Trying to get to Disney Again

[B2B-2008]

Hi Guys,

I need your advise, what is the cheapest way to book a Disney holiday?

We want to go back in May for 10 nights and stay at a Disney hotel without breaking the bank. I have always booked direct with virgin when i go.

Our annual passes will still be valid, we claimed our air miles from our last trip and I am a member of the frequent virgin club.

Any suggestions on how to get the best price?

We don't want a car.

Thanks in advance.

 

[wayneg]

Just had a quick look at VH, I think expensive for May. VA have dates in May for £327 each will work out cheaper than package. Then book your hotel direct with Disney.com AP rates will be out about 2 months before you go. We got AKL for £82/night last month. If you could get a rate like that it would be cheaper than booking a package with VH staying in a value resort.

At £327 its not worth using miles, M&M saves a little some days and even more expensive others. Miles only you would need 90,000 miles for 2 people and still cost £446(£223 each) in tax and fees.

 

[UKDEB]

Yes, the prices for May with VA (at least those outside the half term dates) are really good at the moment - at £326.60 the regular fare is £1 cheaper than M+M. I can't see them going much below that.

It's worth adding that, although any AP rates won't be available until nearer the time, you can book your hotel choice now and then switch to any preferential rate that may become available. MouseSavers is a great site for getting your head around all the room discounts.

 

[B2B-2008]

Thanks for your replies, I now have a few more questions.

If I book the flights direct with VA do I pay the full price now? What would happen to my money of we had to cancel the trip?

Booking the hotel direct with Disney I have worked out you pay when you get there and its one night deposit now, if they then release AP discounts for that hotel will they add that to my booking?

Also how would you get from the airport to the hotel without a car?

 

[wayneg]

Yes you would pay upfront, unfortunately if you cancel you lose your money unless you pay a lot more for your ticket, Only way you could get your money back is for medical reasons and claim on insurance.

Yes you can add AP discounts but only if you book with Disney in US, can't do it with Disney.co.uk

If you are staying at a Disney hotel you can book Magical Express free.

 

[UKDEB]

There have been reports on these boards in the past of Virgin allowing flights to be transferred to a later date, even with the discounted fares which are technically non-transferrable and non-refundable. You would probably have to pay an admin fee.

If an AP rate, or any other discount, becomes available before your stay, you can change to the lower rate, but it will be up to you to initiate it - it won't happen automatically. As Wayne says, you'll need to book your hotel with Disney in the US, but the amount you pay on booking will be deducted from your final bill, whatever that turns out to be. In other words, you won't be locked into that price for one night just because it's described as a one night deposit.