Getawaytoday or is there something better?

[ZanderMan]

I have all ways used Getawaytoday to buy our Disneyland trip hotel and tickets. I like using Getawaytoday but I'm curious where everyone else goes to buy hotel and ticket packages? Who's your favorite? I've checked Costco but it doesn't seem that great of a deal?

 

[specialks]

GAT has always been the cheaper option, but less/different perks than the traditional WDTC packages.
Also consider:
Dreams Unlimited Travel (dis partner/sponsor)
ARES travel
AAA travel

 

[cooniez]

I went with the Costco package when we went to DL in 2010 and I also decided to go with Costco for our June trip this year. The reps at Costco said I can always call back and make changes to our package (30 days prior to arrival date) if a promotion comes out.

I posted before asking about GetAwayToday.com & was warned that once you purchase your package you may not be able to cancel (or you'll have to pay a significant fee to cancel/make any changes). I don't have my old thread open but I remember that being one of the reasons I decided not to go with GetAwayToday.

 

[lalasmama]

Tickets are cheaper through the Life Balance Program. I *think* anyone can sign up for it... Life Balance also gives you some extras if you go through Life Balance at GetAwayToday...

I have started piecing together a package instead of doing one at GAT, because the tickets are $15-20 cheaper through Life Balance... For instance, my 3-day park hopper is around $199 at GAT, but through Life Balance, they were $179. Similarly, I can use the corporate rates on Wyndam properties (which includes Ramada, Super 8, and a few others in that area) through Life Balance, because it's cheaper to do it that way than the same thing through GAT with the Life Balance discounts.

 

[Mama Who]

Costco was cheaper once because we were planning a character dinner anyway. It is a specific instance, but if you're doing a *premium* character meal it can sometimes save you a few dollars.

We're flexible on GAT, Costco, A la carte based on shifting hotel needs and availability. We have no loyalty.

 

[seagodess]

We only got our hotel and character breakfast through Get away today. We got out tickets through a friend who gets great deals from her work. However if it wasn't for her, we would have gotten them at get away today. I shopped around for months and that was the best price I found.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I don't book packages, not since my kids 1st visit *3/06* I've bought PHs and CM vouchers through GAT but I book my hotel on my own, either by calling the hotel directly or using priceline or LMT.

 

[mydisneymoney]

I personally do not think there is any black and white answer to this question. Sometimes buying a package is cheaper and sometimes it isn't. I think it is wise to make a spreadsheet EACH time you plan a trip to DL and figure out what is the best option for what you want to do, how long you want to stay and where you want to stay. We went with Costco last time because they included a free character meal for each person like they have been doing for a while now but then Disney was offering one too so we had two character meals. Character meal vouchers can be used as cash at DL and CA counter services and sitdown resturants. This means free money for food. Now, you have to use the whole value of the voucher or lose it (they don't give you change if you spend less the value). It was worth it for us when I sat down and figured it out.

 

[DizMe]

I personally do not think there is any black and white answer to this question. Sometimes buying a package is cheaper and sometimes it isn't. I think it is wise to make a spreadsheet EACH time you plan a trip to DL and figure out what is the best option for what you want to do, how long you want to stay and where you want to stay. We went with Costco last time because they included a free character meal for each person like they have been doing for a while now but then Disney was offering one too so we had two character meals. Character meal vouchers can be used as cash at DL and CA counter services and sitdown resturants. This means free money for food. Now, you have to use the whole value of the voucher or lose it (they don't give you change if you spend less the value). It was worth it for us when I sat down and figured it out.

One thing I learned from a fellow DISer, though, is that you can apply any extra from the voucher towards the tip! That was handy info for us.