I need HELP!

[nicoledcain]

I have been going to Disney for many years.....what I want to know is we will be taking a Grand Gathering trip Jan. 15-Jan19, what do I need to do to get the absolute best deals on tickets, resorts, and dining because my step-father is paying for the whole trip and we are trying to keep the cost low. We do want to stay on site and we want to get the disney dining? Should we book straight through Disney or do any of you know a better place to book and a way to get the best price? I just found this site and I have been reading a lot of the threads and all of you have been very helpful so PLEASE HELP ME get the best deals. Thanks!

 

[JimR24]

Sorry I can't help but do you think your step-father is interested in adopting a 37 yr old father of 2???

 

[a1tinkfans]

I have been going to Disney for many years.....what I want to know is we will be taking a Grand Gathering trip Jan. 15-Jan19, what do I need to do to get the absolute best deals on tickets, resorts, and dining because my step-father is paying for the whole trip and we are trying to keep the cost low. We do want to stay on site and we want to get the disney dining? Should we book straight through Disney or do any of you know a better place to book and a way to get the best price? I just found this site and I have been reading a lot of the threads and all of you have been very helpful so PLEASE HELP ME get the best deals. Thanks!

JimR24, TOO FUNNY!!!

to PO: LUCKY YOU!!!! try looking thru the threads, specifically the DISCOUNT ones, there are many variables so there is no one "right answer" here. As you start to plan, how many adults/kids/type/number of days for tix/hopping or not/types of meals interested in (c/s, ts?) , you'll need to post your Q's. MANY wonderful people here on DIS so you'll be helped along the way but more specifics needed to get ya going. Good Luck and have a WONDERFUL trip mak'n memories!

 

[nicoledcain]

There will be 11 adults, 7 kids, and 1 six week old.....We will be attending the parks Fri-Sun, we would like to do a 3-day park hopper, and we would like to do the 1 quick service meal and one table service per person, per day..........That is about all the specifics I know!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Does anyone in your party have AAA. That might be the best bet on a package deal that included tickets and DDP right now.

 

[zurgswife]

Just to understand the basics of Disney park tickets a 3day ticket will give you the least discounts possible. The more days you stay the overall cheaper the tickets become.

1day ticket is $75 per day add the park hopper option it is $125
2day ticket is $74.50 per day add the park hopper option the total is $149
3 day ticket is $70.67 per day add the park hopper option the total is $212
4 day ticket is $54.75 per day add the park hopper option the total is $219
5 day ticket is $44.40 per day add the park hopper option the total is $222

You may be able to find a 3day at a slight discount at a broker such as Undercovertourist.com

As far as room discounts go, AAA is a good suggestion. That time of year the prices should come down slightly. If you are trying to do it cheaper definitely look into one of the value resorts. They are the best value. Every now and the expeda has disney rooms at a cheaper price but not a guarantee.

As far as the dining plan. Look at the menus on allearsnet.com and see if you really are saving money. I've done the plan and not done the plan and if you are careful you can definitely save money by not purchasing the plan.

 

[Singinglizzie]

I am usually a do it yourself planner, but with that many folks I would try to find a travel agent that will do the leg work for you. I have coordinated family trips before, and dealing with family politics, plus individual schedule changes can drive you crazy. Having said that, besides the AAA discounts, I don't believe Disney has released any discount codes for January 09 yet. Based on what I've read, and using last year for comparison, WDW offered discount rates for that time period in 2008 to Annual Pass holders and to Disney Visa card holders, but the discounts were not offered until October. We too are planning to travel in January, so I signed up to get a Disney Visa, and hope to be offered a discount in October, but we'll have to wait and see. Meantime, I have booked my room only reservation so that I know I have a room. Similar to you, my girlfriend booked her large party (not as large as yours though but paid for by her inlaws) with a travel agent and the agent helped them get a discount on their accomodations. She said the agent saved them several thousand dollars, which sounds about right since they booked a villa at the Yacht club. I contacted her agent to see about assisting me, but was told that since I already had booked my room directly with Disney she couldn't really assist me. Maybe some of the other dis-er could recommend a Disney Specialist that could at least hold a block of rooms for you, then keep an eye out for discounts (if any) are offered later this year, so you could finalize your package. Good luck and keep us posted.