Travel sites

[GooniesScott]

After several referrals from users I purchased my tix via UT, so I thought I would ask for user input on travel sites. Looked at booking directly w Airline/Hotel/Rental Car but orbitz and Travelocity were significantly cheaper. Taking a 9 day trip this Oct 2013, staying off site (5 days WDW, 3 US, 1SW), and thinking I need to get this booked. Thanks in advance!

 

[dudspizza]

After several referrals from users I purchased my tix via UT, so I thought I would ask for user input on travel sites. Looked at booking directly w Airline/Hotel/Rental Car but orbitz and Travelocity were significantly cheaper. Taking a 9 day trip this Oct 2013, staying off site (5 days WDW, 3 US, 1SW), and thinking I need to get this booked. Thanks in advance!

I am a big fan of booking things on your own, BUT, I have used Expedia twice because the cost was quite a bit cheaper. I personally have had no issues with Expedia and the prices that I got from them.

I typically look at those sites first, then go to the individual airlines to see if the price is the same.

One thing I found out of MSP, is that you can find better Air/Hotel rates with Expedia on Sun Country airlines....... Sun Country must have some deal with Expedia to allow them to offer cheaper packages....

Duds

 

[goofy4tink]

I have tried booking air through third parties..it has yet to be cheaper than booking through the airline. I get to the submit payment page, and am told that the airfare no longer exists and I am then sent to a page with much more expensive airfares!! I no longer even check those out.
As far as resort stays go? I still book through Disney directly. I have heard too many stories of people having issues. You don't 'own' that reservation until you are standing at the checkin counter at the resort. I want ownership from the time I submit payment...even if it costs me a bit more.
But, others have had fine experiences booking through these third parties.

 

[sam_gordon]

After several referrals from users I purchased my tix via UT, so I thought I would ask for user input on travel sites. Looked at booking directly w Airline/Hotel/Rental Car but orbitz and Travelocity were significantly cheaper. Taking a 9 day trip this Oct 2013, staying off site (5 days WDW, 3 US, 1SW), and thinking I need to get this booked. Thanks in advance!

Cheaper for what? Everything? Just the hotel? The airline? I'm willing to book a hotel through a 3rd party, possibly a rental car, but I'd never book air through Orbitz/Travelocity/Expedia/etc. I'll use them for price comparison, but I'll always book direct with the airline. It should be the same amount.

 

[GooniesScott]

Yeah I have never had an issue with third parties but I hear horror stories so its always a consideration.

 

[Soon2B4]

I book airfare directly. I did just use Travelocity for a St Pete trip coming up in a few weeks. I actually did some research and booked their Secret Hotel and was spot on with the hotel and saved a ton. I called the hotel the next day to make sure everything was correct and made sure they noted I didn't want 1 bed. They said that was fine and noted my reservation.

I would book a third party car rental I guess. I found a great rate using Costco for our car, but they are pretty reputable I guess.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

It should be the same amount.

This could explain a difference:

staying off site

Third party websites sometimes have exclusive hotel rates that they'll only offer to people who book a complete package. In reality the hotel is the only part of vacation that's discounted.

Disney is very much like this as the never discount park tickets or the dining plan....they make it look like they do buy offering 'free' dining or the old 'buy 4 get 7', but accounting reality they are just discounting the hotel room.