New to Planning

[esuomyekcim]

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this thread.
We are new to planning for Disney although we have been many times. Over the course of the last few years that I have not gone a few things have changed. FP+ for starters. Also, this will be the first time I wanted to try booking our trip directly through Disney.com.

Would anyone please offer your advice on booking through Disney.com. Would a travel agent be better? Cheaper?

(3: DH, DW DD5)
The plan: Coronado Springs for the first week in November.

Ticket: 4 day non hopper. (Saving $$ and this is DD5 first time. We do not want to stretch her comfort level)

Dining Plan: 1 counter service, 1 table, 1 snack, mugs for each person in the party.

Flight is already paid for.

No car rental. We are using the Magical Express and Disney trans.

I am currently keeping a hopeful eye on the November FD thread just in case.
I am trying to keep costs down to a minimum so any advice would be welcome.


Thank you,

 

[shanejoseph]

We have always booked through Disney, with the exception of a trip we took as a family gathering, 18 people (which I would never recommend). The only reason was to coordinate all parties. However, for each trip we have taken, I have gotten price quotes from travel agents, just to satisfy my curiosity. I have always been given the same quotes, if not higher, from TA's. I find the only instance where TA's can save you money is on off-site package deals, and I have never been even slightly interested in staying off-site. I even go one step further. A few months after booking, I call back and try to get some in the form of $ savings, or upgrades! It has always worked in some form or the other! Now, I'm in sales myself, so I tend to know what to say without being obnoxious. Another benefit in my opinion is just the level of customer service you get with booking through Disney. The only thing that I don't book through Disney is the flight. Only because I much prefer to fly Southwest Airlines. Just my $0.02!

 

[esuomyekcim]

Thank you ShaneJoseph. I am soo ready to book today. We have been scheduling the trip on Disney and have finally landed on a timeframe that falls within our budget and schedule perfectly. Then I booked the flight using a credit I had on file with the airline.

Also, I can safely say that I will never attempt a visit with as many people as you did. You are one brave person for even being involved.

 

[tazadd0420]

Agreed TA was a waste. Whenever had to make changes just called a cm and got things situated. We like to be in control and we have never had a problem. Hope you have the same luck.

 

[CarouselOfLands]

I've always either booked direct without a travel agent or stayed with someone who booked direct. It makes planning food and now FP+ easy. I think the idea of skipping out on the park hopping option is a good idea for your family and budget. Take each park one at a time and take the time to enjoy them with your DDS without having to worry about how to get from one to another or how much time it will take. Especially since it is your DDS's first visit. Try not to stress too much in the planning and look forward to enjoying!

 

[RHMH]

Good Morning Dis-Friend

I am with the OP...I always book everything online through Disney except for the flights..

IMO... Make it easier on your self as to which park to go on each day by choosing the park with Magic Hours to start and then reserve your dining (Lunch, Dinner or both).. at the same park.

Happy Planning...

 

[dustpixie]

I booked through Southwest Airlines vacation website. By looking at the fare calendar first, I was able to choose travel dates with their lowest possible fares, saving over $400 per round trip ticket.

Once I chose dates and fares, there was a list of a gazillion hotels to choose from with the lowest total price for my party displayed for each hotel. Hotel perks were also shown, so I could see, for example, that staying on property got us free transportation and luggage handling (a big deal to me since I have Parkinson's Disease so baggage is a real pain). I liked having all the options up front.

The park tickets and dining plan cost the same regardless. At the 180 day mark I was able to book dining reservations, and make FP+ selections at 60 days, just like any on-site guest.

Have a great time!

 

[esuomyekcim]

Thanks for the help.
Nice to see that I was going about it the right way!!!

Flight = Done
Room, Tickets, Dining, Magic Express = Done

Now I have to wait to reserve dining and FP+

In your experience(s) how hard is it to book Chef Mickey & Crystal Palace? I plan on logging in or calling the first day I can to reserve all since we are staying on park and have that option.

WE ARE VERY EXCITED!!!!!