Who to book hotel through?

[momz]

If I book a Disney hotel through a site other than Disney, do we still get on site perks? Can we use the busses? Can we purchase the dining plan? Can we use fast pass +?

There is a significant cost savings to book through Expedia compared to Disney. Why should we pay the higher price? What would we be missing out on?

 

[wdwjeffc37]

If you are a Disney guest, you get all of the perks. Free transportation, EMH, KTTW cards with charging privileges(if you want), regular fast-pass, etc. The check in CMs don't know where are how you booked your room. Be sure to carefully read the fine print on the third party site about any restrictions they have. Make sure to get your Disney reservatoin number so you can link your ADRs and such. You will not, however, get the extras that come with the MYW package. Check the Disney website to see of any of those things appeal to you. The dining plan can be added to your reservation. Fast-pass+ is still in the testing phase and you may or may not be asked to participate. Either way have a great trip!

 

[mickeynut1]

If I book a Disney hotel through a site other than Disney, do we still get on site perks? Can we use the busses? Can we purchase the dining plan? Can we use fast pass +?

There is a significant cost savings to book through Expedia compared to Disney. Why should we pay the higher price? What would we be missing out on?

As the pp said, you will get all of the same onsite perks as booking through Disney (EMH, Disney transportation, etc). However, I don't think you can book the DDP. I could be wrong as I don't have personal experience with booking through a third party, so hopefully someone with experience can verify that or give the correct information. Keep in mind that when booking through someone other than Disney, they "own" your reservation until you check in, so Disney will not speak to your regarding the reservation. Any changes, requests, etc. will have to go through Expedia.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

As the pp said, you will get all of the same onsite perks as booking through Disney (EMH, Disney transportation, etc). However, I don't think you can book the DDP. I could be wrong as I don't have personal experience with booking through a third party, so hopefully someone with experience can verify that or give the correct information. Keep in mind that when booking through someone other than Disney, they "own" your reservation until you check in, so Disney will not speak to your regarding the reservation. Any changes, requests, etc. will have to go through Expedia.

I believe that is correct. You can only book the DDP if you book directly through Disney.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[NJRRK]

I believe that is correct. You can only book the DDP if you book directly through Disney.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

That is not correct, you can book DDP through travel agents also. However, I'm not sure about Expedia.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

That is not correct, you can book DDP through travel agents also. However, I'm not sure about Expedia.

Yes travel agents you can but I don't think you can with Expedia.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[aaarcher86]

Yes travel agents you can but I don't think you can with Expedia.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

Correct. You cannot get the DDP through them.

 

[mickeynut1]

I believe that is correct. You can only book the DDP if you book directly through Disney.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

Correct. You cannot get the DDP through them.

I thought that was the case, but I wasn't sure. Thanks for verifying .

 

[pooh4evr]

We used Travelocity this time. I just booked Sunday night. The rates were cheaper than what I could get through Disney. We got 2 rooms at Sports, for 9 nights, 2 adults, 3 kids (12, 10 & 6) for $3300. It think it is a good deal anyway. I have 1 confirmation number that I linked to the Disney site. Seems to be working ok.

 

[jw50]

There is a significant cost savings to book through Expedia compared to Disney. Why should we pay the higher price?

Have you checked out all of the available discounts for the period you are looking at going? If you are only comparing rack rate to the Expedia rate you may find that you can book through Disney for the same or even better than with Expedia.

Also there are advantages to booking a package with Disney (either directly or through a TA) over booking a Room Only through a third party and then have to purchase your park tickets separately and not be able to purchase a dining plan.

You just need to determine if the total cost of the trip will be less booking the room through Expedia and the savings are significant enough to you over the "one-stop shopping" through Disney.

 

[momz]

I was comparing the non discounted rate through Disney to the rate on Expedia for the same room. How can I find the Disney discounted rates for our dates?

 

[dizzwizz]

Great info. on this thread! Thank you for the future booking info.!

 

[NJRRK]

I was comparing the non discounted rate through Disney to the rate on Expedia for the same room. How can I find the Disney discounted rates for our dates?

On the Disney website there is a box that says special offers, click on that box and it well take you to the discounts.

 

[aaarcher86]

On the Disney website there is a box that says special offers, click on that box and it well take you to the discounts.

Just to expand -

Under the places to stay tab you'll find the 'special offers' page.

You have to actually CLICK the special offer you want to check prices with. Once on that particular offer page you'll want to click 'check availability' on the right hand side and from there you'll input your trip info.

When you're looking at prices, the discount should be listed in a box at the top under the resort name/price total if it has been applied correctly.