OMG! I am OBSESSED with DisBoards! Ahh - Support Group needed...

[AUDramaQueen]

OK here we go after spending all afternoon double checking the regular price on disney.com (which was sooooo s.l.o.w) Please let me know if my math is wrong or if I am not comparing apples-apples. Like I said the site was not behaving so I may have not done something right

This package includes:
2 adults
3 children (9, 7, 5)
4 day park hoppers
4 night stay Polynesian Garden View (Oct 30th thru Nov 3rd)
Disney: $3,193.88
Lisa: $2,778.04

Savings: $415.84 Percentage: 13%

So looks about the same as AAA. No hat eating required!

So it goes back to the preference of letting someone else handle your reservation...

By the way, when I first booked with her she asked me if I was a AAA member, had a Disney Visa or was a Florida resident so she must be able to book all those discounts too.

 

[pillow]

OK here we go after spending all afternoon double checking the regular price on disney.com (which was sooooo s.l.o.w) Please let me know if my math is wrong or if I am not comparing apples-apples. Like I said the site was not behaving so I may have not done something right

This package includes:
2 adults
3 children (9, 7, 5)
4 day park hoppers
4 night stay Polynesian Garden View (Oct 30th thru Nov 3rd)
Disney: $3,193.88
Lisa: $2,778.04

Savings: $415.84 Percentage: 13%

So looks about the same as AAA. No hat eating required!

So it goes back to the preference of letting someone else handle your reservation...

By the way, when I first booked with her she asked me if I was a AAA member, had a Disney Visa or was a Florida resident so she must be able to book all those discounts too.

I think thats a pretty good price. I checked the AAA price + the maple leaf tickets, and I came up with $120 more than Lisa's price. I may have to eat my hat after all!! Maple leaf gives you an extra day's hopper for free, so its really 5 days for that price. Anything above 4 days costs only a few more dollars per day, whether you use maple leaf or Disney.

I also checked the points required for a 1 bedroom at the Beach Club Villas. It doesn't work for your dates because the lower points only work on Sun - Thurs night stays, but if you were to stay during the week, the price of the room + tickets was only $2,243. You could add another night and another day in the parks, and it would still be less than the Poly. BUT, I understand wanting to stay at the Poly. I'm itching to stay there too. Maybe I'll do just one night there before our 5 night DVC stay next April.

Was your package a free dining package???? Sorry - can't remember all the details. If so, thats a fabulous price!

Can you forward me Lisa's contact information?

Jodie

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Wait, doesn't planning a Disney vacation and spreadsheets go hand in hand??? I have spreadsheets for EVERYTHING (although I probably shouldn't admit that).

I would like to know the price of the TA trip vs the a la carte price (with AAA discounts at the hotels) and discount tickets. If the TA price is cheaper, I'll eat my hat!

Not sure if I want Disney veteran status . I really should get a life (or at least a job)!!

Jodie

Just an FYI regarding the travel agent thing (because DH has his license, although we only use it for our trips, he doesn't book/sell for anyone else these days)...if you come up with a better price than the TA gives you-TELL THEM...if they are worth a salt, they will match it or beat it. Of course like any business, a TA has to make money, if you don't ask...they are not going to jump up and down telling you about all the discounts they can get you-especially if they are not an agent that sells Disney exclusively.

 

[pillow]

Just an FYI regarding the travel agent thing (because DH has his license, although we only use it for our trips, he doesn't book/sell for anyone else these days)...if you come up with a better price than the TA gives you-TELL THEM...if they are worth a salt, they will match it or beat it. Of course like any business, a TA has to make money, if you don't ask...they are not going to jump up and down telling you about all the discounts they can get you-especially if they are not an agent that sells Disney exclusively.

Thanks! Does it save you money on your trips? I've thought about getting my license. I feel like I plan travel all the time anyway - might as well get paid for it.

Jodie

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Thanks! Does it save you money on your trips? I've thought about getting my license. I feel like I plan travel all the time anyway - might as well get paid for it.

Jodie

We save huge amounts of money on our travel. Disney does limit the number of agent rates they will give at any specific resort/time period so your never guaranteed the agent rate. We have DVC, so we don't use it much at Disney anymore, but as an example, we did GF concierge for 4 people with park passes for 14 days and we paid 2k. Regular rate was a little over 6k. We've used it for DCL and the agent rate is astoundingly low in comparison to what the average joe pays, agents pay about 1/2 to 1/4 of the regular rate most times. DH's discount is 30-50% on Adventures by Disney, although we have not done that one yet (discount depends upon tour chosen and time of year). We've used DH's discounts on regular cruises and non-Disney vacations too, the thing is not all places extend TA courtesy rates and airfare discounts are usually only reserved for agents with major selling power or agency owners. Still, it is definitely a good thing to have. The down side is me and the kids take a lot of short trips without DH because of his work and we cannot utilize the agent discount unless he is with us. I don't know that I'd seek out a TA license purely for my own travel purposes, but if your going to do that as a line of work then its definitely a bonus. DH stopped selling because it really wasn't a very lucrative job, fun, but not a huge money maker. Just make sure if you get licensed that it is an Independent license and not one sponsored by an agency as an associate TA, because most places, Disney included, will not recognize anything but an Independent TA id for the discount. I'd say we wind up using DH's discount for about 30% of our travel.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

I think thats a pretty good price. I checked the AAA price + the maple leaf tickets, and I came up with $120 more than Lisa's price. I may have to eat my hat after all!! Maple leaf gives you an extra day's hopper for free, so its really 5 days for that price. Anything above 4 days costs only a few more dollars per day, whether you use maple leaf or Disney.

I also checked the points required for a 1 bedroom at the Beach Club Villas. It doesn't work for your dates because the lower points only work on Sun - Thurs night stays, but if you were to stay during the week, the price of the room + tickets was only $2,243. You could add another night and another day in the parks, and it would still be less than the Poly. BUT, I understand wanting to stay at the Poly. I'm itching to stay there too. Maybe I'll do just one night there before our 5 night DVC stay next April.

Was your package a free dining package???? Sorry - can't remember all the details. If so, thats a fabulous price!

Can you forward me Lisa's contact information?

Jodie

Those TA dates are for October/November and does not include the dining package. We did some more calculations after my DH got home (he actually did a bar graph )

Argh! My head is spinning. I made a mistake too. I had used the 2 different pricing periods (regular instead of value) when I said we would come out even with the free dining. Comparing Lisa's October group rate ($2,778.04during regular season) with the regular Disney MYW package in September ($2,923.88 during value season) for free dining is only about $150 savings which means free dining is a better deal as it would cost us $350 roughly for the QS plan. I totally forgot that August/September were value season!

Now, the above dates/packages compare the same dates/packages so all that information is correct and it is a good rate. So maybe just eat half the hat since I was wrong too! I'll take the other half!

 

[pillow]

Those TA dates are for October/November and does not include the dining package. We did some more calculations after my DH got home (he actually did a bar graph )

Argh! My head is spinning. I made a mistake too. I had used the 2 different pricing periods (regular instead of value) when I said we would come out even with the free dining. Comparing Lisa's October group rate ($2,778.04during regular season) with the regular Disney MYW package in September ($2,923.88 during value season) for free dining is only about $150 savings which means free dining is a better deal as it would cost us $350 roughly for the QS plan. I totally forgot that August/September were value season!

Now, the above dates/packages compare the same dates/packages so all that information is correct and it is a good rate. So maybe just eat half the hat since I was wrong too! I'll take the other half!

Seriously? A bar graph? You're kidding right? I'm not quite that bad! Although the middle school just asked me if I'd volunteer to audit the PTA books, and I actually got a little excited. I really think I need to go back to work! Jeez!

For what its worth, I'd rather go to WDW when you're going because the weather will be nicer. To me its miserable in August!

J

 

[pillow]

We save huge amounts of money on our travel. Disney does limit the number of agent rates they will give at any specific resort/time period so your never guaranteed the agent rate. We have DVC, so we don't use it much at Disney anymore, but as an example, we did GF concierge for 4 people with park passes for 14 days and we paid 2k. Regular rate was a little over 6k. We've used it for DCL and the agent rate is astoundingly low in comparison to what the average joe pays, agents pay about 1/2 to 1/4 of the regular rate most times. DH's discount is 30-50% on Adventures by Disney, although we have not done that one yet (discount depends upon tour chosen and time of year). We've used DH's discounts on regular cruises and non-Disney vacations too, the thing is not all places extend TA courtesy rates and airfare discounts are usually only reserved for agents with major selling power or agency owners. Still, it is definitely a good thing to have. The down side is me and the kids take a lot of short trips without DH because of his work and we cannot utilize the agent discount unless he is with us. I don't know that I'd seek out a TA license purely for my own travel purposes, but if your going to do that as a line of work then its definitely a bonus. DH stopped selling because it really wasn't a very lucrative job, fun, but not a huge money maker. Just make sure if you get licensed that it is an Independent license and not one sponsored by an agency as an associate TA, because most places, Disney included, will not recognize anything but an Independent TA id for the discount. I'd say we wind up using DH's discount for about 30% of our travel.

Very interesting. We also have DVC, so the only thing we have to pay for is tickets and meals. I'm guessing the TA benefits can't really help you there. BUT, we love the cruise, and the cruise rates are HIGH! Would love to be able to utilize a discount there. I've heard that TA's don't make a lot of money - can see why your husband stopped doing it. Except for the cruise and our yearly Disney trip, we don't really do tours and such - just independent travel. Does the TA discount get you cheaper rates on airfare and hotels?

Jodie

 

[Grendalynn]

Yeah, it worked!!! I made my 500th post and I went from Mouseketeer to DIS Vetran! I think I have been on here too long the last few weeks!

Glendalynn, do you think I am obsessed and deserve to be on this thread?!?

Congratulations!! 500 posts is amazing!!! And yes, that is why we have this thread.... imagine what your # would be at w/o it!!?? : I didnt realize I was over 500, waaaay over. 8 to go and what does that make me?? I am still a mouseketeer!!?

PS --> You know you/we are Disney Addicts when we start bar graphs, spreadsheets and charts regarding our Disney Plans, itineraries, packing lists, dining expenses, and maybe even when to use the restrooms ...

Carry on fellow addicts, carry on!! ixiedust:

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Very interesting. We also have DVC, so the only thing we have to pay for is tickets and meals. I'm guessing the TA benefits can't really help you there. BUT, we love the cruise, and the cruise rates are HIGH! Would love to be able to utilize a discount there. I've heard that TA's don't make a lot of money - can see why your husband stopped doing it. Except for the cruise and our yearly Disney trip, we don't really do tours and such - just independent travel. Does the TA discount get you cheaper rates on airfare and hotels?

Jodie

Hotels, yes...most will extend a TA discount. Chains definitely will, but little Inns or privately owned places most of the time won't give any discount-they figure you will come regardless. Airlines...not really, like I said, you'd have to be a power seller or agency owner to get those deals and even then they are few and far between. A few times DH got us upgraded to first class once we arrived at the airport, not sure if it was given to us because DH is an agent or he just asks very sweetly. For Disney with tickets and meals, no, no discount. Your better off buying your DVC AP's at the discount, which is what we do...although if you don't visit that often, then its not a deal. When we bring friends or extended family we always wind up searching for tix with undercovertourist, mapleleaftickets or ticketmania for who has the best deal. We've used all three places and never a problem. AAA ticket discount stinks so we don't even bother there.

 

[Grendalynn]

Good Morning Fellow Dis-Addicts!!!! What better way to start the day: The Dis, a cup of coffee and Mickey Mouse Clubehouse playing in the background?? Ok, maybe it would be better if we were actually in Disney World, but since we are not - Here I am!! Have a great day everyone!! School starts for me 2 weeks and in less than 3 weeks for the little angels, so I have to suck up my relaxing morning Dis while I can!!

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Ok last post about the TA thing. I did want to note that her group rate discount comes with very strict deposit and payment terms. It has to be paid with a check. She doesn't take credit cards for this discount. She pays Disney for the block of rooms in advance so she doesn't take any chances with people booking and then cancelling. She wants serious Disney people I guess!

Now all the other packages have the standard Disney policy and you can pay how you want.

So after yesterday's Dising marathon I have soooo much housework to do! Two loads of laundrey need to be put away and I should wash about 2 more!!

Of course, what am I doing now?

I'm so glad I have you guys who understand me!!

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Seriously? A bar graph? You're kidding right? I'm not quite that bad! Although the middle school just asked me if I'd volunteer to audit the PTA books, and I actually got a little excited. I really think I need to go back to work! Jeez!

For what its worth, I'd rather go to WDW when you're going because the weather will be nicer. To me its miserable in August!

J

Nope not kidding. I had gotten all the prices in there with all the different options. Of course, he gets in there with all his formulas to calculate dining, etc. So I'm looking at all these numbers and was thinking my family will never understand all this. He says we need a chart or something. Viola! Bar graph! He had it in 3D too! I told him that was a little much even for me.

So even though he isn't a huge Disney fan, he does like his excell so I let him have at it!

 

[Grendalynn]

So after yesterday's Dising marathon I have soooo much housework to do! Two loads of laundrey need to be put away and I should wash about 2 more!!

Of course, what am I doing now?

I'm so glad I have you guys who understand me!!

Yes, you were quite the Marathon-er yesterday - I was quite impressed!!

Laundry?? Who does laundry? I have a clean load of laundry sitting on my counter (right in front of me) needing to be folded and put away from last night, and a dry load in the dryer!!! Did you ever read that thread *someone* started about doing laundry, putting it away, and our ovell laundry habits, or lack there of??? Very interesting, I might add. There are many of us out there. Just as many as there are Dis-Addicts!!

 

[bless7ings]

8 to go and what does that make me?? I am still a mouseketeer!!?

Yeah I noticed that. What's up with that!

 

[bless7ings]

So after yesterday's Dising marathon I have soooo much housework to do! Two loads of laundrey need to be put away and I should wash about 2 more!!

Of course, what am I doing now?

I'm so glad I have you guys who understand me!![/QUOTE]

I was almost ready to say, "All work and no fun!"

 

[Grendalynn]

8 to go and what does that make me?? I am still a mouseketeer!!?

Yeah I noticed that. What's up with that!

Now I did it! I went in to see if I could change my "status" myself to DIS Veteran, and wiped out my hard earned Tag when I did it!! Ugh!! I was so excited to have that tag, cause they are given out rarely these days!!! Anyone have any idea about that??? Not having my tag is really a huge problem!!

 

[bless7ings]

Now I did it! I went in to see if I could change my "status" myself to DIS Veteran, and wiped out my hard earned Tag when I did it!! Ugh!! I was so excited to have that tag, cause they are given out rarely these days!!! Anyone have any idea about that??? Not having my tag is really a huge problem!!

What was the tag?

 

[Grendalynn]

"Add me to the list with the other Northerners, Damn Yankees and Stubborn New Englanders!" - it was in regard to our favorite bargain stores. You can can appreciate it, Blessings, because it was in reference to The Christmas Tree Shops and TJMaxx! Reny's too! Now we have ur very own CTS here in town, so its even more fitting! LOL

I just looked it up through all my pages and pages of threads I had... Nothing that excitig, but tag is a tag! Not everyone has them you know!

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Now I did it! I went in to see if I could change my "status" myself to DIS Veteran, and wiped out my hard earned Tag when I did it!! Ugh!! I was so excited to have that tag, cause they are given out rarely these days!!! Anyone have any idea about that??? Not having my tag is really a huge problem!!

Oh no!! I do like your "self proclaimed Dis veteran" though!

Yeah I forgot to mention I do have a load in the dryer too! It's towels though so I dont have to worry about them getting wrinkled! Also 2 hours later and I'm still here!! I have done absoluetly nothing!!! I really need to get the clothes put away at least though. I'm tired of rooting through the baskets to get the kids dressed in the morning.

I'm so bad I try to do a little something so when DH comes home for lunch he thinks I've been working. Shhhhhh. I don't think he's fooled though