reservations

[candybell]

I am very new to this board. We will be going Jan 11-17. My question is what is the best way to go about booking a vacation. When everyone says they are booked, how do they get their rooms. Thru Small World?, calling Disney direct?, which is best. I still want to have control over my package, room reservations etc.

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

The price doesn't really change if you are purchasing a vacation package. The first time I went I book via web (www.disneyparks.com) and I had no problem with that. I could get on line and check my reservation and make payments through the web, etc. However, if you prefer actually talking to someone, etc. a phone call is more personable.

 

[churchpilot]

If you want total control, do it yourself. There is so much information on this board alone that will walk you through every step. You can get discounted tickets through some websites, but discounted onsite rooms are at the whim of Disney. If you plan on using the DDP (dining plan), my experiece is the best deal is to book a package yourself. If you will be paying your deposit and then paying the rest of it by the due date as a lump sum, a travel agent was nice in that they remind you when it is due and mail you all of your info. The price the travel agent got us was the same as the website, but I had to take it on faith that they made the room preference requests that we asked them to. If you are a control freak, which most of these hardcore planners on the DIS appear to be, do it yourself and keep you a folder/binder of all of your information. You will be doing spreadsheets and typing in code in no time!!!! Best of luck and enjoy planning your trip---it is half the fun.

 

[all4disney98]

Two of our trips we used a travel agent and the rest I have booked myself. I found that I liked it best when I called Disney directly and booked it myself. It is so EASY and I have never had a problem.

 

[HonnyDipp]

If you want total control, do it yourself. There is so much information on this board alone that will walk you through every step. You can get discounted tickets through some websites, but discounted onsite rooms are at the whim of Disney. If you plan on using the DDP (dining plan), my experiece is the best deal is to book a package yourself. If you will be paying your deposit and then paying the rest of it by the due date as a lump sum, a travel agent was nice in that they remind you when it is due and mail you all of your info. The price the travel agent got us was the same as the website, but I had to take it on faith that they made the room preference requests that we asked them to. If you are a control freak, which most of these hardcore planners on the DIS appear to be, do it yourself and keep you a folder/binder of all of your information. You will be doing spreadsheets and typing in code in no time!!!! Best of luck and enjoy planning your trip---it is half the fun.

Excellent advice! I agree 100%

to DIS!!! You will find helpful infomation on this board! Happy planning

 

[VAN]

Yes, I would recommend phoning WDW Reservations at 1.407.934.7639.

Having said that, this is what I would do:

Determine what your budget is.

Then go out to the Disney website where you can "price a vacation" - this allows you to play around with selecting the different resorts as room only or as part of a package. You are able to add and subtract to get some $$ amounts.

Once you have an idea of what you would like, then pick up the phone and call. A reservationist will work with you to make the booking and can explain and/or address any payment issues you might have.

After that, you will want to start looking at what (if any) table service restaurants you want to go to. This will require some investigation on this site as well as those that offer menus/pricing ... on the first available day that you can, call and get those reserved.

Okay, once you have all of the reservations taken care of, you will want to be on the alert for any discount codes that might come out. You can subscribe to the monthly Mousesavers Newsletter and/or keep an eye on this site. Once you become aware of any discount codes, phone Disney and ask if you can apply the code. If you can, they will add them to your reservation, instantly saving you money!!

Speaking of discounts, if you have a AAA membership you may be able to get a AAA discount code. These will "come out" for 2009 shortly after the 2009 rates are announced. They only have so many rooms set aside for this discount so you will want to call right away once they are released. Again, there is usually something on these boards when they come out, or you can call Disney and say "Have the AAA 2009 discounts become available yet?"

It's pretty easy to make reservations - just realize that as you discover new information, you may have to go back and tweak a few things ... but you do want to nail down your travel dates and get your room booked. Dining and/or tickets can be added and/or tweaked later.

Good luck and welcome to the DisBoards!