Quickest way to get package booked

[pfeifer1990]

We are planning a May 2020 trip to WDW (first time in 20 years!) We want POP or NOFQ (5 adults-2 rooms). My question is it better to use a TA to be able to get rooms when 2020 opens up in June? Which way will I get my reservations made quicker using a TA or do it myself? We want to book our rooms immediately in that first 24 hour period of packages being released in June because I know both resorts fill up fast. Also, how soon should I email a request to a DUL TA? Also, we have a budget for rooms if I end up using a TA how do I express that we would want NOFQ if the difference is within a certain range? (I am hoping that POP rooms go up so that the price difference between POP and NOFQ becomes less of an issue for part of our group.) I am a control freak and have always done our reservations in the past so the thought of someone else making our room reservations is uncomfortable for me. Sorry for the ramble...

 

[JenniferYoung44]

If you are a control freak I wouldn’t use a TA. It will frustrate you.

 

[Meglen]

Just use the Disney site it is very easy and since you won't be using a TA you could change info and rooms (if deals come up) everyday if you wanted. With a TA they have to do everything and just thinking about it stresses me out.

 

[lanejudy]

If it doesn't have to be a package, you can book room-only now by phone.

Be aware that discounts for May 2020 are not likely to be released this summer with the room-rates/packages. You can book what fits the budget at rack rate and then watch for discounts. Just know that having a room booked does not guarantee you will be able to apply a discount later once announced. I believe POFQ is often excluded from discounts.

If you want to know a ballpark of the rate difference POP vs POFQ, you can look up a reservation for next month.

If you'd like to use a TA - I'd reach out and start discussing what you want. In terms of budget, let them know $X is my max, I'd prefer POFQ but if it's over $X then please book POP.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[epcotobsessed]

I just booked our 12th (ish) package in the last 10 years or so - I have never used a TA, always use the Disney website. It's fast and easy.

 

[barbaraann]

I used to always call Disney, and book my vacation/room/package. However once I used a travel agent, I never went back to calling. I have had great travel agents, who spared me the phone calls, and the hassle. Sure I liked chatting with the Disney people. However, having a travel agent has alerted me to discounts I did not know about, and saved me both money and time. I check prices on the internet/website before getting quotes from the travel agent/company, and then I go from there. Then I know exactly what something is going to cost me. I let them know exactly my preferences, and budget.

 

[KenHutch]

I always just call Disney directly. I am a bit of a control person and plan everything. I just don't trust anyone else to do it.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

As PP noted, if you are a control freak, I would not use a TA. Just price the packages out as soon as they are released and book.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Do it yourself.
Packages will most likely open before a TA wants to get up and book it.
Plus the TA has multiple people they are booking for and go in order of who contacted them first.
Also if you go through a TA you basically h ave to contact them when you want something. (You cannot contact Disney directly. They will just inform you that you need to contact your TA)
I like full control of every aspect so I quit using a TA several years ago when everything became that much easier to do yourself.

 

[czechplz]

The one perk no one has mentioned about booking through a TA is that they have a whole separate phone line. They also usually get an advanced notice as to when these things will be released.

Ever since Disney began outsourcing their website, I don't even attempt to book online anymore, especially is a discount or package has just come out, it almost always goes down and a couple of times, my reservation disappeared or the reservation completely glitched out. If you are going to book it yourself, book it over the phone.

 

[_19disnA]

You can easily book it yourself using the Disney website or by calling Disney. Unless your Travel Agent offers specific discounts not available to the general public. there is no advantage to that method. It also complicates the process if you need to make future revisions as the Travel Agent is the only one Disney will take updates from once you go that method. Lots of other threads on this subject.