Question about booking??

[DisneyMOM09]

I hope this doesn't sound dumb, but this is my first Disney vacation. How does booking your package work? So you pay for everything up front? Is there a way to put a down payment down and pay the rest at a later date? We are planning on using our tax refund in 09 to fund our vacation so I am curious as to how it works. Also would you book yourself or go through a travel agent?

 

[GothTink]

Personally, I went straight through Disney (Googled "Disney vacation" and booked through their site). You have to put $200 down initially, but can make payments until something like 45 days before your trip. Have fun!

 

[gabriellyn]

Congratulations! Don't worry - not a dumb question at all!!!

There are lots of options - you can book directly with Disney - they make it easy to spend your money! They only require either a $200 deposit for a package or the first night's stay if you book room-only. They have different rules regarding changes and cancellations. You can then either make payments or pay in full 45 days before the travel date for the package. The room-only ressie can be paid at WDW (I think). The problem with booking with Disney is that they don't tell you about any discounts whatsoever - you have to ask for discounts if you are eligible. There are other threads to help you with that. You can either do it online or by calling them direct.

If you pick a good travel agent then they can help with all of the itinerary planning as well as pricing. They will also require a deposit and such, but you don't have to pay the whole trip all upfront. There is no additional fee for their services, but I would get referrals from people I know instead of just blindly choosing one.

HTH! Good luck and have fun!

Also, I would recommend some reading - either Passporter's WDW or The Unofficial Guide to WDW. The books will help you immensely, as will all of the WDW vets here on the boards.

 

[GoinToDisney]

If you go with a travel agent (I used Deb at the magic for less this time), then they will watch for discounts even after they book the vacation for you. This way, if disney comes out with a discount code after you book, they will get you the better price. I have done it myself and also with an agent, and I liked the agent. I liked knowing that there was someone else looking to make sure I got the best deal. I still did all of my adr's and car and flight myself, but that is because I enjoy it. It was nice to know that if it got to be too much, I could hand it over to Deb.

 

[trivial]

It's a very good question, actually.

I would highly recommend the services of a reputable, Disney-centric travel agency, such as the DIS's sponsor, although there are several that would fit the bill. As gabriellyn mentioned, they cost you nothing, but can be a big help with planning and answering questions.

Also, I would considering booking things separately versus a package, as packages will typically cost you more. We booked a room on DVC points, bought tickets online, and were still eligible for the DDP, so we saved quite a bit by avoiding a package.

 

[DisneyMOM09]

It's a very good question, actually.

I would highly recommend the services of a reputable, Disney-centric travel agency, such as the DIS's sponsor, although there are several that would fit the bill. As gabriellyn mentioned, they cost you nothing, but can be a big help with planning and answering questions.

Also, I would considering booking things separately versus a package, as packages will typically cost you more. We booked a room on DVC points, bought tickets online, and were still eligible for the DDP, so we saved quite a bit by avoiding a package.

So if you book seperately you can still recieve the DDP? This is an important money saver for us!

 

[PrincessAnnabell]

This is the exact question on my mind also. We are planning our first trip also.

 

[trivial]

So if you book seperately you can still recieve the DDP? This is an important money saver for us!

I'm not 100% on this, but I think you either have to book a package, OR stay at a resort on DVC points (which is something that you'd have to arrange yourself). I believe that's the only way to get the DDP without booking a package. For more info on renting DVC points, I recommend checking out the stickies/FAQs in the DVC-Rent/Trade forum.

 

[GoofyFairie]

If you book a room only through the WDWTC then where do you get your park tickets and book your flight? Can you still get Magical Express from the airport to your resprt? How do sign up for it?

 

[gabriellyn]

I'm not 100% on this, but I think you either have to book a package, OR stay at a resort on DVC points (which is something that you'd have to arrange yourself). I believe that's the only way to get the DDP without booking a package. For more info on renting DVC points, I recommend checking out the stickies/FAQs in the DVC-Rent/Trade forum.

That is correct.

 

[gabriellyn]

If you book a room only through the WDWTC then where do you get your park tickets and book your flight? Can you still get Magical Express from the airport to your resprt? How do sign up for it?

You can purchase your tickets through a reputable authorized reseller at a discount. There are lots of reputable dealers around - if you check some of the more popular unofficial Disney info sites. They have links to good resellers.

As long as you are staying on site you are eligible for ME, package or no package. I believe you can book online using your reservation #. At least that is what I did! If you use a travel agent no doubt they can make the arrangements for you.

 

[mommapoppins]

I'm not 100% on this, but I think you either have to book a package, OR stay at a resort on DVC points (which is something that you'd have to arrange yourself). I believe that's the only way to get the DDP without booking a package. For more info on renting DVC points, I recommend checking out the stickies/FAQs in the DVC-Rent/Trade forum.

They have recently changed it so that Annual Passholders can also get DDP without booking a package. This can actually be a good money saver because you may be able to get a AP room discount also.

 

[gabriellyn]

Oooh - that's right - I forgot about that!

 

[tami82]

we too plan on using our 2009 tax return for our first trip to Disney.

 

[mickeyluvr004]

Hi we use Kingdommagictravel.com and our agent Joyce is at extention 702 she is the most wonderful lady she is always looking for ways to get something for you we absolutely love this lady. and like the other posts said there is no fee for this service, GOOD LUCK and have fun