DU or on my own?

[Mom+4]

I requested a quote from DU yesterday, and got a very quick response. I also called CRO to check rates. The two quotes were identical in price. I am nervous about letting someone else be in charge of my vacation, but keep reading the wonderful reviews of Dreams Unlimited. What should I do - book everything by myself, or "let go" and have DU do it? I just don't want to be disappointed. Please give me reasons to book with DU, or not. Thanks.

 

[Trekker]

DU- DU- DU - they get my vote.

Evert TA at DU is a Disney expert.

Yes the quote is exactly the same - because when you do not use a TA - Disney keeps the commision they normally pay the TA.

So for no money out of your pocket you can have a Disney expert working for you, they will watch prices and see if anything comes out that will save you $$, thay will make your PSs for you - now that in itself is enough for me.

Also - they know the ins and outs of everything Disnay and may be able to recommend some things you would never think of.

 

[Tina]

I am a Disney fanatic and have always done everything myself. This year I decided to use DU because I just don't have the time to invest in all of the phone calls. Tricia at DU has already gotten me one of the resorts on my wish list at a decent price using the AXA code. Yes, I could have done this myself, but I want to take advantage of AP rates when they come out. By using DU, I can leave up to her to make the changes when they become available. The folks at DU know how to take charge and handle inept CMs at CRO. They also know how to handle resort and rate changes in a professional manner. Now I don't need to worry about any of it. I just need to get on the plane.

 

[Aprille's Mom]

Ditto what Tina said. DU (Carole) got my AXA discount at AKL without me lifting a finger. I know she will watch for an AP discount when and if it becomes available. DU offers other services too and they are just an email away.

 

[Beader7]

I just booked at the SWAN for Spring BreaK with DU. Glad to hear good things about them.
We were booked at the ALL MOVIES for the same price as we now get at the SWAN.
I am a GOV employee, so I get that discount. Thanks for this forum! I would NEVER have know any of this!!! I cant wait to go!!!!!

 

[frankiemom]

I got a quote from DU the other day and e-mailed them yesterday about the code AXA and no one has gotten back to me. I thought they were supposed to apply the codes automatically when they come out ---they did not do so and have not emailed me back. When am I doing wrong because so far I am not impressed with them.

 

[goofy4tink]

frankiemom, did you just get the quote or did you actually pay the deposit yet? If you haven't paid the deposit yet, then I don't believe they will go any further, but I could be wrong.
Also, a question for myself. I'm thinking very seriously about using DU. Just sent off a request for this summer. Haven't gotten the quote back yet. Has anyone had an experience where DU didn't get the code rates? I had a real bad experience with a TA here in my home town and it has made me somewhat leery. I haven't read anything bad up to this point, but if any of you have heard of this happening, I'd love to know. Thanks.

 

[Trekker]

frankiemom- do you actially have a reservation - or did you just get a quote?

 

[frankiemom]

I did not pay the deposit yet but I did e--mail them for a new quote and have not heard anything.

 

[goofy4tink]

frankiemom, looks like you'll have to pay 'em some money!! I'm waiting for my quote.

 

[ead79]

I have used DU several times (the first time in 2000, then 3 trips since then, and I've got an upcoming trip booked with them as well), and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about them. They are so fast to get back to me, they have gotten me all the PS's I have ever asked for (including Cindy's castle once), they have gotten me numerous code rates, and they are so courteous. I heartily recommend them! Feel free to PM me with any questions.

 

[Michelle]

Frankiemom, if you have any questions about your quote in progress please feel free to e-mail webmaster@dreamsunlimitedtravel.com for follow-up.

Goofy4tink, it can take up to 48 hours to receive a quote back, depending upon the volume of reservation requests received. Dreams strives to get all quotes back within 24 hours. If you have not received a quote within 48 hours please feel free to e-mail the same address above for follow up.

 

[dahess]

I have used DU 1 time & they were great! For our next trip I booked on my own, I received a better rate then what DU offered.

 

[frankiemom]

Thanks for all your help. They got back to me with the new quote.

 

[mm4me]

This is the first time we have used DU and so far I couldn't ask for any better. We go over Easter Break and they have already gotten us our very first reservation for Cindy's Castle--that alone speaks for itself. We also booked a trip in June thru them and we received an email the day codes came out that told us how much money we saved. I wasn't even aware that the codes had come out. I feel very confident that if an AP code comes out our agent will be on the ball. Wendy has made all of our PSs and we couldn't be happier. I also am a control freak but I am really enjoying her being the planner.

 

[minster22]

This thread is addressing my very question.....DU or do-it-myself. My question here is....Have you all always gotten the discount applied to your reservation ? Our plans are for 6 nights at the GF and then 12 nights at the BWI next April/May 2004. We are waiting til this summer when they release AAA rates so we at least have that discount. We will have AP's so of course we are hoping for the AP rate or a code that is comparable. Now I know that I will call every day if I have to once those discounts come out....will DU be as diligent? Also do they have better access to Disney reservations to get these discounts?Yes, I am a control freak about this but I get the impression that DU can actually do a better job at this than me. Any comments on this? Oh, yeah I know this is a long ways off but we are planning probably the trip of a lifetime here and I know you guys understand the unbearable excitement and anticipation involved!!!

 

[Misti]

Originally posted by minster22
Now I know that I will call every day if I have to once those discounts come out....will DU be as diligent? Also do they have better access to Disney reservations to get these discounts?Yes, I am a control freak about this but I get the impression that DU can actually do a better job at this than me. Any comments on this?

Yes, Dreams keeps on top of any and all discount offerings, including Annual Passholder rates. The great thing is that the agents get an email whenever a new "code" or a new AP discount is announced. This allows agents to check for discounts as soon as they are released. In terms of having "better" access, no. Any reservation booked through DU is essentially booked directly with Disney. So, your reservation is one and the same as if you'd booked it on your own. However, Dreams agents do have special access phone numbers to Disney. And, they have lots of experience working directly with Disney (since that is all they do ). They can't "guarantee" a discount, however. Discount offerings are subject to availability. But, with the information system in place, they get a jump on the codes before some people have even heard of them.


Just a note about AAA rates. DU can't book them directly since they are not a "AAA agency". You can book the AAA rate on your own, however, and then have it transfered to DU.

One thing to remember is that DU agents are Disney fanatics, just like many people on the DIS. So, they are just as passionate about a client's vacation as they would be with their own. They love what they do, and that makes all the difference.

 

[minster22]

Misti, thank you so much for your reply. I have been very lucky to get discounts on my own but this next trip begins the day of Regular season in April 2004. So many people who are Disney savvy know this is a great time to go and that this is when discounts will become available that I am going to put this in the hands of a professional. Are you saying that once I make my ressie with the AAA discount I can transfer it over to DU and even with the AAA discount they can work it from there?

 

[Michelle]

Minster22, yes, that's exactly what you can do. When you are ready to transfer you can e-mail webmaster@dreamsunlimitedtravel.com for details on how to transfer.

 

[minster22]

Michelle, thank you. When the time comes I will email you, it is very important to me to support these boards and the advertisers.Not only have I saved lots of money but had many, many hours of enjoyment here!!