Trip of 16 people Question!!

[lovemickeyminnie]

If our family of 16 decided to go on a Disney Cruise and we needed 5 rooms. It would be 12 Adults and 4 children. Is there a travel agent anybody has used that is cheaper than booking off Disney cruise line site? Or is there even a travel agent to use? We would have lots of rooms to book. Thanks in advance!!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If our family of 16 decided to go on a Disney Cruise and we needed 5 rooms. It would be 12 Adults and 4 children. Is there a travel agent anybody has used that is cheaper than booking off Disney cruise line site? Or is there even a travel agent to use? We would have lots of rooms to book. Thanks in advance!!

I'd suggest using a Disney trained TA. Dreams Unlimited (sponsor of this board) is often touted as being excellent. But you definitely need to use a TA, and not book it all yourself.

Booking with a TA isn't a lower cost (DCL doesn't allow TAs to discount their fares), but you could wind up with some Onboard Credit.

 

[arlopop]

It's doubtful you would end up with a lower fare, but with a TA you could pile up some OBC that would definitely ease the pain.

 

[mmouse37]

OBC means Onboard Credit. Some TA's offer their clients a credit to be used onboard the ship that can be used towards purchasing drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions, etc. TA's usually base their OBC on cruise length and level of room booked but many things can determine what a TA will offer as on OBC. A good TA can help you choice the best accommodations for your group (not everyone has to book the same type of cabin) and can help with all the logistics.

We are traveling with about 35 people next month.

MJ

 

[GinaMamaDisney]

My group of friends and I booked 9 rooms and we did all of the booking ourselves after checking various places (Disney's website, Travel Agents, and Costco). Costco by far had the best deal. Although it's not an immediate discount to your cruise price, you are given a Costco Cash Card after your cruise. The dollar amount varies depending on the cost of your cruise. Any one can do this. If some people in your party are not a Costco member, a Costco member can book the room for that person/family. The only difference is that your complete balance to pay the cruise is 1 month (if I recall) prior to what Disney wants. For example, my balance is due in October. If you booked it through Costco, your balance will be due in September. Check the time though as I'm not 100%. Lastly, if you have already booked through Disney, you can transfer your reservation to Costco WITHIN 30 days of purchase. You have to call Costco and get paperwork to request a change over. It has to be done within that time frame (again check dates) in order to get your Cash Card. I just saved another friend $1500 with this info. HTH

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

For a booking like the OP is mentioning, I'd definitely encourage you to use an "earmarked" agency by Disney as this is likely a time you'll need a little more "help" than what Costco can provide. You'll need to go through Costco for most situations (instead of calling DCL or your TA directly) and Costco is friendly but if you requires a little more "hand holding" and one that is familiar with DCL and has cruised DCL can definitely provide more insight and suggestions as to what the cruisers would like (as @mmouse37 referenced as well).

Have a great time!
Heather

 

[olookasquirrel]

We travel with around 30 folks and have no problem with Costco. The thing about Costco is while their refunds are fabulous, they don't hand hold well. So I would recommend going to their website and Disney's website and poking around for a while. If you're lost, find a full service agent! If you're more "I want this group of rooms right here, and I'm aware of the pricing, etc." Costco is the way to go. No problems with linking reservations, and after the deposits are paid individuals can go through and apply payments themselves.

Just be prepared to be on the phone for a while. Worth it for the cards when you get back.