Use a Travel Agent, or go it alone?

[deesquared]

Hello everyone!
Our family is planning a trip to DL in late April to take advantage of the Kids Fly Free deals.
I got a quote from a travel agent, and her price for
Air:Vancouver-LAX
Transfers
5-for-3 Hoppers (2 adults, 2 children)
Hotelesert Inn & Suites (Family Suite)

was $3300.00

I went online to Alaska Airlines, and for the same package, but at the HoJo (run of house choice of room) my price was $2503.40. (Oh, and that included the Princess Lunch which is $100)

My only reason for going with the travel agent was that she could get us a room at Desert Inn and Suites. We really want a suite! Incidentally, I wanted a Parlor A room, not a family suite. That might reduce the cost by $300 or so.
When booking online through Alaska Airlines, the choice of hotels is limited, and the only place with suites was the Embassy, which I think is too far and too expensive for us.

Does anyone have any advice for me? Is it possible to get the Kids Fly Free Airfare without booking one of their hotels? Can I upgrade to a suite when we check in at the HoJo?

Help!
Thanks!
Dianna

 

[squidmo]

You could try the Residence Inn Maingate- they have suites, and they are available for booking directly through Alaska. Just be sure to click "More Room Categories" under the "Select" button for the property in order to be able to see the suites. We stayed there for 5 days last year, and although it is near the outer edge of walkability (about a 10 - 15 minute walk), we walked every day (twice, actually, since we have small children who needed afternoon naps). The suites have full kitchens, which we loved. And they will even pick groceries up for you for free- all you pay is the actual cost of the food. Plus they've got a free hot breakfast buffet every morning which was awesome.

 

[DangerMouse]

The HoJo only has one Queen suite in their entire property and it is usually booked well in advance.

I have read on many disney fan sites that the Kids Fly Free package through Alaska isn't always the best cost-savings choice. Try to price out flights, rooms, hoppers separately and I bet you can beat their price.

What other airlines can you choose from?

 

[c&m]

Your Disneyland Kids Fly Free package for $2500 is pretty good for flying from YVR to LAX. It is always so expensive to fly out of YVR, so your package price quote kind of shocked me, because I expected the price to be a tad bit more. I have no real advice for you about a Hojo upgrade but a suggestion that you call Hojo after you make all your travel arrangements and ask if you can upgrade and for how much.

BTW, to price compare, on Sunday, I was helping a friend price out her July trip from Seattle to LAX. On Alaskaair.com, I found fares for $99 each way. Total $904 for the 2 adults/2 kids. Then I found them a room for 6 nights at the Candy Cane Inn for the AAA rate of $102 per night (includes free parking and free continental breakfast). Add 5 day hopper passes for 2 adults, 2 kids. Trip total: approx. $2270

But I don't know how practical it is for you to fly out of Seattle from Northern B.C. For us in Richmond/Vancouver, it's an easy 2-hour drive.

 

[deesquared]

Thank you both for your replies!

I will definitely check out the Residence Inn. It sounds like it would suit us fine! I am planning to bring a sit & stand stroller specifically for walking to and from the park.

The only other airline that seems to have flights out of Vancouver to LAX is Air Canada. There was a poster at the Travel agent yesterday that said Air Canada is offering Kids Fly Free as well, but I can't find any info online!

Loralee at the HoJo did say that I can upgrade to a Disney view room for $15/night. If it's a nicer and bigger room, it might be okay.

Thanks everyone!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Thank you both for your replies!

I will definitely check out the Residence Inn. It sounds like it would suit us fine! I am planning to bring a sit & stand stroller specifically for walking to and from the park.

The only other airline that seems to have flights out of Vancouver to LAX is Air Canada. There was a poster at the Travel agent yesterday that said Air Canada is offering Kids Fly Free as well, but I can't find any info online!

Loralee at the HoJo did say that I can upgrade to a Disney view room for $15/night. If it's a nicer and bigger room, it might be okay.

Thanks everyone!

]
We have Stayed at RI Maingate numerous times and for the most part will not stay anywhere else because of the spaciousness of the suites and the amenities. For the most part we always walk, it is just under 1/2 mile from the gates.

Jack

 

[deesquared]

Hi c&m,

We also priced flying out of Seattle, but it only saved us $300, and wasn't worth the hassle. We are already driving down to Vancouver from Quesnel, and that takes 7 hours already!

I just checked on the Residence Inn....Holy Moly!

The rooms available were Penthouse Kids Suite and Penthouse Exception. The price just for flights and hotel was $3185! It was more than the Disney hotel! Add $950 onto that for transfers, tickets and Princess lunch...no way!

Well, I appreciate everyone's input. It's good to know that $2500 is a good price. I don't really have anything to go on!

Dianna