I'm confused! Please help me figure this out

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Okay, I am making hotel ressies for my trip to Disneyland and I've come across some anomilies. First, when I checked the rates at the Best Western Park Place Inn direct website, the rate came up as $89, yet when I checked the Best Western website, the rate for the same room came up as $84.

Then, I went to the Disney website to see what a package would cost. I got a package rate for the BWPPI of $828 for 4 nights. But the hotel is $400 for 4 nights plus $300 for the three day park pass for two people. That's $700- what benefit do I get booking through Disney? Am I missing something?

Thanks for any insight into this because I sure am confused.

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

Another option is to consider one of the non-Disney but Disney "specialist" travel agencies. I'm sure there are a gazillion glowing reviews of TAs on these boards, but the two I'm familiar with are http://www.mouseearvacations.com (Mouse Ear Vacations) and http://www.wdwvacations.com/ (Small World Vacations). Passporter recommends the first, MouseSavers and the Unofficial Guide recommend the latter. I'm sure there are others and this is not an ad for either.

One key advantage of using the TA is their knowledge of the Disney system. They make a living by GETTING IT. If you are happy and feel like you got a good deal and good service, you tell your friends and they get more business. As I understand it, the hotels pay the fees to TAs for room booking, not the clients. (I could be wrong there, but that's the way it worked for us in March. Fees for airline tickets ONLY.)

I personally used Small World for our WDW in March and LOVED the service. My agent was patient, could answer all my questions, clearly explained my options and the pros/cons of my choices and made some smart suggestions about minor changes that could save me major money. She found me a good rate initially, and then watched for and rebooked me at a better rate when one came up! She also sent me weekly tips, tricks and info. And when I ROYALLY screwed up (booked for April, but I was looking at the wrong month--should have been March ), she figured out how to make it all happen a month earlier. I can't say enough good things about my experience.

What I liked best about using the TA (and we did room only, no airfare, no tickets--our choice) was that was one piece of planning I could take off my plate. I wanted to focus on day-to-day planning, not watching for better hotel rates. Hotel planning is NO FUN!

Just my two cents. . .

D-n-C

 

[WDWLVR]

Another option for a travel agent is Dreams Unlimited. We are using them for our upcoming Disneyland trip and they are fantastic. They even saved us more money after we booked. Can't beat that! Plus they are one of the sponsors of the DIS so you know they know their Disney.

 

[samkj]

Just a note Small World Vacations, does packages for on-site hotels only. Getawaytoday.com usually has the lowest rates, but you don't get the personal service you do with Dreams Unlimited.

 

[spazzyjazzy]

I use getawaytoday every year for my Disney Vacation. I am not too worried about the whole personal service because as long as I am saving some money. I am A-O-K. That is the main reason I do not stay at any of the Disney Hotels. The only time we are at the hotel is when we go to bed or get up from bed. But, anyways Getawaytoday is awesome and great service. I love them.