How Do You Book Your Dis Vacation?

[dis_guy]

For our WDW stays I book everything myself. I like having control over the details of our stay.

This is me exactly.

As an example, yesterday I noticed that one of my flights was missing from my online reservation with United. I phoned immediately and at least let them know about the problem. They called it a website glitch but I think they're rebuilding the schedule for fall as our flight is not even on the schedule now. For the time being we have no flight on our first leg but this is typical for the flight and time we booked and when the new timetable is online I'll be sure to get us onto the flight we prefer, not just the one the airline computer puts us on. I doubt any company could afford to be as vigilant this far out.

 

[2Bnºoºt2B]

Was not aware AMA

For years I've used an agent at CAA but since their relationship ended last year with Disney, I no longer receive any discount or perks. I have also grown tired of driving a half hour each way to the local CAA office just to pick up my travel documents. I looked at expedia.ca last year but the agent I spoke with was clueless about the my magic plus pkg (park tickets) and Fall free dining promotion and told me he could only book the room. Maybe I should have called again to chance a different agent. Do most of you book on your own through the disney website? Has anyone found a good Cdn travel agency that does offer a discount or perks?

Did not know that it ended ... what was the benefits that were provided ... is that the reason why you have to speak to a TA to get ticket prices as before they used to have a list ...

 

[samsteele]

On my old CAA package, used to receive approx $200 off the Disney list price (was a percentage off the total price) plus free diamond parking card, discount on over $75 purchase at big Downtown Disney store and the regular my magic package goodies including free admission to Disney Quest for 1 day and Planet Hollywood souvenir/appetizer. It was a good deal. Sad it is gone now.

 

[ohcanada]

The first time we used a local Disney travel specialist, although I don't think there was any great advantage to this as the discounts on our trip were available to everyone (30% off room and free dining). This year we rented DVC points....saved approx. 55% on room cost compared to booking with Disney. We like to stay in a studio villa and because we are going in the summer we anticipated that deals on rooms would be limited. Then booked our flight and bought park tickets from Undercover Tourist. We will make most of our meals in our room and eat out a few times. I can't justify paying for the dining plan when my 9 year old is kid price and my 10 year old is adult price...although when we got if for free it was great!

 

[jkquinn]

his year we rented DVC points

This is a great way to book...great savings and easy to do.

 

[mullysisters]

We always book through Disney. Flight we book directly with Westjet or Air Canada depending on cost. Two trips ago I had to cancel because my Dad had a massive heart attack. Disney refunded my entire costs including deposit even though I was 14 days out! Westjet took a 75$ fee and put the balance of my flight costs into a "bank" for use in the coming year. The CM at Disney was so understanding, she did ask if I wanted to rebook but I was too upset. My Dad made a full recovery and I rebooked four months later. The airfare was less than the first booking and even with the cancellation fee I ended up saving money. I have Health Insurance from work and don't take cancellation insurance because of the above. I have had two pin codes for big discounts and don't ever do the dining plans.

 

[chrispeto]

We usually book directly through WDW. But this year we went through a travel agent with an exclussive agent offer and got a great deal for the Comtemporary resort. We are planning on using this agent again.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

We had always booked our trips directly with Disney online. We usually took advantage of the Disney special offers posted there. We always stayed at a moderate level resort (some more then once) All was wonderful

Then I read here on the forums of a travel agency with "magical" deals & contacted them for info... We took a chance & booked our summer trip with them last year. We stayed at 2 deluxe resorts YC & Poly (split stay) for the same price as our usual moderate stays. It was awesome! I have used my agent from that agency to book our last few trips to WDW and will be using them again late this summer or early fall. I had full control of the planning, the only thing I could not change was the reservation itself or the discounted park tickets that I purchased through the agency - when I needed to adjust those my agent handled it in a very timely fashion & much to my satisfaction.

 

[PensFan]

Does anyone know when you can book for 2016? Hotels and Airlines only go up to November or December.

You should be able to book your ROOM for 2016 as your well within the 500 days that Disney has set up .... but tickets, meal plans etc.. generally that comes June/July I believe.

We always book our room right away so we can start giving our money to Disney and then as the other details are released we just call and edit our reservation! Seamless!

 

[minnie56]

I book through myself and as a TA I guess I cover both aspects! Lol..

 

[Exmo]

We book direct with WDW and the customer service is always incredible. They also book flights through from Canada via Westjet now so it is easier if you are staying onsite.

 

[Ashjen]

I used to go through CAA as well, but have been doing it online directly with WDW in recent years. I like going through all the details myself.