Use Dreams, Avoid Phone Madness

[barbeml]

No, I don't work for Dreams Unlimited, but I am curious as to why everyone does not book through them (or a similar Disney specialist). I am reading so many threads from people in a panic this AM because they are on hold forever or can't get through at all.

My DU Agent emailed me early this morning. She got and applied AP code to my reservation before I even woke up.

There is no cost to use DU and they make life easier in so many ways. I have been an event planner for 20 years and I went to Travel Agent School, and I still use DU.

I sincerely hope everyone gets a great deal today...good luck to all!

 

[dcibrando]

or dream come true vacations... EXTREMELY helpful and very quick to respond to your every need

 

[EthansMom]

After this round, I plan to use DU for my trip in Sept.

 

[java]

well
I have a trip planned with du and she never emailed on any of this-and I also had to tell her about some other money saving things. so I am a little concerned about getting this great rate for the gf!! I am on hold right now.

 

[leighe]

I completely agree. I'm using another Disney TA but I can't imagine being on the phone for an hour trying to apply an AP rate! TA's are the way to go!

 

[Melrosgirl]

This is my first trip booked with DU. I got an email last night saying that codes were on the way. Now I'm just hoping.

One more reason I'm glad to be a DVC member though. Codes aren't needed for most of our vacations.

 

[dcibrando]

I'm telling you... check out dreamcometruevacations.com and talk to Joe. He is the man!!!!

 

[SuzEm]

DU Rocks!! While I was reading threads about AP rates, up pops an email from my DU Agent Tammy and she got the AP rates on my split res for both CSR and Poly! AND she already had gotten my Cindy's breakfast. DU is the only way to go.

 

[NJDisneymom]

My reason is just that I'm a control freak, LOL!!! Actually I tried to use DU this trip and they couldn't get me a standard room at the resort I wanted, only water view for more $$$$. Wierd thing was I called Disney directly and got the standard.

I'm sure they do a fabulous job, but for some of us the thrill is in trying to get that CRT reservation, hitting redial every few seconds starting at 6:55am.

 

[goofy4tink]

Another very happy DU customer here. My agent emailed me to let me know the codes were coming out and did I want to change over to POR from Movies if the rate was comparable to what I had paid for Movies. Our emails crossed...I sent her one telling to go ahead and make the move to POR and hers got to me telling me that she had gotten Movies booked at the AP rate! So, she sent back a response to mine telling me that she would go ahead and try to make the switch to POR but not to expect to hear from her for awhile!!! I have learned to just 'let go' and let her do her thing. It has always worked out in my favor. But, I am enjoying all of the 'war stories' going on here on the boards.

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

Definitely avoid the phones if you can! I was on hold for an hour today trying to get my reservation in, and they are still having computer problems so while I am booked, the last half of our honeymoon at the AKL did not have the AP rate applied yet so I'll have to call back to get it applied later. *sobs*

I think the reason many dont use DU is because of the differences in service. I honestly TRIED to book through them this time and after 3 requests for quotes I still did not receive a single email, follow up, or any help whatsoever. On our last trip we tried to use them to and wow did our reservation get screwed up... They wound up reserving rooms for us at the wrong hotel 4 times. Thats the main reason we are not using them, because of lack of service or none whatsoever when we have tried to.

 

[java]

Definitely avoid the phones if you can! I was on hold for an hour today trying to get my reservation in, and they are still having computer problems so while I am booked, the last half of our honeymoon at the AKL did not have the AP rate applied yet so I'll have to call back to get it applied later. *sobs*

I think the reason many dont use DU is because of the differences in service. I honestly TRIED to book through them this time and after 3 requests for quotes I still did not receive a single email, follow up, or any help whatsoever. On our last trip we tried to use them to and wow did our reservation get screwed up... They wound up reserving rooms for us at the wrong hotel 4 times. Thats the main reason we are not using them, because of lack of service or none whatsoever when we have tried to.

Please tell me you were not using Rhonda....... That is our agent and now I am worried.

 

[barbeml]

I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon! DH and I honeymooned at WDW...we didn't consider anywhere else. I hope you get your code applied.

Really surprised to hear about your negative DU experience. I know some folks realized DU quote emails went to their junk filter, but like anything else, there are good agents and not so good.

 

[Dolphin_Girl008]

Here's another vote for DU. My agent has been really good at getting us the PS's and AP rate we want.

 

[barbeml]

Whether you use DU or another agent, it is CRUCIAL that you let them know up front that you have an AP (even if you plan to buy it later) or AAA or whatever so that they have your ressie on a codes watch. Also, you have to tell them what flexibility you have with dates and resorts for maximum code availability.

 

[2MuchOhana]

Another cheer for DU!

Sue Ellen is the best! She emailed me last night to let me know about the codes coming out. I emailed her back to Thank her saying I would be calling this morning, too. DH has a conference at the Beach Club. His company wasn't going to want to pay $266 a night for conference rate. I am pretty sure about that one. I didn't know if he was going to go or not and didn't want to take up her time if he wasn't. She was so sweet and told me to email my information to her; and she would do her best to get what I wanted. I wasn't expecting her to do that for me; but grateful that she offered!

She went above and beyond for us! Now that is service at it's best!

Jodi

 

[northern michigan]

So other than "Sue Ellen" from DU, who are the other agents that have really come thru for you all?

I think I may try them for our Thanksgiving trip, eventhough, I already have a room booked. However, I do have challenges with letting go of control. I wouldn't want to give that up to just anyone. The stress over trying to secure what I want is time consuming. I scheduled our last X-mas trip with advice from the DIS. I really wasn't sure what I wanted all the time. Some of my decisions were made while on the phone. It was fantastic! This Easter trip is a quickee (24 hour) "road trip" due to high airfare. Nothing planned, not even a PS booked. Just getting out of the snow with our AP's in tow. I tried to get PS for Easter Sunday, but no luck! I think I know better what I'd like for our next (probably last) trip and could relax with a tried and true agent.

 

[barbeml]

Susan and Tricia have been outstanding for me.

 

[c&ldisneylovers]

I haven't heard from my DU agent yet....actually I just e-mailed her to remind her (again) that I have an AP. This has been my first experience with DU and I have some concerns. I tried changing my reservations at RPH (staying Friday night instead of Saturday) and my DU agent told me there was a $25 fee that Universal charged. When I called Universal directly they told me there is no fee. My DU agent is sticking by this fee and I don't know what to do. Now with not hearing about AP rates I am starting to get REALLY worried. I booked through DU to make things easier, not more stressful.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Don't you have to pay the people at DU? Wouldn't that mean any savings on a room would be lost to paying for the DU service?