Frustrated!

[Moonstorm]

I am so darn frustrated and confused! I am trying to get a handle on planning a WDW trip for May 2008. I went to AAA yesterday and specifically asked for an agent well versed for Disney. I got *the next available agent* who turned out to be the same agent that *helped* my mom and I plan a trip to Salem, Mass last year and she was no help! However, I thought maybe she was just not familiar with the New England states but she knew Disney. WRONG! I already knew everything she told me from doing my own research.
However, she did manage to completely confuse me. I was trying to find the best way to book this trip and she really didn't help me.There are 5 adults and 3 children going but we're all going separately. My, hubs and the kids are driving, mom and grandma are not sure yet if they will drive or fly and MIL has to fly. I don't know if the packages are worth it or booking room only. There is just SO MUCH I need to know yet.
I don't want to waste my time AAA hopping to find a knowledgable TA
Anyone know one? I am willing to coorespond via email/phone.
What about the names of people given in the Unofficial Guide? Does it cost $ to contact one of them?

 

[lovethattink]

I think it really depends on what your are looking for. If you are looking for a trip of your lifetime and want added perks, a package deal is the way to go. If you are looking to cut corners and save money, then booking everything separately might be the way to go. Where do you want to stay, onsite or offsite? If you are looking to cut corners, you might want to get the tickets without hopping options to save money. It just depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. Maybe your agent or someone on here can help you once they know exactly what you want. As for the Unofficial Guide. I think it's a great reference.

 

[gwcollins71]

I am so darn frustrated and confused! I am trying to get a handle on planning a WDW trip for May 2008. I went to AAA yesterday and specifically asked for an agent well versed for Disney. I got *the next available agent* who turned out to be the same agent that *helped* my mom and I plan a trip to Salem, Mass last year and she was no help! However, I thought maybe she was just not familiar with the New England states but she knew Disney. WRONG! I already knew everything she told me from doing my own research.
However, she did manage to completely confuse me. I was trying to find the best way to book this trip and she really didn't help me.There are 5 adults and 3 children going but we're all going separately. My, hubs and the kids are driving, mom and grandma are not sure yet if they will drive or fly and MIL has to fly. I don't know if the packages are worth it or booking room only. There is just SO MUCH I need to know yet.
I don't want to waste my time AAA hopping to find a knowledgable TA
Anyone know one? I am willing to coorespond via email/phone.
What about the names of people given in the Unofficial Guide? Does it cost $ to contact one of them?

I was in the same boat you're in. I wanted to see if AAA could get a lower price. We weren't even members so we had to join too. I registered on line for an agent to get a Disney price quote to me and the agent the had contact me was wonderful. I will be honest though, I seem to know as much as she does but she's done everything I've asked and she called to let me know that free dining was coming if I wanted to change my dates.

Like me, she too is a Disney Junkie. I'm happy so far.

PM me if you'd like her email or anything.

Gretchen

 

[labdogs42]

I use the travel agency, Small World Vacations. They are Disney experts. There are a lot of Disney specialists out there, I 'd go with one of those. It doesn't cost anything to use them and they really know their stuff. You can also mess around on the Disney website to get an idea of what you want and what it might cost, but them call an agent to book it. Best thing about the agents? They will automatically get you any discounts that come out after you have booked -- makes it totally worry-free!

 

[Moonstorm]

She told me it would not be cheaper to book things separately =/
I KNOW we will be spending $. We want to stay at either the Poly or the Contemporary b/c of the ages of the people in the group. Transportation via the onorail is the way to go for us and we'll be spending most of our time at MK and EP.
However, that doesn't mean I don't want some deals, yanno? I still want to know the bet way to go about this that will help us save some $ at least!
I figured I'm going to have to know every little detail before going back, but that's the problem. I need help knowing every little detail!!!! Reading online and using books helps but it also makes my head spin! If I figure everything out on my own, well then why even use a TA?

 

[Moonstorm]

That's awesome! I really thought there were some TAs that specialize in certain ares, such as Disney.

 

[Moonstorm]

So the agents from Small World vacations just may be the way to go? What about AAA discounts? Can you still get those through them? I was told some things you can't get unless the AAA TA books for you =/

 

[gwcollins71]

Before I called her, I priced our vacation through Disney. Then I called her and told her what I was paying and asked her to run a quote. We are staying for 10 days at Pop w/ meals and park hoppers. It was a pinch over $1900. Disney charged us $2079. The discount wasnt huge especially once we had to pay the $15.00 ressie charge and a membership (45 w/ teacher union discount), but it was still over $100 dollar diff.

I would price things out for myself and then contact a travel agent. That's just being a smart consumer.

Good luck!

 

[lovethattink]

Dreams Unlimited here on the DIS are pretty good too.

Have you checked out the Mousesavers sight too? You may need to subscribe to the site to get the read deals, via email.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

So the agents from Small World vacations just may be the way to go? What about AAA discounts? Can you still get those through them? I was told some things you can't get unless the AAA TA books for you =/

If you want to book a package and still receive the AAA discount, then you have to use a AAA TA.

But, if you want a room-only reservation with a AAA discount, then any TA can book it for you. For that matter, you could book it yourself.

FWIW, the AAA discounts for 2008 have not been announced yet. Neither have Disney's room rates nor their package prices. If you were to book right now, the price that they give you would be "subject to change".

If you have your heart set on a specific resort and you feel that you need to lock in a ressie right now, then you would only be able to book a room. You would be asked to make a deposit equal to one night's stay at this year's rates for each room reserved. Your room-only ressie can be changed to a package if you decide that you would prefer one.

 

[maxiesmom]

OP-- I have lots of questions for you. You say that everyone in your group is going seperately. Are you making seperate reservations for everyone? Are you going over the same time or different times? Does everyone need a package, or are there some that would be happy with a room only reservation?

I usually book room-only and use a Dreams Unlimited agent. I am a AAA member too, and not only will they book your room with the AAA discount(when it becomes certain what that discount is) but they will also adjust your rate down if a code for that time period is released. Plus they will make all of your dining ressies for you.

 

[ncbyrne]

Our local AAA's advertisement says they are Disney SPECIALISTS....I thought I hit pay dirt - NOT!!! Of course, to nonDISers, the agent might sound like an expert, but believe me, you will find more information here and on Mousesavers, than any AAA WDW specialist! I was in the AAA office for about an hour with the agent, discussing the trip an WDW experiences. He knew VERY little about ME, nothing about internal bus service, nothing about resort of park details. He did know about prices, and he was very familiar with the info on the official WDW website. This agent was in WDW a total of ONE time...it was a few years ago, and it was for three days - sponsored by AAA for agents to become "WDW specialists". I explained to him wdwinfo.com would give him all the answers he needed.
In the past I have used Dreams Unlimited Travel (a sponsor of the DIS - click at the top of this page) and have gotten wonderful service. I would use them again and would recommend them to anyone.

 

[Moonstorm]

I know the rates aren't out yet and that's part of my trouble. It's tough to figure things out when I really have no base price unless I use 2007 prices s a rough estimate.

 

[Moonstorm]

Hi maxiesmom =)
Here's how things will probably go:
My husband and I and our 3 kids will drive there (from Pa to Fl) I am not too keen on flying with 3 kids ages 5, 2 1/2 and 1 1/2! His mom lives in Ohio so she will just fly from Ohio to Florida and meet us there. My mom and grandma will either drive or fly (from Pa to Fl) they just haven't decided yet.
My mom and grandma will be staying in a room together, so that is not too much of an issue. I am pretty sure they will want the package deal b/c that's what my mom feels is best.
The problem is this:
My MIL is going to stay in the same room with my DH and kids and me. So, we'll need a room for 3 adults, 2 kids and one baby in a pack n play. If we get the package deal it confuses me b/c one of us (MIL) is flying there. Can I include one person flying in the package plus transportation to and from the airport? Or, should she just get her own flight and then have us pick her up or should she get a taxi?
I thought about just having her get her own room and get her her own package deal BUT we are paying for her to go along so I think it may be more expensive for us b/c even w/o her in the room with us we still need a room that sleeps 5 and a baby just for some sanity!
My daughter, who will be 5 at the time of the trip, *might* sleep in my mom and grandma's room, so she could be included in their package and that gives DH and I more room in our room. However, I am afraid when it comes down to it she'll fuss and not want to be in their room and want to sleep in our room with us, which is why connecting rooms is a must in that situation. Actually I think connecting rooms would be best anyway.

 

[Moonstorm]

Hi ncbyrne!

Specialists my butt! LOL

 

[eliza61]

She told me it would not be cheaper to book things separately =/
I KNOW we will be spending $. We want to stay at either the Poly or the Contemporary b/c of the ages of the people in the group. Transportation via the onorail is the way to go for us and we'll be spending most of our time at MK and EP.
However, that doesn't mean I don't want some deals, yanno? I still want to know the bet way to go about this that will help us save some $ at least!
I figured I'm going to have to know every little detail before going back, but that's the problem. I need help knowing every little detail!!!! Reading online and using books helps but it also makes my head spin! If I figure everything out on my own, well then why even use a TA?

Ok, take a deep breath, inhale, exhale.
Yep planning a trip to the mouseworld can be exhausting. Since you already know where you want to stay, you are going to have to do a little detective work to get the best prices. Get quotes from AAA, disney and mouseworld. Everyone will give you quotes for free.
I got a old marble notebook that my kids used and made columns and notes.
Remember post your questions here on the dis, the folks here have tons of experience, I guarantee you some one while be able to help with your details.
How do you think I got 1,000 post, I ask some of the goofiest questions

 

[isyt]

Hi there, you can't include 1 flight on a ressie (Disney doesn't always have the best air fares anyway) but you can include the Magical Express for 1 person. No need for MIL to pay for a taxi just take the resort buses. Maybe you can arrange for your mom and mil flights to get in around the same time and they can take the bus together. Is there a reson your mil doesn't stay with your mom. Not that the pricing doesn't work out in the end.

Bottom line is only a AAA ta can book a AAA package. Any ta can book a AAA room rate only than you would not be able to do the dining plan and your tickets would be purchased separate. If Disney offers any other specials at the time like free hopping and water park or a special discount room code you would have to choose between a AAA rate and the discount. Any ta can book the codes with a package.

Sorry if this added to the confusion. I am a ta also so make sure who ever you go through does not charge you a fee.

 

[Mcbruns]

I am so darn frustrated and confused! I am trying to get a handle on planning a WDW trip for May 2008. I went to AAA yesterday and specifically asked for an agent well versed for Disney. I got *the next available agent* who turned out to be the same agent that *helped* my mom and I plan a trip to Salem, Mass last year and she was no help! However, I thought maybe she was just not familiar with the New England states but she knew Disney. WRONG! I already knew everything she told me from doing my own research.
However, she did manage to completely confuse me. I was trying to find the best way to book this trip and she really didn't help me.There are 5 adults and 3 children going but we're all going separately. My, hubs and the kids are driving, mom and grandma are not sure yet if they will drive or fly and MIL has to fly. I don't know if the packages are worth it or booking room only. There is just SO MUCH I need to know yet.
I don't want to waste my time AAA hopping to find a knowledgable TA
Anyone know one? I am willing to coorespond via email/phone.
What about the names of people given in the Unofficial Guide? Does it cost $ to contact one of them?

What area of PA are you in ? We use AAA in Reading and always deal with the same person. We have never had any problems with her.

 

[Moonstorm]

Reading???!! I am in the Lehigh Valley!!!!!!

 

[Moonstorm]

I know, I need to relax! LOL
I just wish I had a better grasp of all this!