Package vs a la carte?

[ChasingLeslie]

Do you recommend purchasing through the Disney website as a package (and hoping for a discount pin/code)...or do you find better savings booking everything separately? Like room only on a travel website and tickets from UCT.

In the past I have always booked through AAA and never really paid attention to the best deals. This time, I am thinking of booking myself but it feels overwhelming!

 

[msmama]

I book through Disney. I'm sure you can probably save money buying a la carte, but for me, the convenience of disney is worth the extra.

What I like about booking through disney is that I know I have disney customer service behind me if I have any issues. I also have a disney visa with rewards that pays for much of my trip, which I couldn't do without booking through Disney.

I've never gotten a pin but I have never paid rack rate on rooms either.

ETA- my trips are for my son and I, so 2 people, so I guess the savings would be more if you were buying for more people.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Booking straight through Disney is SOOOO easy and convenient. Yes, maybe I'd save a tiny bit doing it piecemeal, but the stress of making sure it's all lined up correctly and dealing with various confirmations, etc.--just not worth it in my opinion! When I see someone spending $5,000 on a vacation and going through all the aggravation to save $25 seems like a bit much to me. Booking it direct, you can often get various discounts that are great. Just depends what time of year you're planning to go.

 

[leebee]

I always price it all out. If I can get free dining, I look at the cost of a value resort with upgraded dining (1QS, 1TS, 1 snack/person/night) and tickets, the cost of a moderate resort and tickets, and the cost of room only from Disney (or rented points from DVC members) with discounted tickets from UT and an approximate food budget (taking into account the Disney VISA discount at some restaurants). It takes some time, but it's worth it to me to keep as much of my money in MY pocket when visiting the Mouse. When doing a food budget, I try to look at how we actually eat and not align OOP choices with what's available on the DDP (we don't do many desserts or drink soda). SOMETIMES it's more cost-effective to purchase through Disney, sometimes not.

I dont' usually use a travel agent, especially when the destination is someplace with which I am very familiar. I don't like adding an extra layer of complication between me and my reservations!