I'm confused...did I do well?

[Bruin Steve]

Okay, I'm basically a Disneyworld Newbie...haven't been there in 17 years (only time I've visited and that was part of a cruise/Disney package with the old "Big Red Boat")...

We're going on back-to-back cruises in July 2007...and decided to add on 5 nights at WDW at the tail end of the trip...Rearranged our flights so we now fly LAX to Miami, take the two cruises, then fly Miami to Orlando on July 15 and have a flight home to LA from Orlando on July 20...

So, knowing I wanted to stay on the property at a Disney resort and keep everything as seamless as possible, I went directly to the Disney website and booked 5 nights at the French Quarter, 5 days of Park Hopper tickets AND the Disney Dining plan (for 2)...for $1900!!!

Then, after reading and asking around a bit, I figured I could do better...
I visited my local AAA and the TA there set me up with the exact same thing for $1750...

Now I'm reading this board and noting all of these confusing "codes" being discussed and I'm still not sure there's not something else I should have done...

Can anyone explain all of this to me?

Did I do okay on the price?

Thanks...

 

[famofour]

I'm a newbie too - I booked 7-days at POFQ online for $1457 2/19-2/26 - that's right at the beginning of peak season. I didn't book the package because I figured I would get the room now because I don't want to miss out on being able to stay at POFQ and then I can always get the tickets later.

Anyway, I just transferred over my ressies to a TA (small world) - you can find them by going to wdwvacations.com. My rep will be on the lookout for any codes she can apply, whereas with keeping the ressies with disney, I'd have to look for the codes myself and try to get them applied. T

hat's my understanding of the whole way it works, anyway. Please, if I'm incorrect, anyone can feel free to correct me!

 

[LucyR]

Hey Steve - I'm a relative newbie too, but from what I can tell you've done okay. I've got 7 nights at POFQ with MYW+hopper+water parks and no dining for 2 adults, a 10-y-o, and a 6-y-o (do you have kids tix?) for $1748. Also through a AAA agent. So I've got 2 more nights and water parks, but you have the dining option and we're close to the same price. I'm with you that the codes business is VERY confusing! From all the posts I've read, it's unusual that the AAA agent had the best price, but I sure haven't been able to find anything better from any of the tips here. I keep watching the board in case I might learn the "secret handshake" that will get me an even better deal, but I'm not holding my breath. Plus, I understand the POFQ seems very difficult to get into this fall, so you've lucked out there.

Keep watching, 'cause you never know.

 

[bab31]

As far as the code thing goes... Find the thread for your month of travel and code watch. post on it so you will get an email whenever anything post to that thread. Disney apparently from time to time will discount the rooms during time periods. If a code comes out you need to call either your travel agent or disney and ask them to add the code discount to your room. Or you may have to make a new ressie with the code. Disney came out with a code a few weeks ago for some fall dates. If I am not mistaken first I saw discount code for people who have Disney visa card, then annual pass holders got a discount, then a general public code came out. People had a substantial savings so it is worth your while to keep an eye on this. Rumor has it Jan codes may be out in Oct. Mousesavers.com ( I believe) has code history and what kind of discounts it was.