Play, & Dine' promotion fall during your dates with availability? What about the current 'Room Only' discount... which you can than add the DDP and tickets to upon check out?

I'd play around with the numbers, different resorts, etc. to see what worked best for us.

Don't forget that a package requires FULL payment by 45 days out from your check-in date!

Here's the thing...I've checked and it doesn't look like a discounted "package" is available for the room type and dates we're going. So it seems to me that the price AAA gave me isn't so much a package as an "a la carte" price. Maybe I'm best off checking directly with WDW?

 

[elaine amj]

why don't u find a good Disney specialist TA who can walk you through the whole process and help you? When interviewing TAs, make sure you ask how well they know the parks and how much they are willing to hold your hand through the process. Some really go the extra mile to set up your dining reservations as well as assist you with figuring out your FP+ bookings. They can also help you find the best prices and discounts for your situation.