How do you book your trip?

[addicted_to_WDW]

I do it all myself. It's easy and fun!

 

[LilGoofy]

In the past I have always researched, planned and booked my Disney trip myself. This year after some research I got quotes from several travel agencies. DreamsUnlimited was able to make my reservations and tickets much cheaper than I could through Disney online or by phone ($300). Kim, our TA, has been wonderful making plans and ADRs. It was nice not having to get up before dawn to make ADRs. She made the reservations when I requested and the times I requested; all while I slept. I still am planning and researching, but it is nice to bounce ideas off someone else--my family gets this look when I say "what do youthink about..."

 

[burberryplaid]

For this trip, I started with a TA, but when they were unable to get me what I wanted during Free Dining, I decided to try and do it myself. I ended up getting what I wanted by calling Disney Travel directly, and then I booked airfare on my own.

 

[saffymom]

For me, planning the trip is half the fun. I usually call Disney directly for the room. I book air online and buy tickets from a ticket broker. Next year though I'm thinking of trying the dining plan, so I guess I'll have to book a package.

 

[mickeymousemom]

I have used Magical Journeys for the last few years, and about 4 trips. I wouldn't use anyone else(though I've seen lots of positive things about Dreams Unlimited). These people know their stuff. I wouldn't dream of using a local TA, just because I think there are too many things about Disney that most of them don't know. I wouldn't do it myself, because that would mean keeping on the lookout for codes and discounts. MJ does it all for me. As soon as a code is released, it's automatically applied to my account and then MJ emails me. I've had nothing but good experiences with them, and will stay with MJ as long as they're around. I recommend them to everyone!

 

[Cynt]

It's simple!

WWW.DISNEYWORLD.COM

I love how organized and simple it is to book directly with Disney. The few dollars you can save booking everything seperate, using a travel agent, etc. is well spent in the time it takes to research and compare everything. My last trip I started to book w/ Disney and then I switched to AAA and then I switched back to Disney.

What I would like to know for those who book with a TA are you really getting a heck of a deal or is it the convenience factor or is it because of the few little perks you receive from the TA? Enquiring minds want to know.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

For my upcoming trip I originally booked through CAA(AAA) but I had a horrible experience. The TA was useless, you could never get in touch with her and she never returned her messages. I canceled the reservation I had made with her and booked through Disney and ended up getting a much better price on my own. I will never use a TA again. I found out the hard way that I need to have control over my own vacation.

I know that some people have had wonderful experiences using a TA but I find that if I keep my eyes and ears open and I can still get wonderful deals and I don't need to worry about a TA messing up my vacation.

 

[minnieandme]

I booked mine directly through Disney. We don't have to worry about airfare since we'll be driving down.

 

[rosiep]

I do it all myself, I like the hunt of finding the best airfare or best price for a hotel room. It also helps to pass the time until my trip actually arrives..which in the case of my next trip everything is in place and now the wait is killing me!

 

[Artoo]

This was the first WDW vacation I booked for myself (since I'm all grown-up now! ) and I just went on the Disney site and booked it through the Travel Company. Next time, I would like to take a little more time and investigate, to see if I can get a better deal! Maybe I'll go through Dreams Unlimited, or just go DIY and book everything separately!

 

[mkycrzy1971]

I have done it three ways...myself...easy, but I do not think that you are always aware of the biggest/latest discounts.....through a travel agent...always updated our rate with the latest discounts without having to ask about them(at least 2-3 times before our trip was paid in full) and found us a great deal (although he had now moved to another agency and I cannot locate him )...and through AAA...this was a last minute trip (2 1/2 weeks in advance) and the best deal I could find...however, I later have read (not confimed) that if you call Disney Travel direct and ask for the price with the AAA discount, you can sometimes get a better deal and/or more room preferences. I do not think there is a wrong way to book....just do it so that you have FUN!! Oh yeah...I almost forgot...I book the airfare myself...it always pays off to do it myself (in my opinion).

 

[LilGoofy]

It's simple!

WWW.DISNEYWORLD.COM

I love how organized and simple it is to book directly with Disney. The few dollars you can save booking everything seperate, using a travel agent, etc. is well spent in the time it takes to research and compare everything. My last trip I started to book w/ Disney and then I switched to AAA and then I switched back to Disney.

What I would like to know for those who book with a TA are you really getting a heck of a deal or is it the convenience factor or is it because of the few little perks you receive from the TA? Enquiring minds want to know.

I have always believed in the 'if you want something done right, you need to do it yourself' philosophy. But this year, I thought let's give them the oppportunity to do their job. After getting a quote online through the Disney website and calling a Disney CM, I felt I had a pretty good idea on what the price of my trip should be. I then got quotes from several online travel agencies (did not really trust a local TA). DU was able to get the resort, room type, dates, tickets, and ADRs all for less than $300 than the Disney website. I have always thought 'A dollar saved is another dollar that can be spent at Disney.' I also like the perks of not having to call early and wait on hold for ADRs. Kim filled all my requests 170 days out, purchased my MVMCP tickets , CP dinner package, and Fantasmic dinner package . She also was able to suggest things that I had not even thought of. She also is a great sounding board for making decisions. I never would have thought I would be using a TA. It has been great thus far.

Would I use them again?? Well, I would always do my research first and then give them another chance.

ME
DH
DS (20)
DS (12) ​

**Each family member has chosen his/her own icon. "They have chosen, wisely"**





Off-site--May 1982
CBR--Sept 2000
Dixie Landings--March 2004
Old Key West--July 2005
POP--Dec 2007---Looking for an upgrade to POR

 

[warpdarkmatter]

dreams unlimted for me! it'ts the best i don't even have to pick up the phone to make my adr's